Florida - June - First visit, any tips?
Discussion
I'm looking at going to Florida in June, for just over two weeks. Been offered a very good deal on accommodation which although is a couple of hours drive from Orlando, is too good to pass up.
I've never been to Florida before but have done East and West coast of the U.S.
I'd like to do as much as possible in terms of theme parks etc, but also considering a trip to Miami just to have a mooch around.
Fairly sorted on hire car, just need some advice from the ph knowledge base as to park tickets, weather, places to go, places to avoid, must see/do etc etc
Thanks
I've never been to Florida before but have done East and West coast of the U.S.
I'd like to do as much as possible in terms of theme parks etc, but also considering a trip to Miami just to have a mooch around.
Fairly sorted on hire car, just need some advice from the ph knowledge base as to park tickets, weather, places to go, places to avoid, must see/do etc etc
Thanks
Where is the accomodation?
What are you looking for from your trip?
2 hours from orlando is a long way and most of the theme parks are around there. If you have to drive 2 hours to go to say Disney you might want to stay nearer because a day simply isn't enough.
There is so much to do in Florida, you say you'd like to go to Miami, that's a four hour drive from orlando but as i said where are you staying.
if it were me i'd look at staying in Orlando for a week and doing an attraction a day then head to the coast, Clearwater probably to chill out.
Tell us more.
What are you looking for from your trip?
2 hours from orlando is a long way and most of the theme parks are around there. If you have to drive 2 hours to go to say Disney you might want to stay nearer because a day simply isn't enough.
There is so much to do in Florida, you say you'd like to go to Miami, that's a four hour drive from orlando but as i said where are you staying.
if it were me i'd look at staying in Orlando for a week and doing an attraction a day then head to the coast, Clearwater probably to chill out.
Tell us more.
I hope OP does not mind me butting in on this thread.....
We are in Florida end of May with 5 nights to kill. We are flying into and out of Miami (which was a mistake I know think), but have no problem driving to a different part. Will have our 9 year old daughter with us.
Original plan was to go to the Keys, but the cost is high, the hotels are basic, and I'm concerned about being stuck with no other kids around. Means that my relaxation is more limited.
Currently thinking about a drive north to Orlando (which we know) instead... Thoughts?
OP - Don't miss Aquatica - our daughter loves it and there is no way they we will be missing it if we end up there (assuming you have younger kids).
We are in Florida end of May with 5 nights to kill. We are flying into and out of Miami (which was a mistake I know think), but have no problem driving to a different part. Will have our 9 year old daughter with us.
Original plan was to go to the Keys, but the cost is high, the hotels are basic, and I'm concerned about being stuck with no other kids around. Means that my relaxation is more limited.
Currently thinking about a drive north to Orlando (which we know) instead... Thoughts?
OP - Don't miss Aquatica - our daughter loves it and there is no way they we will be missing it if we end up there (assuming you have younger kids).
weather in Florida in June is a lottery. Its the change over from the dry season to the rainy season, as such you could get days of clear blue skys, or you could get the 4pm thunder storms. its not impossible to get a tropical storm or hurricane but i wouldn't worry too much about it, the peak is much later in the year and even then the chances are low that it will be a problem. in June any tropical storm system is likely to be a weak hurricane or tropical storm anyway rather than a full on cat 5 total destruction.
Your biggest threat to blue sky's in early June is a weak cold front that can sometimes make it into the region and stall, that can set up a day or two of grey rainy day type rain. The other thing is where the air mass is coming from, if its being drawn down from the north or Atlantic it will probably be dry, if its coming up from the south then it will be humid and you will have the sea breeze 4pm storms. if you are in the middle then you can get hit by the sea breeze storms from either side and if they both make it far enough to clash it goes up big time thunderstorms. The later into June the higher the chances of a moist air-mass than dry.
Whatever the atmosphere is doing it is guaranteed to be hot
Your biggest threat to blue sky's in early June is a weak cold front that can sometimes make it into the region and stall, that can set up a day or two of grey rainy day type rain. The other thing is where the air mass is coming from, if its being drawn down from the north or Atlantic it will probably be dry, if its coming up from the south then it will be humid and you will have the sea breeze 4pm storms. if you are in the middle then you can get hit by the sea breeze storms from either side and if they both make it far enough to clash it goes up big time thunderstorms. The later into June the higher the chances of a moist air-mass than dry.
Whatever the atmosphere is doing it is guaranteed to be hot
Been to The Keys twice for a week's holiday, once by car hired in Miami and once flew from Miami, both different but excellent. The Keys are delightful but tend to be pricy as everything has to be shipped in. Key West is a place like no other in the USA!
Miami is OK but in my view the only things to do are to go to South Beach in the evening and just wander and watch..the cars, people etc, and maybe a organised boat trip around the islands.
