Disneyland Florida - worth it these days?
Discussion
interstellar said:
Temp wise a lot of People find it too humid In August. We usually go at Easter?
Is taking the kids out of school for a week a Easter an option?
We went late Sept / early Oct last year and it was close to unbearable some days, although it was hotter and more humid than it should have been. Their "feels like" temp was 105F on several days.Is taking the kids out of school for a week a Easter an option?
OPs dates of July/August will be horrendous both for the weather and crowds, although we went last 2 weeks of August a couple of years ago and it wasn't as bad as I'd feared and we were also very lucky as it didn't rain much. Our 3yr old granddaughter really struggled though - normally she's bonkers energetic but the heat wiped her out. It was weird every time we went into a large air-conditioned space, such as The Seas at Epcot, it was like someone flicked a switch and she went back to normal.
My extended family are spread across the globe, so each xmas we all meet up for a week and to my horror, the USA family choose Orlando as their preferred destination last year. We are a group of 21 in total with 11 kids, in the 5-12 range.
Disney & the parks held no appeal for my family and my kids were really keen not to go. (they prefer exploring, fishing & generally discovering new stuff) But since we were trapped so close, and much of the rest of our group were trekking to the parks for at least 4 days we thought we should do at least a day. Between my brother and I (10 people total) we paid $450 each so total $900 for one of the unofficial ticketmaster/planner/guides/blaggers. Best money I ever spent, basically the guarantee no queueing and put you to the front of every queue.
We choose to do this at the Magic Kingdom, just because we both went there as kids 30 odd years ago. We had been on every single ride by 3PM in the afternoon (apparently, if you move quick, you can be out by lunchtime). The same is possible at the other parks I am told.
Either way, to compress Magic Kingdom into a day was ideal for us. Came here to say if it appeals to anyone else, I’ll dig out details.
Also to say - 3 weeks stuck in Orlando and just concentrating on the big parks, how can people do this? I think the place is horrific, the huge numbers of tourists mean the prices are high everywhere, the food & service is shocking, it doesn’t even feel like part of Florida, yet for so many people, this is all they see of FL.
Disney & the parks held no appeal for my family and my kids were really keen not to go. (they prefer exploring, fishing & generally discovering new stuff) But since we were trapped so close, and much of the rest of our group were trekking to the parks for at least 4 days we thought we should do at least a day. Between my brother and I (10 people total) we paid $450 each so total $900 for one of the unofficial ticketmaster/planner/guides/blaggers. Best money I ever spent, basically the guarantee no queueing and put you to the front of every queue.
We choose to do this at the Magic Kingdom, just because we both went there as kids 30 odd years ago. We had been on every single ride by 3PM in the afternoon (apparently, if you move quick, you can be out by lunchtime). The same is possible at the other parks I am told.
Either way, to compress Magic Kingdom into a day was ideal for us. Came here to say if it appeals to anyone else, I’ll dig out details.
Also to say - 3 weeks stuck in Orlando and just concentrating on the big parks, how can people do this? I think the place is horrific, the huge numbers of tourists mean the prices are high everywhere, the food & service is shocking, it doesn’t even feel like part of Florida, yet for so many people, this is all they see of FL.
cashmax said:
Also to say - 3 weeks stuck in Orlando and just concentrating on the big parks, how can people do this? I think the place is horrific, the huge numbers of tourists mean the prices are high everywhere, the food & service is shocking, it doesn’t even feel like part of Florida, yet for so many people, this is all they see of FL.
Curious - did you actually go to Orlando - or are you referencing Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, "attractions" area? None of which are in any way representative of Orlando.Matt Harper said:
cashmax said:
Also to say - 3 weeks stuck in Orlando and just concentrating on the big parks, how can people do this? I think the place is horrific, the huge numbers of tourists mean the prices are high everywhere, the food & service is shocking, it doesn’t even feel like part of Florida, yet for so many people, this is all they see of FL.
Curious - did you actually go to Orlando - or are you referencing Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, "attractions" area? None of which are in any way representative of Orlando.If you have been to Euro Disney then Magic Kingdom is much the same. Our favourite park was Animal kingdom followed by Disney Hollywood Studios ( because Star Wars)
We didn't go to Busch, Universal or 6 Flags as we'll do that when the kids are a bit older and can get on all the rides.
Having our own villa was great. We could chill out with a bit of personal space on the rest days the wife allowed us
We didn't go to Busch, Universal or 6 Flags as we'll do that when the kids are a bit older and can get on all the rides.
