whats your best tip?

[spider]

in a earlier post(florida in october)i gave what i thought was my top tip for anyone travelling to florida and i have to ask everyone-what is your top tip.only 1 tip allowed.it could be a tip to make the most of the time or the most from your money or a bit of both.i think this could be a real long thread.

[dmrevis]

My tip is to have fun. I know that sounds obvious but by that i mean go out remembering you are on holiday. Dont skrimp and save, dont think "ohh, i cant have buttery popcorn, i'm on a diet" etc. Treat it like the last two weeks of your life and you will have a great time!

[Susan Veness]

One one tip? Or only one at a time?

My first and Number One tip is: drink lots more water than you think you'll need. Not soda, not beer; water. Especially in summer, but it's important in the winter, too.

I've got loads more top tips. Can we do more than one if we wait 24 hours in between? :D

[spider]

i suppose you can post more than one.i was only looking for each person top tip.i agree with living your holiday like it is the last 2 weeks of your life but i dont know anyone whos on a diet that has put weight on whilst in florida.the heat and the exercise tend to balance out the extra you eat.if i overspend by lots it just means it takes longer to get back to florida.i love to spend money but over the years-this will be my 10th time and we are booking for next august-but ive learned where saving can be made and how to waste a little less of my money(ive still got an awfull lot of mugs!)

[marksarahL]

Go to the beach at least once, it is a great break from all the rush of the parks. We went to Cocoa beach this time it was nice and relaxing and perfect weather. It just breaks the holiday up nice.

But I would try to make it a weekday as the weekend can get very busy at Cocoa.

[Mr Orlando]

OK my tip (this is hard as we cxan only have 1 tip)

If possible get off the plane as quick as you can and get to the immigration line fast. Makes all the difference of waiting 30 mins or 3 hours. especially if a few international planes land at a similar time .

[billiecat]

My tip is:
Try and get in some rest days if possible, lounge around the pool, go shopping or go to a water park. This way you don't feel that you've spent the whole holiday just doing the theme parks and had no time to relax :D

[Susan Veness]

Another tip: Don't book table service dining for every day of your holiday. Having days (several, if possible) when you aren't always looking at your watch for your dining time to roll around (or getting up early for breakfast reservations) makes it feel more care-free and spontaneous. Plus, after about 3 days it feels like you've eaten enough for a month.

[marg21]

my top tip is just take each day as it comes even if it rains u can still ave fun we did and dont plan 2 much ahead (oh and dont forget 2 shop lol)

[sex kitten]

my top tip is.... just relax and enjoy yourselves. it doesnt matter if you dont get to do everything. after going regularly since 1990 we are still discovering things we havent done before.

[spider]

i know its very hard to give just one tip so please feel free to post more than one.heres another from me.if you're in a party(like me)then try to form some sort of plane-especially if youve only got one car.when you get in from your busy day,make a cup of tea sit down reflect on the highs and lows of that day and plan what everyone wants to do the next day.this MAY prevent misunderstandings and give everyone a chance to say what they think.im sure there is nothing worse than going somewhere like florida and never getting a say in what you do.im sure im not the only one whos found friendships and family bonds tested and had a holiday which has not lived up to your exspectations.another car also helps.

[ADRIAN C]

My best tip is use the twilight check in if available, stay in a hotel the night before you fly, and go out for a meal and a drink the night before, this really helps you relax and prepares the whole family for the long flight the next day, this stops you all from getting grumpy :eek:

[Tiggers Friend]

My best tip is to have a plan (or a list of things you want to do, places to go, where to eat etc) and work through it, but not necessarily with military precison. Adapt to how you feel, what the weather is like and so on. Remember you are on holiday! For sure you want to get the most out of your time in Florida, but who wants to come back burnt out! :)

[spencem]

Related to the travelling in a party tip, make more than one booking with your travel agent and so get more than 1 car! I know you'll have to pay extra for the insurance but it is worth it to have the option to do different things. We've done this both times and it has been great, even when we all go to the same place on the same day there are times when some people have had enough (my wife and son) and some want to stay all night (my sister and I). :D

[Susan Veness]

My best tip for families travelling as a group is, be SURE to schedule some time apart. Even if you're in the same park, go in different directions for the morning, for a few hours, or for the day. Having the time apart helps you relax and just be with 'your' family, then you have lots to talk about when you come together at dinner again.

I think that's the biggest problem we hear with large groups....they NEED time apart but feel guilty for taking it. If it's part of the 'plan', everyone knows they have that freedom and it helps prevent conflicts later.

[Simon Veness]

In summer, arrive at the parks early (up to an hour before the official opening time at the main theme parks, 30 minutes at the water parks), and take a break in early afternoon when it's hottest. You will do far more in the first two hours on the day (9am-11am) than from mid-day to 5/6pm. We see SO many families with unhappy, grizzly children by 4pm because they haven't had a break or a chance to cool down. You car park fee is valid all day, so you can go in and out at will. Even if you only leave the Magic Kingdom for a boat ride over to Fort Wildreness (and maybe lunch at the Trail's End buffet), that will help to re-charge your batteries. Much of the parks' entertainment is in the evening, so you need to be reasonably fresh to enjoy it.

