Orlando

[shortstop]

Hi, going to Orlando in a couple of weeks. Obviously we are going to Disney, universal, Sea World, Busch gardens and the Water Parks.

Does anyone have any recommendations of other places that are well worth seeing as well as these.

My kids are 8 and 5.

Any suggestions appreciated.

[scoobydooby]

Sorry Shortstop, but if you're visiting all the places listed, you won't have time for anything else!

[shortstop]

hahahaha.....thats what I've been saying to my wife, but she wants to know, so I'm asking the question.

I think she's more excited than the kids.

[vehelpfulguy]

As has been said, dont underestimate how long these parks can take to go round, particulalry with two fairly young children.

Remember the Disney site is as big as Manchester (with parks, hotels, roads etc)

Disney have 4 parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM studios and Animal Kingdom.

They also have 2 large water parks.

Universal have 2 huge parks: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

There are also 2 independant parks: Sea World and "Wet and Wild".

You could easily spend 2 days in each of these parks, you could probably spend 3 days in Epcot.

If you are staying in or near Orlando then do not go to Busch Gardens. Even though it is a great park it is a long drive from Orlando and you have more than enough in all the Orlando based parks.

[vehelpfulguy]

We went for 2 weeks a couple of years ago.

We bought a 1 week Universal ticket (much better value than Disney tickets) that also gave us access to Wet and Wild and Sea World.

We spent 2 days in Universal Studios, 2 days in Islands of Adventure, 2 days in Sea World, and 1 day in wet and wild.

We also spent 1 day in Epcot, another 1 day in Animal kingdom, and 1 day in Blizzard Beach (water park).

With the odd days NOT in the parks that filled the 2 weeks out nicely.

[vehelpfulguy]

There are loads of books you can buy to help you plan your Orlando trip.

A bit of reading before you go can make all the difference to your holiday.

Here are some

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brits-Guide-Orlando-Si mon-Veness/dp/0572031572/ref=pd_sbs_b_1/026-18 32503-9323660?ie=UTF8

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unofficial-Guide-Disne y-World-Guides/dp/0764583417/ref=pd_sbs_b_2/02 6-1832503-9323660?ie=UTF8

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Orlando-Holiday-Map/dp /3897070162/ref=pd_sbs_b_3/026-1832503-9323660 ?ie=UTF8

[shortstop]

Cheers for those comments....We are staying on the 27 in Highland Reserve (looks very nice)....

We wanted to go to busch gardens because we like coasters (And taken her mum and dad we have people to look after the boys whilst doing so) and were told not to bother with epcot....

Is epcot any good????

[shortstop]

vehelpfulguy......you certainly take after your name.

Much appreciated mate.

[vehelpfulguy]

We enjoyed Old Town in Kissimmee.

It is an old fashioned wild west high street, with loads of interesting shops. It also has a fun fair.

Best bit is the parade of old cars. Local people bring amazing old cars from the 40s, 50s, and 60s and many dress up in 50s clothes. Fridays and Saturdays I think, but check first.

There are also live bands as well.

See here http://www.old-town.com/

It is free to park and free to get in.

[vehelpfulguy]

We though Epcot was great.

It is almost like 2 parks in one. See map here
http://www.kingdomtravel.com/images/Epcot_new. jpg

The front of the park (bottom left on the picture) is like a theme park in its own right.

The back of the park (top of the picture, round the lake) consists of a load of different "lands".

You could spend a day just looking round these lands. Each land has its own buildings, shops, restaurants, local craft, local music, display etc.

And in the evening they have an AMAZING firework display.

With young kids, and older parents, Epcot is great for all age groups.

[lorash]

Its worth going to Old Town on a Saturday night - especially if you like old American cars. At around 9 pm up to 100 old cars parade round the streets. Also, its free and so is the parking. Its a good atmosphere with plenty to do

[vehelpfulguy]

You do not have to go to Busch Gardens for coasters.

