Orlando Tips & Tricks

**curlywurly**

1. Wear comfortable shoes.
2. Factor in some down time.
3. Join the Dibb and read every post.
4, Buy this book and read it cover to cover: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brit-Guide-Orlando-2011-Guides/dp/0572036272/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304979197&sr=8-1

harz99

Don't be tempted to do the "Breakfast in the Three Broomsticks", we had a totally underwhelming experience there in February - naff soundtrack playing for "atmosphere", poor quality lukewarm food, and disinterested staff.

HP is excellent for those who are fans, get there as early as possible for the main ride and castle. Evanders wand shop is interesting, more so for the younger guests, and shorter queues in the afternoon.

As this is your first visit I recommend going on Amazon and buying a copy of Universal Orlando, the Ultimate Guide 2011, which has a wealth of info and tips for your trip.

JustIndy

Sizzlers is great for evening meals and breakfasts and Dennys Diner is nice for Classic american food!

no.1swimmum

We have been to Orlando quite a few times and one of the things that I would not go with out are my car flags - you know the kind that are around for big football events - I use them when we park in the massive theme park car parks - it makes finding the hire car much easier and when the kids were younger they loved to play find the car!!!

If you have time and want a relaxing afternoon, take afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian - it was the best cup of American tea ever - we had one of the set teas around $20 each and we could not eat another thing rather glad we did not have lunch that day. And whilst on the subject - if you love a cup of tea, take your own teabags with you the American ones are awful.

one last recommendation we tried Bubba Gumps restaurant at Universal boardwalk last year for the first time and will certainly pay a return visit - food was excellent and we had a really fun evening

NESSIEHUNTER

Thanks a lot for the useful tips, still gathering info everywhere we can, what`s the best place for the 4th of July Fireworks?. :beer:

jackieblack

NESSIEHUNTER wrote: »

Thanks a lot for the useful tips, still gathering info everywhere we can, what`s the best place for the 4th of July Fireworks?. :beer:

There will be fireworks going off everywhere, which fireworks specifically are you wanting?

NESSIEHUNTER

jackieblack wrote: »

There will be fireworks going off everywhere, which fireworks specifically are you wanting?

Not sure, I have been told to book the Grand Floridian for Dinner, and then when the fireworks at Disney World starts you can wander out onto the decking at the hotel to see them from across the lake, I just wanted to know if this is the best option for the 4th of july.

jackieblack

NESSIEHUNTER wrote: »

Not sure, I have been told to book the Grand Floridian for Dinner, and then when the fireworks at Disney World starts you can wander out onto the decking at the hotel to see them from across the lake, I just wanted to know if this is the best option for the 4th of july.

You're talking about fireworks at the Magic Kingdom then, they have a nightly fireworks display so you could see these any night.

For 4th July celebrations at the theme parks look here

or you could do as the locals do...


2011 City of Kissimmee July 4th Celebration,Fourth of July, 2011
Kissimmee Lakefront Park, 101 Lakeshore Boulevard,Kissimmee, Florida
One of the most popular annual events in Osceola County, the July 4th Celebration attracts more than 45,000 people and features live entertainment, karaoke, arts and crafts, bingo, a food festival, water-ski show and a spectacular fireworks display. Admission is free

or

2011 Sanford Fourth of July Celebration, Fourth of July, 2011
Fort Mellon Park, Historic Downtown Sanford & Lake Monroe, Sanford, Florida
A July 4th family-oriented extravaganza full of live entertainment, games, family activities and concessions, the Festival on the Fourth culminates with one of the largest fireworks shows in Central Florida. The festivities take place along the city’s brand-new RiverWalk overlooking Lake Monroe in historic downtown Sanford. Admission is free.

or

Monday, July 4, 2011 ● 4 - 10 p.m.
Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando, 195 N Rosalind Avenue,Orlando, FL 32801
The City of Orlando will host “Fireworks at the Fountain” on Monday, July 4th. “Fireworks at the Fountain” is a patriotic celebration of fun, food and fanfare at Lake Eola Park! Enjoy live entertainment and an area just for kids. Festivities begin at 4 p.m., so get there early for a great viewing spot of the fountain and the fireworks! The finale of fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m

And there will be many, many more events going on like these

teajug

We found that it was better to go to the parks later as there were less crowd and a little cooler as well also very little queuing for rides could get off and go straight back on it again granddaughters loved that as they liked lots of rides. Also parking cost $14 a day, make a note car park name and the row you be parked in. We got fast pass with out tickets and they were free and good for popular rides.

catye

NESSIEHUNTER wrote: »

Thanks a lot for the useful tips, still gathering info everywhere we can, what`s the best place for the 4th of July Fireworks?. :beer:

Hi

Epcot has an amazing fireworks display! I've seen a few in Orlando & that was definitely the best! I was there around that date last year, it might have actually been on the 4th July that we went there. Wherever you go it will be good!

I have 1 little tip if you do decide to go to Epcot if you have even the slightest hint of motion sickness do not go on Mission Space!! That was the worst experience ever & made me ill for the rest of the day! I thought it would be fine because all the rides say don't go on if you are travel sick etc. but I have always been fine before - could not have been more wrong this time:( lol!

Anyway, hope you have an amazing trip:)