Margalot Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 Help?! I am after some advice as I am trying to book our Christmas holiday to Florida and am bamboozled by the sheer amount of information out there! We want to do a twin centre holiday with week one in Orlando so we can do all the theme parks and wear ourselves out and then week two we want a beach holiday so we can relax after all the mayhem at the parks! I am looking to book villas and hire a car for both weeks but wondered if anyone had any advice on which areas to stay? We will need to fly in and out of the same airport hopefully Orlando. I am thinking about Sarasota for week 2 or Bradentown, but again dont know what this is like? We did originally want to do a week in Miami after Orlando, but this is about a 5hr drive? And as for the theme parks? do we need to buy tickets before we go or when we are there. We are not too concerned about Disney and think Universal would be more suited for our kids who will be 14 and 16 when we go. If any of you have been I would be grateful for tips thank you! It really stresses me out looking for holidays on line as it takes soooooo long and you go from site to site Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 It's been quite a while since we went to Florida - and we went at Christmas too. If you are able try and go a couple of days or more before school breaks up if you can - makes a big difference with regard to the queues. Ours was a bit of an exploration thing anyway so we toured a lot. We flew into Miami and booked an hotel halfway to Orlando - We booked in the next 2 nights in Universal really early and once you get your room key you go and book your tickets and then you are allowed in early for the rides (cor fantastic place that was) and spent 2 days there - your room ticket gives you front of line access which is a must. After that Sea World. Then we did the Days Inn's of places as we next went to Cape Canaveral - if you go you'll need a day there because there is so much to do - I don't think we did it all but we had a great time there - lots of hands on things like simulators - OH was nearly throwing up because they whip you round in a centrifugey thing). Then we went across to Busch Gardens in Tampa. When it's cold your nose and teeth freeze on the roller coasters - avoid getting wet because it is hard to get dry on days like that. We chilled out in Sannibel Island for Christmas. Next we stayed in Venice - it's nice to stroll along the beach and looking for prehistoric sharks teeth. Down to the Everglades and air boat tour - we went on the Indian reservation one - but can't remember the name - very informative, educational and most of all for youngsters - cool, fun, fast and loud at certain points - something for everyone. We next went to Key Largo and went swimming with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Centre - non profit making organisation - where Flipper was and now they have grandson of Flipper! Well worth it and the best time I ever had - AWESOME!!!! You have to book well in advance. It was destroyed by Katrina - dolphins were released to the sea and were temporarily rehomed in Bermuda until they were rebuilt. The John Pennekamp Reservation has glass bottom boats or you can go snorkelling. We stayed in a different motel and had a chill out couple of days there too. After that it was back to Miami and home. We went for 3 weeks as it was pretty much a cross between a geography field trip and fun. Pack for cold weather just in case as it was warm but colder at night, then blinking freeeeeeezing for a fair few days and then it was really hot. Some years before we went with the inlaws when our kiddies were much smaller and it was baking hot - 80 degrees plus! Just depends on the weather coming in off the Gulf or the Atlantic. Now if you are chilling out it would probably be better to have a villa (if it's nice and hot you'll need a pool to swim in). Whatever you do, I'm sure you'll have a fabulous time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meezers Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 I've sent you a private message, hope it's some help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutti Frutti Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 I've PM'd you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 We went to Orlando then had a second week in Sarasota/Bradentown. Easy access to Busch Gardens, plus near to Anna Maria Island which has the most beautiful silver sand beaches, boutique shops and seafood restaurants. Ideal for a second week of R&R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickendoodle Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 We did 1 week Disney (staying on International Drive which is very central to everything) and then a week at St Pete's Beach which is absolutely lovely and quite laid back - it is also nearish to Busch Gardens which is a must Whatever you do don't miss the Spiderman ride at Universal World of Adventures - best ride ever!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 I agree with the Spiderman one - and I loved Men In Black where you shoot at the tourists on the other side of the ride! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 I LOVED Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure! And yes, the Spiderman ride was absolutely the best! When we were leaving the ride, I was walking in front of my BIL and passed a 'statue' of the Green Goblin. I turned to my BIL and remarked on how lifelike the statue was - at which point the statue turned and jumped in front of BIL, who nearly had a coronary! It made us all jump, but was hilarious! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clash City Rocker Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 Have a day at Discovery Cove, swimming with the Dolphins. The best thing we've done on our 3 trips to Florida. You will have to book in advance, It's a little expensive, but worth every penny (dollar). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margalot Posted March 29, 2011 Author Share Posted March 29, 2011 Thank you guys, I knew you would all come to the rescue! I have pm'd back and will endeavour to try to book this holiday! So many options!!!! i have always booked the flights and then sorted out accomodation after do you think this is the way to go here or should I book everything with a tour operator . I have been looking at James Villas for rough ideas of prices of villas for a week in one resort and then another resort. So much to look at, just so excited we have always done relaxing holidays but the kids undoubtedly get bored so thought that seeing as our daughter is 16 in December and our son will be 14 we thought we would give them a holiday to remember, then maybe we can go back to the relaxing breaks... Just hope my feet stand up to all the pounding they will take! Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 We did 1 week Disney (staying on International Drive which is very central to everything) and then a week at St Pete's Beach which is absolutely lovely and quite laid back - it is also nearish to Busch Gardens which is a must Whatever you do don't miss the Spiderman ride at Universal World of Adventures - best ride ever!!!! We had 10 days in a villa in Haynes about 15 min drive from the theme parks and then we had a week at St. Pete's Beach which was a fabulous way to end the holiday - we found we really needed the rest after the theme parks. We did Bush Gardens like Chickendoodle whilst we were there. We stayed in the Don Cesar (or the pink palace as it was called). Have a fantastic time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 You will definitely need to book a place for when you arrive as customs are a bit iffy on that matter, it is preferable to plan where you will be in advance and make bookings in advance. Although our first hotel decided to cancel our booking and let someone else have our room - not happy about that! So OH drove all the way to Orlando and we booked in at a Days Inn without any hassle. Otherwise our trip was problem free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutti Frutti Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 i have always booked the flights and then sorted out accomodation after do you think this is the way to go here or should I book everything with a tour operator Just one thought to add to the mix - when the volcano went off last spring, we were All Inclusive on a package so the tour operator took care of EVERYTHING - food, drink, accommodation so didn't cost us a penny Those who were on flight only were kept on in their accommodation for only a couple of nights and then debunked to a cheap B&B, as the flight operators were only obliged to supply basic accomodation but what's the likelihood of anything like that happening again??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missuscluck Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 We stayed here. http://www.ourorlandodream.com/ Lovley villa. About 5 mins from Disney. Probably a half hour drive from the airport. We hired a car to get around. We booked the villa of a friends reccomendation. Good luck booking your holiday. I second the reccomendation of Discovery Cove. It is expensive but was definatly the highlight of the holiday. Hope you have a fantastic time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margalot Posted April 4, 2011 Author Share Posted April 4, 2011 Oh Thank you all soooo much! BOOKED IT!! Yay!! I am so excited especially now that the stress is over, just waiting for the confirmation to come through. We have a week at a villa in ~Highlands Reserve Orlando and then a week in a gorgeous villa on Anna Maria island. I must admit I am excitied about week 2 as the villa is right on the water there and the view is to die for!! Flying out just before Christmas with Virgin. And all booked with one agent. I am so glad the looking and booking part is done, just need to plan the Orlando week now so we cram everything we want to do in to that week. Thank you all for your tips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 We flew Virgin - found it very good. Especially as they were the first ones to start having the screens in the back of the seats. You'll have a fabulous time there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickendoodle Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 Word of advice for the theme parks - buy a really good book about florida before you go - you should be able to find one that details every single ride in every park. We found one that star rated each ride and said whether it was worth doing, what age it was best for etc. Sit down as a family and plan your theme park days like a military campaign or you will find that you wander around aimlessly achieving nothing. Prioritise which rides you absolutely must do and then set yourself a route (I know it sounds crazy but the parks are vast). Make a beeeline for your first ride - step away from the shops as there will be time later. Some of the most popular rides have a ticketing system where you can reserve a time slot and you can plan your time a bit better. There are shows which let you sit down for half an hour and rest- brilliant ones at MGM. The Muppett 3d adventure was fantastic, if it is still there. MGM was my favourite Disney Park - it is more like Universal than Disney. Not overly impressed with the Magic Kingdom, more suitable for quite small children. It is exhausting - take plenty of water and snacks Have a wonderful holiday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 We found Fodor's guides are the best (we used them in Fla and in Canada). Shows you places to eat. We found super places in Miami to eat tucked out of the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 Ooh you'll have a fantastic time but you will have to plan, plan, plan and research loads to make sure you get the most out of the parks at Christmas time as it will be unbelievably busy. Manic from arounbd the 18th December usually. They do close them early on as they reach capacity over Christmas. I know that they won't give out exact figures but for Magic Kingdom it's around 75,000 people. We did Epcot on a NYE and where there for opening to make sure we got in. 45 minute queues for loos and 240 minute queue for Test Track Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted April 8, 2011 Share Posted April 8, 2011 Just a tip.. I definately wouldn't give Disney a miss despite your children's ages. There are some amazing rides and there are a multitude of different theme parks within 'Disney World' including Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Water park etc. Have a great time regardless! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted April 9, 2011 Share Posted April 9, 2011 Oooooh, You booked Anna Maria Island! *sigh* a beautiful place - you won't be disappointed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reikiranf Posted April 9, 2011 Share Posted April 9, 2011 If you want more info on planning your days, eating out & shopping etc. www.thedibb.co.uk and www.disboards.com are really helpful. If you have a car then make a trip to Dollar Tree it's their version of our Poundland and sells almost everything, and Walmart is good too but Dollar Tree is much cheaper for toiletries. I'm ashamed to say that I wouldn't be without my bumbag, much to my sons disgust The majority of rides won't let you take bags on and you have to put them in lockers, but I could keep what I needed in it and keep it on & it kept my phone dry on the water rides because be warned you will get wet, very wet! Have a great time whatever you do, it's a fun place to go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