West Coast eg Clearwater is a pleasant area but not much other to do than chill out.
We have also stayed in Daytona for a couple of weeks..excellent to chill there too. You can get to Cape Canaveral easily and we saw a launch, just awesome; the noise was better than anything I've ever heard on 4 wheels!
R.
Miami is OK but in my view the only things to do are to go to South Beach in the evening and just wander and watch..the cars, people etc, and maybe a organised boat trip around the islands.
West Coast eg Clearwater is a pleasant area but not much other to do than chill out.
We have also stayed in Daytona for a couple of weeks..excellent to chill there too. You can get to Cape Canaveral easily and we saw a launch, just awesome; the noise was better than anything I've ever heard on 4 wheels!
R.
Andeh said:
just need some advice from the ph knowledge base as to park tickets, weather, places to go, places to avoid, must see/do etc etc
These guys are good for tickets, and very helpful if you "misplace" them. 
http://www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk/
Make sure you get your head round the Fast Pass systems at each park to minimise queueing.
Don't know which side you are going to, but I really enjoy the Space Centre, but that might be a bit far for you.
The weather is going to be your stumbling block I'm afraid. The storms are so localised that it can be sunny in Epcot and bouncing it down in Magic Kingdom. The water parks won't let you in the water if there is a risk of lightning. All you can do is always have your ponchos with you and keep an eye on the forecasts to plan the day.
Keep an eye out for Bahama Breeze restaurants. Good menu, reasonable prices and a relaxed atmosphere which you will be glad of at the end of a busy day.
Enjoy it!!
RicksAlfas said:
These guys are good for tickets, and very helpful if you "misplace" them.
http://www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk/
Make sure you get your head round the Fast Pass systems at each park to minimise queueing.
Don't know which side you are going to, but I really enjoy the Space Centre, but that might be a bit far for you.
The weather is going to be your stumbling block I'm afraid. The storms are so localised that it can be sunny in Epcot and bouncing it down in Magic Kingdom. The water parks won't let you in the water if there is a risk of lightning. All you can do is always have your ponchos with you and keep an eye on the forecasts to plan the day.
Keep an eye out for Bahama Breeze restaurants. Good menu, reasonable prices and a relaxed atmosphere which you will be glad of at the end of a busy day.
Bahama Breeze. That's a good call, love dining there.
Eating out in Florida is a way of life and it's great to try different places.
Enjoy it!!
http://www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk/
Make sure you get your head round the Fast Pass systems at each park to minimise queueing.
Don't know which side you are going to, but I really enjoy the Space Centre, but that might be a bit far for you.
The weather is going to be your stumbling block I'm afraid. The storms are so localised that it can be sunny in Epcot and bouncing it down in Magic Kingdom. The water parks won't let you in the water if there is a risk of lightning. All you can do is always have your ponchos with you and keep an eye on the forecasts to plan the day.
Keep an eye out for Bahama Breeze restaurants. Good menu, reasonable prices and a relaxed atmosphere which you will be glad of at the end of a busy day.
Bahama Breeze. That's a good call, love dining there.
Eating out in Florida is a way of life and it's great to try different places.
Enjoy it!!
RicksAlfas said:
All you can do is always have your ponchos with you and keep an eye on the forecasts to plan the day.
Keep an eye on them but they wont tell you where the storm will be. a 50% chance of rain in the forecast with a sea breeze is likely 100% chance of blue sky on clearwater beach and 100% chance or rain at bush gardens. Best thing is to keep an eye to the sky, If its turning dark then you could be under a forming storm. If there is a wall of cloud moving towards you, start thinking about moving to shelter despite how spectacular it looks, its an outflow from a collapsing storm and usually triggers new ones overhead, We have got quite good at getting off the beach into our condo just as the heavens open and umbrellas start flying down the beach. An outflow can have fairly strong winds and gusts which destroy beach umbrellas and shelters, or worse if you live there.
If they are saying in the 5-7 day forecast a "usual summer pattern" they basically have no idea. Things can change rapidly in the mid range forecast at that time of year. Its not out of the question for 10% chance of rain on the 7 day forecast to turn into a tropical storm by the time its today.
Either way June is a nice time of year weather wise for the most part.
Edited by p2c on Friday 20th March 14:16
Thank you for the replies so far.
Of course it would have been useful to say where our accommodation is. I don't know specifically yet as the place belongs to a friend, hence the incredibly cheap price we are being offered it. All I can say is that it is in Sarasota.
2hrs drive from Orlando is less than ideal but I'm more than happy to drive back and forth. I guess the only benefit being the slightly shorter trip to Miami.... Albeit just for a look about.
