Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

Kido

jeanniebeanie wrote: »

We like Ellenton Premium Outlets too. About 40 min from Tampa, but cheaper than the Orlando outlets on some things in my experience.

If you wanted to make a good day full day out, you could drive to Ellenton using the shortest route (US 45 or I 75) then carry on to the beach at Holmes Beach/ Anna Maria ( about 20 miles from Ellenton) on the 64, then back to Tampa over the Sunshine skyway bridge.

It would take you about 1hr 20 to get back, but if you time your journey over the bridge at sunset (maybe after a wonderful seafood dinner at The Beach House http://beachhouse.groupersandwich.com/), you would get the most spectacular views!

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/sunset-over-the-skyway-bridge-barbara-bowen.html

Thanks for your suggestion we did the day trip you suggested today and had lunch/dinner at the Beachhouse and it was absolutely delicious and the scenery spectacular. So glad we went. Had a wonderful dinner after a good days shopping. Sadly we didn't get to see the Skyway Bridge at sunset, but it was stunning in the daylight so I wasn't too bothered.

jeanniebeanie_2

How wonderful!!

Thank you so much for posting. It's lovely when something you have recommended works for someone else.

Our daughter got married last June at the Mar Vista, a sister restaurant of the Beach house and we will be back on Anna Maria at the beginning of May. I just can't wait!

maemaesmummy

Interesting developments over the last few days but it would seem that you now need an IDP and a UK licence to legally hire a car in Florida....

http://www.floridastatetravel.com/advicedetails.php?id=%224%22

mumibear

:wave:Hi - looking for some advice really - wanting to book a villa for july - can anyone recommend a nice estate - looking for somewhere with a c - community pool, gym etc. Am not worried about distances from parks etc in the past have stayed on rolling hills, hampton lakes, calabay park, cb park at tower lakes and paradise woods any advice would be much apprecialted !

tori.k

maemaesmummy wrote: »

Interesting developments over the last few days but it would seem that you now need an IDP and a UK licence to legally hire a car in Florida....

http://www.floridastatetravel.com/advicedetails.php?id=%224%22

we hired a Tahoe from avis Jan 21st until Feb 11th didn't have any issues just using our photo id.

maemaesmummy

tori.k wrote: »

we hired a Tahoe from avis Jan 21st until Feb 11th didn't have any issues just using our photo id.

The hire car companies are slowly updating their websites....you were lucky as was I :eek:

jackieblack

maemaesmummy wrote: »

Interesting developments over the last few days but it would seem that you now need an IDP and a UK licence to legally hire a car in Florida....

http://www.floridastatetravel.com/advicedetails.php?id=%224%22

Indeed, I emailed FL DMV to confirm and received this reply.

Thank you for your recent inquiry.

Yes, an international permit is required in Florida as of January 1, 2013.

We hope this information will assist you.

I'm really surprised this hasn't been flagged up more prominently, in the media etc, considering how many brits travel to Florida every year!

Good spot maemaesmummy!

jackieblack

maemaesmummy wrote: »

Interesting developments over the last few days but it would seem that you now need an IDP and a UK licence to legally hire a car in Florida....

http://www.floridastatetravel.com/advicedetails.php?id=%224%22

Not just to hire a car, but to legally drive a car!

tori.k wrote: »

we hired a Tahoe from avis Jan 21st until Feb 11th didn't have any issues just using our photo id.

maemaesmummy wrote: »

The hire car companies are slowly updating their websites....you were lucky as was I :eek:

I wonder what the outcome what have been if you'd pulled over by the police?

tori.k

probably not an issue as we both have photo licences, would have been with the insurance company side of things if we had had an accident, not too bad a news a IDP is only £5.50 for a year if you do it at the post office.

jackieblack

tori.k wrote: »

probably not an issue as we both have photo licences, would have been with the insurance company side of things if we had had an accident, not too bad a news a IDP is only £5.50 for a year if you do it at the post office.

I don't think it matters whether you have photo licences or not.
This is the information from the Florida Statutes:


322.04(c)(1)Persons exempt from obtaining driver license-

(c) A nonresident who is at least 16 years of age operating a motor vehicle of the type for which a Class E driver license is required in this state if the nonresident has in his or her immediate possession:

(2) An International Driving Permit issued in his or her name in his or her country of residence and a valid license issued in that country.


From http://www.floridastatetravel.com/advicedetails.php?id=%224%22

Much discussion has erupted on various forums about the need for this permit but when we got in touch with the Deputy Communications Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the answer was pretty clear - you DO need one or run the risk of arrest if you are pulled over!

Here is the communication we received..

Customers that wish to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver license will be required to have an International Driving Permit to accompany their out-of-country license. This applies to any vehicle, including rental vehicles. The International Driving Permit must be in the customer's name and from their country of residence.



Also, from the AA website:

USA (Florida) compulsory IDP – 1 January 2013

A law introduced in Florida, USA, on 1 January 2013 requires all persons who hold a licence issued outside of the US to carry an International Driving Permit along with their national driving licence.



Without an IDP, a driver is therefore driving without a valid licence. If stopped, law enforcement has the options of:

• Arresting the driver and taking them to jail
• Or giving the driver a citation with a mandatory court appearance