any suggestions or pointers for when this British family visit Orlando on our next holiday?

Answer 1

1. If you are going to visit the parks, remember to budget for parking - its $10 at each park per day (except for Typhoon Lagoon). They say you can re-use the parking ticket if you move on to another park in the same day. This is really unlikely.

2. Seriously consider buying a multi park ticket before you go. It is cheaper than buying when you're there. Don't even think about paying for each park on a visit basis.
Ques can be very long in peak season (just been in september and it was lovely and quiet with short queues) so consider buying 'fast passes' at Universal.

3. You can go without a car if you're on International Drive - but you will miss so much!!

4. Eat breakfast at somewhere like Sizzlers before you go to the parks. generally eat as much as you like (however Sizzlers costs more than it used to). If you end up eating/snacking in the parks this is not cheap.

5. If you go to Typhoon Lagoon (and probably Blizzard Beach), buy ONE of the drink all day cups. It costs about $10 but you can top up with Coca cola, lemonade etc as often as you want throughout the day.

6. If you do Kennedy Space Centre, take some towels and beachware. Drive down to Coco Beach when you've finished (park behind Ron Jons Surf shop) and have a lovely evening swim.

7. If you can afford it (and it is not cheap) have a day at Discovery Cove (next to Sea World). Thought the Dolphin swim was overrated though, but it is a once in a lifetime experience.

8. Get a Nationwide credit card and pay for as much as you can on it. The exchange rate is excellent and there are no charges - it brings the cost down.

9. Didn't rate the Black Angus for eating - thought the Red Lobster was remarkable value and excellent food.

Answer 2

Depending on the age of your children but one thing is for sure you will find something to suit everyone in Orlando.

If you are staying on International Drive then I recommend you buy the 14 day family pass for the I-Ride.

If you are staying in a villa in the area definately rent a car.

The public transport is very good, the I-ride meets up with the lynx transport so you can get to Disney land this way. The lynx buses are only $1 which is good value.

There are some great places to shop like the Belts centre this is at the end of International drive and you will get all the shops like Nike,Adidas, Reebok,Gap, Levi's and many many more. Also try walmart they have some great stuff especially kids clothes. All along international drive there are shops and outlet shops. All the designers like Tommy Hilfiger have outlet shops.

Eating out remember the portions are bigger than at home and if you order a sandwich you get chips with it.

Remember to tip this is very important check you receipt or the menu some places have gratituty inclued but otherwise you tip between 10 & 15% so for a bill of $20 you tip $3 this also applies to taxi drivers

Theme parks for big a small children I would recommend Universal Studio, Seaworld and MGM. For older children and adults I would recommend Island of Adventure (beside universal) For small children Disneyland & Animal Kingdom, it is more geared towards younger children.

Wet & Wild is good for a day out as well. You can go on a day trip to Busch Gardens it is about 1hr drive and it has loads of rollercoasters and some wildlife

If you are not sure what parks you are going to go to wait and buy your tickets over there but only buy from your reception desk or your holiday rep, do not buy from anyone that looks dodgy. Also it is a good idea to have in mind what ones you want to see cause thye will try to get you to buy tickets for every park just to get your money and you wont have enough time to do all of them.

Bring some comfortable wallking shoes cause you will be walking a lot around the parks. The parks have dress code really you have to use your head here they are all family orinentated. Smoking is not allowed in the shops & restaurants and in the parks only in designated areas

At night time head to Universal city walk one of the nights there are restaurants & pubs it is the area you walk through to get to universal studios & Island of adventure but it is light up at night time yu have restaurants like the Hard Rock & Nas Car there are street performers etc really nice night out. There is a cinema here so you can bring the kids to see a film that isn't released in the UK yet.

Most hotels have a complimentary bus from the hotel reception anf they also have a bus for the day time.

Orlando is a great place for a holiday especially for children they get to meet all the characters and it is really a lovely place very clean etc.

Hope this helps you a bit and enjoy your holiday

Answer 3

You must visit Disney World. It is truly the most fantastic experience. I have been there 3 times with 2 more visits in the works next year. My 3 year old son loved it. I loved it as a teenager and I love it as a mother. There is truly something for everyone there.

