DisneyWorld newbie
Discussion
My two girls are in their 20's now - one of them loves DisneyWorld and the other isn't bothered at all, she'd rather lie by the pool all day. They're both married now but the one who likes it will usually fly out and join us for a week or so while we're there - cheap holiday for her, all she has to buy is the flight ticket (and I suspect my missus might even pay for that 
).
).If I were going there with four kids of that age range, IMHO to spend it entirely at Disney isn't a good idea. Make sure you at least have a hire car and do Disney, Universal, an Airboat ride, and maybe Kennedy Space Centre, or Clearwater Beach if you have the time. Disney's for babbers.
Adenauer said:
If I were going there with four kids of that age range, IMHO to spend it entirely at Disney isn't a good idea. Make sure you at least have a hire car and do Disney, Universal, an Airboat ride, and maybe Kennedy Space Centre, or Clearwater Beach if you have the time. Disney's for babbers.
Gosh I hadn't mentioned that previously but you are right the KSC is a brilliant day out.By pure fluke I once went to Florida and the day I went to KSC was when there was a shuttle launch. Even viewing from over a mile away it was one of the most spectacular things I have ever witnessed. I also got to see a rocket transported on the crawler device from the build centre to the launch pad which was pretty cool to.
Also worthy of a mention is gatoland and whilst you are at Clearwater beach have a blast on the Sea Screamer (worlds largest speed boat)
At this rate I'll be off to the travel agents to book myself a trip!!!!
I just think that to make the effort of going all the way over there, and then spend the entire time at Disney, is really missing out on a whole lot of other stuff that you can do there.
The first time we went for two weeks we didn't do Disney, but we did do Universal, KSC, Boggy Creek Airboat ride, Busch Gardens, Daytona Beach, Clearwater Beach and a lot more, and had a fantastic holiday. To just do Disney is a waste, IMO.
The first time we went for two weeks we didn't do Disney, but we did do Universal, KSC, Boggy Creek Airboat ride, Busch Gardens, Daytona Beach, Clearwater Beach and a lot more, and had a fantastic holiday. To just do Disney is a waste, IMO.
Off in November this year. Went late November early December last year. It's generally quieter but busy enough for everything to be open. The Universal Parks, Sea World etc are where the fast rides are with those at Disney being more sedate but still not all "kiddie". The Faster Rides at Disney are in the newer parks with The Rock and Roller coaster and the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios being the fastest, scariest.
Accommodation wise I would go with a villa as recommended with that number in the party. With a pool you'll find the kids occupied while you sort things out or chill out. Hotels generally are pretty good and large but you'll feel cramped in and as stated Food is usually not included. Villas do tend to be further out however usually Kissimmee is close by and there are plenty of Restaurants along the 192.
Food wise I would go to one of the theme restaurants, Planet Hollywood is the one near Disney and Universal has the Hard Rock Cafe, but the restaurants on I Drive are pretty good as are those on 192 in Kissimmee.
I usually go for a package with Virgin these days. The aircraft are comfortable and the on board entertainment is really good. The Car with them would be Voyager sized but the extra Insurance/Petrol is usually worth getting if only so you can just use the fuel and leave the car at the end of the Holiday. They also have a facility to check in your luggage prior to leaving so you can go off and shop or use your remaining time at Disney Universal or as we do shopping. You could also try Travel City which is a Virgin Subsidiary these days. They try to be cheaper than Virgin but use Virgin Atlantic so it remains quite comfortable.
Shopping is another good reason to look around. The prices are pretty good with the New Outlet at the top of I-Drive being very good for clothes. Florida Mall has the "Big" stores along with some interesting upmarket brands and Novelty outlets. Along the 192 and Vineland Road there are a good few "Outlets" as well with the VF in the Lake Buena Vista Outlet selling a number of American brands such a Lee jeans.
Accommodation wise I would go with a villa as recommended with that number in the party. With a pool you'll find the kids occupied while you sort things out or chill out. Hotels generally are pretty good and large but you'll feel cramped in and as stated Food is usually not included. Villas do tend to be further out however usually Kissimmee is close by and there are plenty of Restaurants along the 192.
