I'm planning a trip to Orlando for 4 - 2 Adults & 2 - 17 yr olds, What should I plan on, what should I know?

Question

I would like to know where to stay, where to go, what to do...I would like to know all this before going there so I don't get burnt once I'm there. Just like when they say we'd get free tickets, all we had to do was go to a presentation for 1/2 hour which turned into 1/2 the day, we didn't know about that before hand so we fell for it. Any info on anything regarding a trip with my teenage son and his friend would be appreciated. Tahnks in advance for your help.

Answer 1

Well, I personally thought that Universal Studios was better than all the Disney parks combined. US is just better organized, more fun. Other than that, I don't know anything else about Orlando. Sorry.

Answer 2

I like to stay right on Disney property. Then I don't rent a car, I just use Disney transportation. This might be a good option with the kids. That way they can go back to the resort or off to Downtown Disney and you won't have to chauffeur them around.

If you want a different experience, try one of the backstage tours at Disney. I enjoyed the Segway Tour at Epcot. It was about $80 per person. There are many things there that you can do. Some cost extra, others don't. I would suggest you get a good guide book (I recommend PassPorter's Guide To Walt Disney World) You can read up on helpful tips and great descriptions of everything from rides to shows to restaurants.

As for tickets, you won't find too many "deals" other than the time-share things, and those are not always truthful. Your best bet is either to buy them from the Disney website, or a local Disney Store if you have one nearby, or if you are a member of AAA (auto club) you can sometimes get good deals from them. You can purchase them together or one at a time and spread the cost over several weeks or months.

Honestly, I find the investment into a guidebook is almost priceless. I know people that have been to Disney World over 40 times. I have been 3, and have been able to show them a few things that they never knew!!

Answer 3

May I suggest you have the 17 year olds get hold of the Disney guides and also do some research for you online? When we went to Disney the first time our son was 15 and he read the guides and did so much research for us that he knew exactly where the best of everything was, to start the park moving counter clock-wise, etc. If going with 2 17 year olds you may want to let them plan the activity schedule and allow them the freedom of going off on their own once in the park and meeting you at a set place for lunch, etc.

I cannot agree enough with the person who already suggested you stay on site and take Disney transportation - that makes your life easier. A car can bog you down.

Plan what shows, if any you want to attend, make reservations for dining way ahead of time if there is any place in particular you want to visit, etc. The more pre-planning you do ahead of time the fewer surprises you will have. We stayed during Christmas one year and I had planned a set itinerary which helped make our visit run smoothly. There is so much to see and depending on when you go, there can be long waits so choose what is most important to you and the kids.

When people come from Europe to the US they want to see NYC, California and Texas all in a week because they don't understand the great distances here. When people go to Orlando they tend to do the same, not understanding the amount available to see and participate, in or the wait in lines. Figure out your priorities and what you would like to see or do. Also know what else you want to do secondarily if time allows.

Have a ball - no matter what you will enjoy yourselves!

Answer 4

I love to stay at a Disney Resort when we go. It is awesome because you park your car and they take you everyone you need to go. They have water parks...if you go in the summer...that are great for 2 teenage boys. Try picking up Birnbaum's Official Guide to Walt Disney World this helps a lot with picking a resort and which parks will be of more interest to you. I liked Universal Studios as well but Disney World is better. You have more parks and variety. And if you stay in the park you can go back to the room early afternoon for a rest and then head back out to another park later that night.

Good luck to you!

Answer 5

If you would like to stay at a Disney Resort, but save on money, I recommend Disney's value resort, The All Star. This is also a great resort for families traveling with kids. If you would like to stay off Disney property, I recommend the Sheraton Safari Resort, located on Apolpka Vineland Rd., just accross the I-4 from Downtown Disney. I also recommend the Plaza Resort, which is literally steps from Downtown Disney.
Purchase your park tickets from AAA (if you are a member) or at your local Disney Store to receive a discount. All of Disneyworld is great and if your family loves coasters, be sure to visit Universal's Islands of Adventure park. I recommend rental cars from Enterprise only (best customer service by far).

If you'd like to visit a beach on your stay, I recommend Siesta Key in Sarasota (located about an 1 hr 45 min - 2 hrs south of Orlando), or Orlando's closest beach, Cocoa, located 45 minutes east of Orlando by Kennedy Space Center.

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 a great time!

Answer 6

The Magic Kingdom at Disney is definitely my favorite. However, Universal Studios Islands of Adventures is aimed more towards teenagers with more rollercoasters and such.

Disney is just more convenient though. If you stay inside Disney at one of their hotels, there are swimming pools and game rooms to entertain the boys. Also, transportation inside Disney is provided for free. If you wanted to do your thing and allow the 17 yr olds to do theirs, you could. All of their hotels have a nice restaurant, and most have a food court. In addition, there are more places to eat and shop in Downtown Disney (like Planet Hollywood , the Rain Forest Cafe, and a movie theatre).

Answer 7

i would stay at one of the allstars resorts or pop century resort especially has the children are 17 i would go to busch gardens especially if the children like roller coasters and fast rides it is a really big park there is the animal side of the park to which is really nice we loved the park but it is a long day and a lot of walking but worth it they may also like mgm which has tower of terror and rock and roller coaster which are very good rides i do like all the parks they are all drifferent and worth seeing then you can make your own mind up we are there 2 weeks from 30th november i think the boys will enjoy it all yes magic kingdom has a lot for younger children but there is some rides for all ages have fun not long for us now

Answer 8

I recommend going to your public library and checking out several guidebooks on Orlando and the theme parks. It's an expensive trip and you'll want to make the most of it.
Some of the shows are pretty special too. I personally can recommend the Arabian Nights (www.arabian-nights.com). The teens might like an airboat ride in the swamps too.
Here are some booklists that might help:
http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Trip/lm/R3BVI7IT43M6P0/ref=cm_lm_byauthor_title_full/002-3675387-7478428
http://www.amazon.com/Central-Florida-Beyond-the-Theme-Parks/lm/R3RSLH1LU4QT55/ref=cm_lm_byauthor_title_full/002-3675387-7478428

Answer 9

You need to check out the following website. It is a non-Disney site, so you don't get the Company Line BS.

Universial Studios is OK, but it is definitely Royal Crown Cola compared to Coke.

Answer 10

go to www.allearsnet.com they will give you all the info, including universal and ioa too~~