Orlando Florida...has anyone taken a vacation there?  

i did visit Orlando couple years back. maybe you can check Unversal Theme Park. I'm not sure what their website. but i think they offer a really good deal package including free rental car while you there...universal studio and theme parks is in one location side by side...I really enjoy it, interesting place not only for children also for the parents!

I have been to orlando many times with my family. If you are going to go to a theme park, make sure that it is one that has appropriate rides/attractions that your son would like. You can search them on the net. We went to the Island of Adventures one time and my boys were ready to leave before 5pm. For the cost of admission, it was a real waste! I love Dinsneyland, but my boys didn't~ they were also a bit older when we went, so I bet that your 5 yr old will love it.
When looking for a place to stay I would suggest that you get a resort where you have a kitchen in the room. We tend to get sick of eating out for every meal and it is also much cheaper to buy groceries and have the food in the room.
If you are not interested in purchasing a time share, stay clear of all the scemes they have down there to get you to look at them. They are very very nice and easily to get sucked into the thought of having a 5 star vacation every year. If you do go on a tour to get free tickets or something, they say it takes 90 minutes and it usually takes about 2-3 hours.
I actually am one that has gotten sucked into purchasing a time share. We loved it! But the expense has gotten nuts. I rent it out for what we pay on the years that we can't use it, just to stay out of the negative. If you can't find a nice place to stay, let me know and I will see if I can get my place for you at my cost. It is a 5 star resort minutes from Disney. I will try to attach photos for you.
Also, there are tons of places to go in the evenings. Our favorite place is Downtown Disney. Your son would love leggoland. They have huge things made out of leggos there and the kids can also build right there~ it is a very fun place to go.
Hope this helped you:)

My family has been to Orlando quite a few times. I have always found it well worth the money. Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios are the major attractions. There is also a Medieval Times restaurant there as well. We are actually going to Disney for 5 days in a few weeks and are planning to hit Sea World while we are there.

I never been that place but my friend told me thats very nice to spend vacation,thats why I wanted always to visit.Sorry I can't help you since I don't know yet.

I love Orlando! I strongly suggest Walt Disney World. He will LOVE it! I also went to Kennedy Space Center..fun and educational. As far as links you can search in Yahoo or Google for Orlando vacation guide. There is a website that will send you a little book with all kinds of info. Very useful stuff. You guys are gonna love it out there.

I live in Florida I have been to Orlando a few times to go to Walt Disney World. I think you will all three have a great time but it is always packed during the summer. I like to go when it's not as crowded.I hope your son has a great birthday if you'll do go.

maddysmommy, my friend. Wow ! what a vacation you will be having. But since I am in the Philippines
and never had been to Orlando Florida, I sure cannot
help you in any way. All can say is, have a wonderful
time, my friend.