[Susan Veness]

We see SO many families with unhappy, grizzly children by 4pm because they haven't had a break or a chance to cool down.


We call that the 4pm Melt-Down Hour. You could practically set your watch by it. :rolleyes:

BTW....parents tend to melt down by 3pm, so the kids are actully doing pretty well!

[TESSIE]

Getting To The Parks Early Is A Must. They Open Early And You Can Get All The Big Rides Done Before There Are Any Queues. You Can Then Go To Your Hotel For A Few Hours To Relax In The Afternoon. You Then Feel Like You Have Had A Great Holiday And Don't Feel Like You Need Another One To Get Over It! :d

[spider]

hi does anyone know why this post has a drawing pin attached?and thanks to everyone who has posted a reply.some great tips but im sure there are more.

[Susan Veness]

The pin indicates this post is a 'sticky' at the top of this forum (meaning, it won't move down the page as regular posts do, but will remain at the top of the forum so it can be found quickly).

Another good tip is, freeze bottles of water for use the next day (those water bottles you can buy with a strap are even better). The ice will keep it cold for a few hours, then you can refill it in the park and avoid paying outrageous prices for water (which you will need lots of!).

[LindaM]

My tip is to make sure you have suitable footwear for the waterparks as your feet can get burnt in the hot weather from the floor.

[adie55]

If you as a parent are planning what to do each day,once or twice ask the kids what they would like to do and do it (you might be surprised) just do not presume everyone wants to do what you want to? ;)

[raider56]

pack light, seriously, PACK LIGHT! you will be find so many bargains out there you wont be able to fit it all in your cases, if in doubt buy it out there if you need it.
EVERYTHING (except british foods) is much much cheaper out there, sunsreen, clothes,shades, shoess, everything! you can reckon on most things costing the same in $ as it does in £ here, so with exchange rates most things work out half price!......which is nice!

[dmrevis]

on a similar note, we always pack a suitcase, then put that in a bigger, empty suitcase. That way we have an empty suitcase to fill for the way back, but still only carry one on the way out! :D

[raider56]

which saves having to buy a large holdall as i had to!!!

[dmrevis]

lol, i had to do that once. we were at Seaworld and i had a go on one of those $5 per go, one shot basketball things. Just punted it up there and it went in - the prize was a toy polar bear, as big as me! Had to buy its own bag for the way home, and carry it around for the rest of the day! :p

[martin1]

lol dmrevis you shouldnt have been such a good shot! sign up for an nba team!

[dmrevis]

lol, well at the time i played a little basketball, but i was an "in the paint" kinda guy - never hit 3 pointers so didnt expect to get it in!

[martin1]

im a terrible shot so wheni go there knowing my luck it will sail in!

[mikeymouse]

as a Orlando novice cant comment much on tips but will report back here in 12 weeks with some i hope :) best tips i can give at the moment are get yourself registered on to A.T.D forum .i have been on here for a short while and learned so much in a short space of time from some realy experienced people like DM REVIS ,SIMON AND SUSAN VENESS,Mr O, to mention a few (sorry if i missed you) :) someone always comes along with an answer also you want to get yourself a copy of the brits guide which is full of info on Orlando Disney E.T.C :) i got one and regretted it would have been a senior member by now (100 posts) or more only joking
mm :)

[dmrevis]

I was actually a member of Go2Orlando forums, but that board seemed to die, and hence i discovered this one. Much prefer it here - far more of a community spirit. :)

[Mr Orlando]

Here is a great tip - espicially if your driving over there

Drive on the right !!


Sorry I had to get this one in.


OK so heres my next tip.

When you are dining have soft drinks - they have FREE unlimited re-fills. (even at places lime McDonalds)

[Susan Veness]

No free refills in the UK? :eek: Simon says you don't get free refills on coffee or tea, either! :eek: That's a great tip, Mr. O. I wouldn't have thought of it since I assumed that was just standard proceedure everywhere.

Just to add to it, you also get free refills on coffee and iced tea too (ask for extra hot water with hot tea).

Another restaurant tip you all probably know already is, never hesitate to ask for a 'doggy bag' (except at a buffet restaurant) when you can't finish your meal. You can also split meals just about everywhere (maybe not so classy if you're at a fine-dining restaurant :rolleyes: ) and no one will think twice about it. Sometimes they even split it in the kitchen for you and bring it out on two plates. Otherwise, they'll bring you a second plate and you can split it yourselves.

