Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

Starrystarrynight

Thanks, jeanniebeanie. I had a look at Virgin Holidays, and their villas (which I think my sister would likely prefer) seem quite good value to me, particularly when the flights are taken into account.
I'll pass on the great advice from you and blue_monkey when I speak to her.
I'm a novice when it comes to anything Florida, as my OH and I love California. We stay out near Disneyland, but my sis wants Florida and has asked me to help. Thanks for the advice :-)

vivatifosi

jeanniebeanie wrote: »

Nooooooo!!!! What are you doing to me?!! We have a trip which involves flight to Sanford then Georgia and S Carolina planned with a visit to Harry Potter being the only park visit we need. After all, we have seen it all before............!!!???

:eek: :eek: :eek:

Sorry.....

But if you feel bad imagine how I feel. I have a valid annual pass, had a room booked in Disney and couldn't go because I didn't have sufficient holiday and changes at work meant I couldn't take unpaid leave. So he's on the holiday that we booked for us (it would have cost too much to cancel it all) and I'm here. Not only am I here, but I had an accident today in which I cut my foot open, so I am here and feeling sorry for myself. I won't be going back until Autumn, when my annual pass will have run out:(.

jeanniebeanie_2

Wow! Now that IS bad luck! :eek:

My earlier post was a little light hearted, we have been lucky enough to go to Orlando a lot, so am looking forward to seeing somewhere new this time. I can't be greedy, although if I had the time I would re-visit all the parks this trip too- I love them.

Problem is, there is something new to visit every trip. Looking forward to Harry Potter though. We were there for the 'soft opening' last year when only Virgin Holiday customers were allowed in. It was very frustrating to be outside the gates watching others walking round inside. Even more so considering we had flown Virgin, but flight only so didn't qualify.

I really feel for you though Vivatifosi. Hope your injury is not too serious!

:grouphug:

Starrystarrynight, That could be another advantage to a Virgin holiday if you get a good price. Not flying Virgin this time myself, so haven't checked if early entry to HP is still offered.

41123a

Looking to split my family holiday, part time Orlando, part time at the beach.

Any recommendations for a good beach location suitable for kids and not too far from Orlando.

disney_cjd

41123a wrote: »

Looking to split my family holiday, part time Orlando, part time at the beach.

Any recommendations for a good beach location suitable for kids and not too far from Orlando.

I have always been a fan of Clearwater and would reconmend the Hilton on the Beach over there. It has great things for all, a private beach area, great actibvites live Capt Memo pirate ship cruise which is just brilliant. Also has my fav resturant on all of the USA called Villa Galace in Indian Rocks. Its about 1.40 mins from Orlando and two roads.

Also remember Disney has its own beach, Vero Beach. Not cheap but nice. However personally I prefer the Gulf coast to Atlantic.

Cheers
Craig

disney_cjd

vivatifosi wrote: »

DH is in Orlando at moment (I am here:(). He called me to say that anyone going soon must look out for the castle in Magic Kingdom in the run up to the Wishes evening fireworks. They've put in a new pre-show and in his words "it's phenomenal, as good as the fireworks and I want to meet the imagineer who thought it up and shake his hand". Starts about 15 mins before Wishes, so any old timers like me who turn up last minute and just look up Main Street, don't you'll miss out.

We have a video of this show on https://www.DisneyBrit.com taken by our US co host Nick. I have to say (as you may have heard on the last shows) that I am not impressed at all but Adam and the others love it.

Anyway, gives you an idea of what its like

jackieblack

Iwork2shop wrote: »

Last visit to Orlando was in 2008, what's new since then? :hello:

Hi, I last visited Florida in 2008 and we've just booked another trip travelling in June this year. :cool2: This will be our 5th visit and during our previous visits we've visited all the parks at some point, many several times. In order to help with planning for this years trip could someone tell me what's been added to the parks in the last 3 years?

I know that there is a Harry Potter land at Universal Studios - should I include that in my 'must visit list'? Other than that I really don't know what to include, but more importantly, what NOT to visit.

Thanks a lot :j

blue_monkey wrote: »

YES!!!!!!!

Aquatica is new as well

Aquatica was open in 2008 though

Beckio_83

Hi. Can anyone advise for/against Xmas and New Year 2011/12 in Orlando please? Our first visit was perfect in Sept 2005, not been back since. Think we were really spoilt!

Is it busy at Christmas with UK and American tourists? Last time we stayed in a villa with car hire. This time round the Dad in Law doesn't fancy the driving so we've said we'd look @ hotels in the I-Drive area and a hotel with shuttle buses or the I-trolley thing I've heard about. Are airport transfers often included in packages or would we better with car hire despite staying on I-Drive? It will be 5 adults travelling, no kids so we thought I-Drive would be better as we could eat out and have a few drinks at night (something we couldn't really do last time with being far away in a villa).

Best price so far was with total Florida £4795 (18/12/11 - 01/01/12 Springhill Suites with 7 seater minivan & car insurance), or same flights and car with a villa in West Haven for same price. Have used all the helpful info on the MSE site to check for separate flights and accom but not much luck, esp with flights! Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

jeanniebeanie_2

Christmas at Disney is THE busiest time of the year, with Easter a close second. As above, the parks reach capacity, queues are very long and the parks sometimes refuse entry from late morning.

That said, it depends on your attitude to crowds/waiting and there are strategies you can use to make your experience better. Take a look at http://touringplans.com/ or http://www.tourguidemike.com/.

These sites provide touring plans using tactics to minimise lines, but they do charge a membership fee. Some people hate to plan to that degree, including me, but it can make a real difference to your experience at the busiest times. I tried it once.

Another upside is the atmosphere. The Parks put on lovely ' Holiday Parades', fireworks etc, the shops and restaurants are beautifully decorated and in Celebration they have a perspex 'ice-rink' and even make it 'snow' on the evenings of Christmas week!

The parks are open very long hours with extra parades and shows to choose from and the fact that you won't have exhausted young children with you will help with planning to stay out for the later, quieter parades etc.

Should just add, it will be NOTHING like a September trip. September is one of the quietest times to visit, after the schools are back.

It's a tricky one, good luck!

41123a

thanks for the advise on Clearwater. Having spoken to a couple of people now this definately appears to be the place to be for families.

Can anybody recommend a place to stay - i'm ideally looking for a suite not too expensive. there will be 3 adults and 3 children. I will have a car with me as well so am happy to drive a small distance to the beach if it results in a reduced room rate.

Also still not sure on what to do with the intial 2 week stay in Orlando. my kids are quite young (7 & 3) and I don't think we'll have the capacity to go to all the parks. I think Disney will be a must but I also hear that the water parks are good.

Are there any value for money ticket combinations for a 2 week stay which will allow me to go to disney but also incorporate some water parks?

also if I am going to have a car I would be prepared to stay in a suite away from the parks themselves as I understand these are likely to be cheaper. Any suggestions of good but econmical suites in decent areas would be greatly appreciated.