Islands of Adventure has 2 great coasters (plus other great scare rides)

Incredible Hulk http://www.ridezone.com/parks/fl/usf/ioa/hulk0 2.jpg

Duelling Dragons
http://www.hawaii.rr.com/leisure/reviews/coast ercrazy/images/2004/03/2004-03_hforlando019.jp g

Sea World has two great coasters
Kraken http://mk23.image.pbase.com/u38/jtfan2004/larg e/24765497.P2010031.jpg

Journey to Atlantis
http://www.magazineusa.com/images_st2/fl/orlan do/seaworld.jpg

The Disney parks also have coasters.

I seem to remember it was about 80 miles to Busch Gardens from where we were, so a lot of travelling.

[handygran]

We went for the second time in June and we thought Epcot was great but the best if all was Discovery Cove, very expensive, round about �700 for 5 of us but well worth it. We swam with fish, Rays and Dolphins and had a fantastic day. It isn't busy there because you have to book in advance and they only take 1000 per day.

[vehelpfulguy]

Can I make a plea for your kids.

When i went my youngest was 10 and he found it OK.

Personally I think 5 is a big young to take round loads of big parks all day.

Make sure you dont just drag the two kids from park to park and ride to ride, all day, everyday.

They can get very tired, and very hot (and very bored)

If you have your wife's parents to look after the kids then great.

Maybe leave the kids (and parents) is a child friendly area (most parks have them) while you and you wife go for the thrill rides.

Islands of Adventure has a great area called Dr Zeuss landing which is just right for your kids.

They also have Toon Lagoon which is also great for young kids.

In fact I would have to say that Islands of Adventure is probably one of the best parks I have even been in.

It is magical from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.

And the spiderman ride is amazing (a mixture of cartoon, special effects and thrills)

See here http://orlando.citysearch.com/profile/11422026 /

[vehelpfulguy]

My link to Kraken did not work, not sure why

Try again

http://mk23.image.pbase.com/u38/jtfan2004/larg e/24765497.P2010031.jpg

[vehelpfulguy]

As you drive around you may see some crazy golf sites.

These are amazing (nothing like the crap ones you get in the UK) and we enjoyed playing them, your kids will too.

Most stay open late at night and you can play under floodlight.

Here are some examples of what they look like

http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/Data/phil grove/2005215193715_cg.jpg

http://lomans.albiontravel.com/albums/batchup/ normal_Orlando%20Crazy%20Golf%20hole%2012.JPG

http://community.iexplore.com/photos/journal_p hotos/golf(6).jpg

[vehelpfulguy]

Here is a theme park that is a bit different in Orlando.

The Hold Land Experince.

Not my cup of tea, but may be yours (no coasters though :-)

http://www.theholylandexperience.com/

[shortstop]

Theirs only one thing I can say guys and thats THANKS!!!!!

Well maybe a few more.....

I really do appreciate everything you have all written, its just made the 2 weeks I've got left seem even further away.

I have certainly taken on board your comments about not over doing it with my two boys and I certainly don't intend to completely knacker them out....thats just not fair (although I'm expecting it to be the other way round with those two).

Crazy golf sounds like a good idea.....my eldest has just started lessons so he might be able to teach his old man a thing or two.

My father in-law and I both love old American cars and bikes so Old Town looks good and its on the 192 so not far from where I'm staying.

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE.

[sunqueen]

Tend to agree with your wife! If you're going on the holiday of a lifetime which Orlando is, best to pack everything in that you can! The kids will be so excited, they will keep up. We went 2 years ago with 3 kids aged 12, 10 and 18 months and planned it with military precision so we didn't miss anything! You can alternative busy park days and late nights (fireworks) with relaxing water park days. Agree with handygran that Discovery Cove is bliss - a day to recharge your batteries and a once in a lifetime experience. Expensive but if you only do it once at least you've done it! You have to book before you go cos of limited numbers. Another terrific place is Gatorland - our kids thought it was great fun. Very entertaining, huge gators and very reasonably priced! Have fun!

[bednobs]

we ent to nasa -to see the shuttle being assembled, and i have also seen it go up - they were both great. Also dont forget to get time in for shopping