Just be sure to leave a tip as if you had purchased two full meals. :)

[martin1]

i wish free refills was standard practise over here susan sounds good though go to mcdonalds for brekkie and just drink coffee for 2 hours to wake up. now te next thing over there would be for free refills in bars for beer!now that would be something

[Susan Veness]

We get pretty close to 'free refills' with some of the drink specials you'll find. Simon and I spend a few hours at Orlando Ale House the other week and had their special, 5 beers (bottled) for $5. That's a buck a beer! Not bad when you consider it's about $2.50 (or more; $4 is pretty average) for a glass of beer most place. It isn't Sam Adams or Negro Modelo but you might be able to get Coors! :p

Ok, another tip: The Resort Only monorail goes to the TTC as well as the resorts after Wishes ends at Magic Kingdom. If the 'regular' monorail is busy, the Resort Only might have a shorter queue.

[Veronica]

If you're flying into Orlando International (MCO) for the first time, remember you'll need $3 handy for your luggage trolley. Don't end up with embarrassing memories like me, kicking and pulling and tugging and worse...that is until someone pointed out that I needed to put some money in the slot. :o

[Mr Orlando]

I never used the trolleys - quicker without them.

Another tip when your at the airport, the drivers could bypass the baggage reclaim and go straight to the car hire desks.

Then the non-drivers wait for the bags and the drivers get the car sorted out.

I done this at MCO and saved loads of time.

[dmrevis]

One other lugguage related tip is to make your bags distinctive. you'd be suprised how many people have the same bags/suitcases as you. Also, if anyone watched "The Real Hustle" on BBC3 you will know about doing this! Put some bright ties/stickers etc on them to make them unique. That way you can spot them easily, and also stop anyone who may pick them up by mistake or otherwise.

[Susan Veness]

We bought bright purple luggage this time and haven't had a problem identifying our cases ever since. :D

Sticking with the airport theme, you'll find a relatively quiet place for a meal or a drink before your flight by going to McCoys in the airport Hyatt. Good food, full bar, no crowds.

[Veronica]

I never used the trolleys - quicker without them.

It probably is quicker without them if you're a single traveller. If you're taking enough luggage for a family then you'll need a trolley ;) :)

[Mr Orlando]

The trouble with stickers - everyone seams to have them now - I have got a luggage strap - in bright orange !!

I never miss it.

ps Why do people mistake other people suit cases for there own, surly you know what your suitcase is like and can ID it on the carosal before it gets to you!

[mikeymouse]

Here is a great tip - espicially if your driving over there

Drive on the right !!


Sorry I had to get this one in.


OK so heres my next tip.

When you are dining have soft drinks - they have FREE unlimited re-fills. (even at places lime McDonalds)
see dining thread- reservations yes/no by LindaM Mama Melrose :)

[Susan Veness]

mikeymouse, it is highly unusual for sodas (soft drinks), tea or coffee NOT to be free. There may be exceptions (if LindaM says that's what happened I'm sure it is! Not questioning that at all), but for the most part you will get free refills on soft drinks.

Smoothies, alcoholic beverages or any other 'speciality' type drink (sometimes even lemonade, though that's usually free too) will not have free refills. Some restaurants also serve special-brand sodas (like Dr. Browns or Jones Soda) that won't have free refills.

We're surprised to hear Mama Melrose doesn't give free refills any more. Not too cool on their part, and certainly they should have said so before offering refills. That's just a nasty trick. I would have complained-- respectfully but loudly. :mad:

[LindaM]

Susan

Your right we should have complained, we were really surprised ourselves when we got charged for each drink.

[Mo's Streetrods & Customs]

My tip(s) is book the vacation yourself. Won't work for everyone but for me travelling in March or October it is great. Don't use a travel agent, it will cost you a fortune. Check out the last minute deals or even seats a month in advance on ceefax page 222. Book the flight and hotel by phone. Look for USRENTACAR and book a Gold Package. Get a decent sized vehicle for a fraction of the Travel Agent costs. Never listen to the "free car hire" offers, the insurance at the airport is way too expensive. If travelling in groups on a Fly-Drive, the rooms sleep 4 or more if you are prepared to rough it a little.Lots of ways of beating the system. The more you save on the package the more you have to spend on other luxury items to bring home.
The argument against this way of booking a Florida Vacation is, "I have to book my holidays in advance to get off work and don't want to miss out on getting the holiday I want" Well, I have been doing this the last 25 years and never ended up staying at home. There are many airlines flying to Florida and someone will have a few spare seats at the last minute that will cost from 39 -199 pounds. The fuel taxes have made it more expensive this past year but at least check-out CEEFAX 222
.

[Mr Orlando]

Good Tip Mo

I always book my trips myself - always worked out cheaper

[FLORIDA MAN]

my tip is have another holiday when you get back you need one !!!!!!!!!!!!

[loobylou]

Go to Disney's Boardwalk. We sat on the beach toasting marshmallows watching Disney dvd's on a big blow up screen, this was at night. Oh and you can see epcot fireworks in the background!

