Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

lea007

king_dogleash wrote: »

Hi all

Would any kind soul be prepared to help with some questions I have? There is a lot of info contained in this thread, but would probally take me a month to find the bits I need!

We are two couples with two kids each, oldest is 9, youngest is 6, 3 girls one boy, adults who like like to relax as much as running round after the kids keeping them happy.

So my questions are:

what is the best time of year to go to Orlando? we would prefer sunny warm days.

other than Disney, what parks will cater for the kids, and the adults? ie rides that both can enjoy

what age/height restrictions are on the famous rides?

what beaches are recommended?

should we get two cars or one people carrier?

have you an idea of flight prices?

is is better to get a ticket for all parks or pay on the day?

is parking free at the parks?

what other attractions are there, maybe lesser known but worth a visit?

Thanks in advance, you can PM me if you prefer.

Ricky

Hi

I know this has already been answered by a few people but these are my thoughts.

what is the best time of year to go to Orlando? we would prefer sunny warm days. We go around the 10th of march and it is lovely. Its in the 80's so really comfortable to walk round in. I have two young children aged 2 and 4 and they never get burnt.

other than Disney, what parks will cater for the kids, and the adults? ie rides that both can enjoy - seaworld is great for the kids loads of shows and rides. Universal has a special offer on at mo so worth going if you've never been. If you want to fill an hour then gator land was ok (you wouldn't spend more than a half a day there and thats pushing it) we did a boggy creek air boat ride with our small uns and they enjoyed it. Aquatica is suppost to be fun but never been so cant advise you on that.

should we get two cars or one people carrier? We've done it both ways. It was easy with one car big car for us as we all went every where together so worked out cheaper. If you want to go off and do your own thing then it may be a problem as then the other family are a bit stuck. Did save us in parking charges at the parks.

is is better to get a ticket for all parks or pay on the day? we bought out tickets from a place called the official ticket centre in kissimmee the second day we were there. Works out cheaper than getting them on the door. They do have a website if you want to get some idea of costs http://www.officialticketcenter.com/ They do do special deals as well. Think we bought a 4 day ticket and got three days free or something like that.

is parking free at the parks? parking is now $14

Trevv

nettsey wrote: »

We stayed at Floridays in October 08 and it was great. Lovely location and there is an i-ride stop right outside, handy if you want to go for a meal on International Drive and have a drink.

We found Floridays had everything we needed - full kitchen, washing machine/tumber dryer in room, two bathrooms (one en-suite), internet access, maid service daily, towels provided by the pool so no need to pack your own (saves on weight of luggage). A lovely touch is how they arrange your towels - we were so impressed we took photos (sad I know)

Just remember there is a service charge at the end of your stay.

Enjoy your stay - we did.

Thanks very much for the reply, much appreciated!.... Just a couple of extra questions if you don't mind....Is there anything much to do within walking distance? Did you use the on-site shuttle bus? Is there pressure to attend the timeshare presentation? Thanks again

Trevv

Thanks very much for your reply, never really considered the lynx buses. Have you used them much yourself?

Trevv

My son will be having his 15th birthday whilst we are in Orlando, just wondering if anyone has any ideas of how we can celebrate?..

:beer:

SuccessIsMyDestiny

Trevv wrote: »

My son will be having his 15th birthday whilst we are in Orlando, just wondering if anyone has any ideas of how we can celebrate?

I recommend a Hooters Birthday. _party_

Jem8472

Yes hooters is great! Food is nice and could embarass your son lots :-)

The lynx buses are nice, much better than the i-trolley Better air conditioning and normally less crowded.

blue_monkey_2

Trevv wrote: »

Thanks very much for your reply, never really considered the lynx buses. Have you used them much yourself?

Yes, we used the shuttle bus on day 1 and it was bad, an hour to get to MK and we was only 5 mins away. On day 2 we missed the shuttle to SW and saw the driver stopped outside our hotel banging the lights to get them to work...... :eek:

Next stop was the counter to get the Lynx weekly bus tickets and that was all we used for going to and from the transportation centre.

When going to SW and Universal we got taxi's but we got a taxi back from shopping one day and asked the driver for his card. If he could make the journey his friend did it and we got 'mates rates' and saved some money from doing that too.

The Lynx buses also have blacked out windows and there are water fountains at the bus stops in case you get hot while waiting.

Edinburghlass_2

Trevv wrote: »

My son will be having his 15th birthday whilst we are in Orlando, just wondering if anyone has any ideas of how we can celebrate?..

:beer:

How about a Segway Tour....

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/epws-segway.htm

If you book an early tour you go round Epcot World Showcase before it opens and can watch the CM's preparing for the day.

Lynneth

kerrymay wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I also have a query about money out there. We were thinking of taking a couple of hundred dollars in cash and then paying with our credit card for everything else. Is that advisable and/or feasible?
Yes - I always do this because I've found that the rate is slightly better on cc than cash so it does make sense to do it that way. It is easier to spend more though... When we eat out we put the meal on the cc and pay the tip in cash - seems to be more appreciated that way!

Also (!), can anyone recommend anywhere to eat in or around Kissimmee? We have been before but it was a while ago and we found a couple of the eating places to be a bit 'rough' and not very nice tbh - ended up in TGI Fridays or Mcdonalds most of the time!! We won't eat out every day as we have a villa and are happy to eat there but we do like a few meals out - any ideas appreciated.
The Outback & Red Lobster, both on the 192 at the Formosa Gdn Blvd junction, great food reasonably priced - both have websites so you can check the menu and prices before you go. The Golden Corral buffet also on the 192 just down from Formosa Gdn Blvd - excellent value and the food at this location is brilliant for the price you pay! Key W Kool's, again on the 192, is a bit more expensive but worth it.

We have eaten at all of these on more than one occasion and will eat there again next time we're there And when our eyes are bigger than our bellies, we get them to box up what we can't eat so we can take it home and put it in the fridge. Leftovers for lunch or dinner the following day at the villa!

hth

jeanniebeanie_2

TREVV

By no means a cheap option (almost $300 each), but a Dolphin Swim at Discovery Cove would be a LOVELY prezzie if the budget allows!

http://www.discoverycove.com/