Having our own villa was great. We could chill out with a bit of personal space on the rest days the wife allowed us
cashmax said:
Matt Harper said:
cashmax said:
Also to say - 3 weeks stuck in Orlando and just concentrating on the big parks, how can people do this? I think the place is horrific, the huge numbers of tourists mean the prices are high everywhere, the food & service is shocking, it doesn’t even feel like part of Florida, yet for so many people, this is all they see of FL.
Curious - did you actually go to Orlando - or are you referencing Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, "attractions" area? None of which are in any way representative of Orlando.So for clarification (to me at least) do you consider Maitland to be horrific?
Sheepshanks said:
Matt Harper said:
Curious - did you actually go to Orlando - or are you referencing Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, "attractions" area? None of which are in any way representative of Orlando.
Do you mean not as dangerous? 
Disney Corp have a huge amount of influence on the public image of central FL in general and Orange County (Which their parks are only just inside) in particular. There has never been an episode of the TV series "Cops" or "Live PD" filmed in Orange County and likely never will be.
Disney only allow Orange County Sheriffs office to patrol Downtown Disney and only allow them into the parks when things get pretty serious. When that happens, they also have a big team of people whose role is to down-play and suppress negative occurrences on their property.
Kissimmee is nothing like as safe as Osceola County PR would have us all believe. Sadly, being family to law enforcement, we attended the funerals of two Kissimmee PD officers who were murdered one block off of the main tourist drag back in August. Aside from it being a nasty tourist dump - the social horrors of Kissimmee are well documented - if you haven't seen the indie movie, "The Florida Project", it's worth a watch if you want to understand what Kissimmee FL is really like.
interstellar said:
I can see £2981 with Virgin to Orlando. Are you using Sky Scanner?
Also just checking you have factored in if you are in a Villa you may/may not need the pool heated. They charge a lot for this but probably not necessary in July (I have not been then so can't comment but would think its not necessary).
Your car hire looks too cheap.Car hire queues in the US are long usually and if that's "off " airport you will start the holiday exhausted by getting a shuttle to get the car, probably best leaving the family at arrivals and coming back for them.I would recommend comparing it to a quote on holiday autos where you can buy all the insurance up front with a £0 excess. If you do this at the desk it can double the cost of the overall hire and they are pushy.
Have you factored in cost to park for 3 weeks at the airport, any animals need kennels or cattery when you are away etc, Esta visas needed not much costs (£50), travel insurance for USA, it all adds up I am not trying to put you off.
It's the best place on earth for kids and you will love it but its all about the planning. You also need some down days, probably a week in the 3 weeks you should do half days or days off by the pool, shopping etc. The kids will get very tired.
One last thing is take a buggy or "stroller" as they like to call it and make sure you take booster seats for the kids in your luggage (rental companies like to charge a fortune for them). You may need to take a double buggy but you will save a lot of money. With the humidity and size of the parks the kids get tired. Our little one was 5 when we first went and she walked everywhere here without complaint but we rented a buggy almost at every park after she constant complained and I bet it cost us over £100 for the two weeks. You are better getting a double buggy off gumtree for your 4 and 6 year old if they need it and leave it at the condo.
On the buggy front when my daughter was that age, to save travel hassle we just bought a folding buggy at Walmart which did sterling service at smuggling (soft)drinks into the park. No-one ever checked the bottom shelfAlso just checking you have factored in if you are in a Villa you may/may not need the pool heated. They charge a lot for this but probably not necessary in July (I have not been then so can't comment but would think its not necessary).
Your car hire looks too cheap.Car hire queues in the US are long usually and if that's "off " airport you will start the holiday exhausted by getting a shuttle to get the car, probably best leaving the family at arrivals and coming back for them.I would recommend comparing it to a quote on holiday autos where you can buy all the insurance up front with a £0 excess. If you do this at the desk it can double the cost of the overall hire and they are pushy.
Have you factored in cost to park for 3 weeks at the airport, any animals need kennels or cattery when you are away etc, Esta visas needed not much costs (£50), travel insurance for USA, it all adds up I am not trying to put you off.
It's the best place on earth for kids and you will love it but its all about the planning. You also need some down days, probably a week in the 3 weeks you should do half days or days off by the pool, shopping etc. The kids will get very tired.
One last thing is take a buggy or "stroller" as they like to call it and make sure you take booster seats for the kids in your luggage (rental companies like to charge a fortune for them). You may need to take a double buggy but you will save a lot of money. With the humidity and size of the parks the kids get tired. Our little one was 5 when we first went and she walked everywhere here without complaint but we rented a buggy almost at every park after she constant complained and I bet it cost us over £100 for the two weeks. You are better getting a double buggy off gumtree for your 4 and 6 year old if they need it and leave it at the condo.
