Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

bugbabe

KarenG wrote: »

Really hard to answer. How many in your party? Have you bought tickets? Have you prepaid or have the free dining plan? Are you staying onsite with no car (less cheap options potentially) or offsite?

For us, we have done it on a budget of $100 per day (food, drinks, the odd souvineer) - 2 adults and 2 children. I wouldn't like to try it on less than that to be honest.

there 7 of us going no tickets yet:eek: and staying in a villa with a car

maemaesmummy

2 adults 2 small children all park tickets bought before going we spent £2300 ish including food as in a villa last December.. we didnt buy anything large whilst there just the usual Disney stuffed toys, t shirts etc..

The only thing tickets wise out of the £2300 was ICE! which cost about £90 for the 4 or us.... for about 40 mins inside.... glad I did it but never again!!!

Budget_mum

I don't take an awful lot of cash with me but I do have Nationwide Credit & Debit cards that don't charge extra for using abroad. I've always found I get a very good exchange rate when I check my statements later.

I would advise sitting down and planning exactly what you want to do in the time you have and then buy your tickets in advance. Have a read of the theme park tickets thread http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=31807685#post31807685

SDG31000

Hello, I hope someone is able to give me some advice. We plan on going to Orlando over Easter next year for two weeks. 2 adults, a 15 year old and a 12 year old. I'm looking for a villa in the Kissimmee area, three bedrooms with a pool/spa and games room, if possible, and close to restaurants.
Lots of villas online fit the bill, but I have no idea what area/estate would be best. Any advice on this will be gratefully received, also any on how to chose the right villa.

Budget_mum

My personal favourites are located just off S Poinciana Blvd. I've styed at villas in Cumbrian lakes, Indian Pointe and we are booked into a villa at Eagle Pointe in July. All are just 5 mins away from the big Walmart on the 192 which is open 24 hours and only a short drive to the theme parks. They are also easy to find even in the dark which is helpful when in a strange place.

On another note can anyone give me any tips about Aquatica please ? Thinking about trying it for the first time and wondering how easy it is to get yourself seated without having to hire a sun lounger or cabana.

jeanniebeanie_2

SDG31000 wrote: »

Hello, I hope someone is able to give me some advice. We plan on going to Orlando over Easter next year for two weeks. 2 adults, a 15 year old and a 12 year old. I'm looking for a villa in the Kissimmee area, three bedrooms with a pool/spa and games room, if possible, and close to restaurants.
Lots of villas online fit the bill, but I have no idea what area/estate would be best. Any advice on this will be gratefully received, also any on how to chose the right villa.

This is probably not what you want to hear, but if you can go at ANY other time of year (except Christmas) it would be better. Easter in the parks is VERY busy and it is peak season for prices everywhere too. If you do a bit of research on Easter crowds and read a few trip reports from Easter you will see what I mean.

VALM

Budget_mum wrote: »

On another note can anyone give me any tips about Aquatica please ? Thinking about trying it for the first time and wondering how easy it is to get yourself seated without having to hire a sun lounger or cabana.

I'd be interested in an answer to this one too. We are planning to revisit Orlando October 2011. We last visited in 2008 and I can't remember if Aquatica was open then or not. When we go back though we want to centre our holiday more around US and Seaworld parks rather than Disney so were planning a visit to Aquatica. It's a bit rum if you have to pay extra for a sun lounger though! x

whatusername

The easiest way to guarantee a seat is be there for it opening. Aquatica gets busy late morning where seats are scarce to say the least but i've always found them available before 10.00am

VALM

whatusername wrote: »

The easiest way to guarantee a seat is be there for it opening. Aquatica gets busy late morning where seats are scarce to say the least but i've always found them available before 10.00am

But do you have to pay for the seats? Would love an answer to this one. x

Laver

Hello!

Long time reader, first time poster here!

Myself, the girlfriend, and another couple are off to Florida at the start of June (fly out the 6th from LGW) and we shall be doing all the usual parks e.t.c..

I gather that Harry Potter World at Universal IoA will have its grand opening on Friday 18th June, however we’re worried that the park will be absolutely rammed that day and will ruin the rest of the park.

Is Harry Potter World actually open to the public before this date, and the 18th is just an ‘official’ grand opening of it?

Apologises if this has already been answered, however I can’t find an answer in this thread.

Thanks!