Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

vivatifosi

A quick update on Disney for anyone going to the parks in the near future.

The Frozen Princesses will shortly move into the Princess Hall at the Magic Kingdom. I'm not sure at this stage whether they will still be appearing in Norway.

The 3 o'clock parade has changed and now has the Frozen princesses in the parade. If children particularly want to see the Frozen princesses, DH suggests being on the Emporium Side of main street (or the corresponding side of the parade route further round).

The Seven Dwarves Mine train should have cast member previews end of Mar/early April. After that you normally get DVC member and annual pass holder previews prior to soft opening.

Hope this is useful to anyone planning a trip.

Victoria_Meldrew

Thinking of travelling on the Mears shuttle bus from Orlando airport to the hotel. Do I need to book this in advance or just turn up for it at the airport? TIA.

vivatifosi

Sorry Victor, have only just seen your post, it's harder to keep up with this thread now it is not a sticky.

You just go downstairs and follow the signs to the shuttle and they will get you on the first available to where you are staying. The only time I would do differently would be if I was staying somewhere outside of the main tourist areas that they will be running a shuttle to (ie International Drive, Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista).

delwynshd

Hello Guys

I have heard on the grapevine that Disney Dine maybe launching within the next two weeks

If you would like me to notify any of you when this comes on sale or the relaese date drop me a PM I will contact you accordingly

Cheers
Del

vivatifosi

Hi Del, what's Disney Dine if you don't mind me asking, and how does it differ from the Dining Plan? We're DVC members so tend to hear of stuff quite early, but that's a new one on me. Please do PM me if you can't say anything on the open forum.

ashley

I'd check out prices of laptops,cameras here first as not always significant difference especially if its something specific you want. Brandsmart and Best Buy are the discount warehouse stores around Florida. But some independent dealers are good. Malls tend to be more expensive imo. In Miami there are stores if you move away from tourist area. These stores look dodgy but I have purchased Sony products there,along with adapters.Other thing to factor in is the duty if you are stopped at customs. Biggest piece of advice would make sure you will be in the area where you prurchase for a few days so you can take it back if there is a fault.
Disney,there is more than the Magic Kingdom -Animal Kingdom,EPCOT,MGM all worth a visit but if its big roller coasters stick to Universal.

delwynshd

Same thing, Dining plan lol

Del

vivatifosi wrote: »

Hi Del, what's Disney Dine if you don't mind me asking, and how does it differ from the Dining Plan? We're DVC members so tend to hear of stuff quite early, but that's a new one on me. Please do PM me if you can't say anything on the open forum.

pinkzebra

cazmcf wrote: »

We ended up using attraction tickets in the end, got our 21 day disney pass and 14 days in legoland threw in for free. Has anyone been to legoland? Last time we were there is was cypress gardens, with the rides, it was a lovely slow day out. I presume Legoland bought the rollercoasters and the some of the rides that are already there. I just wonder will my kids be too big for it now (12 and 9)?

We also went when it was Cypress Gardens (and loved it). We went back last August when it was Legoland (our kids were 13 and 11). It looks very different to Cypress Gardens - the gardens are still there (which is nice they have kept them), as is the ski show, the suspended roller coaster, and the wooden roller coaster and I think the carousel. The sky ride thing was there, but was closed when we went. The usual Legoland rides were there (if you have been to Windsor one) plus some extra things - 2 more coasters, the Chima ride (very good fun - you get soaked!) and others. The mini land model village was different to Windsor and had things like New York and Vegas in it.

We had a lovely day, until about 3pm when the thunder came. When there is thunder within 5 miles, they shut all outside attractions. If you go in the summer (when storms are frequent in the afternoon) I recommend you do all outside rides first (like the coasters and CHima for example) and leave the shows and undercover rides 'til the afternoon (like the laser raider ride and carousel etc) as these will stay open.

We loved the park and would go again. Much less queueing than Windsor - in fact barely any queues at all. Yes, it is aimed at smaller children - but I would actually still go without children as we had a lovely day. Don't miss the apple fries (near the beginning)!!

Quite expensive to get in, but we used our Tesco Clubcard vouchers and got in free. Plus you already have your free tickets - I would definitely use them.

Ettenna

I am looking to book a trip to Orlando in November this year. I was surprised at the cost of flights - cheap! Questions:

Is it sensible to go at this time of year? I'm going on my own but hopefully a friend will have moved cross country by then.

What is the weather like then?

I don't want to do Disney itself but do some of the other parks. So what else would anyone recommend?

I am looking at an aparthotel on Commodity Circle - anyone been to that area? I am in my late 40's if that makes any difference.

Do I need a car in Orlando? I have never driven a left hand drive car!

I'm sure I will think of other questions.

Thank you.

John259

Ettenna wrote: »

I am looking to book a trip to Orlando in November this year.

What is the weather like then?

http://www.holiday-weather.com/orlando/averages/november

I don't want to do Disney itself but do some of the other parks. So what else would anyone recommend?

Will you have a car? If so, then Kennedy Space Center (excellent, even if you only have a slight interest in the subject) and if you fancy somewhere further afield then the Florida Keys (the string of islands off the tip of Florida) and the Gulf of Mexico coast.

Maybe head west along the coast from the Florida panhandle in the general direction of New Orleans?

Earlier in the year I'd also suggest heading north to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee, and the Blue Ridge Parkway - but not in November.

I am looking at an aparthotel on Commodity Circle

If you plan on doing a road trip, there are motels at all price ranges in the USA from Motel 6 (simple but clean, comfortable and safe) through Super 8 (a bit more upmarket) and then the more expensive chains such as Holiday Inn, Quality Inn, etc.

Do I need a car in Orlando?

Not if you plan to stay in the immediate area. But if you plan to explore further afield it would be essential. Even in the area a car is handy for getting to restaurants and shops.

I have never driven a left hand drive car!

That's nothing to worry about, you get used to it very quickly. There are a few differences in driving regulations in the USA (being able to turn right on most red traffic lights, etc) but again nothing to worry about.

For other ideas have a look at Google Maps, and the Florida State Parks web site http://www.floridastateparks.org