Orlando Florida/Disneyworld (Part 2) *CLOSED*

ailuro2

Fiver29 wrote: »

Just wondered if anyone knew the answer to the question I asked a couple of pages back, that got lost in the silly argument?

I agree - what a pain in the neck to have a thread about what can be a 'once in a lifetime' holiday for some folks taken over by petty squabbling. Grow up, children!!

Will a US sim work in an unlocked phone, and if so where would I get one and approx how much do they cost?

I don't know where you'll get one, but I do know you would need a triband phone for it to work over there, and even then it has to be the 'right' one.

We are probably going to pick up a cheap phone from Walmart when we go - they are very cheap, and it doesn't have to sing or dance, it will only be for emergencies or booking any last minute excusrsions.

editted to add - didn't notice the second half of the above post.

ailuro2

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10160954

for $20 I wouldn't be breaking the bank for the above - available in store, there will be a Walmart round the corner from us in Clermont, there seem to be plenty of phones as cheap as chips, so I'm not too worried.

jackieblack

DickyP wrote: »

So tesco have standard hols you chose from??

Sorry it's not directly related to Florida but I'm looking at options for the third visit in 12 months.

You don't book with Tesco - Tesco clubcard deals can be used for several holiday companies including Cosmos and Virgin Holidays.
Have a look here http://www.tesco.com/clubcard/deals/browse.aspx?N=4294967232&bid=HHolidays

disney_cjd

Hi again

I have seen a few threads on mobiles use in the USA so I thought I would give you my views and experience on this. There is a long thread over on the Dibb on this but as you cant post links to here on there I wont do the same here.

But there are a few ways to do it. I will try and explain the ways and then give the way I use a phone!

1) You can buy a SIM from eBay for T Mobile USA for a small amount that comes preloaded with some mins. You buy this before your trip and then pop it into you TRI band phone. This works OK

2) you can of course use your own mobile and "roam" but its very very expensive. Mobile users int eh USA pay to receive as well as make calls so everytime you answer its costing you money!

3) You can buy a pay as you go phone (as mentioned) from Wal Mart or Target or even directly from the web. There are two main contenders and these are Tracfone and Net10. I am a Tracfone huy and have been for a few years. I have a couple of phones that cost me $10 from Wal Mart and came with 60 mins free. I can then buy 60 units (sorry they call them units not mins) for $20 and I can always get a code that doubles that to 120. A unit lasts for a min and that includes calling the UK as well.

So I use a tracfone, cheap, easy to use and manage and you can call home.

HTH
Craig

disney_cjd

lrr wrote: »

also if your staying at a disney hotel get all your disney purchases sent to your home address via the store at your hotel (remember you will have to pay customs and tax when it arrives). its not too expensive. i do that and get loads sent home and dont need to worry either about the size of things.

Just as a little side we bought the kids bikes from Wal Mart and just took them in their boxes and popped them on the plane in the hold. No extra charge at all and saved us a fortune. My DD 7 bike cost 50 bucks and was on sale in Halfords for 100 quid!

We did not need to pay anything to customs as we were well under our limit.

disney_cjd

aitch-aitch wrote: »

Going to Orlando at end of August this year and just wondered how much spends to take.

Have applied for a Fairfx card so will load most of my money onto this.

There are 5 of us (2 adults + 3 kids). We have paid for all "entertainment" so just need to know how much money to take for food and sundries (ice creams etc). Children are 12, 10 + 6. We are stating in a villa so will have to pay for all food. Will probably eat breakfast in the villa most days and take packup where we can do to the parks. Going for 13 days (inc one at Discovery Cove).

Also are the cash machines at the airport (MCO) easy to spot - was thinking of just drawing out money as soon as we got there or is this a bit "last minute" to get $ for tolls etc?

Firstly, it does not matter what age you are you can always eat off the kids menu if you want so dont be phased if your 12 year old does not want a full meal or the menu says 10 and under.

As for costs I thinking eating in the villa for brekkie is a great idea. We try and american our brekkies a few days awekk with pancakes and syrup!!!

Lunch well you can grab a subway foot long for 5 bucks that would feed 2 and for dinner I would plan as $15 per adult and $7 per child. There are swings and roundabouts and some places like the Lonestar etc do kids eat free nights.

HTH
Craig

disney_cjd

lex wrote: »

Hi,

Thinking of going back to Orlando at the end of August and fancied doing a dinner show...is the pirate one best? Would children age 2 and 6 be scared of the pirates or are there other shows more appropriate that people recommend?

Many thanks

lex

Its not scary but is my fav. The Arbian one is also very good. C

disney_cjd

giovanni wrote: »

Does anyone use the refillable mugs at different resorts, even though you aren't meant to? We are in a recession after all...

I have seen Karen's post and of course Disney will never stop you from using a mug BUT they are actually resort specific and should not actually be moved around. And no you can not use one from a previous stay as they are valid for your stay.

But here is a tip If you go to a water park and buy a mug and say its tuesday, they will add a tuesday sticker to it. If you keep that and go again on another tuesday you get free drinks!! I have mugs with all the days on them so i never pay

C

disney_cjd

FATHEROFTWO wrote: »

I go to Florida in a weeks time and both my wife and I are suffering from a virus.

The doctor says he wont prescribe antibiotics as yet unless it gets worse and we were wondering if we get worse on holiday can I walk into a chemist and get antibiotics or do I have to see a doctor

You will have to see a doctor I am afriad. However I suffer from something that required require doses of drugs so I go to my doc and ask him for some before I go away so I do not have to pay for a USA doctor who charge like a wounded rhino.

Please make sure you have proper medical insurance and if you need a US Doctor try one of the walk in centres rather than a hospital as its quicker.

C

disney_cjd

MOLLYBRUSH wrote: »

Hi, sorry if this is a bit off topic but am buying a house in Celebration but I can't get out until 3 July because of commitments and am finding the cost of flights a tad on the expensive side. All around £500 plus .

Is it because of the 4 July? Will they go down if I leave it another week or is July always horribly expensive. Booked to go in August with AA and only costing £1040 for me and the two kids.

Thanks.

Firstly congrats on the house and the area, you will make many of us jealous.

Yes July is expensive and 4th july week very busy. If you are saying 500 for a direct flight then that is not bad at all. Why not try kayak.com and look at indirect flights?

The price will not really tail off until about August 15th onwards as thats believe it or not value season at Disney as the US schools go back.

Cheers
C