[jonniew]

my top tip is go with the best airline you can afford.9.5hrs is along time to sit on a small chair with kids and wifes moaning,it will make all the difference to your mood when you get there.trust me! :cheers:

[jonniew]

2nd and last tip never ever miss the bud tent at seaworld:purplejum:cheers:

[FLORIDA MAD]

Wife's moaning. Whatever do you mean? We do not moan:eek::eek:

[jonniew]

true wifes dont moan,i meant that nothing ever pleases them:laughing:

[FLORIDA MAD]

Now you are just digging a bigger hole for yourself!!!!:laughing:

[loobylou]

my tip is have another holiday when you get back you need one !!!!!!!!!!!!
Totally agree 100%, ours was booked before we went on this one!!!!:happy-thumb:purplejum

[palmer gang]

my tip would be to enjoy every minute your out there no good wishing you had done it when you get back :happy-thumb

[loobylou]

Not a lot of people know this ;) but the fast passes don't expire. You can use them after the alloted hour they print on the ticket. :happy-thumb

[mikeymouse]

my best tip is not for sale far too good to be posted on here sorry folks:happy-thumb







maybe post it later on

[ADRIAN C]

My best tip is book a holiday to Florida:purplejum:purplejum:purplejum

[Simon Veness]

Soon! While the exchange rate is still so good!! :laughing:

[jonniew]

ill give 1 more just for first timers! when your freinds tell you about all the rides ill bet they dont mention dudley do rights,so BEWARE YOU MAY GET WET.

[Simon Veness]

No, you may get soaked!!! :eek: :laughing:

[jonniew]

i wish i had spoken to you, simon,before the first time i went on that ride:angry: must admit though the last 3 times ive only had myself to blame.:happy-smi

[FLORIDA MAN]

second tip,
really enjoy it,it goes by so quickly and so much to cram in

[map-backpacker]

Hi everybody, I'm new in this forum and I love this thread!!!
My tip is this: take YOUR time, enjoy it, know as much you can!!!:purplejum:purplejum:purplejum

[Susan Veness]

Welcome to the ATD forums, map-backpacker! :) We're glad you joined us! Do you have a trip planned?

Another good tip might be to book Sharks Underwater Grill as soon as you enter the SeaWorld park. You have to book it at the restaurant itself, but if you reserve a dining time around 1pm, you'll have the perfect place to refresh yourselves in a quiet, semi-dark, restful place with fantastic food. It's nearly as refreshing as a long mid-day break out of the park. :happy-thumb

[Simon Veness]

Welcome, map-backpacker! That really is important advice, especially for first-timers, and is well worth underlining. The more people study up in advance, the better time they will have!

[1969steveb]

Hi Everyone,
My best tip is go to wallmart at the start of your holiday and buy a polystyrine cool box for about $3 and a case of bottled water, fill the box everymorning with ice from your hotel and put the bottles in, leave in the boot of your car and after the parks is great to have a nice cool bottle as your car inside will be about 200 degrees when you get in!! Oh and just one for parents with kids aged about 4/5ish buy a buggy from there aswell it costs about
9$, disney charge about 10$ a day and just leave it the cleaner or another family when you leave.

Steve.:party-dan happy days.

[mortus]

re: buggy/pram

you could do what we did and buy a good buggy in florida - i think we paid about $120 for ours - bring it home with you and sell it on ebay. we made a £30 profit on ours :mr-cool:

mortus


roll on feb 08 :purplejum

[pinkjoolz]

been reading all the tips and all helpful. i have one tip a(it maybe a bit obvious)- make sure you wear comfortable shoes, first time i went i bought new trainers wore them to MK and they blistered my feet - ouch!

[Tiggers Friend]

Yep, I don't think people realise how much walking is involved.

[marg21]

gotta agree with that
people dont realise how big the parks are

we didnt the first yr we went

[LeonieM]

The first holiday I crippled myself - blisters on my blisters and everything.

Second trip I wore some good thick socks and lovely comfy shoes - and STILL got blisters on my blisters. I even ended up having to do Magic Kingdom in a wheelchair as walking skew because of my blistered feet ended up with me pulling my calf muscle!!

Last holiday (after I'd discovered Birkenstocks) I took 5 pairs of Birkies with me and wore them EVERYWHERE every day. Only one day did we do Disney in shoes because it was tipping it down.

All I had to show for it was one tiny blister on my heel at the end of the holiday - and we were doubling up all the parks too, it being out of season.

So, just goes to show. My tip - BIRKENSTOCKS!!!!!!! :happy-thumb:happy-thumb

[Lottiesmum]

My top tip if you have children is take your own pushchair.

The Disney Strollers are OK, but hard moulded plastic, with no cover from the rain. They are also not transferable from park to park, or park to resort hotel. Therefore, if you have a late night or change parks and your little one is asleep, you have to lift them out and wake them up.

Kate

[LeonieM]

It amazes me that people would choose not to take their own - especially as they're carried free in the hold! Maybe they're worried that they'll get lost or damaged ...

[sex kitten]

I'm being thick here, can I just ask what birkenstock's are please. :confused:

[Tiggers Friend]

Shoes made in Germany I believe.

[LeonieM]

I'm being thick here, can I just ask what birkenstock's are please. :confused:

These are Birkenstocks! The originals and the best.

