Orlando - Next Weekend, so what have I forgotten?
Discussion
Matt Harper said:
The obvious route from the 'attractions' to KSC is I-4 east to 528 (Beachline) and then 528 east, past the airport out to the Cape. There's nothing actually on that road - and it goes out through the middle of nowhere.
So, that begs the question, 'what are your preferrences?' On the way out, you can get off 528 at the airport exit, but head North on Semoran Blvd (SR436) where you will find Denny's, Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans diners, all within a mile of the turn-off. But these are no-frills 'eat it and beat it' kind of places.
On the way home, you could exit 528 west at Co Rd 15 (Goldenrod) and head south a little to Lake Nona. There are a variety of restaurants and bars on the main drag that suit most budgets and tastes.
Or, you could exit 528 at South Conway Road, (1st exit after airport toll plaza), turn left, then right onto McCoy and stop at The Fish on Fire - fine for family, won't break the bank and a nice selection of southern fare. Tell Jay (owner) Matt sent you and I'll earn free beers!
It does look a bit sparse on google maps! Will have a google and check them out, thanks alot. So, that begs the question, 'what are your preferrences?' On the way out, you can get off 528 at the airport exit, but head North on Semoran Blvd (SR436) where you will find Denny's, Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans diners, all within a mile of the turn-off. But these are no-frills 'eat it and beat it' kind of places.
On the way home, you could exit 528 west at Co Rd 15 (Goldenrod) and head south a little to Lake Nona. There are a variety of restaurants and bars on the main drag that suit most budgets and tastes.
Or, you could exit 528 at South Conway Road, (1st exit after airport toll plaza), turn left, then right onto McCoy and stop at The Fish on Fire - fine for family, won't break the bank and a nice selection of southern fare. Tell Jay (owner) Matt sent you and I'll earn free beers!
On the beer front.....I'm beginning to get a bit depressed about that as it's just me and the gf going and I'm doing all the driving which means no drink for me - will be making up for the lack of drink in Orlando with the villa and bars in walking distance in Marco Island and of course Miami where we have now decided to definately return the car as we arrive in Miami and enjoy it to the full.
Beaches can be a little hit and miss at this time of year, being the height of the Atlantic storm season. It could get a bit windy and grey.
That said, on the Atlantic side, where you get bigger surf, I'd suggest Apollo Beach on the barrier island south of Daytona or Playalinda on the Canaveral National Seashore.
On the gulf coast the surf is a lot smaller, the water warmer and less prone to jellyfish and sharks.
Assuming a daytrip from Orlando, versus an overnight stay, I'd head to Fort De Soto Beach, on Mullet Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay, south of St Pete Beach. It's far less crowded and the sand is cleaner than at St Pete or Clearwater - and you have the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the background.
If you can stretch to an overnight, go to North Captiva Island (Sanibel), which is just beautiful.
That said, on the Atlantic side, where you get bigger surf, I'd suggest Apollo Beach on the barrier island south of Daytona or Playalinda on the Canaveral National Seashore.
On the gulf coast the surf is a lot smaller, the water warmer and less prone to jellyfish and sharks.
Assuming a daytrip from Orlando, versus an overnight stay, I'd head to Fort De Soto Beach, on Mullet Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay, south of St Pete Beach. It's far less crowded and the sand is cleaner than at St Pete or Clearwater - and you have the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the background.
If you can stretch to an overnight, go to North Captiva Island (Sanibel), which is just beautiful.
Matt Harper said:
Beaches can be a little hit and miss at this time of year, being the height of the Atlantic storm season. It could get a bit windy and grey.
That said, on the Atlantic side, where you get bigger surf, I'd suggest Apollo Beach on the barrier island south of Daytona or Playalinda on the Canaveral National Seashore.
On the gulf coast the surf is a lot smaller, the water warmer and less prone to jellyfish and sharks.
Assuming a daytrip from Orlando, versus an overnight stay, I'd head to Fort De Soto Beach, on Mullet Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay, south of St Pete Beach. It's far less crowded and the sand is cleaner than at St Pete or Clearwater - and you have the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the background.
If you can stretch to an overnight, go to North Captiva Island (Sanibel), which is just beautiful.
I'd prefer Clearwater for a day trip, but mostly because it is a bit more lively/busy and geared up for tourists. We rented a couple of chairs and an umbrella for the day, then took a dolphin boat trip in the afternoon.That said, on the Atlantic side, where you get bigger surf, I'd suggest Apollo Beach on the barrier island south of Daytona or Playalinda on the Canaveral National Seashore.
On the gulf coast the surf is a lot smaller, the water warmer and less prone to jellyfish and sharks.
Assuming a daytrip from Orlando, versus an overnight stay, I'd head to Fort De Soto Beach, on Mullet Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay, south of St Pete Beach. It's far less crowded and the sand is cleaner than at St Pete or Clearwater - and you have the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the background.
If you can stretch to an overnight, go to North Captiva Island (Sanibel), which is just beautiful.
By comparison De Soto seemed empty and deviod of any "civilisation"
They are two very different types of beach, but both good in their own way
fatpasty said:
I paid for the esta's a few months ago when I booked the holiday, Do I need to take anything with me ?? I was only given a esta number as confirmation.
