Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

vivatifosi

hnisc wrote: »

Heading in May for two weeks.

Is it worth hiring a car just to go to Kennedy Space centre or purchase a tour which included transport?

Can anyone recommend Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise in Clearwater?

With regard to Kennedy, I have done both ways so will try to give you the pros and cons of both:

COACH:

Pros:
Easy and straightforward to arrange and pick up
The one we were on gave us about 5-6 hours at KSC (but please check)
If there's a small party of you, then this could be the cheapest option.

Cons:
Multiple pick ups and drop offs can mean significant time sitting on a coach without actually going there/coming back
The frustration of waiting for the people in the coach party who have no regard for timings.
Get there later in the day than you would (or specifically I would) like.
If you want to spend longer there or run out of time to see what you want, tough. By the same token, if you don't enjoy it, then you can't get in the car and come back.

CAR

Pros:
By far the most flexible option
If you get there early and want to take extra tours, or go to the Astronaut Hall of Fame which is just down the road (and was last time we were there free with entry), you can pop in the car and go.

Cons:
You'll not only have the cost of car hire, but also the cost of petrol (which is currently $1.80ish per gallon in Orlando - I was there last week), and the cost of car parking, and tolls, which we think will cost about $6 each way, but haven't been there for a while, this will be the right ball park.

Comment:
It's generally an easy drive (providing weather is ok, it is a nightmare in heavy rain). It takes about an hour from the Orlando hotels, give or take 10 mins depending on where you are staying. You don't need to hire a big car unless you have a large party and car hire can be cheap. Having done it both ways, I'd go for the car everytime unless it is prohibitively expensive to do so.

I would also look at the cost of taking a tour, on top of the ticket entry price. If you are really into space, these can be worthwhile. Don't miss: The shuttle centre, the Saturn V (Apollo) centre, seeing the launchpads. I also quite enjoy walking in the rocket garden and seeing the Imax films, as well as attending the astronaut talks. There's a shuttle simulation ride too. If you are on a budget, skip the lunch with an astronaut (about $30 per person) and go to the astronaut talks instead. If there's a launch on, it is worth paying extra (imo) to go see, though you can also watch free of charge from car parks along the coast.

Meals at KSC are reasonably priced and there is a huge space related gift shop with something for everyone.

hnisc

vivatifosi wrote: »

With regard to Kennedy, I have done both ways so will try to give you the pros and cons of both:

COACH:

Pros:
Easy and straightforward to arrange and pick up
The one we were on gave us about 5-6 hours at KSC (but please check)
If there's a small party of you, then this could be the cheapest option.

Cons:
Multiple pick ups and drop offs can mean significant time sitting on a coach without actually going there/coming back
The frustration of waiting for the people in the coach party who have no regard for timings.
Get there later in the day than you would (or specifically I would) like.
If you want to spend longer there or run out of time to see what you want, tough. By the same token, if you don't enjoy it, then you can't get in the car and come back.

CAR

Pros:
By far the most flexible option
If you get there early and want to take extra tours, or go to the Astronaut Hall of Fame which is just down the road (and was last time we were there free with entry), you can pop in the car and go.

Cons:
You'll not only have the cost of car hire, but also the cost of petrol (which is currently $1.80ish per gallon in Orlando - I was there last week), and the cost of car parking, and tolls, which we think will cost about $6 each way, but haven't been there for a while, this will be the right ball park.

Comment:
It's generally an easy drive (providing weather is ok, it is a nightmare in heavy rain). It takes about an hour from the Orlando hotels, give or take 10 mins depending on where you are staying. You don't need to hire a big car unless you have a large party and car hire can be cheap. Having done it both ways, I'd go for the car everytime unless it is prohibitively expensive to do so.

I would also look at the cost of taking a tour, on top of the ticket entry price. If you are really into space, these can be worthwhile. Don't miss: The shuttle centre, the Saturn V (Apollo) centre, seeing the launchpads. I also quite enjoy walking in the rocket garden and seeing the Imax films, as well as attending the astronaut talks. There's a shuttle simulation ride too. If you are on a budget, skip the lunch with an astronaut (about $30 per person) and go to the astronaut talks instead. If there's a launch on, it is worth paying extra (imo) to go see, though you can also watch free of charge from car parks along the coast.

Meals at KSC are reasonably priced and there is a huge space related gift shop with something for everyone.

Thanks for that insightful reply. Much appreciated.

We are taking our 4 year old son for 14 days and are having trouble deciding what would be best for him in terms of attractions.

The 14 day Disney pass is a no-brainer but we cannot decide what else we should visit. We have been told that Universal Studios would probably not be suitable for his age and it significantly adds to the cost of tickets so we have ruled that out.

Therefore, we have a choice between the Seaworld 3 park ticket ie. Seaworld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica with Legoland (waterpark not included) OR Kennedy Space Centre, Legoland (with waterpark) and perhaps Gatorland if time permits. Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise in Clearwater would be nice but it seems like too much hassle i.e. hiring a car etc. to visit.