[Lottiesmum]

It amazes me that people would choose not to take their own - especially as they're carried free in the hold! Maybe they're worried that they'll get lost or damaged ...


For us it was the fact that we are lugging an extra item around - ours is quite large too - with a case each and a pushchair to think about at both ends and a child who is quite able to walk, it all gets a bit of a pain.

Also the pushchairs in the states are so cheap, you can almost buy one there and leave it. We bought one there and bought it home! So now we have an nice easy one to transport if we need it. :laughing:

[LeonieM]

That's fair enough if you don't actually have one of those folding jobbies! I had a standard foldflat until Emma was about 6 months old, and then got a folding 'umbrella' one as soon as I could - and never looked back.

[flumpsmum]

If its your first time at any of the Disney parks you can go to guest relations & ask for a free pin (badge) for all of your group that says '1st Visit' on it. They have a picture of mickey, minnie, donald etc on it & it may get you some extra special attention! they're a nice little freebie even if its just for the kids. :happy-thumb

[LeonieM]

I wish I'd known that one 3 holidays ago! lol

[martin1]

If its your first time at any of the Disney parks you can go to guest relations & ask for a free pin (badge) for all of your group that says '1st Visit' on it. They have a picture of mickey, minnie, donald etc on it & it may get you some extra special attention! they're a nice little freebie even if its just for the kids. :happy-thumb
thats a good tip i will make sure we get one each when we go! sounds like guest services is the place to go

[flumpsmum]

Yep, guest services or City Hall in MK, it was definately a conversation starter with the CM's & we were also given fastpasses for Expedition Everest by another CM! It was a nice little touch.

:happy-thumb

[loobylou]

We did this for our friends as it was their 1st time.
They also have birthday, anniversary and just married badges.

[digitalskittles]

o0o this is a very handy thread.

I will have to remember the just married or a first timer badge.

I shall have to keep an eye on this thread over the next few weeks.

[louloz]

Thanks for that great tip.We are going for our very first visit at the end of July. I will deffinetly remember to do that!

I can't wait!!!:purplejum

[tabboo]

What a nice thread! It'll be our first time in Orlando, & I've picked up a lot of tips from here I hope we'll find useful!

You never know - maybe I'll come back with a good tip of my own to post!

(Don't know if you'd really call it a tip or not, but following on from the comfy footwear tips, I bought us all new sports sandals last month for wearing to the parks etc - the velcro strapped, cushion soled type - & we've all been wearing them round the house as slippers for the last month to break them in to be sure they'll be comfy for the many miles I'm sure we'll have to walk out there!)

4 weeks tomorrow til we fly!!!:purplejum

[andr3wjillings2]

My Tip is to book your own car hire. The free car hire which most holiday companies offer is not actually free, due to the fact that you have to pay for the insurance. I have found that it is actually about £100 cheaper to book a car yourself for 2 weeks and the price includes insurance.

[spencem]

My Tip is to book your own car hire. The free car hire which most holiday companies offer is not actually free, due to the fact that you have to pay for the insurance. I have found that it is actually about £100 cheaper to book a car yourself for 2 weeks and the price includes insurance.

Let me follow that up by saying that if you intend to do this don't whatever you do tell the holiday company. If you do chances are you will find your flights have gone up, or an 'independent traveller supplement' has suddenly been applied.

Rather simply don't pick the 'free' car up. Dollar or whoever are not going to tell on you, they have a car that has been paid for to sell again.

[andr3wjillings2]

I told them I ddn't need the car when I made my original booking. They offered me free transfers instead, although I later found out that because I am staying at Disney, I could have caught the Magical Express which is free anyway.

[LeonieM]

Virgin Holidays give you a free car - except it's not and you can find yourself paying nearly £200 a week just for the insurance! As we paid £175 for our car including all insurances, it's not rocket science!

You have to tell Virgin why you're not taking their hire car, but they don't charge you extra for not taking it. I just put 'alternative hire car' in the box and that was fine.

[pinkjoolz]

Just adding another tip - which helped us a lot. (Maybe it could be included in the Brits Guide):laughing:

Take a car window flag with you(you know the ones you can buy for about a pound in the sports shops) to the parking lots at the theme parks and attached to your car window. It never failed as we could always spot our car from a distance. The one time we didn't was in Universal and even though we had the right row and everything it took us lot longer to find the car:laughing:

Also, if going to Universal/IoA (tip from Catladys' hubby) - for an extra $8 get the valet parking it is sooooo much easier at the end of a tiring day!!

[LeonieM]

My brother had intended to do that - but in the end he didn't.

We both had 'panic' buttons on our keys, though, and if we weren't totally sure where we were parked (especially my brother whose Grand Caravan was white - like half the cars in the car park) you could press that and the horn would beep and the lights would flash so you could locate it. We had a pale metallic blue car, which was unusual enough to stand out amongst the sea of white and silver grey cars they drive in the US.

