| Author |  Topic  |
crush777
 United Kingdom
55 Posts
Joined: 24 Oct 2007
Status: offline |  Posted - 12 Apr 2008 : 20:10:10  
| Hi all our first trip to florida is almost here
we have two children 4 and 9 is there anything you would consider a must see or must do, for either the children or the adults. We have disney tickets and flex tickets (bought from the excellent tickets section on this site) any ideas would be really appreciated as it looks like we will need two years let alone two weeks  | | Report this post to a moderator |
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ncmurray
United Kingdom
624 Posts
Joined: 19 Apr 2004
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Albert the Frog
 United Kingdom
358 Posts
Joined: 18 Jun 2006
Status: offline | Posted - 12 Apr 2008 : 21:14:21
| If this your first time then without a doubt Magic Kingdom-the look on your children's faces as you walk up Main St for the first time will live with you forever.
After that-well you pays your money and ye takes your choice..............if you want my suggestions then i would try and get an overview--seaworld is excellent---busch gardens is in my opinion the best animal park but is a day trip in tampa---my crew love islands of adventure and universal whereas i know that others will recommend all the disney parks---and of course a water park is a must.
The only thing I would say though is don't try and do everything-Florida is a marvellous place so don't miss out by filling your fortnight too full-whatever you decide-enjoy the planning it is nearly as much fun as your holiday | | Report this post to a moderator | goto top of page |
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luckylady
 United Kingdom
4494 Posts
Joined: 17 Apr 2004
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berni_richards
 United Kingdom
696 Posts
Joined: 01 Dec 2003
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sammibabe
United Kingdom
387 Posts
Joined: 19 May 2003
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MarkJan
 United Kingdom
2603 Posts
Joined: 21 Oct 2004
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brizzle
United Kingdom
1132 Posts
Joined: 18 Aug 2003
Status: offline | Posted - 13 Apr 2008 : 08:28:31
| I would put these on my 'must do' list for a first timer:
- Magic Kingdom - the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Florida.
- Fireworks - Illuminations @ EPCOT,Wishes @ Magic Kingdom, Fantasmic @ Disney Hollywood Studios. Great shows worth the entrance fee to the park alone.
- Celebration, lovely community that's easy to find just off the 192, for a morning/afternoon/evening. It is a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of the parks.
- Disney's Boardwalk - free to get in (or wander through from EPCOT if you are visting that park). Nice and relaxed and the children will love the entertainers that turn up and do the impromptu shows every 20 minutes or so.
- Relax and Enjoy
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Madabouttigger
 United Kingdom
1084 Posts
Joined: 02 Jun 2003
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mizzy
 United Kingdom
4402 Posts
Joined: 19 Oct 2005
Status: offline | Posted - 13 Apr 2008 : 11:14:13
| quote:
Originally posted by brizzle
I would put these on my 'must do' list for a first timer:
- Magic Kingdom - the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Florida.
- Fireworks - Illuminations @ EPCOT,Wishes @ Magic Kingdom, Fantasmic @ Disney Hollywood Studios. Great shows worth the entrance fee to the park alone.
- Celebration, lovely community that's easy to find just off the 192, for a morning/afternoon/evening. It is a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of the parks.
- Disney's Boardwalk - free to get in (or wander through from EPCOT if you are visting that park). Nice and relaxed and the children will love the entertainers that turn up and do the impromptu shows every 20 minutes or so.
- Relax and Enjoy
great list Brizzle  and a timely reminder of what we still haven't done 
we're coming up to our 3rd visit (of a once in a lifetime hol) and we still haven't seen wishes and fantasmic  we know why, our two cannot last until the late time for the shows even when we've gone into the parks well after lunch they are shattered and well and truly done in by 7 or 8pm, we will have to make it more of a priority this next trip or visit florida nearer christmas when the darker nights might make the shows earlier, now's there's a idea i must remember, i've never used that one in a persuasive lets go back to florida arugument   | | Report this post to a moderator | goto top of page |
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Tony G
United Kingdom
42 Posts
Joined: 14 Jan 2004
Status: offline | Posted - 13 Apr 2008 : 13:13:23
| If you have the slightest interest in Space Exploration, I'd also recommend the Kennedy Space Centre.
