need help: Orlando 101

DH and I are going for a three-day weekend. My first trip there. We have no children and decided not to ask SIL if we could borrow our nieces for the weekend.

We know nothing. We're going there because the flights and hotels were inexpensive.

- What is a "park hopper"? If someone offers me their unused days, can I use it?
- Disney Hollywood park -- is it worth it?
- Universal Orlando - also, is it worth it?
- How's the parking situation for Epcot?
- Favorite special occasion and everyday restaurants?
- Good restaurants that don't need advance reservations?
- Things to do other than at a theme park?

TIA!

Re: need help: Orlando 101

The "Park Hopper" (in Disney terms) is an option that gives you the ability to visit more than one theme park in a single day. It is most handy when you want to see as much as possible during a short stay. It also offers maximum flexibility when coordinating park touring plans and in-park dining reservations.

Disney's Hollywood Studios can be a good park to visit - it just depends on what you want to see and do. It is geared more for shows then for rides, but does feature 2 of the more popular thrill-rides in "Tower of Terror" and "Rockin' Rollercoaster". If anyone is a Star Wars fan, this park would be for you. At night, the Fantasmic! laser light show is a very popular event.

Universal Studios is geared a little less towards younger children and offers more thrill rides. There is also City Walk which offers an abundance of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The best for Universal is yet to come however, as in June it will open the doors on "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter", which is supposed to be unlike any attraction coming before it. We'll have to wait and see what the actual reviews are.

The Epcot parking lot is pretty huge, and many of the sections are closer to the main gates than at other parks. If you were going to park hop between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, you might consider parking at Epcot instead of the Transportation & Ticket Center, and use the monorail to get back and forth. It would be easier to retrieve your car at the end of the day.

I don't frequent many restaurants outside of Disney or City Walk, so I'm afraid I can't answer on those.

Although known for it's theme parks, Orlando and it's vicinity offer a lot. Although it may be considered part of a theme park, the "Trainer for a Day" program at Sea World is quite an experience. Your also a relatively short drive from the Space Coast and Cape Canaveral, where you can tour many parts of the complex. Then there is hot air ballooning, which is a favorite of mine. Just a few of the things available for you to do.

Hope this helps!


Bob
Mouse Tales Travel
888.883.7940
[email protected]

Re: need help: Orlando 101

Do the park hopper if you want to hit up more than one park per day. Magic Kingdom will be a FULL day for you but the others are half day so you may want to stay for a few hours and finish one and than start another or go see some fireworks at night. Magic Kingdom and Epcot have great firework shows at night - definitely catch them!! I would def recommend going to: Magic Kingdom, Epcot and then either MGM studios (now hollywood studios, think) and animal kingdom. You may also want to spend a day checking out universal studios and islands of adventure - more thrill rides and "teen/adult" oriented. you can buy a ticket that gives you admission into both parks -- you will probably be there most of the day, if not a full day.

At night, go to downtown disney - tons of shopping, great restaurants (wolf gang pucks etc), cirque du soleil is there, game rooms/clubs, etc.

As far as restaurants -- in the parks (for lunch) we like:

Lady and the tramp restaurant (magic kingdom)
the plaza (magic kingdom)
seven seas/underwater seas (or something like that) at Epcot
I've heard great things about Mythos (at islands of adventure)


at night go to -- wolfgang pucks or rainforest cafe in down town disney. we love emerils restaurant (it is located at universal studios but you don't have to pay for park admission to go because it is right before we walk into the park area).
Google "disney dining" - you will find the disney world website that allows you to reserve your dining in advanced -- there is NO charge - you just plug in your info, date and time and get your confirmation number (if there is availability) - I highly recommend doing this because they allow people to reserve 3-6 months in advanced and lots of people do it!

Parking at all theme parks is fine - we always rent a car and love it - gives us lots of flexibility!

My best tip for you is do not stress!! They are tons of crowds! At the hotel you will see tons of people heading out first thing in the AM and be inclined to run out too - don't! - sleep as late as you want, get breakfast and head to the parks to enjoy your day. Make sure you pack tank tops because it is in the 90s there already!!!

Oh and some theme parks offer "express" passes -- if you can swing it, get them! you get to "cut" lines and go faster - this will definitely add to your enjoyment since you won't be on lines all day long Have a great time!! We are going for a long weekend at the end of the month and we can't wait!!! We love it there!!!

Re: need help: Orlando 101

We like the seafood restuarant at downtown disney- Fulton's Crabhhouse.

Re: need help: Orlando 101

many thanks!