Would you or anyone else have any advice for which to choose to entertain a 4 year old? I've heard that Aquatica and the Legoland waterparks are the two best for pre-schoolers, is this true?

Harleyquinn

hnisc wrote: »

Heading in May for two weeks.

Is it worth hiring a car just to go to Kennedy Space centre or purchase a tour which included transport?

Can anyone recommend Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise in Clearwater?

Oooh what dates are you going? I'm going in May too!

I recommend hiring a car. I know it costs more, but you have so much more freedom with one as you're not relying on transport. also, if there's a launch on you can drive up and go if you're interested in that instead of missing it because you've booked for a certain day. I think Kennedy would be good for little kids as there's places for them to play (right next to the seating area at one of the eating places) and there's plenty to see and do. If there's a launch on it's so exciting! Definitely my favourite part of my holiday last year.

I didn't do Universal but from what I've heard kids enjoy it, but it's better for bigger children.

hnisc

Harleyquinn wrote: »

Oooh what dates are you going? I'm going in May too!

I recommend hiring a car. I know it costs more, but you have so much more freedom with one as you're not relying on transport. also, if there's a launch on you can drive up and go if you're interested in that instead of missing it because you've booked for a certain day. I think Kennedy would be good for little kids as there's places for them to play (right next to the seating area at one of the eating places) and there's plenty to see and do. If there's a launch on it's so exciting! Definitely my favourite part of my holiday last year.

I didn't do Universal but from what I've heard kids enjoy it, but it's better for bigger children.

24th. My hotel offers free transport to both Disney, Universal and Seaworld (Seaworld offers a free bus service to Busch Gardens) so the only real need for the car would be the Kennedy Space Centre and/or Clearwater.

I've had a few 'experiences' hiring a car in the UK so it has put me off doing likewise in the States if I can avoid it. Sat Navs, Booster Seat, Tolls, Insurance, Pick-Up etc.

grapesicle

Renting a car in the US, even Orlando, is usually fairly priced and absolutely worth it - decent public transport in the area is virtually nonexistent. It's essential if you want to go to a mall or eat somewhere other than your resort. You can usually get an Uber around downtown or almost anywhere for a one-off trip (except airport pickup), but generally it's a lot cheaper to just rent a car. Driving there is very easy to get used to and arguably easier than driving in the UK, as the road systems are so straightforward, the roads are large and there are no roundabouts. The I-4 can get crazy at rush hour but otherwise it's a breeze.

If you're under 25, I'd absolutely recommend hiring a car from Sixt (pickup points near both Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista/Downtown Disney areas) - they have a cap on the Young Driver Surcharge so if you're staying 2 weeks or more the overall price is much more reasonable compared to other companies. And take your own GPS/satnav, many British systems can simply be upgraded with North America maps just from an SD card from Amazon/Ebay.

I travel to Orlando regularly to visit my partner and my family so I don't visit the parks that often, but happy to answer any questions about travelling in the area or other things to do.

chairmanofthebored

Hi there

Going to Orlando for 2 weeks in May and looking to buy some park tickets for the duration.

I was just wondering if anyone here had managed to capitalise on the Expedia Disneyworld Ultimate ticket with 12.6% cashback from TopCashBack? Assuming it works I could theoretically get 2 adult and 2 child tickets for £1050 making a saving of about £85 on the next cheapest site (orlandoattractiontickets.co.uk).

The trouble is, expedia is quite a bit more expensive than the cheaper sites without the cashback and given the somewhat temperamental nature of the tracking I wanted to be at least fairly certain it'll actually work before throwing any money at it.

I'd be appreciative of any experiences anyone can relay.

Thanks

lilxlea_82

is there a usual time when the disney offers come out? the ones that say its the best offer to date like free dining ect?...

zolablue25

hnisc wrote: »

24th. My hotel offers free transport to both Disney, Universal and Seaworld (Seaworld offers a free bus service to Busch Gardens) so the only real need for the car would be the Kennedy Space Centre and/or Clearwater.

I've had a few 'experiences' hiring a car in the UK so it has put me off doing likewise in the States if I can avoid it. Sat Navs, Booster Seat, Tolls, Insurance, Pick-Up etc.

In my experience I wouldn't bother with Universal with a 4 year old. I would definitely choose Seaworld and Busch Gardens personally, and Aquatica is a great water park (plus you'll have the Disney water parks).

I have never been to Legoland so can't comment on that one.

Edit: As for car hire, its very easy in the US and I woudln't be without one. Take your own booster seat, Virgin and BA will put them in the hold for no charge. Use your mobile phone with Navfree on for sat nav. Tolls aren't a big issue. Pick up is very easy just don't let them talk you in to their "Special offer" upgrades. Driving in Orlando is an absolute pleasure, I really enjoy the whole experience.

bluenose1

lilxlea_82 wrote: »

is there a usual time when the disney offers come out? the ones that say its the best offer to date like free dining ect?...

Normally last week or so of April.
Worth looking on the DIBB as there is a forum purely devoted to Disney.

Primrose82

Have a look at allears as well - sorry can't put a link - has all things Disney and we use it to work out park hours etc to plan