Edited by interstellar on Friday 5th January 21:49
Saleen836 said:
Is that price a package for flights and hotel? have you looked at costs for booking flights separately (flight sales on at resent) you can rent a huge villa close to the parks for around £300 a week if you shop around
Sorry, but I'm going to call BS on this. We hunted around a lot and got one for £550 on low season (End of September), I challenge anyone to find a villa in high season for £300 a week. Also, our £550 was a littel scruffy if I'm honest, but did have a private not on display pool, proper hot tub and loads of toys for our little one. Villa is the cheapest option for accommodation and just hunt around for flights. Norwegian Air were doing some great deals, but don't forget all the add ons which the other airlines include (Food, choosing own seats etc etc)
Hunt around for car hire. Its pretty cheap in the US, but with that many kids I would want a car at MCO and not off site. Think we paid around £180 for 10 days and that was a Ford Kuga (Escape)
Are your kids into the Disney thing including Star Wars? That would be where I would start my decision process. However, at £11k, it would be a no from me. We will have two kids when I want to go back and it will be £5k and that is an aweful lot of cash.
Kennedy Space Centre is superb and well worth the drive from Orlando. I always mention it on the Florida threads mainly because I really think its that good. Remember there are only three NASA Space Shuttles on display and the Atlantis and Apollo displays are simply outstanding. We went on the 28th December 2014 and it was very quiet.
Looking at some of the costs that are being posted, I'm unsure if we will ever go back now. Its just so much money for a holiday.
Edited by bakerstreet on Saturday 6th January 21:38
bakerstreet said:
Saleen836 said:
Is that price a package for flights and hotel? have you looked at costs for booking flights separately (flight sales on at resent) you can rent a huge villa close to the parks for around £300 a week if you shop around
Sorry, but I'm going to call BS on this. We hunted around a lot and got one for £550 on low season (End of September), I challenge anyone to find a villa in high season for £300 a week. Also, our £550 was a littel scruffy if I'm honest, but did have a private not on display pool, proper hot tub and loads of toys for our little one. Villa is the cheapest option for accommodation and just hunt around for flights. Norwegian Air were doing some great deals, but don't forget all the add ons which the other airlines include (Food, choosing own seats etc etc)
Hunt around for car hire. Its pretty cheap in the US, but with that many kids I would want a car at MCO and not off site. Think we paid around £180 for 10 days and that was a Ford Kuga (Escape)
Are your kids into the Disney thing including Star Wars? That would be where I would start my decision process. However, at £11k, it would be a no from me. We will have two kids when I want to go back and it will be £5k and that is an aweful lot of cash.
Kennedy Space Centre is superb and well worth the drive from Orlando. I always mention it on the Florida threads mainly because I really think its that good. Remember there are only three NASA Space Shuttles on display and the Atlantis and Apollo displays are simply outstanding. We went on the 28th December 2014 and it was very quiet.
Looking at some of the costs that are being posted, I'm unsure if we will ever go back now. Its just so much money for a holiday.
Edited by bakerstreet on Saturday 6th January 21:38
broken biscuit said:
it does.... got some serious saving to do. Once my leave is confirmed, I will be hitting the overtime! I think those flights were single stops - ive done so many quotes but I think that was heathrow - Atlanta - Orlando and Orlando - JFK - Heathrow. Under 2hr stops so not bad really.
That's often a good thing to break up the journey and going through immigration in a smaller airport is sometimes beneficial.I'd mirror what others have said with a villa (and pool). Go and have fun in the parks for a few hours, come back for late lunch, play in the pool and avoid the thunder storm (there WILL be one about 2-3pm every day), go back to the park again for another wander and the fireworks.
Apparently some school in the US go back before the last two weeks in August, so it can be a good time to go.
broken biscuit said:
Rosen Inn on international Drive was the hotel I was looking at - very 'budget' lol but offered by all travel agents.
I could book (end july for 14 nights)
flights - 2 adults, 3 kids - via skyscanner -£3k or thereabouts
rosen inn (room only)- £990
budget villa via florida4less - 3 bed with pool - £1160
hire car - via netflights.com - £266
Same package via Thomas Cook (Rosen Inn) is £4949
Save myself around £500 booking myself
Planning to book it myself I can get a good deal on the high street?
