Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

chocolateteddy

I thought the same thing when we went in feb about driving but it helps that the steering wheel is on the opposite side to here, and accelarator pedal and brake pedal are in same place you use your right foot, just no clutch as they are automatic, so left foot just sits there!! within 2 days of our holiday I was fine.
Leaving the airport for the 30 mins drive to Kissiimmee helps as you can't go wrong really and it gives you time to get used to car. I found cars overtake and undertake so watch when changing lanes. I found if i was turning left further up round I stayed in left lane and visa versa. We stayed in Kissimmee on North Ponciana Boulevard and drove to disney parks everyday about 10 mins to epcot easy! Did villa to magic kingdom turnstiles in 27 mins one morning! Most if not all the roads are like our dual carriageways you can't accidently end up on the wrong side and speed limit is lower around 45 miles an hour so makes it easier. Signpost for parks were easy to follow as well. We didn't get lost once. For the first few days when we got to a junction where we needed to turn Hubby just said stay on the right or follow that yellow van to that side over there!! Yes you can turn right on a red light just think of it as a give way sign otherwise no difference just keep driving licence and car rental documents with you in car when driving(D/L -both parts.) All the traffic lights are hung over the top of the junction I actually found it easier to see them We hired a sat nav from uk preloaded with maps before we left for £30 I think we would have managed without but it was so easy with it. I would definately get one again, more for peace of mind if we came across a blocked road due to accident, we could still get to where we were going.
Where abouts are you staying? there is a walmart near where we stayed and cheap petrol station. We drove to and from park once a day and on 2 days twice and did walmart about 5 times in 14 days (we ate out on the 192 on way back from parks around 5pm) and only had to put $5 in the petrol tank!!!! Cheaper than here! We had paid for a full tank at airport when we picked up car that cost us $60 I reckon we did around 300 miles all short distances so mile per galleon probably wasn't great we had an impala (full size car) If you want any more info feel free to ask. (We flew with Virgin as a package and used Alamo- we were able to check in online for the car hire before we left UK - meaning no wait just literally choose car and away you go)
HTH

KarenG

Mab2009 wrote: »

Hi sidney1, We're staying in this resort in January, when are you going?:j

We're thinking of hiring a car for a few days. I know all the debate about not using the free shuttle service but I think with January being a quiet time of year this could work for us as i'm like a mad woman with the planning and itenery for everything. Thought about hiring a car for a few days just for things that are further afield and shopping at the walmart.

Thanks Delwyn for sorting out our holiday at a great price.:beer:

Walmart is really really close but not walkable due to no pavements and highway set up - you'd possibly get run over :eek:

Do reconsider hiring a car for the whole time, please. Yes, you will pay to park at the theme parks - but if this saves you 3 hours per day commute, when you've paid a fortun to get there and get into the parks - isn't that worth it?

I've never once found hiring a car has cost me money in the long run, and I've done both options many times.

KarenG

poet123 wrote: »

We love either Captiva Island or Marco Island for a complete change of pace after the parks. Laid back almost Carribbean feel to the islands. Anna Maria island is lovely too.

We are *thinking* about going back to Florida next year but it would have to be either July or August.....any ideas for cheap flights or what flight prices are likely to be at that time?

Flights in school summer holidays are customarily HORRENDOUS and many people are paying £900 each +++

You need to wait for a glitch or deal. The best one for summer 2011 so far is LHR-MIA for £416 plus 2000 VA miles which is an absolute bargain in my book (sold out very quickly). Sadly we'd already decided to go to California so couldn't snap them up!

KarenG

Iwork2shop wrote: »

Does anyone know how much taxis are in Florida? We're going to the parks in June and have booked a car but we're celebrating a BIG birthday whilst there so would like to go out for a drink and not have to drive back.

Thanks

They are comparable to here, I'd say. There are fare estimators on the internet which will give you a reasonably precise idea.

We've done MK resort area to Epcot resorts a few times and that's about 5 miles = $18 ish as an idea......

KarenG

brand8 wrote: »

thanx for info my boy is 5 and he says he wants to dine with pluto i would like to do breakfast if i could like buffet style any ideas where i should go and how much it will be per child and adult TIA

Chef Mickeys, which is right by the Magic Kingdom in a Disney hotel called the Contemporary. You can walk or catch the monorail to get there from MK

Prices as I said before.

kimtom2009

Hi we are thinging of going in august there will be 5 adults 3 kids has anyone got any recommendations of villas? Quite close to everything any links? Thanks All

KarenG

kimtom2009 wrote: »

Hi we are thinging of going in august there will be 5 adults 3 kids has anyone got any recommendations of villas? Quite close to everything any links? Thanks All

This August? Check the flight prices first, you may change your mind!

I always book villas via the Dibb: www.thedibb.co.uk

kimtom2009

Thanks when would you say they are cheapest we don't have to work round school holidays etc as they are only little? Thanks very much

ANewBeginning

kimtom2009 wrote: »

Thanks when would you say they are cheapest we don't have to work round school holidays etc as they are only little? Thanks very much

Hi

I would go for September, as flight prices drops then. in general June and September tend to be the decent prices with decent weather attached.

Fly with a good carrier too. No Monarch etc - take it from someone who knows lol Check out Virgin Atlantic for good direct flights at OK prices. I have paid £453 each for June. Might also be worth checking out packages if your kids are small as often you get free or hugely reduced kids prices.

Also hotels do kids eat free for kids under 12 too

hope that helps

xx

KarenG

kimtom2009 wrote: »

Thanks when would you say they are cheapest we don't have to work round school holidays etc as they are only little? Thanks very much

That is great news, don't go in school holidays unless you have to!

If you'd like the weather a little cooler than September, which has been suggested above, you could also try October (avoiding half term), November or early December Parks will be broadly quiet, weather should be lovely, prices should be cheapest.