Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

jeanniebeanie_2

Premium has very expensive designer gear with the odd cheap shop and I'd not recommend it for teenagers as even I would not pay those prices just for clothes. As an 'outlet' I did not rate it that much - I wanted some Uggs but they did not have anything I could not get cheaper at home from Cloggs either. I do think prices of clothing have risen quite a lot.

We did, however, LOVE the Florida Mall and they seemed to have everything we needed to look for and it was just a taxi ride from ID. I'd check out JC Penneys which is right at one end, they had loads on the sale rail and I got loads of T-shirts for $4 each - they had something for everyone. However, they had loads of shops and stalls there too so there was lots to see.

Shopping is Florida is very subjective and so difficult to advise on. A bargain to one is a ridiculous extravagance to another.

This is what we do.

We save to bring back branded goods that are far cheaper there than here, so we don't shop at Florida Mall apart from Abercrombie and Fitch, which you don't get here and Apple, where I managed to get an IPad before they were released here. Not hugely cheaper, although I saved about 20 per cent on the Ipad, but better availability.

We don't shop at JC Penny or Dillards etc, because frankly I can't be bothered to plough through big department stores to look for the bargains - I just don't want to spare the time.

If we want Levi, Wrangler or Disney souvenirs we have found Walmart cheapest.

All other stuff we get from Premium Outlets which we love.

We know which brands we can afford and have the best discounts and buy most of our birthday and Christmas presents there.

For example, Fossil have bags at a third of the price here (at the outlet NOT the main stores). The Cosmetic Company sells Clinique and Bobbi Brown make up at half price. Guess are less than half. Gap, Lacoste, Calvin Klein, Converse, Ralph Lauren, Timberland are all cheaper than here and you can get J Crew and Banana Republic reasonably priced too. Surprisingly there is a L'Occitaine outlet which is very cheap and I bought loads of presents from there.

On the other hand we don't shop at the very high end outlets like Fendi, Juicy Couture, Oakley, Coach etc, because they are out of our price range, but for those who can afford it I am told they are cheaper too.

The savings are dependent on exchange rate of course, but after many years of shopping in Florida, with teens and young twenties, that is what works for us.

r.mac_2

okay folks...

We are decided on what type of accommodation we want in Orlando and have searched and know flight dates and prices and are ready to book. I'm a bit undecided on final weeks destination, but am happy to book that a little later after more research. We are seeing flight prices rise the longer we hold off. I also thought I'd sort out tickets, car hire and the 'planning' aspects until a little nearer the time, once the big stuff was out of the way. I keep stalling though as I'm a little worried as to the best way to book it all.

We have been looking at booking it all independently and directly ourselves, but wondered if it would be worth using an agent or checking the cost of a 'package' style set up?

so far looking at going October 2011 (avoiding scottish school holidays if that effects the price, but not bothered one way or another really)
Flights approx £1800 for 2 adults and 1 2yr old child (EDI - MCO one stop in Newark)
Accomm in Orlando approc £500 for week (thinking Floridays or equivalent, 2 bed s/c)
budgeting same costs for Accomm somewhere for 2nd week
Approx £450 for 2 adult disney tickets
total - £3250 approx then...

carhire - haven't a clue yet!

food/spending money will be on top - I'm watching those conversations carefully.

Can anyone offer advice?

Tel50+

First timer here - need help/advice! Planning fly/drive in October for 10 nights with just a couple of days at (which?) theme park (2 adults, DD 17, DS 15) - any recommendations? Also, for the rest of the time, best areas to stay/visit without spending the whole holiday driving?

delwynshd

R.mac

I have sent you a PM with some help

Thanks
Del

amanda40

We stayed at the HAwthorn Suites in Palm Parkway - Lake Buena Vista. It was so handy for Disney , minutes from the Disney gates. We had a car, but could have managed with the hotel transfer service. We had a very roomy suite with two king size beds ( and tv), and seperate living room with double and single sofa bed, tv and kitchen area and dining table. Room was cleaned every day , towels changed daily too. The hotel had a pool too. Would recommend it.

Mab2009

Hi,

I hope you don't mind me joining in and my first post might seem a little mad but i had a random thought.

If i wrote a petition for why i should go to disney can you please let me know who would sign it.:question:

I'm not this mental all the time i promise.

Thanks:rotfl:

poet123

r.mac wrote: »

okay folks...

We are decided on what type of accommodation we want in Orlando and have searched and know flight dates and prices and are ready to book. I'm a bit undecided on final weeks destination, but am happy to book that a little later after more research. We are seeing flight prices rise the longer we hold off. I also thought I'd sort out tickets, car hire and the 'planning' aspects until a little nearer the time, once the big stuff was out of the way. I keep stalling though as I'm a little worried as to the best way to book it all.

We have been looking at booking it all independently and directly ourselves, but wondered if it would be worth using an agent or checking the cost of a 'package' style set up?

so far looking at going October 2011 (avoiding scottish school holidays if that effects the price, but not bothered one way or another really)
Flights approx £1800 for 2 adults and 1 2yr old child (EDI - MCO one stop in Newark)
Accomm in Orlando approc £500 for week (thinking Floridays or equivalent, 2 bed s/c)
budgeting same costs for Accomm somewhere for 2nd week
Approx £450 for 2 adult disney tickets
total - £3250 approx then...

carhire - haven't a clue yet!

food/spending money will be on top - I'm watching those conversations carefully.

Can anyone offer advice?

Have you thought about villa with private pool? in October you will get one for the sme price as you quoted there outside half term.

Also, with a little one you may want to book a Disney character meal, with needs to be done excactly 90 days from departure.

Try the dibb for loads of tips.

blue_monkey_2

You need to book the meals 180 days in advance now, otherwise you just won't get in for a character meal. You can do it on the Disney website (under 'where to eat', no payment is required. I'd choose The Crystal Palace with a 2 year old as there is Tigger, Pooh, Eeyore and Piglet. Or Hollywood and Vine for LUNCH as they have Jojo and playhouse disney Characters at lunchtime only.

jeanniebeanie_2

The Fantasmic meal package used to be worth doing too.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/fantasmic-meal-packages/

It's not something we have done in recent years, so I will rely on BM to advise on the situation with that these days.

180 Advance reservation now!!!! WOW!!

TamVilla80

amanda40 wrote: »

We stayed at the HAwthorn Suites in Palm Parkway - Lake Buena Vista. It was so handy for Disney , minutes from the Disney gates. We had a car, but could have managed with the hotel transfer service. We had a very roomy suite with two king size beds ( and tv), and seperate living room with double and single sofa bed, tv and kitchen area and dining table. Room was cleaned every day , towels changed daily too. The hotel had a pool too. Would recommend it.

We are stopping there in June - thanks for the info :beer: