Orlando & Florida - Questions & Answers (Part 1) *CLOSED*

Jays

Would anyone do Disney in August or are we mad?

I've already asked this question and received a reply, just wondered if anyone else had opinions on this.

August is the only time we can get a family holiday together and it may be our last with both our teenager sons as they are growing up too quickly.

Would really like to take them back to Disney and Florida but wonder if we would regret it in August.

Thanks for any replies
Jays

Amys

August can be fine, but it can be hot, but it will be worth it if you love Disney.

troll35

We're going in August too. It's the only time we can go. My Rough guide to florida has arrived and I've started perusing it. Unfortunately I've found that August is about the worst time of year for visiting the everglades so we need a rethink on that part. We (DH and I) don't want to spend the whole of our fortnight visiting Mickey and other themeparks though I'm sure DS would spend every minute there. I could do with a few "Must see" recommendations for things/places not in Mouseland.

Edinburghlass_2

Jays wrote: »

Hi

Has anyone 'done' Disney in Florida in the first two weeks of August?

I've just discovered we can have a holiday but can only have these two weeks, have wanted to take my two teenager boys back (last went when they where still at primary school) but thought August might be -

too busy (I presume it is the summer holidays in America too and, therefore, lots of queues) or
too hot or the
hurricane season

Will it be too late to book flights and accommodation?

Does anyone have any experience to share please?

Many thanks
Jays

We've been in July and yes its hot but we're just back this w/end and its equally hot in June and the hurricane season lasts all summer American kids are off school now and I think they tend to go back in August but its equally busy with UK kids then.

Have a look through teletext and ring some of the 0800 numbers and see what they can offer you as we did that last year and got a good deal. If you can hold your nerve you can get cheap last minute flights and if I find the website I'll post it.

I booked accommodation this year through http://www.hotelopia.co.uk/home/homepage.jsp and if you are an rpoints user you can book through them or check http://www.airline-network.co.uk/ and I use https://www.disboards.com for handy information.

Strangled

We're also going in August, last 2 weeks, as we have done in the past, (don't believe in taking the kids out of school) Had a couple of showers but nothing like we have here lately.
And......the american kids are back at school so its a little quieter in the parks :-)

izzitme

troll35 wrote: »

We're going in August too. It's the only time we can go. My Rough guide to florida has arrived and I've started perusing it. Unfortunately I've found that August is about the worst time of year for visiting the everglades so we need a rethink on that part. We (DH and I) don't want to spend the whole of our fortnight visiting Mickey and other themeparks though I'm sure DS would spend every minute there. I could do with a few "Must see" recommendations for things/places not in Mouseland.

I don't know whether this would interest you. http://www.silversprings.com/
It is about 90 minutes drive North of Orlando. We visited & used a coupon for discount admission. It cost about £14 each, but we felt it was worth it for a day's break from the mouse.
HTH
Izzitme

P.S. The Wilderness Trail is a good laugh

Browntrout_2

Jays wrote: »

Would anyone do Disney in August or are we mad?

I've already asked this question and received a reply, just wondered if anyone else had opinions on this.

August is the only time we can get a family holiday together and it may be our last with both our teenager sons as they are growing up too quickly.

Would really like to take them back to Disney and Florida but wonder if we would regret it in August.

Thanks for any replies
Jays

We are going in August, staying at the Regal Palms resort and hiring an Chevy 4x4 from Alamo.

I have just rec'd my 'Brits Guide to Orlando and Walt Disney World' ordered from dvd.co.uk as recommended here earlier.:A

Decided we wanted to do Discovery Cove, however this is limited to 1,000 pre-booked visitors per day, and guess what it's fully booked until 24th August!

Apparently you if you want to do DC, you book that 1st then plan your hols!

Question - has anyone swum with Dolphins whilst staying around Orlando area apart from at Discovery Cove, I see we can do it in the keys or Miami, is this worth the trip, or should we just settle for looking at Seaworld?

Any and all opinions welcome

Amys

You can swim with the dolphins at a place called Dolphins Plus at Key Largo, it is a longer and more natural swim. They have a choice of either structured or unstructured, and it is much better for the swim than discovery cove, but it is only a dolphin swim, whereas DC has a lot more besides.

http://www.dolphinsplus.com/

If you go down there you can see the everglades as well as Miami, it is worth it if you can spare the two days it will take. (Too much to do in a single day)

syledis

Who do you tip in theme parks, is it just food area staff, or characters who you take pictures of with kids?

Thanks

Amys

The only tips in the actual theme parks are the waiting staff at table service resturants, (not at counter service places). You do not tip the characters.