Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

vivatifosi

barginmad wrote: »

Hi

My partner and I are staying at the Buena Vista Palace in Novemeber for two weeks we do not have a car. Has anyone stayed there before, any useful tips.

From my research I know you get free transport to disney but not to universal parks.

It seems Mears transport to Universal is the best option at $18 round trip.

And same from airport to hotel using Mears. On the hotel website it says you can get your ticket to the hotel from the airport when you arrive but other sites have said book 24 hours in advance. Any advise?

I haven't stayed at the Buena Vista Palace, but I have stayed at the hotel next door and the one opposite and I've also used the car hire desk at the BVP so I know exactly where it is.

Mears offers a whole host of options for tours, you can also look at taxis or something like Tiffany Town Cars if your party is big enough. There is also a Lynx bus stop on the corner by the BVP if you're feeling adventurous, though your journey will be a fair bit longer. As there's an on-site car hire desk (open limited hours until 4pm) you could even look to hire a car for the day if you want.

The BVP is a good location for holidays without a car as you do have a wide range of transportation options, plus in addition to Downtown Disney, which is literally across the road, you can walk a mile to Crossroads and a wide range of restaurant options there.

In terms of airport transportation, I've always got off and walked straight to the Mears desk and bought a shuttle ticket. You do however need to give 24 hours notice for your return journey.

barginmad wrote: »

Hi

As mentioned in a ealier post my partner and I are staying at the Buena Vista Palace, can anyone advise me on how to get to Bush Gardens from there. I know if you buy the ticket it includes transport but there is no pick up near the hotel from what I can gather and the closest is Universal or Sea World but pick up is 8.30am. Did anyone else stay at this hotel and go to Bush Gardens what is the best way to do it?

Thanks in advance.

Check with the concierge at the hotel. They'll know a way of getting there. Before now Virgin have let us buy seats on one of their coach tours to Busch even though we weren't with them (its all profit for them at the end of the day) but that was at a different hotel. Might also be worth looking into hiring a car for the day for this one, its quite a straightforward drive if you're confident enough.

barginmad

Thanks vivatifosi for your reply, its a real help. It is just the two of us and neither of us are really wanting to drive but sounds like we shoudl be ok with some form of transport. Really looking forward to it, just 11 weeks to wait!

Thanks

S

Goldust

Hi all,

We're off to Orlando tomorrow and have booked most stuff but we fancied doing the Miami Metro Zoo and Jungle Island when we're there amongst other things.

Anybody had any experience getting a good deal on these?

Also, are there any vouchers or sites I should visit and print from before I go?

Thanks!

marvic31

Hello

We are off to Orlando next month on a fly drive. I have never driven in the US so a bit apprehensive about driving.

We are staying at the Emerald Islands Resort close to the 192. We will be hitting rush hour traffic by the time we get on the road.

There are several ways we can go, take the 528toll road then onto the I-4 or take the 417 toll road and then onto the 192.

Has anyone got experience on driving the I-4 or should I avoid it if possible.

Thanks

poet123

marvic31 wrote: »

Hello

We are off to Orlando next month on a fly drive. I have never driven in the US so a bit apprehensive about driving.

We are staying at the Emerald Islands Resort close to the 192. We will be hitting rush hour traffic by the time we get on the road.

There are several ways we can go, take the 528toll road then onto the I-4 or take the 417 toll road and then onto the 192.

Has anyone got experience on driving the I-4 or should I avoid it if possible.

Thanks

Emerald Island is great, and there is a shortcut to Disney down Sherberth Rd which cuts a lot off the journey.

blue_monkey_2

kelloggs36 wrote: »

\sorry to be thick, but the cost of the flydrive, does that include car or is that added on after flight details? website price only mentions flights, not car?

Sorry might be done now as we have been away on holiday for a week.

You can remove the insurance and have a basic car on there - costs £30, but because you are booking with Virgin Holidays you get the additional extras such as the bag drop off at Downtown Disney on the day of your departure and the HP breakfast, for free.

HTH

cabbage

We recently drove in Florida. Landed in rush hour. Was no problem at all. Didn't use any toll roads- used I4 mostly. Took my own Tom Tom sat nav with US maps loaded. It was a godsend. Also added some points of interest using the tips on thedibb.co.uk.

The reps at the airport will show you several routes to get to your hotel and there's also info in the car hire brochure they give you.

It helps to have two of you navigating. One to read the road and one to check the speed limits, turns coming up etc.

janey07

Hi guys

Need some advice please. We're off soon to my daughter's wedding in Florida. After the happy couple jet off on their honeymoon,
We have a few days in Orlando before flying home. Most of our party are off to the parks but I will be staying put in the hotel as my Mum (who is 82 years young!) has broken her wrist and will not want to venture far. Can anyone recommend a hotel with very little walking to some shops and restaurants.I'm thinking International Drive but I'm open to any suggestions. Many thanks -as always
Janey

broonbear

enclave suites or hoilday inn international are close to restaurants and a few gift shops, also vey close to wet n wild and universal:j

blue_monkey_2

Can someone remind me what happens about towels at the waterparks, do they loan them for free or do you have to pay? Aquatica, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Also pools at Disneys AKV and OKW. Thanks.