Food wise I would go to one of the theme restaurants, Planet Hollywood is the one near Disney and Universal has the Hard Rock Cafe, but the restaurants on I Drive are pretty good as are those on 192 in Kissimmee.
I usually go for a package with Virgin these days. The aircraft are comfortable and the on board entertainment is really good. The Car with them would be Voyager sized but the extra Insurance/Petrol is usually worth getting if only so you can just use the fuel and leave the car at the end of the Holiday. They also have a facility to check in your luggage prior to leaving so you can go off and shop or use your remaining time at Disney Universal or as we do shopping. You could also try Travel City which is a Virgin Subsidiary these days. They try to be cheaper than Virgin but use Virgin Atlantic so it remains quite comfortable.
Shopping is another good reason to look around. The prices are pretty good with the New Outlet at the top of I-Drive being very good for clothes. Florida Mall has the "Big" stores along with some interesting upmarket brands and Novelty outlets. Along the 192 and Vineland Road there are a good few "Outlets" as well with the VF in the Lake Buena Vista Outlet selling a number of American brands such a Lee jeans.
Perhaps OP, you need to talk to your family and see what they want to do. All the park maps are available to view online so you can see what sort of shows, rides, water parks and other activities are available. If you go on youtube, you can view some of the rides from the riders POV.
Whilst just doing Disney may sound like a good idea in principal, I'm sure when you drive past seaworld and start talking of the shows or see the rides you could be going on there, you'll change your mind. Likewise when you see adverts for Universal or the billboards, things like that. Do the kids like Harry Potter? Simpsons? Shrek? Spiderman? Hulk? Jurrasic Park?
ETA - Telecat, I've also been November, still really nice weather, mid-late 20s, and as you say, not really very busy. Queues of 10-15mins.
God I wanna go back soon...
Whilst just doing Disney may sound like a good idea in principal, I'm sure when you drive past seaworld and start talking of the shows or see the rides you could be going on there, you'll change your mind. Likewise when you see adverts for Universal or the billboards, things like that. Do the kids like Harry Potter? Simpsons? Shrek? Spiderman? Hulk? Jurrasic Park?
ETA - Telecat, I've also been November, still really nice weather, mid-late 20s, and as you say, not really very busy. Queues of 10-15mins.
God I wanna go back soon...
Edited by andyjo1982 on Wednesday 10th October 14:43
telecat said:
I didn't think Daytona Beach was that great a day out t the last time we visited which was back in the nineties but it's worth it for one reason. You'll never see a Bigger Race track from the road side unless you head to Indy.
I agree, Daytona wasn't really that great but we just did it for the sake of it.Adenauer said:
telecat said:
I didn't think Daytona Beach was that great a day out t the last time we visited which was back in the nineties but it's worth it for one reason. You'll never see a Bigger Race track from the road side unless you head to Indy.
I agree, Daytona wasn't really that great but we just did it for the sake of it.I do also think it changes the holiday if you stay on site. I can understand why somme people would find it suffocating (I wouldn't dream of not having a car for that reason) but it's like there's two sets of holiday-makers in Orlando - those who are staying in a Disney resort, and everyone else.
telecat said:
Off in November this year. Went late November early December last year. It's generally quieter but busy enough for everything to be open. The Universal Parks, Sea World etc are where the fast rides are with those at Disney being more sedate but still not all "kiddie". The Faster Rides at Disney are in the newer parks with The Rock and Roller coaster and the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios being the fastest, scariest.
Accommodation wise I would go with a villa as recommended with that number in the party. With a pool you'll find the kids occupied while you sort things out or chill out. Hotels generally are pretty good and large but you'll feel cramped in and as stated Food is usually not included. Villas do tend to be further out however usually Kissimmee is close by and there are plenty of Restaurants along the 192.
Food wise I would go to one of the theme restaurants, Planet Hollywood is the one near Disney and Universal has the Hard Rock Cafe, but the restaurants on I Drive are pretty good as are those on 192 in Kissimmee.