Drop me a PM - we have a 4 bed detached house with pool etc in Kissimmee. 15/20 mins from Disney. We don't rent it out as it's for family/close friends use only generally but if it's free we can probably work something out. I could book (end july for 14 nights)
flights - 2 adults, 3 kids - via skyscanner -£3k or thereabouts
rosen inn (room only)- £990
budget villa via florida4less - 3 bed with pool - £1160
hire car - via netflights.com - £266
Same package via Thomas Cook (Rosen Inn) is £4949
Save myself around £500 booking myself
Planning to book it myself I can get a good deal on the high street?
Saleen836 said:
bakerstreet said:
Saleen836 said:
Is that price a package for flights and hotel? have you looked at costs for booking flights separately (flight sales on at resent) you can rent a huge villa close to the parks for around £300 a week if you shop around
Sorry, but I'm going to call BS on this. We hunted around a lot and got one for £550 on low season (End of September), I challenge anyone to find a villa in high season for £300 a week. Also, our £550 was a littel scruffy if I'm honest, but did have a private not on display pool, proper hot tub and loads of toys for our little one. Villa is the cheapest option for accommodation and just hunt around for flights. Norwegian Air were doing some great deals, but don't forget all the add ons which the other airlines include (Food, choosing own seats etc etc)
Hunt around for car hire. Its pretty cheap in the US, but with that many kids I would want a car at MCO and not off site. Think we paid around £180 for 10 days and that was a Ford Kuga (Escape)
Are your kids into the Disney thing including Star Wars? That would be where I would start my decision process. However, at £11k, it would be a no from me. We will have two kids when I want to go back and it will be £5k and that is an aweful lot of cash.
Kennedy Space Centre is superb and well worth the drive from Orlando. I always mention it on the Florida threads mainly because I really think its that good. Remember there are only three NASA Space Shuttles on display and the Atlantis and Apollo displays are simply outstanding. We went on the 28th December 2014 and it was very quiet.
Looking at some of the costs that are being posted, I'm unsure if we will ever go back now. Its just so much money for a holiday.
Edited by bakerstreet on Saturday 6th January 21:38
https://www.homeaway.co.uk/p3888173 Just over £500 a week peak season inc taxs for the dates the OP mentioned
Saleen836 said:
Just had a slightly longer search and I found this one...
https://www.homeaway.co.uk/p3888173 Just over £500 a week peak season inc taxs for the dates the OP mentioned
Well I'm glad we agreed that £300 was stretching it. That doesn't look too bad for £500. Pool is a little overlooked and it looks a little dated, but it would certainly do the job for someone. https://www.homeaway.co.uk/p3888173 Just over £500 a week peak season inc taxs for the dates the OP mentioned
Been speaking to OH about this and she doesn't want to go back till oldest one is 7ish. May try and creep that down to 5!
At least if we go back when he is 7, it will give me enough time to save. Time to do a spreadsheet! Its the flights and the Disney tickets that are the crippling bit! We did it last year for the end of June/start of July after the kids finished their GCSEs, it was their choice as a reward for working hard on their GCSEs. We spent about £15k in total without too much problem for the four of us and could have spent double that with ease. However we treated it as a holiday of a lifetime and saved up out of our holiday budget for two years for it. We went two years earlier, over Easter and spent about half that even though that one was over a proper school holiday period.
Myself and the Mrs are planning on going back for Halloween next year when the kids start at Uni by ourselves, as we love the place. My current estimates have it as no more than £4k, I'm hoping for less if I can get a good deal on the flight.
Cutting cost down you need to avoid:
1) Going anywhere other than Disney or Universal, as for UK residents the 14 day passes usually work out the cheapest for these, and there is more than enough to do if you haven't been recently
2) Discovery Cove in particular - it is very pricey, we went on the 4th July to avoid the parks on one of the busiest days of the year, the food is rubbish but the experience was amazing, but not really worth the money paid, and that is even taking account that we had a double length, individual dolphin experience for free due to f
k ups from Discovery Cove on the day.
3) Eating out as much as possible - if you have a Villa you can save a small fortune eating in for breakfast and tea, and taking a pack lunch to the park. While there are some great restaurants they are the ones that need pre booking weeks in advance, in high season and cost a packet.
We've been in June/July twice and it has always been mega hot (and this is even compared to Turkey, which we regularly go to in the summer to see family, which is also around 40c), it doesn't bother me but it does bother the rest of the family. I'd avoid the summer if the extreme heat bothers you.
If you want to go for Star Wars I would wait until Summer 2019, the new Star Wars land will not be open until then (and will likely be an extra charge for the first few months) and Hollywood Studios is pretty crap at present as more than half of it is being redeveloped at present. Toy Story land will open this Summer at Hollywood Studios if you have younger kids though.
