This is my first ever vacation, flying to Orlando with my 16 year old son. What should I NOT forget to bring. What do I need to know about airflight. Any recommendations on Orlando stuff to do, not too expensive. Any tips appreciated.
2006-10-21 11:16:01 · 11 answers · asked by klholton 2 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Orlando
If you will be driving while on vacation, ORLANDO HAS HORRIBLE DRIVERS... I have lived here in Orlando for about 4 years & DAILY, there are numerous accents everywhere. Try not top drive on 50 & 436 (those two streets are horrible to drive on anytime of day or night!). If you have to get gas for the car, then do not buy it near any theme parks or next to highway exits (but thats just common sense isn't it?)
Don't forget to bring lots of money! It will get expensive very quickly if you are not a disaplined speneder. Stay in a hotel in Kissimmee & never one on Disney property (or Universal property, because they are extra expensive). Public transportation is horrible here too! Watch out for timeshare people! They have booths at McDonalds & other resturants too. Maybe visit a fleamarket or three, go to Gatorland to see some real aligators, most places close after 6pm (except for the few 24hour buffetts).
2006-10-21 23:05:10 · answer #1 · answered by Xtal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great news on your vacation. As far as what to pack, the thing to remember is not to over-pack. You are going to probably come back with more things so bring an extra suitcase. If either of you have any medical conditions, make sure to bring your medications or at least the RX script. Also if you are allowing your 16 year old to pack...check his suitcase now :-). You may find 2 pairs of pants, 4 shirts, tennis shoes and a million video games. Safe to say just pack enough clothes for both daytime and evening activities. Pack swimming gear if you are planning to get into the pools and comfortable shoes. I alway recommend leaving the camera at home and just picking up one of the disposable ones and get your pictures developed here. Both Disney and Universal have a boat load of cameras that people have left behind. Leave the purse at home and bring the waist pack. Lot easier to handle and you are less likely to put it down and forget it. I asked my 16 year old son about activities and he suggest that you get the maps to the theme parks before going and map out all of the rollercoaster rides, 3-D simulator rides, and water rides. This usually shortens the stay at the park with my teens because that is all they want to do. Disney Quest is another place for teens. It is in Downtown Disney and yep there are video games..lots of them. You may also want to visit Olde Town in the evenings. Many of the local teens hang out here also and it is shops and wild rides. Busch Gardens is about one hour drive from the Kissimmee area and teens love it there.
Most important, have a good time with your son. They really do grow up so fast..
2006-10-22 09:32:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
if you want to save some money, one thing that my son and I do is to share meals. (he is 25 years old) For example, in Disney World, we will order one of the footlong hot dogs or larger burgers, then split it. That way, we save money (it is cheaper than buying 2 smaller meals), we aren't too "stuffed" to enjoy the rest of the day, and we save calories, too.!
As for the airflight, is this your first flight? If so, don't be nervous. Other than the take-off and landing (which last less than 60 seconds each) it is like riding on a bus. Take all your valuables in your carry-on. One good idea is when packing, place some of your clothes in your son's suitcase, and some of his in yours. Most likely, if luggage is lost, it will only be ONE suitcase, and this way whichever is lost, you both have some clothes.
No matter which parks or attractions you go to, take your time. You will never be able to see & do everything in one day. Enjoy what you do get to see. And if you see a ride or attraction that looks "lame" or "silly", try it anyway, you might be pleasantly surprised!
Have a great time.
2006-10-22 00:15:22 · answer #3 · answered by tweetymay 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bring comfortable shoes--and socks. If you come to the area between now and January, bring a light jacket. Next week, we're expecting temperatures to go down to the 40's and 50's (F) at night. Yet, don't expect to wear long sleeves all day--temps can get into the 80's during the day at the same time. Bring a camera. Buy a map of the area if you are renting a car--stop at any of the many Barnes and Noble stores for books on local activities. There are plenty of non-theme park activities around town.
Congratulations on your first-ever vacation! I hope you have fun!
2006-10-21 14:31:22 · answer #4 · answered by pattypuff76 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends on what time of year you are traveling, but be sure to check www.weather.com one week prior to your trip so you know what to pack. Florida is typically warm all year, with some exceptions in the winter months. Take travelers checks, which is the safest way to carry your money, rather than cash. Purchase park tickets at AAA or your local Disney Store for discounts, and get a hotel room with a kitchenette so that you can cook some of your meals instead of always eating out. If you stay at a Disney World Resort, you won't need a rental car, as Disney provides free transporation to anywhere on Disney property.
If you would like any help researching or planning your trip, or if you would like to read up on some fun tips and ideas, visit my Disney Vacation Services Website, I'm All Ears at:
http://im-all-ears-disney-vacation-services.blogspot.com/
Have fun!
2006-10-22 07:48:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not sure about which airline you're flying, but just a word of caution. I've flown once before, and knew what to expect for my recent trip in September. We flew Delta this time, but I wasn't prepared for such an itty bitty plane! The plane hit air pockets like they were potholes in Louisiana, and I thought for sure when we'd drop out of the sky, we wouldn't be going back up. We felt EVERYTHING! I just knew I was going to die! SCARY!
Second - try on the shoes you're planning to wear way in advance! I planned on Tennis shoes, but brought flip flops just incase. I always wear Tennis shoes everywhere I go, and have worn them at Disney before w/no problem. This time, after the 1st day around Epcot non-stop, I had huge blisters all over both feet. It was horrible. My cousin wore Crocs and had the same problem. I switched to flip flops, which I'd never think of wearing for that length of time, and it was lots better! Bring some sort of backup just incase.
If you're into cooking and find that you love something that was served while at Disney, ask them for the recipe before leaving, and they'll bring it out to you on a recipe card, free of charge.
If you're staying at one of the Disney Resorts, get the bus to bring you to one of the other resorts and check things out. Each one has special activites that the others don't, for pretty good prices. One has hayrides, one has bike rentals, trails, etc.
I did a search on free things to do while at Disney and ended up with a 10 page sheet I brought with me. Since your son is 16, some won't apply to you, but lots will.
Best of luck and enjoy a safe trip!
2006-10-24 22:58:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
hmm i think your a lil late for the rainy season, by like a month, but im not sure, i was only there for around 5 months -+. If you get the chance, go in the summer, the evening thunderstorms are almost magical. im from ca, and if we get 50 lightning strikes all winter here, it was like last time. orlando t-boomers usually make like 50+ strikes nightly, and they are the spiderweb kind.
watch the cabbies(any city), and take advantage of the area. if your lake swimming, listen to the croc reports lmao.
serious, i loved orlando! did my bootcamp there. Saints&Sinners rocked back then.
2006-10-21 11:28:14 · answer #7 · answered by l8ntpianist 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Geez, watch the Disney Channel then do everything the opposite they tell you. Buy all of your souvenirs outside the parks, Stay at a chain motel off property ( check out websites of motels ), and if it's your first vacation ignore what I've said and just have a good time! Take alot of pictures to reminisce later.
2006-10-21 17:31:00 · answer #8 · answered by RICK 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Buy one of the unofficial guides which tell you what to miss, what are the best times for each attraction etc.
2006-10-21 11:32:55 · answer #9 · answered by Philip W 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
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2006-10-21 11:25:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