Florida's DisneyWorld and Universal

[emilie]

Hi! I'm bringing my hubby and 4-year old daughter to Florida in May for five days. I've been there a few years ago but if anyone can give me tips on this vacation, please feel free!

For example, is it better to book in a Disney hotel? Or another hotel that is not very close to the theme parks but just rent a car. Any hotels to suggest?

Will one day in DisneyWorld be sufficient? If given one day, what are the rides you recommend? Remember, I have a 4-year old daughter so Space Mountain is out of the choices -- my husband might want to try it out though. It's such a great ride!

Is Universal Studios still worth visiting?

I'm not planning to go to Epcot or Sea World anymore. I heard that there's a Disney theme park -- Animal Kingdom. Am wondering if this is worth visiting.

[maxinegirl]

hi emilie! :D

a Disney hotel will be much more convenient (because of its location) but more expensive. there are a lot of small hotels/motels around the area (like Days Inn) that will cost you much less, and these have shuttle services to Disneyworld and the other parks, so you dont even have to rent a car.

a day at Disneyworld will do, but medyo bitin if you want to sample all the rides and take your time at each "kingdom"...two days will be more than enough. Universal is a must-see, although i went to the Universal in Hollywood.

if i remember right, tabi-tabi sa orlando ang Disneyworld, MGM and Epcot, and you can save money by getting a pass for all three parks...

more tips: pack light and wear comfy shoes. don't bring too many bags kasi you might misplace them, and you will usually never get them back!

good luck and have fun!

[CSB_CUTIE]

it'll be expensive to stay at the disney hotel. there are other cheap hotels around orlando and kissimee ( 5mins. drive to disney world). u can buy a 3 day or 4 day pass to disney world. it's for all the 4 theme parks (epcot, magic kingdom, MGM, animal kingdom) u can just visit each or just visit which ones u like. if i were u buy from some shops around orlando for the tickets coz sometimes they have promos and it's cheaper. u'll see those signs that says tickets for disney world for sale. u should alot 1 day each for each theme park coz it's soooo big and wait for a fireworks display before closing time. it's worth it! universal studios is also worth a visit!!! enjoy ur vacation and hav fun! :)

[Mitzel]

I have been to Disneyworld in 97 too and plan to go again with the entire family this April. I have surfed and suggest you stay at Days Inn in Kissimmee (the one along West Irlo Bronson Highway). You only pay $36/night, children below 12 stay and eat for free, free continental breakfast and shuttle to Disney Parks. Or Days Inn at Orlando Florida Mall ($31/night). It's about 15 miles from Disneyworld..puede na yan. We stayed in Days Inn last 1997 and the rooms are ok. Not your typical 5 star room of course but they are clean. More of a 3 star accomodation.

I would suggest that you spend about 5 days in Orlando. Disney now has 4 parks and 3-4 days would probably suffice. Buy the 4day Park Hopper so you save about $40 as compared to buying tickets on a daily basis plus you get unlimited entrance to all 4 parks.

You should go to Universal Studios and the new Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. Why not consider Sea World again? I'm sure your child will enjoy the whale and dolphin shows. Happy Trip!

[cherub_08]

hi emilie!

i'm sure you're excited on your vacation to Disneyworld, especially your kid. :) as mentioned, you need more than a day to go around the park, even if you're going to Magic Kingdom alone since it's so big and you'll have to wait for every ride. there are just too many people! and that is, if you want to catch all the ride and watch all the Disney plays/presentations. i'm sure your kid will love it especially the parades. :D 3-4 days should be ok and buy the 3 or 4 day passes because it's cheaper. don't stay at Disney Hotel. it's pretty expensive although it would be very convenient. as previously posted, try Days Inn or Holiday Inn (this is where my family and i stayed). it's much cheaper and there are shuttles to bring you to and from Disneyworld. just bring a small bag for immediate needs. wear comfortable shoes (sandles or sneakers), bring caps and sunglasses :cool: - it will be hot :D

Have fun!

[emilie]

Thanks for the tips! Actually, I surfed two sites: http://www.disneyworld.com and http://www.disneyinfo.com which gave me several choices. It's just hard to plan the right combination -- what parks, hotel, car or no car, # of days, itinerary... =) But we're quite excited and your replies really help.

[sam2075]

We went to Florida way back in 92 so there are a lot of changes since then but here are some tips.

I suggest it would be best to find ahotel near DisneyWorld. I think if you stay at the disneyhotels, you can get in earlier plus needless to say, its more convenient esp if you have a 4 year old.

Not to miss rides for your kid...ummm..not really sure about those in Disneyworld, but I would think the rides there are pretty much the same as the ones in Disneyland...my 3 year old neice really enjoyed the Dumbo ride, the Roger Rabbit, Peter Pan and the like.

You need more that a day especially travelling with a kid. You should also visit the MGM Studios.When we were there, we had more fun at MGM than Magic Kingdom. Epcot...pretty boring for me.

Always make it a point to watch the parades and the fireworks..you have to get there at least half an hour before the parade so you can get a good view.


It would be also better to rent a car kasi as far as I could remember, walang public transpo dun like buses. Unlike sa LA and SFO, madali lang magcommute.

Last one: if you have time and I suggest you go to this place. Its called Busch Gardens. Grabe ganda and sobrang enjoy. Prepared to get wet! :) Yun lang, its in Tampa kaya medyo malayo sa Orlando.

ENJOY! ENJOY! Hope you have a great time! :)

[sam2075]

I forgot....oo naman, you should go to Universal Studios!!!!! Andun ka na rin kaya puntahan nyo na rin. Ride kayo sa E.T., kids like that ride. Maganda rin yung Animal show...you get to see animal tricks ..and Beethoven!!! :)

Punta na rin kayo sa Sea World. My neice loved the dolphin shows, shamu and yung Seamore and Clyde show ( sealion and sea otters).