An essential for those with children, these are your water-park options.

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park: Here, in a magnificent snowy, ski-resort theme, you will find possibly the greatest water park in the world, with a mixture of thrilling rides and slides, topped off by a huge swimming lagoon and a half-mile lazy river feature.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: On a similar grand scale and with some clever extra touches, this is another watery extravaganza for all the family, with a desert island theme and more fun in the sun guaranteed. Once again, it is ideal for half a day, a full day or repeat visits.

Wet 'n Wild: Not strictly part of the resort but owned by Universal on neighbouring International Drive, this water park is less about elaborate theming and all about high-energy rides and slides of the thrilling persuasion. With a good children's area, it is popular with locals and tourists, and gets extremely crowded in summer. Good for at least half a day.

Aquatica by SeaWorld: Orlando’s newest water park is inspired by Pacific culture and boasts some great theming plus a wonderful range of children’s attractions. Great for children – from the youngest to young teens – there’s even a special area, especially for those under 4ft/1.2m tall.  Well worth half or a whole day for families.