No need to take hard copy of ESTA although some people who panic about the whole process of going to the USA like to have it in case of query. Outback Steakhouse.
It's always the first restaurant we go to as well as the last. I love it. Bloomin' Onion please!
Also, and this is especially relevant if you're on a direct flight full of tourists, but the advice I always give people is for the driver to head immediately down to get the hire car whilst the rest of the party get the luggage from the carousel.
Much easier and quicker than all getting the luggage and waiting in the (now enormous) queue for the hire car.
It's always the first restaurant we go to as well as the last. I love it. Bloomin' Onion please!
Also, and this is especially relevant if you're on a direct flight full of tourists, but the advice I always give people is for the driver to head immediately down to get the hire car whilst the rest of the party get the luggage from the carousel.
Much easier and quicker than all getting the luggage and waiting in the (now enormous) queue for the hire car.
AB said:
Outback Steakhouse.
We just came back on Saturday and our new favourite steak house is Longhorn - bit more expensive than Outback and Logans, but the steaks we had were all excellent.Shot pistols at Oak Ridge, which was nice (again). AK-47s at Tenoroc Range (Lakeland). Parks weren't too busy, weather predictable (apart from the stuff brought in by Isaac). All in all good three weeks!!
Goa'uld said:
Apologies as cant be bothered rooting through stuff to find SD adapter for iPad.....lazy photo taken from iPad of the screen on our camera;
Someone here should recognise the place
Turning this thing off now so there's no temptation to check work emails.
I'd recognize those bucket lampshades anywhere - the inside bar at the FoF! Hope you enjoyed it - I'm out of town right now (Seattle WA) - back on Thurs night - if you're still in the vicinity, I'd be delighted to buy you a couple of Beers on Fire - by way of a welcome. I live on the lake behind that bar, so it's staggering distance for me. Someone here should recognise the place
Turning this thing off now so there's no temptation to check work emails.
AB said:
Outback Steakhouse.
Also, and this is especially relevant if you're on a direct flight full of tourists, but the advice I always give people is for the driver to head immediately down to get the hire car whilst the rest of the party get the luggage from the carousel.
Much easier and quicker than all getting the luggage and waiting in the (now enormous) queue for the hire car.
Or pre register with hire car company so you can hand over the paperwork in the parking garage.Also, and this is especially relevant if you're on a direct flight full of tourists, but the advice I always give people is for the driver to head immediately down to get the hire car whilst the rest of the party get the luggage from the carousel.
Much easier and quicker than all getting the luggage and waiting in the (now enormous) queue for the hire car.
rich1231 said:
Anyone mentioned Halloween nights of Horror for this year as they are featuring The Walking Dead?
I can't wait for this but I'm going to be in the dog house though. The good lady hates it but her misfortune is what makes it such a fun night for me as the cast members keep picking on us.Last time we were in Orlando in October we managed to get to Halloween Horror night on the 28th which was jam packed (we're talking 4 hour queues for the scare factories) and then on Halloween itself we queued for a maximum of 20 minutes.
I actually preferred howl O scream which bush gardens run, we bought the VIP package which places you in a small group with a personal guide who takes you to the front of each queue you also have VIP areas which you can chill out in and have a beer which is all included in the VIP package
Matt Harper said:
Goa'uld said:
Apologies as cant be bothered rooting through stuff to find SD adapter for iPad.....lazy photo taken from iPad of the screen on our camera;
Someone here should recognise the place
Turning this thing off now so there's no temptation to check work emails.
I'd recognize those bucket lampshades anywhere - the inside bar at the FoF! Hope you enjoyed it - I'm out of town right now (Seattle WA) - back on Thurs night - if you're still in the vicinity, I'd be delighted to buy you a couple of Beers on Fire - by way of a welcome. I live on the lake behind that bar, so it's staggering distance for me. Someone here should recognise the place
Turning this thing off now so there's no temptation to check work emails.
So far
First night at Downtown Disney to get a flavour of the week ahead
Day 2 Disney Magic Kingdom - done in a day
Day 3 Disney Hollywood Studios - done in a day
Day 4 KSC with the control centre additional tour (very humbling and emotional for a geek such as myself)
Day 5 Universal Studios - done in a day
Day 6 Universal Islands of Adventure - done in a day
Day 7 probably a water park.......tbc
Weather this far has been sensational, just unreal. Only yesterday and this evening did we get some rain, and that's been warm and only started at 1900 ish so the day has been enjoyed already at that point.
Cannot believe how awesome the weather, driving, people(especially the people), food, everything has been so far.
I have to point out hat we've had unlimited express cards for every park so far which allows you to nail every ride and enjoy the experience of being there fully instead ve being stuck in a line of people half your day, there's no chance we would do this without the express card.
Matt - fish on fire was a brilliant shout, exactly the slice of America that we needed after all the hectic theme park stuff. You're a lucky guy having that as your watering hole, great waiting staff, great atmosphere and cracking food. We went for the shrimp skewer and the smoked fish with crackers for starters and then the mahimahi and pulled pork for mains, deeelicious. It's a perfect stop off on the way back from KSC.
Had the feet up long enough typing this so off out to stuff my stomach with more of Americas finest fare.
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff