I never did any traveling with my grandparents. But as an Orlando resident and multi-generational traveler myself (my parents live in Texas), I felt it my civic duty to inform every Nana and Papa about the best places in town to bring their family. When I was growing up, I only had to walk down the road and cross a cattle guard to reach my Grandma Blake's doorsteps. And the sugar cookies were just a tiptoe-stretch away in her old ceramic cookie jar. My other grandma lived just 10 minutes from us. A widow, she traveled alone to seemingly exotic locales. But she always remembered us, bringing back exciting souvenirs: cuckoo clocks, grass skirts, fine chocolates.

So I was a little surprised when a study came out back in 1997 about the newest travel trend -- "Grandtravel." Grandparents vacationing with grandkids? That's right. According to Modern Maturity magazine, six million American grandmas and grandpas did it in 1997 and their ranks have grown from there. These days, when grandparents often don't live down the road from grandchildren, getting the family together can be a big, expensive deal. That's why Orlando, with its mild weather and guaranteed kid-pleasing attractions, became the top choice for multi-generational vacations, according to studies by the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Modern Maturity. 

For my exploration of Orlando today, I've chosen resorts that offer extended families extra living space, cooking facilities and plenty of activities for the young, young at heart and the not so young.

All Star Vacation Homes

All Star Vacation Homes (800/592-5568) prides itself on offering spacious, luxurious properties as a home away from home vacation alternative.  Their varying collection of 3, 4, and 5 star resort homes feature modern amenities including gourmet kitchens, Internet, plasma TV's, private swimming pools, nature trails, whirlpools, and more.  Some properties can comfortably sleep as many as 16 guests in 7 bedrooms, perfect for family reunions and large togethering vacations.  But All Star also has a selection of quality condos and townhomes with 2+ bedrooms for families looking for a cozier setting.  Repeat vacationers to the Orlando area may want to consider purchasing their own vacation home through All Star's property management service.

Although there are no formal children's programs at All Star's properties, it does offer the comfort and privacy of a real home.  Instead of getting cabin fever in the typical hotel room, your kids can run and play in the yard, playgrounds, and enjoy their own bedrooms.  When not hitting the area theme parks, they can keep busy with game rooms, pool tables, games, and outdoor recreation including basketball and volleyball courts.

With over 150 properties to choose from, it's not difficult to find the right accommodation to match your family's needs and interest.  I found All Star's website and booking system easy to use, with a feature to compare different properties and amenities.  I was surprised to learn that 2-bedroom condos started at just $129 and luxury homes at around $219 all the way up to about $509.  I doubt any other properties in the area could match the space offered in relation to cost.  All Star's site also alerts you to how many guests can comfortably sleep at each property, number of beds and baths, square footage, and how many miles it is from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and the closest beach.

Additionally, All Star frequently features incentives ranging from theme park ticket upgrades, free rental cars, discounts on 7-night stays, golfing packages, and $100 gift cards for gas and groceries.  All of their properties are within 4 miles of Disney World, or minutes from Universal Studios, area attractions, and the Orlando Orange County Convention Center.

Caribe Royale Resort Suites, Lake Buena Vista

Since it opened in October 1996, the Caribe Royale (407/238-8000, 800/823-8300) has been one of my favorites. The exterior of the towering resort is painted deep mauve and burgundy and is surrounded by dozens of palm trees. Every adventurous soul will love the resort's main swimming area--a 6,632-square-foot heated pool with rocky waterfalls, a 75-foot serpentine waterslide and a relaxing sundeck surrounded by tropical landscaping. A separate children's area features a wading pool filled with sprinklers, spouts and other interactive toys, and an adjacent playground. Other family-friendly highlights include spacious suites, which have a separate bedroom with either queen beds or one king-size bed. The living area has a pull-out sleeper sofa, TV, microwave, and mini-bar or refrigerator. Adjoining suites are available, but it is strongly recommended to request them well in advance.

Extended families should consider one of the luxury villas, located a brief stroll from the main resort and its popular piano bar and lounge. The villas' tropical decor extends to the two separate bedrooms (one with king-size bed and Jacuzzi bathtub), living area, screened-in balcony and bright, open kitchen with dishwasher and washer/dryer. The villas also have their own grotto pool, albeit on a smaller scale than the main pool. Handicapped-accessible rooms are available.

