Going to WDW! - Page 2

Alex · 03-05-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scaeagles

We are planning on renting a car for a day and heading to the Space Center and coast. I hadn't considered the Everglades, but one thing you need to know about me is I live 4 hours from the grand canyon and my kids (one of whom is 14) have never seen it. Bad dad. The keys are a bit far away, I think....don't want to drive all the way there.

Well, the keys are only 4.5 (290 miles to Key Largo) hours from Orlando and if you are seeing other things on the way. Of course, I've driven that far for lunch before only to turn around and drive back afterwards so obviously I probably have a different definition of acceptable driving distances.

Kennedy is fun, but unfortunately (in my view) the Atlantic coast in that area isn't all that interesting (Cocoa Beach down to Melbourne, just kind of blah). The gulf side is more interesting but you probably don't want to drive from one side to the other.

I think it is still going strong but if you are on the road in the direction of the Gulf Coast I recommend a stop at Parkesdale Farm in Plant City for some strawberry shortcake. It's not the best in the world but it is a neat roadside stop.

As for on property, the Fantasia Miniature Golf is a fair amount of fun.

Moonliner · 03-05-2008, 12:31 PM

You can save at least a few bucks if you get your tickets from Orlando Fun Tickets . They are a sponsor over on Micechat.

Chernabog · 03-05-2008, 09:22 AM

My advice is to take one of those days and do Islands of Adventure/Universal Studios Florida. They have a one-day park hopper available.

I've been twice to WDW -- at age 12 in 1989, and then again in 2006. While I liked the Disney parks, I was actually WAY more impressed with IoA/USF when I did that in 2006. In fact, when I go on the Disney cruise in May (from Florida to Los Angeles), I'm arriving one day early to Florida specifically to do IoA/USF, and skipping all of the Disney parks.

Spiderman (even the most jaded theme parker with us went HOLY SH*T after going on that ride), Men In Black (makes Buzz Lightyear look like something a 2nd grader did), The Mummy (the good version, not the Hollywood crap version), Dueling Dragons (yes, the themed line is jaw-dropping), Dudley Do-Right, and a lovely meal at Mythos (a beautifully themed sit down restaurant in IoA.... all of IoA is VERY VERY well themed) -- totally worth spending a day for.

cirquelover · 03-05-2008, 09:27 AM

There is a lot to do in Florida. There are theme parks galore and many other sights to see like the space center, Gulf, many unusual animals and everything Alex mentioned too!
I would have to suggest going to see the Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba in DTD. I enjoyed it very much and would love to go back and see it again. It has something for every age group in your party and the music is "younger" than their other shows.
I think the food choices are wonderful at WDW. Take a look at the menus and see what appeals to you. We also loved Boma, it was a fun experience, and the AKL is beautiful. Make sure to look out on the Savannahs if you go there.
We also used the Passporter guide for WDW and it is very informative on everything.

I'm also very jealous! Have a great time!

BarTopDancer · 03-05-2008, 09:46 AM

Get a map in the MK. It's the same. But different! (Our MK motto). EPCOT needs more than one day. It is a HUGE park (nothing really prepared me for how ginormous it is). Eat at the counter service place in Morrocco and avoid 'Ohana. Go into the Canadian pavilion store and ask them if they have any Ducks Stanley Cup merchandise

We skipped the carbon copied rides and made a point to ride the different rides. We didn't spend nearly enough time in AK (since the San Diego Wild Animal Park is right down the freeway) and I regret that. Expedition Everest is amazing, as is their ToT. Mission Space was amazing as well (they aren't kidding when they say look straight ahead and do not close your eyes!)

Spend some time resort hopping via the monorail (the monorail goes through the Contemporary hotel! It's SO COOL!). If you can explore some of the resorts, take the time to do so.

Finally, take a little time to study the WDW transportation map. Since you're staying off property and have a car I presume you are going to be driving to the parks, but it would be a good idea to know your other options (monorail from EPCOT to MK for example).

swanie · 03-05-2008, 09:55 AM

Oohhh... just remembered. Don't miss the Haunted Mansion. The "stairs" room rocks.

swanie

Moonliner · 03-05-2008, 10:07 AM

Since you will be staying off property you will want to avoid whatever park has early entry each day.

Morrigoon · 03-05-2008, 12:40 PM

Avoid Ohana at the Polynesian.

Disneyphile · 03-05-2008, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

Avoid Ohana at the Polynesian.