The weather info online suggests an average temp of about 27. Is this about right?
Any suggestions on which of the parks are better than others? It'll be me and the mrs, possibly her brother too. We're all early 30's. No kids!
Of course it would have been useful to say where our accommodation is. I don't know specifically yet as the place belongs to a friend, hence the incredibly cheap price we are being offered it. All I can say is that it is in Sarasota.
2hrs drive from Orlando is less than ideal but I'm more than happy to drive back and forth. I guess the only benefit being the slightly shorter trip to Miami.... Albeit just for a look about.
The weather info online suggests an average temp of about 27. Is this about right?
Any suggestions on which of the parks are better than others? It'll be me and the mrs, possibly her brother too. We're all early 30's. No kids!
Andeh said:
Thank you for the replies so far.
The weather info online suggests an average temp of about 27. Is this about right?
About right for the water temp in the gulf of mexico. sounds a bit low for the air temp in June. Should be mid 80's possibly into the low 90's. The real difference in feel though will be the humidity and sea breeze.The weather info online suggests an average temp of about 27. Is this about right?
Andeh said:
Thank you for the replies so far.
Of course it would have been useful to say where our accommodation is. I don't know specifically yet as the place belongs to a friend, hence the incredibly cheap price we are being offered it. All I can say is that it is in Sarasota.
2hrs drive from Orlando is less than ideal but I'm more than happy to drive back and forth. I guess the only benefit being the slightly shorter trip to Miami.... Albeit just for a look about.
The weather info online suggests an average temp of about 27. Is this about right?
Any suggestions on which of the parks are better than others? It'll be me and the mrs, possibly her brother too. We're all early 30's. No kids!
Sarasota is very nice.Of course it would have been useful to say where our accommodation is. I don't know specifically yet as the place belongs to a friend, hence the incredibly cheap price we are being offered it. All I can say is that it is in Sarasota.
2hrs drive from Orlando is less than ideal but I'm more than happy to drive back and forth. I guess the only benefit being the slightly shorter trip to Miami.... Albeit just for a look about.
The weather info online suggests an average temp of about 27. Is this about right?
Any suggestions on which of the parks are better than others? It'll be me and the mrs, possibly her brother too. We're all early 30's. No kids!
Here's an option to consider.
Firstly, after a hard day at the Theme parks the prospect of a 2 hour (plus) drive is no fun and as i said earlier you may well wan't a few consecutive days.
There are lots of motels and hotels at every budget, 40$ a night upward, around Orlando and if you stayed for three nights you would save the gas as well as the stress of driving.
At 30 and with no kids i'd do;
Universal
Islands of Adventure
Disney MGM Studios
Aquatica or wet and Wild
And of course the majic kingdom.
There's 5 days sewn up and they are long days, also consider Busch gardens, it's near tampa and has great rides.
Beleive me, the theme parks take a lot out of you especially in the heat.
If you are in Sarasota there are great beaches and dining.
Miami beach is pretty cool but a fair drive unless it's your thing so to speak especially for a day as the evening nightlife is a must.
On car hire i'd look to upgrade on arrival, pick a female at the rental desk and lay on your best hugh grant impression, there are deals to be had.
Finally, whilst from this side of the pond it can look like you can do Florida fairly reasonably, you can't.
You will spend a hell of a lot of money, a day at a Theme park is £100 a head with a meal and drinks, the outlet shopping is fantastic but can bust your wallet and although the ads for all you can eat buffets look cheap you might want to avoid them for various reasons, plus everything is tax added and tips are expected for everything.
Oh and try and take in an Orlando magic basketball game, tickets can be had and it's a good night.
Hope that helps.
I wouldn't want to spend 4h on I4 every day, especially 2h after a long day in a theme park. Of all the many 1000's of interstate miles i have done I4 is up there as one of my least favorite, 4 lanes of fairly boring road with commuters who have given up on life. The road is rife with rolling road blocks, as in 4 lanes with no one actually overtaking other than the one guy weaving around before spinning out into the central median narrowly missing the state troopers who are stationed about every 100 yards, ok that's an exaggeration but you likely wont make it from Orlando to Tampa without seeing at least one trooper parked up.
If you do break through a rolling road block you are rewarded by 10 minuets of open empty road, but it wont be long before you join the back of the next log jam.
If you do break through a rolling road block you are rewarded by 10 minuets of open empty road, but it wont be long before you join the back of the next log jam.