Myself and the Mrs are planning on going back for Halloween next year when the kids start at Uni by ourselves, as we love the place. My current estimates have it as no more than £4k, I'm hoping for less if I can get a good deal on the flight.
Cutting cost down you need to avoid:
1) Going anywhere other than Disney or Universal, as for UK residents the 14 day passes usually work out the cheapest for these, and there is more than enough to do if you haven't been recently
2) Discovery Cove in particular - it is very pricey, we went on the 4th July to avoid the parks on one of the busiest days of the year, the food is rubbish but the experience was amazing, but not really worth the money paid, and that is even taking account that we had a double length, individual dolphin experience for free due to f
k ups from Discovery Cove on the day.3) Eating out as much as possible - if you have a Villa you can save a small fortune eating in for breakfast and tea, and taking a pack lunch to the park. While there are some great restaurants they are the ones that need pre booking weeks in advance, in high season and cost a packet.
We've been in June/July twice and it has always been mega hot (and this is even compared to Turkey, which we regularly go to in the summer to see family, which is also around 40c), it doesn't bother me but it does bother the rest of the family. I'd avoid the summer if the extreme heat bothers you.
If you want to go for Star Wars I would wait until Summer 2019, the new Star Wars land will not be open until then (and will likely be an extra charge for the first few months) and Hollywood Studios is pretty crap at present as more than half of it is being redeveloped at present. Toy Story land will open this Summer at Hollywood Studios if you have younger kids though.
OP, we saved £1,000+ flying from Glasgow rather than Manchester so it's worth seeing where else serves Orlando.
For tickets have a look at:
www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk
www.americanattractions.co.uk
There are often bundles (e.g. 14 days for price of 7, plus free air boat ride). The 14 day tickets are good as you can come and go. For instance you can have a quiet day round the pool and then go into Disney late afternoon and stay for the fireworks and come home at midnight. Don't feel you have to be there for it opening. Get your head around the Fast Pass system too. It makes a huge difference to your day, but does need some planning as you can book 30 days in advance.
My preference is for a villa, but each to their own. We stayed in Rolling Hills which was very convenient for the parks. (You don't want to be 45 mins away at the end of a tiring day).
Get a car at the airport. It's so easy. You don't want to be on a bus or shuttle. We found Alamo very helpful. Each time we just book the basic car with the flight and then upgrade at the desk.
Easter is a lovely time to go. Spring Bank starts getting stormy and the summer is hot and humid.
Don't forget your ESTAs.
For tickets have a look at:
www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk
www.americanattractions.co.uk
There are often bundles (e.g. 14 days for price of 7, plus free air boat ride). The 14 day tickets are good as you can come and go. For instance you can have a quiet day round the pool and then go into Disney late afternoon and stay for the fireworks and come home at midnight. Don't feel you have to be there for it opening. Get your head around the Fast Pass system too. It makes a huge difference to your day, but does need some planning as you can book 30 days in advance.
My preference is for a villa, but each to their own. We stayed in Rolling Hills which was very convenient for the parks. (You don't want to be 45 mins away at the end of a tiring day).
Get a car at the airport. It's so easy. You don't want to be on a bus or shuttle. We found Alamo very helpful. Each time we just book the basic car with the flight and then upgrade at the desk.
Easter is a lovely time to go. Spring Bank starts getting stormy and the summer is hot and humid.
Don't forget your ESTAs.
tankplanker said:
Myself and the Mrs are planning on going back for Halloween next year when the kids start at Uni by ourselves, as we love the place. My current estimates have it as no more than £4k, I'm hoping for less if I can get a good deal on the flight.
We've been a few times at that time of year - like to spend time at Epcot's Food and Wine festival, which makes the trip a bit more grown-up. If you time it right, you can catch the back end of Halloween and then get Christmas as well. The only snag is the Halloween and Christmas parties cause Magic Kingdom (MK) to be closed to non-party ticket holders on many evenings, which pisses me off in itself, but also means on the remaining non-party days the place tends to be rammed.Don't think it'll be generally a quiet time of year either - Disney doesn't really have quiet times now, they work hard to pull people in. While we were there they were opening up MK at 7AM for on-site guests - getting up at 5.30 was a bit surreal, but it did mean for the first couple of hours the place was deserted.
Good luck doing it for £4K - I dream of a low-cost Florida holiday. We (just wife and I) went end Sept last year at fairly last minute and our flights and accommodation alone cost £4K. However we choose what we want to do, then try and get as cheaply as possible - to be honest, I think if you tried to fit into a fixed budget you'd end up regretting the thinks you cut back on.
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