I actually enjoyed O'hanas. I thought the food was really awesome.

BarTopDancer · 03-05-2008, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disneyphile

I actually enjoyed O'hanas. I thought the food was really awesome.

When were you there?

When we went (in June) the meat was super dry and the service was terrible. Yes, 8 months is a long time, but from other reviews that I've read, it hasn't improved.

03-05-2008, 12:31 PM	#2
Moonliner 8/30/14 - Disneyland -10k or Bust. Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 9,022	You can save at least a few bucks if you get your tickets from Orlando Fun Tickets . They are a sponsor over on Micechat. __________________ - Taking it one step at a time.
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03-05-2008, 09:22 AM	#3
Chernabog Biophage Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: The Moon Posts: 2,679	My advice is to take one of those days and do Islands of Adventure/Universal Studios Florida. They have a one-day park hopper available. I've been twice to WDW -- at age 12 in 1989, and then again in 2006. While I liked the Disney parks, I was actually WAY more impressed with IoA/USF when I did that in 2006. In fact, when I go on the Disney cruise in May (from Florida to Los Angeles), I'm arriving one day early to Florida specifically to do IoA/USF, and skipping all of the Disney parks. Spiderman (even the most jaded theme parker with us went HOLY SH*T after going on that ride), Men In Black (makes Buzz Lightyear look like something a 2nd grader did), The Mummy (the good version, not the Hollywood crap version), Dueling Dragons (yes, the themed line is jaw-dropping), Dudley Do-Right, and a lovely meal at Mythos (a beautifully themed sit down restaurant in IoA.... all of IoA is VERY VERY well themed) -- totally worth spending a day for. __________________ And they say back then our universe Was a coal black egg Until the god inside Burst out and from its shattered shell He made what became the world we know ~ Bjork (Cosmogony)
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03-05-2008, 09:27 AM	#4
cirquelover Cruising around in my automobile... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,617	There is a lot to do in Florida. There are theme parks galore and many other sights to see like the space center, Gulf, many unusual animals and everything Alex mentioned too! I would have to suggest going to see the Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba in DTD. I enjoyed it very much and would love to go back and see it again. It has something for every age group in your party and the music is "younger" than their other shows. I think the food choices are wonderful at WDW. Take a look at the menus and see what appeals to you. We also loved Boma, it was a fun experience, and the AKL is beautiful. Make sure to look out on the Savannahs if you go there. We also used the Passporter guide for WDW and it is very informative on everything. I'm also very jealous! Have a great time!
	Submit to Quotes

03-05-2008, 09:46 AM	#5
BarTopDancer Prepping... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Here, there, everywhere Posts: 11,405	Get a map in the MK. It's the same. But different! (Our MK motto). EPCOT needs more than one day. It is a HUGE park (nothing really prepared me for how ginormous it is). Eat at the counter service place in Morrocco and avoid 'Ohana. Go into the Canadian pavilion store and ask them if they have any Ducks Stanley Cup merchandise We skipped the carbon copied rides and made a point to ride the different rides. We didn't spend nearly enough time in AK (since the San Diego Wild Animal Park is right down the freeway) and I regret that. Expedition Everest is amazing, as is their ToT. Mission Space was amazing as well (they aren't kidding when they say look straight ahead and do not close your eyes!) Spend some time resort hopping via the monorail (the monorail goes through the Contemporary hotel! It's SO COOL!). If you can explore some of the resorts, take the time to do so. Finally, take a little time to study the WDW transportation map. Since you're staying off property and have a car I presume you are going to be driving to the parks, but it would be a good idea to know your other options (monorail from EPCOT to MK for example). __________________ Spork is the new MacGyver Postcards From My Edge
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03-05-2008, 09:55 AM	#6
swanie Wiiiiiiiiiiiiid Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 321	Oohhh... just remembered. Don't miss the Haunted Mansion. The "stairs" room rocks. swanie
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03-05-2008, 10:07 AM	#7
Moonliner 8/30/14 - Disneyland -10k or Bust. Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 9,022	Since you will be staying off property you will want to avoid whatever park has early entry each day. __________________ - Taking it one step at a time.
	Submit to Quotes

03-05-2008, 12:40 PM	#8
Morrigoon I throw stones at houses Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Location: Location Posts: 9,534	Avoid Ohana at the Polynesian. __________________ http://bash.org/?top "It is useless for sheep to pass a resolution in favor of vegetarianism while wolves remain of a different opinion." -- William Randolph Inge
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