Lots of good advice above. Things you need to be aware of. The school kids in Florida break for summer usually about the 12th so if you are there 2nd half of the month expect the parks to be very busy. Fast passes are of limited use nowadays as there availability for the newer/big rides are limited. I have an annual pass and you can book 2 months in advance so all the good stuff goes early. Universal you can pay extra for the fast pass but that makes it about $145 per day, extra if you want both parks so you can ride the Hogwarts Express. Disney Magic Kingdom is now $105 per day so get a multi day ticket you will make a saving. Parking is now $17 per day at the parks.Cheap it aint any more. As far as commuting from Sarasota each visit then I would`t entertain it. The parks are very tiring and a two hour drive home is asking for an accident etc especially if it rains. The rain sometimes makes driving impossible you just cannot see where you are going and a lot of people just pull over. The I4 to Tampa is an OK road but does get busy especially in school hols.
Don't want to seem to put damper on it, my wife loves the parks and I,m ok with them they are good entertainment but stay local the 4 hours minimum in a car every day will be a killer.
Don't want to seem to put damper on it, my wife loves the parks and I,m ok with them they are good entertainment but stay local the 4 hours minimum in a car every day will be a killer.
Lots of good advice above. Things you need to be aware of. The school kids in Florida break for summer usually about the 12th so if you are there 2nd half of the month expect the parks to be very busy. Fast passes are of limited use nowadays as there availability for the newer/big rides are limited. I have an annual pass and you can book 2 months in advance so all the good stuff goes early. Universal you can pay extra for the fast pass but that makes it about $145 per day, extra if you want both parks so you can ride the Hogwarts Express. Disney Magic Kingdom is now $105 per day so get a multi day ticket you will make a saving. Parking is now $17 per day at the parks.Cheap it aint any more. As far as commuting from Sarasota each visit then I would`t entertain it. The parks are very tiring and a two hour drive home is asking for an accident etc especially if it rains. The rain sometimes makes driving impossible you just cannot see where you are going and a lot of people just pull over. The I4 to Tampa is an OK road but does get busy especially in school hols.
Don't want to seem to put damper on it, my wife loves the parks and I,m ok with them they are good entertainment but stay local the 4 hours minimum in a car every day will be a killer.
Don't want to seem to put damper on it, my wife loves the parks and I,m ok with them they are good entertainment but stay local the 4 hours minimum in a car every day will be a killer.
danzltiu said:
Lots of good advice above. Things you need to be aware of. The school kids in Florida break for summer usually about the 12th so if you are there 2nd half of the month expect the parks to be very busy. Fast passes are of limited use nowadays as there availability for the newer/big rides are limited. I have an annual pass and you can book 2 months in advance so all the good stuff goes early. Universal you can pay extra for the fast pass but that makes it about $145 per day, extra if you want both parks so you can ride the Hogwarts Express. Disney Magic Kingdom is now $105 per day so get a multi day ticket you will make a saving. Parking is now $17 per day at the parks.Cheap it aint any more. As far as commuting from Sarasota each visit then I would`t entertain it. The parks are very tiring and a two hour drive home is asking for an accident etc especially if it rains. The rain sometimes makes driving impossible you just cannot see where you are going and a lot of people just pull over. The I4 to Tampa is an OK road but does get busy especially in school hols.
Don't want to seem to put damper on it, my wife loves the parks and I,m ok with them they are good entertainment but stay local the 4 hours minimum in a car every day will be a killer.
Yeah I4 is a really nice road on its own, its just when everyone else tries driving on it the problems start. Its a classic example of where the freeway pass on the right or left fails miserably. Because of it people are even less inclined to keep right unless passing than they are on the M25, as such you end up with someone in every lane doing 65mph next to each other all sitting on cruse control. Don't want to seem to put damper on it, my wife loves the parks and I,m ok with them they are good entertainment but stay local the 4 hours minimum in a car every day will be a killer.
Andeh said:
Of course it would have been useful to say where our accommodation is. I don't know specifically yet as the place belongs to a friend, hence the incredibly cheap price we are being offered it. All I can say is that it is in Sarasota.
2hrs drive from Orlando is less than ideal but I'm more than happy to drive back and forth. I guess the only benefit being the slightly shorter trip to Miami.... Albeit just for a look about.
Miami from Sarasota or Orlando is pretty identical - but a particularly boring drive from Orlando.2hrs drive from Orlando is less than ideal but I'm more than happy to drive back and forth. I guess the only benefit being the slightly shorter trip to Miami.... Albeit just for a look about.
OK, the accommodation is cheap, but we had a villa in the family that I could have stayed in for its cleaning cost but have never used it as it's 40mins from Disneyworld.
We used to do split stays and spend a few days on the coast and Sarasota is very nice, great beaches etc, but we found it boring after a couple of days after the buzz of being in Orlando, so we just stay in Orlando now.
Andeh said:
The weather info online suggests an average temp of about 27. Is this about right?
I'm sure that's statistically correct, but it'll feel a lot hotter than that and you really won't want to be in the sun.Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff