Orlando Trip Planned, Any ideas? [Archive]

stlsports4ever

06-08-2006, 03:48 PM

Hello everybody!!! I am headed to Orlando (Fairfield) in March of 2007 and I was wandering of some ideas (affordable) that we can do. I will be staying at Cypress Palms in Fairfield and will have a fridge. Where is a good place to buy groceries? Also, is there a good place for airline tickets, better than others? And any deals on rental cars? This is going to be my very first trip to Disney or to Orlando and I need all the help I can get!

Mr. Mike

ggh

06-08-2006, 04:05 PM

There are disney boards, like this Branson board, that have lots of information on them - I haven't used them in YEARS, but sure you can find them if you do a search.

Blaze2

06-08-2006, 06:14 PM

There are disney boards, like this Branson board, that have lots of information on them - I haven't used them in YEARS, but sure you can find them if you do a search.

Go to Google, type in ORLANDO, you'll have more pages to view
than possible to get done before time to leave on your trip!

Have FUN!!!

can'tcatchup

06-08-2006, 06:41 PM

Some of my most favorite planning sites (especially the first two listed):

http://www.allearsnet.com/contents.htm

http://www.intercot.com/discussion/

http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/wdwguide/

http://www.mousesavers.com/

http://www.disneyzone.net/rustyscupper.htm

Menues for WDW property restaurants: http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm

Good site for maps of the area: http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/

And Disney's own site: http://disney.go.com/home/today/index.html

BrokenRoad

06-08-2006, 07:20 PM

If you can fly out of Springfield, Allegiant Air flies non-stop to Orlando/Sanford airport which is North of Orlando about 1 hour. The flights are very reasonable.

BeagleDad

06-09-2006, 07:38 AM

We just got back from Orlando last week. We flew into Tampa (about 75 miles to the west) and saved about $100 a ticket on AA out of DFW. Car rentals were a little more in Tampa, but after a couple months of looking around found a GREAT deal on Hotwire. We got a midsize car car for a total of $129.00 (including taxes) for a week.

I think I used all the sites that can'tcatchup mentioned. They are all useful.

ThunderHockeyFan

06-09-2006, 08:24 AM

Just to add another site http://www.disneycentral.com

I use all of the websites also. We are going in September and are staying in a Disney resort. I cannot wait!

ozarkmom

06-09-2006, 09:00 AM

Also one of my favorites is Disboards.com.
I envy you we were there last year and would love to be going back this summer but money and time esp. money are keeping us closer to home.

stlsports4ever

06-09-2006, 12:35 PM

Wow! That is a lot of great advise. Thank you so much! I thought that there would be some chat boards like this one for Disney/Orlando! Intercot is real impressive! You are right about those websites!

I was wandering about rental cars. We are staying at Fairfield Cypress Palms which is inside the entrance. Between the resort and Disney, we dont know if we even need to rent a car. But we are going to need groceries for the week. Any suggestions where to go? Also has anybody stayed at Cypress Palms before? And how much are cabs generally?

Also, we would like to go to Sea World. I have heard great things, not to mention its a bit cheaper than going to Universal Studios (I think).

Again, thank you for all your help. Without all of you, I wouldnt be able to ever go anywhere! I really do thank you.

Mr. Mike

stlsports4ever

06-09-2006, 12:45 PM

:)

Also I forgot to ask, what is some of your favorite places to eat at Disney?

Mr. Mike

Blaze2

06-10-2006, 07:21 AM

:)

Also I forgot to ask, what is some of your favorite places to eat at Disney?

Mr. Mike

www.http://orlando.diningguide.com/

branson gangsta

06-10-2006, 11:16 AM

I like the Rainforest Cafe because the atmosphere is ALOT different than most places.

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chcsports4ever!

can'tcatchup

06-10-2006, 05:14 PM

:)

Also I forgot to ask, what is some of your favorite places to eat at Disney?

Do you mean on Disney grounds? If so, my absolute hands down favorite is California Grill. It's at the top of the Contemporary Hotel (the hotel that has the monorail going through the middle), but fair warning, it is very pricey!

Others I liked are Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge, Ohana's at the Polynesian Hotel, Boma's at Animal Kingdom, Garden Grill at the front of Epcot (in "the Land"), Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion of Epcot, San Angel Inn (Mexico at Epcot), Tony's Town Square at Magic Kingdom. and the 50's Prime Time Cafe and the Sci-Fi Dine-In, both at Disney MGM Studios. The latter had just ok food, but it's a cute concept in that you sit in booths that are like cars and you are all facing a big screen that is showing drive-in movies.

Other than Disney on site restaurants, I haven't eat at too many Orlando area restaurants ... though I did try out Emeril's at Universal this last time. I've never really had a bad meal anywhere down there.

Have fun planning your trip! I'm sure you'll want to plan a couple character meals for your little girl. The website I mentioned above with the Disney menues should help a great deal.

can'tcatchup

06-10-2006, 05:21 PM

Oh and I meant to add that you are correct in asking questions and planning. When it comes to eating at the Disney restaurants, even though there are many of them, waiting till you get there for the reservations is often not a good option. They go with a system called ADR, used to be called "positive seating", and even though it's not exactly a reservation, it's the next best thing to it. They start taking them 180 days out from your trip, and a few of them go even farther out. Believe it or not, many of the prime desired dining times are often booked full many, many months in advance.

For off sight restaurants, you don't have this problem.

stlsports4ever

06-14-2006, 02:51 PM

yoda

06-14-2006, 07:30 PM

Magic Kingdome and MGM studios are my favorite.

can'tcatchup

06-14-2006, 08:00 PM

Which parks would you recommend going the most? Also, would you recommend a rental car?

I love all 4 parks; my personal favorites are Epcot and Disney MGM Studios. But for your 6 year old, I'm sure you'll want to plan to spend a good deal of time at Magic Kingdom. I have always had a rental car, even the one time that I stayed at a Disney-owned resort. There is transportation provided by the Disney-owned resorts throughout the day and evening. I don't know what Fairfield provides, but most non-Disney owned places provide bus transportation to the theme parks only at certain times like morning/evening, and maybe one other time. You don't have to use the car much, but I'd still be lost without it.

judykay53

06-16-2006, 07:08 AM

Disboards is the ultimate board for the Orlando area. The amount of info you can get from there is priceless. I visit them daily even when I do not have a trip planned just to keep up. They have threads for Disney as well as Orlando area hotels and attractions and also the transportation thread will keep you updated on the airlines. I also use allearsnet and mousesavers. Don't leave home without them! I love planning trips to Orlando, and you HAVE to plan.

ozarkmom

06-16-2006, 08:54 AM

judykay53

06-16-2006, 01:39 PM

ozarkmom - We are going down for Thanksgiving. We have rented a pool home and are doing Universal and Islands and Sea World along with a couple days at Disney. I have learned so much on that board. We have never been to Islands or Sea World and have only been to Universal once back in the 90's. There are eight of us going and only my daughter and I are the only ones that been to Universal. Can't wait.

ozarkmom

06-16-2006, 03:42 PM

judykay53 wish I was going too! My family had the best time at IOA and Universal. I also loved SW it's different from a theme park not so many rides
but truly beautiful with such a tropical feeling.

Blaze2

06-21-2006, 09:52 AM

Thank you cant catchup! I love the new sites, they help a great deal. I read on the 1st site about making reservations. Its something I will have to keep in mind. And I will be taking my 6 year old, so I thought she would love to eat with the Princesses. Its costly but it would be worth it.

Which parks would you recommend going the most? Also, would you recommend a rental car? We are staying at Fairfield Bonnet Creek inside the Disney entrance but we will be needing groceries. Are cab fares expensive? What do you think?

Mr. Mike

#1~I think I would have a rental car waiting when I get off the airplane in Orlando!
#2~ Stick with Disney, the others aren't that impressive,
.......well maybe one day to Universal! I love the Castle!
#3~ We enjoyed Cheyenne Saloon at Church St. Station, something different!
#4~ There wil be more to do than you have time! ENJOY! :D

pamlet

06-21-2006, 10:03 AM

We went to Disney last year and were VERY surprised by the quality of park food... (the counter service)... it was quite good.. :)

As to parks - get a park hopper tickets.. they are not THAT much more and allow you to go to all/any park on any given day. You may or may not use it - but it's always SO nice. Especially if you're at Animal Kingdom - as they close earlier than other parks.

Someone mentioned the Disboards - it's my favorite type of site like this... LOTS of planning info - but be forwarned... there are some there that will only stay "onsite" ... laugh.... we stayed at a timeshare place and LOVED it - but you do need a car.... actually we were able to get to/from the parks faster than some who were staying onsite and taking the busses..

Also sign up for the newsletter at http://www.mousesavers.com/ they have links to discount tickets that are only available through Mousesavers. It saves a few bucks and you can have your tickets in hand before you get there.

Have a BLAST - at 6 your daughter is going to LOVE it - and the princesses!!! ;) I believe there's a Princess Breakfast at the restaurant in Norway.

Blaze2

06-21-2006, 10:18 AM

...........on my first Disney trip, I can only imagine how it looks to a 6 yr old!
We were on our way back home from the Bahamas one January and went to Disney on a short notice decision. I loved it and felt like a little girl.
My DH was tickled at me and how in wonder I was at all of Disney!
.......and the castle, it seemed to follow us all over the Park!
http://photos.humilityandhowiattainedit.com/d/54-4/IMG_0018-1.JPG

cwd

06-21-2006, 12:57 PM

If you are in the area, drive down International Drive (the part of the drive that is near Universal Studios). This is an area that is similiar to 76 HWY in Branson. Very crowded older part of town with lots of business and a few theatres that are showing their age (on the outside and inside). Also, home of one of the largest (if not the largest) McDonald's in the world in case your hungry and want to check it out.

Whenever I drive this area, it reminds me of 76 HWY and how Branson needs to take care of what it has. Alot of new shows have been developed in the Orlando area and located in newer developed areas leaving this part of International Drive less desireable.

We did the Pirates Dinner Adventure in this area of Orlando a couple of years ago (don't be fooled by good reviews) and the area is filled with old buildings, grass growing in parking lots, peeling paint, broken signs, etc. The Pirates Dinner Adventure at one time might have been considered an 'A' show but now is not better than a 'B' (being generous).

If at Disney, I recommend the Hoop Dee Doo Revue. Great Dinner and Show.

You can visit TourGuideMike.com (http://www.tourguidemike.com/), and it is well worth it for his advice and itinerary planning. Best thing we ever did for planning our trips to Disney World.

can'tcatchup

06-21-2006, 02:08 PM

Have a BLAST - at 6 your daughter is going to LOVE it - and the princesses!!! ;) I believe there's a Princess Breakfast at the restaurant in Norway.

You'll pay dearly for this, but if you want to give her a REAL princess experience she'll probably be talking about for years, you may want to make an appointment for her at the Bibbidi, Bobbidi, Boutique....

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/moreMagic/shoppingDetail?id=BibbidiBobbidiBoutiquePage&bhcp=1

stlsports4ever

06-22-2006, 03:36 PM

Those websites are awsome. I can actually figure out every single aspect of my trip without breaking the bank! Thanks.

Mr. Mike

Janet89

06-26-2006, 12:56 PM

Here's a second vote for TourGuideMike! We are thinking of visiting again next summer and his site has great strategies. We did the four day cruise in 2005 with a day at Magic Kingdom. I really didn't have a good plan for the park, and we paid for it. We still had a good time, but there were several attractions we missed. I wish I had known about TourGuideMike then!!

Airforce Dad

06-26-2006, 09:22 PM

For airline tickets you might just want to drive over to MidAmerica Airport in Belleville, IL. I think that you can fly for $69/one way to Orlando from there. Or check out www.USA3000.com They have cheap rates and fly from Lambert (STL). There is always Southwest. It is best to join their emailing as they often offer special rates via email. Lastly try priceline.com

Janet89

06-27-2006, 09:23 AM

Be advised that these flights go to the Orlando-Sanford airport which is north of Orlando. Just a heads up!!

bookworm

06-27-2006, 09:14 PM

Here's a third vote for tourguidemike.com We are planning a trip to Disney next month and I have been having a ball planning it. Tour guide Mike cost about $20 but the info and advice on what days to go to which parks are invaluable. It's well worth it. Also the disboards are great for info. Do a search on the SeaWorld section there and there is a code I think it's just PEPSI to enter on Seaworlds website for something like 20% off your tickets. Also, as of now,(I'm not sure for how long though) if you buy a one day ticket, it is good for 6 more days in the next 2 weeks. We're planning on going there also. We love the disney area (almost as much as Branson.) This will be our 3rd trip. Hope you have fun.

darla

stlsports4ever

06-28-2006, 09:41 AM

I have checked the site out, that is quite impressive. I think that any discounts is huge. And you can plan the whole trip and max out the time spent there.

Mr. Mike

jaf4ever2007

06-29-2006, 03:32 PM

I have never been to Florida either, how is it?

can'tcatchup

06-29-2006, 04:40 PM

I have never been to Florida either, how is it?

It has some very nice and interesting tourist spots to see, but the weather can be darn hot and humid, sometimes worse than Missouri.

I have an idea: since you are from the same town as "stlsports4ever", share similar first names and board IDs, and even both work in the mortgage business, maybe you could "hitch" a ride with him when he goes to Florida. :D

Airforce Dad

06-29-2006, 09:03 PM

I have never been to Florida either, how is it?
The state bird in Florida is the Mosquito. It rains EVERY day. It is hotter and more humid than St. Charles, MO. You have to back into a parking space at a motel to keep vandals from seeing that you are out of state. Other than that, it is OK.:D

stlsports4ever

07-06-2006, 11:31 AM

I have been finding out that there is cheaper flights the closer you get to March! Hey CantCatchUp, why the attitude?

Mr. Mike

can'tcatchup

07-06-2006, 01:36 PM

Attitude? :confused: :confused: :confused:

Last I saw you were expressing gratitude to me for the Orlando tips & sites I gave you. I didn't post anything to YOU ... stlsports4ever, since then; so I'm not sure where the attitude comment is coming from. :speechless:

ashbris

07-06-2006, 08:26 PM

Make sure you go to Southwest.com for great deals (sign up for the "dings") for Orlando airfare. We just came back from Florida last week (we drove), but my sister got some great airfare! Also, make sure you check out the mousesaver.com and check all of the car rental codes--do them separate, together and you can get some fantastic deals!! We did not stay in Orlando this time as we went to Cape Canaveral on a cruise:p --but the sites listed earlier were a huge help the year we went to Disney!! Also, check out restaurant.com and by some of your dining ahead of time! We bought the hopper passes from ticketmania?? But go through the mousesaver website and there is always deals exclusive to their members!!

MKP

07-06-2006, 09:28 PM

Mr. Mike,

My family and I went to Orlando the first time May 31 - Jun 7 this year. Food is very expensive at the parks and on the Disney property. Depending on which park you are going to most of the restaurants that were rated $ to $$ had about the same stuff. Hamburgers with fries or choice of fruit etc, and the kids meal only had 2 or 3 to choose from. There are also some fish places. The more expensive restaurants like the ones at MGM (we wanted to try the 50's restaurant), you have to have reservations, and earlier the better. That was one of the pricier restaurants rated $$$. The food whereever we ate at was good, never bad. We just hated the lines and lines of people to get anything. We mainly ate at our motel at The Animal Kingdom most of the time.