Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

blue_monkey_2 · 19 November 2010 at 5:47PM

Bloaty, I saw your message over on the dibb I think, I am glad you got home OK. Gives you an excuse to go back again though. I think that once the photos come through of the memories you had before this incident, you'll forget all about it. It is worse now as it is the last thing you done but I am sure it'll all be forgotten soon. I am glad you managed to get home - as you say it could have been worse, you could of either been on a cruise or left in the US on your own and your hubby come home without you.

blue_monkey_2 · 19 November 2010 at 5:50PM

KarenG wrote: »

I'm glad you've put me out of my misery!

Christmas does come early at Disney

BM, St Cloud is an easy drive from the Disney area - not sure it has a plethora of places to actually stay in though?

Hmmm, not sure it was st cloud now. The place we looked at for airboat tours was about 90 minutes from International Drive.

Never mind - something to look at for Feb 2012 when we go back.

blue_monkey_2 · 19 November 2010 at 5:53PM

leew wrote: »

Do you know how to book a Taxi using Mears online? seems a bit complicated to me

How do you put the Pickup Time in when it would be a guess really?

Fare estimate is saying $35 (one way) when i enter my Hotel address which is ok.

It must be said i normally just get an all in package and don't have to bother with Transfers!

We only booked a specific time twice and once they came and the other time they did not but the hotel put us into the first cab that arrived! If you are in the US when you book, local calls are free from your hotel so we just did that. Some hotels have their own taxi service, the Hilton did, we paid less using that service and one time they even took us to Discovery Cove and charged us nothing - we gave a tip though.

When do you want them for? There are loads of places such as Universal and The Airport where there is a stand to book them as need them. When you get to Orlando you'll see that Mears have A LOT of taxis and you can call them and they'll be one nearby. We never waited long for a taxi to be honest. If you want one from your hotel, just call them 15 minutes before you need one.

KarenG · 19 November 2010 at 9:31PM

blue_monkey wrote: »

Hmmm, not sure it was st cloud now. The place we looked at for airboat tours was about 90 minutes from International Drive.

Never mind - something to look at for Feb 2012 when we go back.

In a coach, I guess it could be, depending on the number of pick ups. It's been a while since we drove them but I'm sure it only took half an hour or so - it's less than 25 miles from Disney.

We did February this year - it was very cold and massively busy in the parks the week we went (February half term). Not sure I'd rate it as my favourite time to visit

Bloaty - what an absolute shame - the pits! Is there no cover under your travel insurance for "loss of enjoyment" or something like that??? (I may not have the right terminology here).

FloFlo · 20 November 2010 at 10:48AM

I'm booked 7-22nd Aug flying virgin m&m in economy. Staying at SSR for th 15 nights with free dining, would have liked to add a universal hotel but not sure I can stretch to the extra cost.

Can't wait very excited, roll on march when I can book my ADRs.

FloFlo · 20 November 2010 at 10:52AM

Blue Monkey - Have you stayed at SSR? I have booked SSR but thought about OKW as it gets lots of favourable reviews.

KarenG · 20 November 2010 at 11:57AM

FloFlo wrote: »

Blue Monkey - Have you stayed at SSR? I have booked SSR but thought about OKW as it gets lots of favourable reviews.

I've stayed at SSR a few times, as well as OKW.

I would definitely recommend OKW over SSR if you are staying in a one bedroom or up as the OKW villas are significantly bigger.

In a studio there's not a lot of difference in size (OKW are a bit of an odd shape, but have a really nice sized balcony).

SSR is weak for Counter Service / food court style food, but OKW is even worse.

I like the fact that in SSR you can easily walk to DTD - which is valuable then as if you want to get to a different resort for say dining you can catch a bus direct here without having to transfer elsewhere.

The boat from either resort to DTD is a lovely way to travel.

Both are very beautiful - personally I prefer the theme at OKW but that's subjective. I like the scenery, planting, music etc...

Both are massively sprawling resorts so be sure to make a request for where you would like to stay if you don't want to be a long walk from amenities.

Transportation wise (Disney buses etc) we've never had a problem at either, but that's partly the luck of the draw!

For SSR I like Congress Park for proximity to DTD (but a tidier walk to the main pool and dining options) and the Grandstand is well located for eveything (and has a cute pool with water feature). Although it is well located for everything I did not enjoy the room we had at the Springs as the charming vista (apparently there is one from every room at SSR

) was over a mini roundabout with a constant procession of Disney buses

OKW we've always had lovely views over the golf course (again that could be luck!)

Is there anything specific you wanted to know?

Procrastinator333 · 20 November 2010 at 1:21PM

Has anyone booked via holidaylettings.co.uk? The prices look ok, just not sure whether to trust the site / letting agents?

FloFlo · 20 November 2010 at 8:30PM

KarenG wrote: »

I've stayed at SSR a few times, as well as OKW.

I would definitely recommend OKW over SSR if you are staying in a one bedroom or up as the OKW villas are significantly bigger.

In a studio there's not a lot of difference in size (OKW are a bit of an odd shape, but have a really nice sized balcony).

SSR is weak for Counter Service / food court style food, but OKW is even worse.

I like the fact that in SSR you can easily walk to DTD - which is valuable then as if you want to get to a different resort for say dining you can catch a bus direct here without having to transfer elsewhere.

The boat from either resort to DTD is a lovely way to travel.

Both are very beautiful - personally I prefer the theme at OKW but that's subjective. I like the scenery, planting, music etc...

Both are massively sprawling resorts so be sure to make a request for where you would like to stay if you don't want to be a long walk from amenities.

Transportation wise (Disney buses etc) we've never had a problem at either, but that's partly the luck of the draw!

For SSR I like Congress Park for proximity to DTD (but a tidier walk to the main pool and dining options) and the Grandstand is well located for eveything (and has a cute pool with water feature). Although it is well located for everything I did not enjoy the room we had at the Springs as the charming vista (apparently there is one from every room at SSR ) was over a mini roundabout with a constant procession of Disney buses

OKW we've always had lovely views over the golf course (again that could be luck!)

Is there anything specific you wanted to know?

We are in a studio at SSR, we won't be driving so I was thinking of requesting the springs section so we are near everything. DD loves the look of the water cannons, are they at the Springs part or Grandstand? We have free dining so being near DTD gives us extra options on the odd evening we are back early or have a rest day.
A nice view would be a bonus but as long as its not a noisy spot it won't matter too much.

However DD will be very upset as apparently they don't serve pancakes at the CS at SSR like they do at Pop - I'm not going to tell her until we get there.;)