I usually go for a package with Virgin these days. The aircraft are comfortable and the on board entertainment is really good. The Car with them would be Voyager sized but the extra Insurance/Petrol is usually worth getting if only so you can just use the fuel and leave the car at the end of the Holiday. They also have a facility to check in your luggage prior to leaving so you can go off and shop or use your remaining time at Disney Universal or as we do shopping. You could also try Travel City which is a Virgin Subsidiary these days. They try to be cheaper than Virgin but use Virgin Atlantic so it remains quite comfortable.
Shopping is another good reason to look around. The prices are pretty good with the New Outlet at the top of I-Drive being very good for clothes. Florida Mall has the "Big" stores along with some interesting upmarket brands and Novelty outlets. Along the 192 and Vineland Road there are a good few "Outlets" as well with the VF in the Lake Buena Vista Outlet selling a number of American brands such a Lee jeans.
Thanks Accommodation wise I would go with a villa as recommended with that number in the party. With a pool you'll find the kids occupied while you sort things out or chill out. Hotels generally are pretty good and large but you'll feel cramped in and as stated Food is usually not included. Villas do tend to be further out however usually Kissimmee is close by and there are plenty of Restaurants along the 192.
Food wise I would go to one of the theme restaurants, Planet Hollywood is the one near Disney and Universal has the Hard Rock Cafe, but the restaurants on I Drive are pretty good as are those on 192 in Kissimmee.
I usually go for a package with Virgin these days. The aircraft are comfortable and the on board entertainment is really good. The Car with them would be Voyager sized but the extra Insurance/Petrol is usually worth getting if only so you can just use the fuel and leave the car at the end of the Holiday. They also have a facility to check in your luggage prior to leaving so you can go off and shop or use your remaining time at Disney Universal or as we do shopping. You could also try Travel City which is a Virgin Subsidiary these days. They try to be cheaper than Virgin but use Virgin Atlantic so it remains quite comfortable.
Shopping is another good reason to look around. The prices are pretty good with the New Outlet at the top of I-Drive being very good for clothes. Florida Mall has the "Big" stores along with some interesting upmarket brands and Novelty outlets. Along the 192 and Vineland Road there are a good few "Outlets" as well with the VF in the Lake Buena Vista Outlet selling a number of American brands such a Lee jeans.
that's all very useful and tallies with what I've been reading.We've decided to go during the last 2 weeks of October. "Stage 2" is deciding where to stay.
Based on what I ve read so far (and budget) I'm looking for a 3 bedroom apartment or hotel ideally on International Drive clo to shops, restaurants, and equidistant from WDWR and Universal. Any recommendations?
Once again thanks for all the comments. Im stunned at how much choice/variety/options there are. Also a bit surprised at how expensive it is
I'd assumed £2k pp would be comfortable whereas it's only just about sufficient.Countdown said:
telecat said:
Off in November this year. Went late November early December last year. It's generally quieter but busy enough for everything to be open. The Universal Parks, Sea World etc are where the fast rides are with those at Disney being more sedate but still not all "kiddie". The Faster Rides at Disney are in the newer parks with The Rock and Roller coaster and the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios being the fastest, scariest.
Accommodation wise I would go with a villa as recommended with that number in the party. With a pool you'll find the kids occupied while you sort things out or chill out. Hotels generally are pretty good and large but you'll feel cramped in and as stated Food is usually not included. Villas do tend to be further out however usually Kissimmee is close by and there are plenty of Restaurants along the 192.
Food wise I would go to one of the theme restaurants, Planet Hollywood is the one near Disney and Universal has the Hard Rock Cafe, but the restaurants on I Drive are pretty good as are those on 192 in Kissimmee.
I usually go for a package with Virgin these days. The aircraft are comfortable and the on board entertainment is really good. The Car with them would be Voyager sized but the extra Insurance/Petrol is usually worth getting if only so you can just use the fuel and leave the car at the end of the Holiday. They also have a facility to check in your luggage prior to leaving so you can go off and shop or use your remaining time at Disney Universal or as we do shopping. You could also try Travel City which is a Virgin Subsidiary these days. They try to be cheaper than Virgin but use Virgin Atlantic so it remains quite comfortable.
Shopping is another good reason to look around. The prices are pretty good with the New Outlet at the top of I-Drive being very good for clothes. Florida Mall has the "Big" stores along with some interesting upmarket brands and Novelty outlets. Along the 192 and Vineland Road there are a good few "Outlets" as well with the VF in the Lake Buena Vista Outlet selling a number of American brands such a Lee jeans.