[Susan Veness]

We also like taking a digital picture of your parking row (the pavement area that says which row you're in) to remember where you parked, in general. You can then just delet it when you get back to the car.

[bootytooTy8]

Try n be first of plane and dont dawdle and get to car hire first and avoid long lines

[joska5]

Try n be first of plane and dont dawdle and get to car hire first and avoid long lines

getting out of the airport as quickly as possible is a must.a lot depends however, where you are situated on the plane when you arrive.i went to orlando 3 years ago and was almost the last one of the plane,which was horrible.the cabin crew were letting off certain seat numbers at a time and ours were called out last.ive been to orlando 13 times now,and a very good tip i learned was that when you are at the theme parks and are going on the rides,there are almost always 2 queues for the main rides.the left hand queue is always the quickest queue.

[Heilanger]

I found it handy to have some loose change (quarters) as well as single Dollars upon arrival for toll roads. We took the 417 from Sanford down to the 192 which cost us approx. 5-6 dollars in tolls ranging from 25 cents to $1.25 Having the loose change saved a bit of time.

We got single Dollars at the airport prior to departure.

Another tip I would suggest is taking Satnav. I have been a couple of times before driving and did'nt find it a problem but this time I took the Satnav and felt it took a bit of pressure off as I'm the only driver. It certainly saves time when you start the shopping etc and are heading for the outlets and malls. The Satnave has all the area attractions built in as well as all the food, hotels etc. If we fancied Red Lobster a night, then we just found the nearest in the Satnav and off we went.

We just returned yesterday after 3 weeks, it was an absolutely fantastic holiday.

[joska5]

i wish i had spoken to you, simon,before the first time i went on that ride:angry: must admit though the last 3 times ive only had myself to blame.:happy-smi

by far the wettest ride in florida must be blutos barges at island of adventure.everyone of us on that ride were absolutely saturated from head to foot.it was brill

[palmer gang]

bilge rats is also one of our fav rides you can not beat a good soaking:happy-thumb a good tip is to be flexable with your planning you are on holiday after all

[Banksy]

A good tip is preload all your destinations (theme parks, restauraunts etc) onto your satnav before you leave, it saves trying to put them in when your there.

Also even if taking satnav use something like google maps to preplan your routes, it gives the codriver something to do, and avoids the problem when the batteries go on the satnav and you want to get away.

Also print the maps for the various malls before you go, it means you can have a general idea of what shops you have left when your find your only a third of the way round the mall with hardly any time left ;-)

[floridafan]

Don 't our sat navs fit in the ciggy lighter in usa cars then for charging?

[Banksy]

Yeah they do, it happened last time i arrived and id packed the cable in a suitcase :laughing:

Saying that i have heard that some hire cars do not have said cig lighters.

Thankfully tomtoms can charge from a laptop which generally goes everywhere.

[floridafan]

i will have to insist on a hire car with a ciggy lighter then

[emoclay]

Just got back last week and my top tip would be if you have young children take their bathing suits and a small towel everywhere with you. Everywhere park we went to (even Kennedy space centre) has some form of water play area for them to cool off in and whilst they have fun you can have a sit down with a drink, it gives you all a welcome break from standing in line!

[Double k]

My best tip is listen to every one then do it your way as every one does things differently and there there is no right or wrong way just your way there is so much to do just go for it but if i must give a tip it would be plan your days before you go :)

[neilandlynn]

Hi Everyone,
My best tip is go to wallmart at the start of your holiday and buy a polystyrine cool box for about $3 and a case of bottled water, fill the box everymorning with ice from your hotel and put the bottles in, leave in the boot of your car and after the parks is great to have a nice cool bottle as your car inside will be about 200 degrees when you get in!! Oh and just one for parents with kids aged about 4/5ish buy a buggy from there aswell it costs about
9$, disney charge about 10$ a day and just leave it the cleaner or another family when you leave.

Steve.:party-dan happy days.

Steve, We have just returned from Orlando on the 7th Sept and your tip proved invaluable. We got the polystyrene box from Walmart as you said although it was only $1.50 (a bargain):purplejum and each morning we filled it with frozen capri suns and frozen bottles of water and cans of coke and left it in the car and it was absoloutely brilliant to get back to the car after a full day at the park to a nice cold drink. Definitley the best tip on the thread so thank you Steve :happy-thumb

[Susan Veness]

My best tip is listen to every one then do it your way as every one does things differently and there there is no right or wrong way just your way there is so much to do just go for it but if i must give a tip it would be plan your days before you go :)

My best tip for today is, read Double k's tip. :D

You need a plan (more elaborate and specific if you're a first timer, much more general and flexible if you're an Orlando old-timer), but don't be afraid to 'let the magic take you'. There really IS no right or wrong way, and if the kids want to ride Dumbo six times in a row, why not? Orlando can be overwhelming and intimidating, but remember...it's a holiday! Plan well, then be flexible. :happy-thumb

[Double k]

Oh gee golly :o Thanks :happy-thumb

[Tiggers Friend]

and if the kids want to ride Dumbo six times in a row, why not?

