Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

teallach

FH_Brit wrote: »

Try some "real Florida" stuff too.

I intend to this time round seeing as we have the extra time from not doing Disney:D

celandinesmith

Hi Craig, you have given very good and well explained details with reason. I really appreciate the info. you have given. Can you do one more favour?? Tell us which option is best for accommodation?? hotel or villa??

FloFlo

jazzypinkpuppet wrote: »

sorry if this has been asked before, I am considering booking Florida for next Feb, It will be our first time to Florida and I am not sure where to stay.
I have narrowed it down to either onsite at Disney without car or Villa with car.
I would love to know peoples experiences of both of these.
My main concern would be if we stay in Disney with no car how feasible is it to get to universal, sea world and shopping malls on buses/ taxis ? would a car work out cheaper. Children are young so I think most of our days will be in Disney.
Any help would be great :beer:

I love staying onsite and we never hire a car. One of the great things about staying onsite is the Disney transport system, which means if you want to head back during the day for the children to have a rest or swim then its easy to do. Mears transport operate shuttle buses from Disney hotels to all the major shops and attractions, I think currently the prices are $15 per person round trip. You just phone them from the hotel room and give them a time to pick you up and a time to return.
Last trip we stayed at Disney for 10 nights and Universal for 4 nights at hard rock hotel. The universal hotel was fantastic you get front of line passes for the rides and shows when you stay at a universal hotel and this was a fab perk. We had lots of time to relax at universal as we virtually bypassed all the queues. We will definitely split our stay next trip too.:j

KarenG

celandinesmith wrote: »

Hi Craig, you have given very good and well explained details with reason. I really appreciate the info. you have given. Can you do one more favour?? Tell us which option is best for accommodation?? hotel or villa??

I'm not Craig but I can give the pros and cons as I see them of each (having done both quite a few times I do have a favourite but in a sense it's irrelevant as what's best for my family may not be best for yours)

Villa Pros
Loads of space
Your own pool
Ability to easily do washing / drying
Ability to have the odd quick meal at home (or all if you want!) rather than eating out
Multiple TVs etc, sometimes a games room so everyone can do their own thing to a degree
More than one bathroom (important if you have teens )
Break from the theme parks with their 24/7 stimulation

Villa Cons
Always have to drive, can feel isolated
No other children to play with
No maid making the bed everyday (this one is slightly tongue in cheek )

Hotel Pros
Tends to be cheaper (if you stay in a cheap one - most Disney hotels aren't the cheapest!)
Usually stuff going on entertainment wise
Nice big pools with other children to play with (if you have them!)
Often stuff within walking distance eg restaurants
If onsite there is the excellent Disney transport
If onsite some people like the feeling of being surrounded by the "Magic" (some people hate it)

Hotel cons
Usually have to do your own laundry in the provided washer/dryers, nowhere as convenient as having your own
Less privacy if you are a family
Less space

I'm sure I've missed a few too. Don't rule out a condo which can offer the pros of both, eg Cypress Pointe.

atro1

Succinctly put Karen!

Is there not a maid in the villa??? And that's only being brave because she does not read these posts very often.

KarenG

atro1 wrote: »

Is there not a maid in the villa??? And that's only being brave because she does not read these posts very often.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Dealmad

jeanniebeanie wrote: »

It is a terrible tragedy. Her family and collegues must be devastated.

I can't help but wonder what will happen to the whale now.The trainer had worked with this whale for more than 10 years it seems, although it was never judged safe enough to be in the water with.

I doubt it could be released into the wild. It is clear it is not safe around people. Where could it be retired to needing such huge expensive accommodation?

I admit that the hypocrite in me has enjoyed the shows even though a little voice at the back of my mind that I chose to ignore was telling me of the animal size/tank ratio and the drooping fin and was questioning 'is this right?'

It's so very sad on many levels

I'm going Florida this year , but i wouldn't go to sea world as i just find it disgusting to be honest , things like Whales ,even fish don't belong in tanks ...they belong in the wild free and to enjoy what life they have.

If everyone refused to buy tickets to watch such cruelty then they wouldn't feel the need to do all this ,its all about money as per usual , just a shame that most people are selfish and only think of what pleases them.
We don't really have any right to enclose any animals , only maybe to protect endangered Species.

UK is just as bad with London Zoo , place is horrid.

Do i feel sorry for the Trainer ,not really, yes its a shame and shouldnt of happened, but i actually feel more sorry for the Whale Its called a killer Whale for a reason, not suppose to perform tricks or be kissed and cuddled!

bugbabe

hi was wondering if anyone can help we are going to florida in june staying in a villa and have hired a car ,its my first time abroad and i havent a clue on how much money to take we are a family of 7 going for 2 weeks can anyone give me a rough idea on how much they have spent etc

jeanniebeanie_2

bugbabe wrote: »

hi was wondering if anyone can help we are going to florida in june staying in a villa and have hired a car ,its my first time abroad and i havent a clue on how much money to take we are a family of 7 going for 2 weeks can anyone give me a rough idea on how much they have spent etc

Hi! can you give us a bit more info?
Do you mean a figure including theme park tickets- or will you have those already?

Will you be eating in the villa mostly or at chain restaurants or in the parks-and even in the parks you can eat casually or in high end eateries and Character Meals.

Will you want to be shopping in the outlet malls?

You can do this trip with a relatively small buget (after tickets) or a HUGE one!:)

kerrymay

Hi everyone,

I am off to Florida in the morning :j and have one last question to ask. Thanks to all the posters who have helped me with other questions - I really appreciate it.

We would like to visit a Disney water park whilst there but can't decide which one, even after having watched the Disney DVD that should help you to plan your visit!

I have three children - 11, 8 and 3. My 11 year old is not very confident in water and is not fussed about going on big slides or thrilling rides. She's quite happy playing with the 3 year old in the shallow end! My 8 year old is abit more of a thrill seeker but only if he's wih an adult. I just wondered whether anyone has an opinion as to which park would suit us best. Hubby and I aren't fussed, happy to go to whichever one keeps the kids happiest. Also wondering do people spend he whole day at the water parks or is it more of a half day thing?

And also (sorry!!), we have tickets that for Busch and Aquatica too - anyone got any opinions on these in relation to the ages of my little ones. Will they enjoy those too?

TIA xx