Thanks Accommodation wise I would go with a villa as recommended with that number in the party. With a pool you'll find the kids occupied while you sort things out or chill out. Hotels generally are pretty good and large but you'll feel cramped in and as stated Food is usually not included. Villas do tend to be further out however usually Kissimmee is close by and there are plenty of Restaurants along the 192.
Food wise I would go to one of the theme restaurants, Planet Hollywood is the one near Disney and Universal has the Hard Rock Cafe, but the restaurants on I Drive are pretty good as are those on 192 in Kissimmee.
I usually go for a package with Virgin these days. The aircraft are comfortable and the on board entertainment is really good. The Car with them would be Voyager sized but the extra Insurance/Petrol is usually worth getting if only so you can just use the fuel and leave the car at the end of the Holiday. They also have a facility to check in your luggage prior to leaving so you can go off and shop or use your remaining time at Disney Universal or as we do shopping. You could also try Travel City which is a Virgin Subsidiary these days. They try to be cheaper than Virgin but use Virgin Atlantic so it remains quite comfortable.
Shopping is another good reason to look around. The prices are pretty good with the New Outlet at the top of I-Drive being very good for clothes. Florida Mall has the "Big" stores along with some interesting upmarket brands and Novelty outlets. Along the 192 and Vineland Road there are a good few "Outlets" as well with the VF in the Lake Buena Vista Outlet selling a number of American brands such a Lee jeans.
that's all very useful and tallies with what I've been reading.We've decided to go during the last 2 weeks of October. "Stage 2" is deciding where to stay.
Based on what I ve read so far (and budget) I'm looking for a 3 bedroom apartment or hotel ideally on International Drive clo to shops, restaurants, and equidistant from WDWR and Universal. Any recommendations?
Once again thanks for all the comments. Im stunned at how much choice/variety/options there are. Also a bit surprised at how expensive it is
I'd assumed £2k pp would be comfortable whereas it's only just about sufficient.Been quite a few times over the last 10 years and would recommend a villa over a hotel on international drive all day long. This is probably not the best forum for Disney advice, check out www.thedibb.co.uk for everything you could think of.
It's not cheap, tickets alone to theme parks will cost over a grand for a family of four but no point in going all that way and not packing in as much as possible.
It's not cheap, tickets alone to theme parks will cost over a grand for a family of four but no point in going all that way and not packing in as much as possible.
telecat said:
I usually go for a package with Virgin these days. The aircraft are comfortable and the on board entertainment is really good. The Car with them would be Voyager sized but the extra Insurance/Petrol is usually worth getting if only so you can just use the fuel and leave the car at the end of the Holiday. They also have a facility to check in your luggage prior to leaving so you can go off and shop or use your remaining time at Disney Universal or as we do shopping. You could also try Travel City which is a Virgin Subsidiary these days. They try to be cheaper than Virgin but use Virgin Atlantic so it remains quite comfortable.
.
Telecat - we find it cheaper to book virgin fly drive and not bother extending the car, in fact we don't even pick it up. Hiring a car through usrentacar.com or similar is cheaper for the whole stay than the cost to extend the virgin car. Just don't tell virgin this or they'll charge you 70 quid to remove it from your booking.
mattman said:
telecat said:
I usually go for a package with Virgin these days. The aircraft are comfortable and the on board entertainment is really good. The Car with them would be Voyager sized but the extra Insurance/Petrol is usually worth getting if only so you can just use the fuel and leave the car at the end of the Holiday. They also have a facility to check in your luggage prior to leaving so you can go off and shop or use your remaining time at Disney Universal or as we do shopping. You could also try Travel City which is a Virgin Subsidiary these days. They try to be cheaper than Virgin but use Virgin Atlantic so it remains quite comfortable.
.
Telecat - we find it cheaper to book virgin fly drive and not bother extending the car, in fact we don't even pick it up. Hiring a car through usrentacar.com or similar is cheaper for the whole stay than the cost to extend the virgin car. Just don't tell virgin this or they'll charge you 70 quid to remove it from your booking.
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