Though there are no child care services at the Caribe Royale, families can enjoy the pools, games, and local theme parks together.  Other amenities include 24-hour room service, the full-service Tropicale Restaurant, and Cafe Largo, which offers deli-style sandwiches and pizza.  (Caribe Royale now offers Casa Kid's Club with plenty of games and activities for children ages 4-11).

Caribe Royale is located about five miles from DisneyWorld and SeaWorld and is about 10 miles from Universal Studios. Free scheduled shuttle service is provided to Disney parks and the Buena Vista Factory Mall.

Orange Lake Resort and Country Club

Orange Lake (407/239-0000, 800/877-6522) is a great choice for the active family. Opened in 1985, this resort has a true country club feel. Golf carts hum down the narrow roads next to green, manicured fairways that run flush with surrounding villas. A lakefront recreation area with pools and decking has long been the hub for activity, and more is soon to come.

During the summer of 2006, the resort began constructing a $50 million, 12-acre recreational complex called River Island featuring a lazy river, two beach-style walk-in pools, pool bars, spas and waterfalls. They are also building a 36-hole miniature golf course. And don't worry, there are plenty of lounge chairs along the way. At the lake you can rent boats and watersports gear, or play volleyball on the small white beach. 

Accommodations consist of studios, suites, and one, two, and three-bedroom villas.  Villa kitchens include every appliance known to man, as well as a long breakfast bar and dining table.  Villas include also a sofabed in the living room, and handicapped-accessible villas are available.

The resort features four golf courses and Swing's the Thing Golf School, driving range, putting green, pro shop, eight TruFlex tennis courts and a tennis clinic. Inside the West Village Clubhouse you'll find an indoor children's play area (private babysitting arranged through a local service), video game room, general store, movie theater and a place to rent videos. If that's still not enough to keep you busy, the Disney theme parks are about five miles away and Universal Studios and SeaWorld are within a 30-minute drive. Seniors who want to let their children take the grandchildren to a theme park can stay behind for one of the special activities such as aquarobics, country barbeque, Bingo, fitness walking and arts n'crafts.

On the resort grounds, guests have several dining options among the buffet, cafe, and fast food outlets. (The kitchen staff will accommodate those with special dietary needs.)  Outside the resort, there are many restaurants and grocery stores along Highway 192.

Renaissance Orlando Resort

I picked this place because it's directly across the street from SeaWorld -- the perfect theme park for all ages. SeaWorld has one of the best playgrounds in town, lots of hands-on attractions where kids can feed stingrays or pet dolphins, lush landscaping and a relaxed pace. (Tip: If you're going to try to see everything in one day--and you can--you might want to rent a wheelchair from the front gate. Although there are plenty of benches and rest stops, there is no park transport between exhibits.)

The Renaissance (407/351-5555, 800/327-6677) is a classy nine-story hotel located at the quieter end of International Drive, one of Orlando's major tourist corridors. As you enter the lobby, the first thing that catches the eye is a huge painting of Shamu. From within the glass elevators, guests can peer down at the sophisticated atrium lobby with its miles of marble, koi pond, two-story aviary and a cafe area that's popular for swapping grandchild stories. 

Accommodations range from standard, but surprisingly large, rooms to spacious suites, many with balconies overlooking SeaWorld or the busy atrium. In-room extras include a two-line telephone, a coffeemaker, and ironing set-up. Refrigerators, cribs and rollaway beds are available upon request, but you should book handicapped-accessible rooms or adjoining rooms well in advance.

Behind the hotel is a quiet recreation area, featuring an Olympic-sized pool, kiddie pool, whirlpool and poolside bar. A sand volleyball court, tennis courts and a fenced-in playground are nearby. Kids and teens may want to check out Shamu's Playhouse, an electronic gameroom.  There is no group children's program, but private babysitting can be arranged through a few trusted local companies.

The Renaissance has a beauty salon, health club with massage therapists, steam room and sauna. There's room service for the weary and four restaurants: creative seafood cuisine in an elegant dining room, an open-air, bistro-style cafe, a poolside Mediterranean-style grill, and a 24-hour deli. Scores of retail stores are 1 ½ miles away. Disney is about a 25-minute drive, Universal Studios less than 15 minutes away. 

Mari Blake-Dombkowski is travel writer who lives in Orlando with her husband, Keith, and 3-year-old daughter, Thea.