It's been my favourite day in my previous two Orlando trips. I rekindled a LONG lost interest in space flight... And the place has a wonderful atmosphere. | | Report this post to a moderator | goto top of page |
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crush777
United Kingdom
55 Posts
Joined: 24 Oct 2007
Status: offline | Posted - 13 Apr 2008 : 18:08:12
| WOW thanks all we will try to fit as many of your suggestions in as we can i think i will post a trip report and some photos on our return as i have enjoyed reading and viewing all of yours  . Many thanks all | | Report this post to a moderator | goto top of page |
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orlandodaze
 Ireland
1095 Posts
Joined: 24 Jan 2005
Status: offline | Posted - 13 Apr 2008 : 18:15:24
| | Carl, just take it easy and enjoy every moment of the holiday. The Magic Kingdom is possibly the first one to visit ,and perhaps Seaworld after that . Every Park has its own brand of magic . Just remember you will return,maybe even time after time as most of us here on the forum have done . Dont try and cram everything into the trip you will end up exhausted and the kids cross and cranky . You need "pool "days at the villa just to chill out and of course do leave plenty of time for shopping. |
Olive | | Report this post to a moderator | goto top of page |
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louisbourg
 United Kingdom
92 Posts
Joined: 18 Feb 2008
Status: offline | Posted - 13 Apr 2008 : 19:51:40
| quote:
Originally posted by crush777
Hi all our first trip to florida is almost here
we have two children 4 and 9 is there anything you would consider a must see or must do, for either the children or the adults. We have disney tickets and flex tickets (bought from the excellent tickets section on this site) any ideas would be really appreciated as it looks like we will need two years let alone two weeks
hope you have a great time !!!
we too are 2 weeks away from our first visit , and i am really so glad i found this site , and have read a couple of books , and made some plans , so at least we have an idea of where we all want to head for and what we NEED to see while we are there
i so agree , 2 weeks is just not going to cut it , but i know we are going to have a fantastic time
the planning and even reading up on places is so helpful , and i feel a lot better now , i actually know what things are where 
we have our flex tickets and our disney tickets too , so lots to keep us busy
will let you all know how it goes ...if we return
sharon
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Karen
 United Kingdom
4506 Posts
Joined: 11 May 2002
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solanasunshine
 United Kingdom
1057 Posts
Joined: 03 May 2005
Status: offline | Posted - 14 Apr 2008 : 10:53:27
| Boggy Creek air boats are great for a visit and are something completely different from the theme parks.
We also love playing mini golf as it's quite relaxing and a lot of fun - the Disney courses are our favourite especially the Winter Summerland course complete with Father Christmas! (Wonderful when the skies are blue and the sun is shining and you'll be singing Jingle Bells for the rest of the day!) |
http://www.orlandovillas.com/florida-vacation-rental-2079.aspx
Gareth & Gill | | Report this post to a moderator | goto top of page |
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neild292
 531 Posts
Joined: 10 Apr 2004
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Appledore
270 Posts
Joined: 01 May 2007
Status: offline | Posted - 14 Apr 2008 : 19:09:21
| The water parks are really brilliant and give you a bit of contrast. Remember to allow time to enjoy your villa - otherwise you'll be going home exhausted!
Have fun. Elaine | | Report this post to a moderator | goto top of page |
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Nina A
 United Kingdom
1458 Posts
Joined: 07 Feb 2005
Status: offline | Posted - 14 Apr 2008 : 19:34:22
| quote:
Originally posted by ncmurray
I think that Cirque du Soleil is one of the best attractions in Florida. Your four year old may be a little bit young, though. Perhaps others with children that age might have a better idea.
I agree with the Cirque suggestion especially if you've never seen them. Your 4 year old will be spellbound as are children and adults of any age.
With the tickets you already have you will probably find that other parks may be best left for another visit.
I agree too with those that say take the time to enjoy your villa. Time and again our guests comment how difficult it was to get their kids out of the pool to visit the parks, so why not let them enjoy having their own pool?
There are plenty of ways too of enjoying the area without added expense. Take a look at the things to do for free section for ideas. Making good use of the water transportation at Disney and Universal is one great suggestion.
Have a brilliant time |
Nina
http://www.orlandovillas.com/florida-vacation-rental-3217.aspx
http://www.orlandovillarental.com/florida-vacation-rental-3219.aspx
http://www.orlandovillarental.com/florida-vacation-rental-3302.aspx
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gromit
 United Kingdom
604 Posts
Joined: 16 Jan 2004
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KateO
Ireland
4 Posts
Joined: 22 Mar 2008
Status: offline | Posted - 14 Apr 2008 : 20:54:41
| Agree about all the Disney nightime shows are just excellent although some kids can find the noise of the fireworks scary!
Another important thing is to make sure you take a good long break in the middle of the day, walking around theme parks is so tiring and there's no way young kids will last until the nightime shows and still be able to enjoy it without having some rest. I lost count of the amount of times I was working there and saw parents carrying around a grumpy sleepy child at night who just wasnt having any fun.
Take full advantage of using Fastpasses just have one person in you party take all the tickets to the ride to get them and then return later and hop on with hardly any wait or if you have a child to small to ride use a rider switch pass!
There are plenty of opportunities to meet characters in all the parks and the character meals are great although expensive and can take some time out of your day.
I'd recommend that it might not be the best idea to start with the Magic Kingdom as your first park as it might lead to disappointment when they visit the other parks. Epocot for example is totally different although it is enjoyable but not as magical!
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Must do in Orlando
