General Advice

[daveg]

Hi all,

Myself, partner and 4 1/2 year old son are flying over to Orlando from the 6th April to the 22nd. We are flying into Miami where I plan to do a days diving (Key Largo). We will then drive up to Orlando (9th). We are planning on visiting the following parks (our third time in Orlando so we have done most of the parks already):

Magic Kingdom
Busche Gardens
Islands of adventure
Seaworld (maybe)

So my questions are:

How busy will it be?
Would we be as well to visit the parks at the very end of our holiday so as to avoid the easter rush?
Any other general tips or recommendations for places to go/eat.

Thanks in advance.

[Nostromo]

Easter peroid is traditionally a very busy time at Orlando. But you seem to have quite a few days to play with for so few parks. Avoid MK on Extra Magic Hour days (Sunday and I think Thursday). A Tuesday would be a good day for MK. Monday (not post-Easter) and Thursday are good for IoA. Sea World gets busier towards the end of the week. My suggestion would be to the big three parks in Orlando area after the 15th April and try to squeeze Busch in earlier.

[DMC]

I agree with Nostromo, alot of the UK tourists will be heading home on or around the 17th ( so as to get back to school at the start of the following week ) - therefore if you can visit some of the parks w/c the 19th that should save you time standing in line.

If you need to go earlier then Bush Gardens and Seaworld would be a good bet, if you can also avoid weekends, that'll make life easier as well.

I don't envy you the long drive from the Keys to Orlando :(

[Nostromo]

A suggestion would be Busch on 16th Friday, IoA on 19th Monday, MK on 20th Tuesday and SW on 21st Wednesday. You can use the weekend in between to get a childminder for the boy and have a bash at Pleasure Island yourselves on Saturday Night.

[daveg]

quote:Originally posted by Nostromo

can use the weekend in between to get a childminder for the boy and have a bash at Pleasure Island yourselves on Saturday Night.


When you say get a babysitter is this service availible in Orlando? Would you trust a stranger to look after your child in the US? Don't mean to sound niave but I hadn't thought of it before. Does anyone have any details?

[TotallyAngelic]

I can't speak for anyone else, but I don't think I would fancy it, but then again I could probably be described as a neurotic mother when it comes to the kids!!

[Nostromo]

I know that this service is availble, but I honestly don't know how safe or reliable it is. Perhaps some of the other members will have better knowledge of that. But considering Orlando is gererally a kid-friendly area and the adults need some time to themselves, I suspect there will be many good childminding services.

quote:Originally posted by TotallyAngelic

I can't speak for anyone else, but I don't think I would fancy it, but then again I could probably be described as a neurotic mother when it comes to the kids!!


Me too!

I will only leave my children with family!

Better to be safe than sorry though.

Paranoid mothers r us!

[sarahjk]

Completely agree family or best friend only just couldnt rest myself if I did

I am just glad it isnt just me as I have always felt that maybe I am to over protective
anyone remember sorry

only kidding my two are 11 and 4 so I think I can safely say I may be justified still I am sure that by the time they are 20 I will be better

Paranoid mothers unite

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by sarahjk
Completely agree family or best friend only just couldnt rest myself if I did

I am just glad it isnt just me as I have always felt that maybe I am to over protective
anyone remember sorry

only kidding my two are 11 and 4 so I think I can safely say I may be justified still I am sure that by the time they are 20 I will be better

Paranoid mothers unite
[/quote]

Mine are 2, 6, 14, 19 and 20. The 19 and 20 year olds are no worse for wear coming from a parniod mother.

When they turned 18 I asked them if my over protectiveness had any dire effects and they both agreed it did not.

They are both a university now, very streetwise and self sufficient and both have jobs to support themselves.

They will be fine!