The Magic Kingdom is truly the family place. All the characters and rides make it fabulous. And don't forget the parades and shops.

MGM Studios is more adult and older kid oriented, but there are kids stuff there. Especially Fantasmic, that is my favorite show.

Epcot is probably my favorite. I love World Showcase. You are transported to other countries! And exploring the neat exhibits Future World.

Animal Kindom is fun. I loved seeing all the animals and taking the trails. Don't miss this.

The water parks are great as id Fort Wilderness. Exploring the other resorts on property is great too.

I would love to give you more details, so write me if you like!

Thanks!

Answer 4

Hi,

I have been 10 times and love it. Depends what time of year you are going. Halloween is best at Universal Studios, they close the park for 1 1/2 hours to get everything ready and then re-open it, seperate ticket is req'd and you can do all the rides in the dark.

Xmas is best at Disney. No matter when you go try and do the parades and shows early on in your visit and then if they get cancelled for any reason you can always plan them for another day.

I composed a document for a friend of mine pointing out all the best bits, I have also given it to a couple of people on this site, if you want a copy (free) mail me your email address and I will send it over. Too many good places and rides to mention here.

Have fun.

Answer 5

Well, there is a lot to see and do in our town. Depending on how many people are in your group, and the ages of everyone, there are many options.

Some of the obvious highlights: Walt Disney World --- many fun theme parks (Magic Kingdom for the little ones is a must, Animal Kingdom is fun for all ages), water parks (Typhoon Lagoon is super fun), shopping, etc.

Universal Studios is really fun too. Most of the rides are geared to slightly older children and adults, but they have some things geared towards the little ones, too.

Wherever you stay, allow at least one day for relaxing by the pool at your hotel and just resting. It is tiring to visit all the parks.

Wear comfortable shoes and wear sunscreen/sunblock. If you are even remotely fair skinned... you will burn, even on a cloudy day.

Drink a lot of water and avoid sodas and other sugary drinks. Eat regularly. (A quick trip to the grocery store can provide snacks to bring into the parks, and give a fun little side trip to see all the weird American food :)

If you are looking for something away from the theme parks, you could take a short cruise to the bahamas out of cape canaveral. Depending on the time of year, they aren't too expensive.

You could also visit Kennedy Space Center, the beach (Cocoa on the East coast, Clearwater or Sarasota on the West), the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, The Morse Museum in Winter Park, Blue Springs in Orange City ( in winter months you can seed manatees in the wild)...

Lots of fun things to do.... enjoy your trip :)

Answer 6

when i went i was told you may at a red traffic turn right, beware sometimes there is a sign saying NO RIGHT TURN ON RED, nearly got caught out, but the Kennedy space centre is well worth a visit, have some change handy, because there are some road tolls, only $1.00 or so, but also the water parks are excellent, not to forget Seaworld, then at the shamu stadium,the is a wet area about 12 rows from the front where if your sitting there, you will get wet, very wet,its all marked out,.have fun

Answer 7

If your not driving The I-Ride is great , at EPCOT Soarin
is a must , all of Universal is great , as is Sea World try
and have dinner with Shamu , Disney is great also but
vast go early, try to get fast pass tickets , blizard beach is
fab, what a wave machine.. we had good meals at Race
rocks at stop 28 , the out back steak house at stop 47 ,
the rain forest cafe was good but very busy.. I'm sure
you will have fantastic time...

Answer 8

One good hint is to take the time share sales presentation for 1 hour and earn the whole family a one day pass to attractions. Good value for your time, but DON'T BUY ANY.

Universal Studios and Epcot a must all others optional.

They have nice large breakfast buffets for very reasonable price, next food you need is dinner.

Answer 9

me and my daughter are going on 30th november for 2 weeks this year we are staying at the pop century resort we have been in august and september and october but this year wanted to go around christmas time but wanted to avoid the crowds that christmas brings we are going to the mickeys very merry christmas party we have our tickets for that and cant wait . discovery cove is nice during the summer months cos the water is very cold and wouldnt want to do it when its not to hot we find the food is very nice whereever we go just go and have a good time which is what disney is all about

Answer 10

orlando is so spread out and public transport is very slow so definetly rent a car if you go. also its full of english people so you should have lots of company when you go.