Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

Finishrich

Wardy wrote: »

Hi all,

Just wanted a bit of advice on the outlet shopping in Orlando.

Are the I Drive and Vineland both the same? Also, we are taking 3 kids - 17, 14 & 8 so is it better to go late afternoon or first thing? We've factored some rest days into the holiday so were thinking of going later on when we've all had a lie in and caught up on sleep

There is some differences for example the last time I was there "Northface" was only at the I Drive location.


If you go online http://www.premiumoutlets.com/
you can check the store listings for each outlet location and compare.


Also make sure you sign up for the VIP Club. Login before you go and print off the extra discount vouchers - The shop assistant in Timberland said not a lot of people do this but it gives you even greater savings - at the time I think the voucher we had was for 20% extra off over and above the already discounted prices. The last time my OH came out of the Timberland shop and said he felt like he'd ripped them off!!

vivatifosi

Have answered inside post below - my comments in blue.

Ettenna wrote: »

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. My favourite time of year! Excellent choice. Try to avoid any theme parks around Thanksgiving though, they will be mobbed a few days before and up to and including the weekend after.

What is the weather like then?

Generally nice and not too rainy. Generally warm enough for swimming still, especially in heated pools. Generally about 24-30 is the daytime high. You get the occasional colder day though. It can rain but you are unlucky if it rains all day.

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

I agree with comments re Kennedy Space Centre. However another must see for me at that time of year is the Food and Wine festival. Included in the admission ticket you get free concerts, so it is worth checking out whether any of the acts take your fancy and choose a day accordingly. You also get to try different food and wine, which is a bit of a bonus...

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.

Don't know it, sorry.

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

It's easy because it is automatic. There are only a few things you need to know that are different:
* You can turn right on a red signal providing it does not say otherwise and it is clear to do so (watch for pedestrians though).
* Never park in front of a fire hydrant.
* Never overtake a stopped school bus.
* If you're driving in the rain you have to put your headlights on.
* Keep your driving licence and insurance with you at all times.
* If you see a stopped police car with flashing lights you must follow the Move Over law, see:
http://www.flhsmv.gov/SafetyTips/MoveOverTips.htm
The Florida Trip Tips guide at the same website has further advice on driving.

ETA: look up the rules for a 3 and 4 way STOP as you will definitely need to know that. Also YIELD is on freeway signs instead of Give Way, but there is no broken line to delineate the end of the slip road.

I'm sure I will think of other questions.

Thank you.

John259

Ettenna wrote: »

I am looking at an aparthotel on Commodity Circle

FWIW have you had a look round the area with StreetView?
https://www.google.co.uk/maps?q=Commodity+Circle,+Orlando,+FL,+United+States&hl=en&ll=28.445374,-81.429613&spn=0.006839,0.013078&sll=28.515763,-81.305695&sspn=0.437424,0.837021&oq=Commodity+Circle&hnear=Commodity+Cir,+Orlando,+Florida+32819,+United+States&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=28.445194,-81.429594&panoid=n8qTmrVWKZS8i7reJKo2GA&cbp=12,262.56,,0,-2.21

vivatifosi

John259 wrote: »

FWIW have you had a look round the area with StreetView?
https://www.google.co.uk/maps?q=Commodity+Circle,+Orlando,+FL,+United+States&hl=en&ll=28.445374,-81.429613&spn=0.006839,0.013078&sll=28.515763,-81.305695&sspn=0.437424,0.837021&oq=Commodity+Circle&hnear=Commodity+Cir,+Orlando,+Florida+32819,+United+States&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=28.445194,-81.429594&panoid=n8qTmrVWKZS8i7reJKo2GA&cbp=12,262.56,,0,-2.21

Now John has posted that I know where it is. It's not really a touristy area in the sense of I Drive, Kissimmee or Lake Buena Vista. It's near the really huge Wal-Mart on the corner of John Young Parkway and Sandlake. There's not a lot to do round there and you would definitely need a car.

maemaesmummy

I have rather neglected this thread of late been busy with our upcoming trip....we are just waiting for our appointment for the embassy, but hoping to start our new life in Orlando next month! woop!!

vivatifosi

You do know you're going to be appointed resident expert, don't you maemaesmummy? Bet you can't wait. Hope it all goes smoothly.

maemaesmummy

vivatifosi wrote: »

You do know you're going to be appointed resident expert, don't you maemaesmummy? Bet you can't wait. Hope it all goes smoothly.

Thank you, we are all more than ready for off now..it's been a long expensive road but hopefully worth it.

I will make it my mission to visit a theme park at least once a week and report back.....just for you guys and not because I want to lol

lardarz

There are some differences and the North one is a bit better - from what I can remember from a couple of days ago - the premium outlets on i-drive (North trolley stop 1) has a Burton snowboards shop, bigger Nike, Adidas, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, and a North Face. The Vinito restaurant was a really good place to stop for a pizza too.

South (stop 42) has a bigger Forever 21 and a Volcomm skate store

Both are good - like a UK outlets mall only about 5x as big and with stuff you can't get over here. I spent far too much on my Post Office Mastercard with no international loading fee ("always pay off IN FULL").

Toto

We are waiting for our appointment with the embassy too Maes, I agree long and very expensive process. We were approved for an EB1 on 31st January and have only just filed our DS260 so probably a bit longer than a month for us before we get the green light to move. We aren't planning on living in Florida though, Nashville for us with lots of trips to Florida through the year


I hope your move goes well and your new life is everything you hope it will be.

FH_Brit

Sorry money savers for not being around for about 5 years!!! for reasons that I will not go into here.

I am a Hertfordshire native but now live in the Orlando are (been here 14+ years now). If I can help please post or PM me. I will be monitoring on most weekdays again now.