Because it's a long queue and you feel sick when you get off :happy-smi :happy-smi :happy-smi

[Susan Veness]

Ok, but BESIDES that........... :D

[anjelgal30]

My tip is to forget Trainers! invest in a pair of Birkenstocks about a month before you go, wear em in and I promise you, your little tootsies will love you for it.
Ive worn trainers every trip except this last one. I have ended up being pushed around the parks by DH too many times. Not this trip, the Birkies worked a treat, no blisters, no wheelchairs, just comfort aaahhhhhhh!!;)

[LeonieM]

I must be unusual, because I only take a couple of days to wear in my Birkies!

I wear an old pair of Alaskas as my 'house shoes', which means I'm always reminding my arches where they should be! I hate this time of year when I come out of my Birkis which I've lived in all summer and have to go back into shoes and socks or worse - heels! :eek: I can almost feel my arches collapsing after a day of shopping in shoes!

[anjelgal30]

Lol Leonie:laughing: ditto!

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

Hi,

My top tip is DON'T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT!!!! :happy-smi

[Catlady]

And make sure it hasn't expired.....:eek:
This happened to my best friends daughter when we were all flying out in 2002....she still had a childs passport at the time although she was 19 as they got it 5 years before. Unknown to us they only last 5 years not 10, so we had to leave them behind at Gatwick while they arranged a visit up London to get a new passport. They arrived 3 days later having had to rearrange flights.

[bootytooTy8]

Try to get first off the plane to Immagration and baggage hall so your first at the car hire desk then straight to your accomodation as quickly as possible saves a lot of hanging around !!!
Freeze bottles of water take them round the parks with you saves a bit of $$$$.

11 weeks till I am back in the Magic :purplejum:purplejum:purplejum

[NicSmith]

Mine is, if you have time- try and catch a movie!

The whole cinema experience is a lot different in Orlando to the UK! It gives you valuable time to chill out, watch something that is unlikely to be out in the UK... but it also gives you some nice quality time with your partner- the holiday can be so busy, sometimes, its really easy to miss out on some quiet time together!

And finally, the air conditioning is always good!

OOOhhhh, sorry, I have another one! But dont get sucked into buying mickey, minnie, tinkerbell etc. tee shirts in the parks. I made this mistake and bought some for friends as gifts, but after visiting walmart, I could have had them for a 5th of the price and my friends wouldnt have known any different!!! (cheap skate I know, but every penny could count towards enjoying yourself more elsewhere!)

[ELAINE]

Mine is, if you have time- try and catch a movie!

The whole cinema experience is a lot different in Orlando to the UK! It gives you valuable )

Where is the best place to go?

[NicSmith]

The one in Universal City Walk is EXCELLENT!!!!! It's absolutely HUGE!! Obviously the downside is that you have to pay for parking but you could make a night of it then, maybe go to a club! Or better still, get a shuttle in and have a few drinks and the shuttle back?

There is also one on International Drive, it's above a shopping out-let but I can't think what the shopping outlet is called. Just next to Wonderworks!

Thats nice too, and has a Hooters opposite if you wanted to make an evening of it! :laughing:

[ELAINE]

Thats nice too, and has a Hooters opposite if you wanted to make an evening of it! :laughing:

That's not gonna happen:tut-tut: Huw would probably force himself to give it a go but me-thinks it wouldn't be the best place for the kids.... ;)

[Honey Monster]

That's not gonna happen:tut-tut: Huw would probably force himself to give it a go but me-thinks it wouldn't be the best place for the kids.... ;)

Me thinks your son might enjoy it though Elaine ;)

[ELAINE]

Me thinks your son might enjoy it though Elaine ;)

You're not wrong there.... ( not that he will be getting the chance:tut-tut:)

[pitcaig]

The cinema is at Pointe Orlando. Loads of nice places to eat round there now, not just Hooters!!! www.pointeorlando.com

[Catlady]

The cinema at Downtown Disney is good too and you don't have to pay for parking. We saw Star Trek there in May and ate at House of Blues after.:happy-thumb

[Tiggers Friend]

Maybe we could have an ATD meet in Hooters?




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:happy-smi:happy-smi:happy-smi:happy-smi

[Simon Veness]

I'll refer that one to Susan........ :rolleyes:

(PS: the cinema up at Festival Bay is a good bet, too).

[Catlady]

Maybe we could have an ATD meet in Hooters?




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:happy-smi:happy-smi:happy-smi:happy-smi

Hmmmmmmm how about......NO.....:happy-smi:happy-smi
And I am NOT asking Alan and Ian....

[ELAINE]

Hmmmmmmm how about......NO.....:happy-smi:happy-smi
And I am NOT asking Alan and Ian....

Got to agree with CL and Huw doesn't get a vote!!!

[Tiggers Friend]

Bah! Censorship.:laughing:

[Susan Veness]

I don't really have to reply to this, do I? I think we all know where Hooters lands on my to-do list (answer: nowhere).

But since you men-folk claim you only go for the wings (though I've always been convinced it was the legs and the br**sts), let's do our next meet at the Ale House. Their wings are fantastic! :laughing:

[Tiggers Friend]

let's do our next meet at the Ale House.

That's probably a good idea, else I wouldn't be allowed to go. :o

[NicSmith]

The cinema is at Pointe Orlando

YES!! Thats the one I was on about pitcaig- and you are right, there are lots of things to do around there! Not just hooters :laughing:

[MonicaJaime]

My best tip is plan a trip to a wonderful beach with your spouse and spend all time with him watching the waves feel relax and enjoy there it is really amazing scene and capture all the scene in your camera.:cheers:

[Susan Veness]

Welcome to the ATD forums, MonicaJaime! :)

[pauljh]

my best tip theladyinquestion 5.10 goodwood:happy-thumb

[pauljh]

:cry: it was a non runner:angry::tut-tut:

[DH of Dolphingirl]

One for the men, if its less than 12 weeks before the next holiday and she has the pen and paper out she is making holiday lists. To her way of thinking this is much more important than anything that is happening to you, interrupt at your peril.

[pauljh]

read your brit's guide to orlando at least twice a day:happy-thumb

[raynemohrmann]

Hi Everone.. Florida is a great spot to vacation anytime of year.. so much to do.. here is a great article about a family who found a cheap way to vacation area..

[eglons]

Hi, I'm new here, but I'll add a couple of money saving tips anyway (although I can't post links so you'll have to google these!).

1. Buy the kids eat free card - google "kids eat free card orlando", they are a tenner each and save you a fortune over a fortnight. DONT SIGN THEM, and then Ebay them when you get back, we paid £10 each for them and got £7 on Ebay... bargain!
2. Use one of the online currency brokers for your holiday spends. I've used Crown Currency Exchange (google Crown Currency Exchange) the lat 3 times and they are very reliable, they give you "future prices" too so you can buy at a better rate if you have a while before you go. I reckon they are 4-8 cents / £ better than the high street.

No affiliation to either just passing on the saving tips.

Oh and another non money saving one which might save you getting lost. The West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway is the 192. Our directions only listed it by name and you never see the name on the signs.

And I second/third/fourth getting the Brits Guide, although it's impossible to get hold of the 2010 edition at the moment!

[Tiggers Friend]

Some good tips there eglons :happy-thumb I've used Crown Currency this year, got a good rate, just waiting for the TCs to be delivered in a few weeks.


Oh and another non money saving one which might save you getting lost. The West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway is the 192. Our directions only listed it by name and you never see the name on the signs.

Except where it runs through downtown Kissimee where it becomes Vine Street.

[eglons]

Another tip I just got when booking my tickets with ATD...

If you book a Discovery Cove swim you can get a 14 day car parking pass for Seaworld, Busch and Aquatica for $39 (only available by visiting Discovery Cove to buy it). This is a great deal if you are visiting the parks more than once as parking is $14 these days I'm told.

[Stamford]

Best tip I can give, not sure if its been said already but if your hiring a car, send the nominated driver straight out to pick up your rental. If you wait for baggage, you'll end up with a 2 hour wait behind everyone else :happy-thumb

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

My top tip and again not sure if it's been said already-

Is take a sat nav with us maps, saves so much time and hassle.

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

Hi, I'm new here, but I'll add a couple of money saving tips anyway (although I can't post links so you'll have to google these!).

1. Buy the kids eat free card - google "kids eat free card orlando", they are a tenner each and save you a fortune over a fortnight. DONT SIGN THEM, and then Ebay them when you get back, we paid £10 each for them and got £7 on Ebay... bargain!
2. Use one of the online currency brokers for your holiday spends. I've used Crown Currency Exchange (google Crown Currency Exchange) the lat 3 times and they are very reliable, they give you "future prices" too so you can buy at a better rate if you have a while before you go. I reckon they are 4-8 cents / £ better than the high street.

No affiliation to either just passing on the saving tips.

Oh and another non money saving one which might save you getting lost. The West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway is the 192. Our directions only listed it by name and you never see the name on the signs.

And I second/third/fourth getting the Brits Guide, although it's impossible to get hold of the 2010 edition at the moment!

You mean the Crown currency here?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/oct/04/crown-currency-exchange-collapse

[Seth1970]

You mean the Crown currency here?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/oct/04/crown-currency-exchange-collapse

In March 2010 when the tip was posted, they were among the best and most reputiable around. Sad to see how quickly that changed.

My tip. Accept the fact that some days, although you want more than anything to go on a certain ride, it just may not happen. It's an amazing but exhausting holiday, and you have to listen to your body when it's screaming "REST!!!!!"

[Tiggers Friend]

You mean the Crown currency here?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/oct/04/crown-currency-exchange-collapse

Just adding to what Seth posted. The whole unpleasant and unfortunate saga about Crown was debated at length on here.

http://www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?12158-Crown-Currency

http://www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?11812-Crown-Currency