Orlando for a week

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31-08-2003, 05:26
LuvOrlando

Orlando for a week

I am possibly going to Orlando week after next (last minute deal!)

We normally get a villa but have found a good deal for a one week holiday staying at Crowne Plaza Resort near International Drive.

Firstly, does anyone know this resort? Is it ok, near any attractions / shops?

Also, as this will be just a one week holiday, which parks would you suggest we do? We do not want to spend the whole week in theme parks but maybe 3 or 4 days.

I was thinking of just going to Universal Studio's and IOA on this trip (been to Orlando quite a few times and possibly going again in March next year for 2 weeks), there seems to be some good deals on tickets for Universal at the moment on their website e.g. 5 consecutive days for $89.95.

I love Disney but would not be able to decide which park to visit out of Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios or Epcot - I wish there was a Disney 2 day hopper ticket so I could do all the rides I want to do in the various parks in a couple of days!

Can anyone give me any advice?
31-08-2003, 12:30
chris

Don't forget Disney hopper tickets never expire so you can save the remaining days to the next trip.
You can get hopper tickets for only a few days but probably need to use an American site for it. Click on park tickets at the top of this page for some really good deals or an American site we use is www.floridaorlandotickets.net
31-08-2003, 12:47
steph_goodrum

If you are likely to be going back next March it is worth considering an annual pass.
From the dates you are suggesting you could probably get away with a 2 park power pass, which is $109.95 + tax but if you are thinking of going back again then a normal annual pass which includes free self parking is $169.95+tax although I know there are often deals on that price - there is a Burger King offer in Florida at the moment where if you buy the pass at the full rate - with their coupon you get a 2nd year free, you can buy online so if you know anybody who is over there if they got the code for you then you could get them or you could wait till you got to FLorida.
We paid $98.95+ tax for an annual pass for both parks that includes parking at Christmas - through the AAA, if oyu are an AA member you can phone up for a "Show your card and save" card which gives you member benefits of the AAA.
Checkout www.uescape.com for details of the passes.
31-08-2003, 12:52
Nostromo

Quote:

quote:
Also, as this will be just a one week holiday, which parks would you suggest we do? We do not want to spend the whole week in theme parks but maybe 3 or 4 days.

I was thinking of just going to Universal Studio's and IOA on this trip (been to Orlando quite a few times and possibly going again in March next year for 2 weeks), there seems to be some good deals on tickets for Universal at the moment on their website e.g. 5 consecutive days for $89.95.

I love Disney but would not be able to decide which park to visit out of Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios or Epcot - I wish there was a Disney 2 day hopper ticket so I could do all the rides I want to do in the various parks in a couple of days!

Can anyone give me any advice?

I have always said that if I had just 2 full days in Orlando, I would use both to go to EPCOT. That is what makes Orlando special above all others and there is nothing else like it in the world. But if you have been many times before and intend to go again soon, then you have plenty of choice. Why not spend a day at the MALL AT MILLENIA if you have not been there before? Or a day in the OLD TOWN shopping & entertainment area would be something different. There is also a visit to WINTER PARK with its upmarket old-fashioned shops and scenic boat ride.
31-08-2003, 18:15
LuvOrlando

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by chris

Don't forget Disney hopper tickets never expire so you can save the remaining days to the next trip.
You can get hopper tickets for only a few days but probably need to use an American site for it. Click on park tickets at the top of this page for some really good deals or an American site we use is www.floridaorlandotickets.net

It may be worth getting a hopper ticket and using remaining days when I go back, I have never seen hopper tickets for a few days - the minimum always seem to be 5 days.
31-08-2003, 18:19
LuvOrlando

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by steph_goodrum

If you are likely to be going back next March it is worth considering an annual pass.
From the dates you are suggesting you could probably get away with a 2 park power pass, which is $109.95 + tax but if you are thinking of going back again then a normal annual pass which includes free self parking is $169.95+tax although I know there are often deals on that price - there is a Burger King offer in Florida at the moment where if you buy the pass at the full rate - with their coupon you get a 2nd year free, you can buy online so if you know anybody who is over there if they got the code for you then you could get them or you could wait till you got to FLorida.
We paid $98.95+ tax for an annual pass for both parks that includes parking at Christmas - through the AAA, if oyu are an AA member you can phone up for a "Show your card and save" card which gives you member benefits of the AAA.
Checkout www.uescape.com for details of the passes.

An annual pass would be great, especially if it was with a 2nd year free! I don't know anyone over there at the moment, does anyone have the Burger King code??

I am a member of the AA, does this give you any discouts or do you have to be a member of the AAA? How does it work?
31-08-2003, 18:44
LuvOrlando

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Nostromo

Quote:

quote:
Also, as this will be just a one week holiday, which parks would you suggest we do? We do not want to spend the whole week in theme parks but maybe 3 or 4 days.

I was thinking of just going to Universal Studio's and IOA on this trip (been to Orlando quite a few times and possibly going again in March next year for 2 weeks), there seems to be some good deals on tickets for Universal at the moment on their website e.g. 5 consecutive days for $89.95.

I love Disney but would not be able to decide which park to visit out of Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios or Epcot - I wish there was a Disney 2 day hopper ticket so I could do all the rides I want to do in the various parks in a couple of days!

Can anyone give me any advice?

I have always said that if I had just 2 full days in Orlando, I would use both to go to EPCOT. That is what makes Orlando special above all others and there is nothing else like it in the world. But if you have been many times before and intend to go again soon, then you have plenty of choice. Why not spend a day at the MALL AT MILLENIA if you have not been there before? Or a day in the OLD TOWN shopping & entertainment area would be something different. There is also a visit to WINTER PARK with its upmarket old-fashioned shops and scenic boat ride.

Thank you for all your help!

We will definitely be spending a day at Mall at Millenia (unfortunately!!), can't imagine spending a full day at Old Town though, we like to visit on an evening, and even then it is nowhere near as good as it used to be. I would like to go to Epcot, but only really to go on Mission: SPACE and Test Track and I would like to go to MGM for Tower of Terror and Rock n Rollercoaster.

So many decisions, so little time!
31-08-2003, 18:55
Carla

I think that you have to buy the Burger King offer by 15 September and use your first day by 30 September to validate the ticket.

Someone posted the code on here but when I tried it, it was rejected. What day do you fly out?
31-08-2003, 19:19
LuvOrlando

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Carla

I think that you have to buy the Burger King offer by 15 September and use your first day by 30 September to validate the ticket.

Someone posted the code on here but when I tried it, it was rejected. What day do you fly out?

Saturday 13th September.
31-08-2003, 21:51
fiona

If you are a member of the AA just phone them up and ask for a AAA card. This will give you various discounts at restaurants and theme parks and at the Orlando Premium Outlet Mall.
01-09-2003, 13:22
DMC

Hi

We the Crowne Plaza is as good a place as any to stay on I'Drive, you will neever be more than a 20 mins drive from any of the main attractions.

I you're only in Orlando for a week I would stay in and around I'Drive, so Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are a must, Wet & Wild and Seaworld are close by as well.

You could spend the time in March doing Disney etc, but as has already been mentioned, if you do go this trip then your tickets will be valid when you go in March.

As for shopping, the Mall of the Mellenia is very "posh" and a great place to window shop, but you might have to hunt out the bargains, don't forget to visit the Cheese Cake Factory and stock up on those calories.

Otherwise I would recommend the Florida Mall, out near the airport, much better for mid range shops, with a few up market one like Saks 5th Ave, thrown in.

As for the Factory Outlets, then there is the Belz at the top of I'Drive, but the best one in my view, is the Premium Outlet, which is down past Seaworld.

There are plenty of places to eat and I would recommend the Olive Garden ( next door to Race Rock ) and Outback opposite the Premium Outlet.

What ever you decide I am sure you will have fun.

DMC
06-09-2003, 10:57
LuvOrlando

We have now booked to stay in a Villa which is located in the Buenaventura Lakes area of Kissimmee, anyone know what this area is like?

I like the Premium Outlets and will definitely be visitng them, I think we have decided to go to Universal and IOA, the special offer on the website looks like a good deal, where you get 5 days for $89.95.
06-09-2003, 12:20
huckleberry house

Universal two year deal
I have a few vouchers that each have the code 6406405030013 might be worth trying.If you are in FL the vouchers are easy to get and you dont need to buy anything,just go and ask and they give them to you.
Lesley
06-09-2003, 12:21
nelly

dont go to epcot its utter pants no body i have spoke to has said, anything but " well its alright" or " not that good really is it?"

I would say do MGM, both the universals, seaworld and discovery cove, dis cove is like a day at the best beach ever plus its not crowded and its lots of fun.
06-09-2003, 15:40
huckleberry house

Well Nelly
That just shows how different we all are.You only have to read nostromos post to find one happy Epcot customer,and I am another. each to their own.
Lesley
06-09-2003, 16:02
chrisj

I agree I would spend 2 days at epcot, its the best park for me
06-09-2003, 19:09
chrizzy100

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by huckleberry house

Well Nelly
That just shows how different we all are.You only have to read nostromos post to find one happy Epcot customer,and I am another. each to their own.
Lesley

I love Epcot....so does everyone else in the family.....its the only Disney Park we're doing this Christmas.....
06-09-2003, 19:47
chrisj

Chrizzy im jealous, we went one christmas and would love to again, but now we have
family etc its not going to be
23-09-2003, 04:46
LuvOrlando

Just got back yesterday from our week in Florida staying at a villa in the Buenaventura Lakes area of Kissimmee. We have stayed in many villa's in Florida (usually booking direct with the owners). We were unfortunately quite disappointed with this villa, we could tell by the pictures on the website that it looked older than other villa's we have stayed in and therefore expected that. However the villa was generally not in the condition we have come to expect (maybe our standards are now too high after some of the fantastic villa's we have stayed in?).

The exterior of the villa was dirty and looked like it hadn't been painted for a good few years, inside the carpets were dirty and kitchen appliances and equipment in poor condition. One of the showers did not work and the BBQ was not fit to be used! The villa is described as 'luxury' and 'executive' in the ad but I would not use these words to describe it, 'a bit old and shabby' would be more suitable!

The area was not too bad, but quite noisy being on the flight path to Orlando International.

We called the Management Company to report the shower problem on the third day and was told that someone would 'probably' be out that day - they never arrived! The Management company were generally not very helpful.

Do you think I should email the villa owners and mention these comments to them or give them this feedback?

To be fair it didn't spoil our holiday at all - the weather was fantastic and it was one of the best pools we have had to due to the free solar heating and the good weather. We would not return to this villa but I am not sure if this is just us having higher standards now.

Any thoughts?

p.s. We only visited one park - IOA, very quiet (infact everywhere we went International Drive etc. seemed exceptionally quiet!) had a great day - despite Hulk being closed due to technical problems :(
23-09-2003, 07:35
chrizzy100

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by chrisj

Chrizzy im jealous, we went one christmas and would love to again, but now we have
family etc its not going to be

Most of the time I'll be putting things together....like beds....and table.....:D
I'm staying till around jan 30th....just with my parents...it'll be like being a kid again....
23-09-2003, 07:38
chrizzy100

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by LuvOrlando

Just got back yesterday from our week in Florida staying at a villa in the Buenaventura Lakes area of Kissimmee. We have stayed in many villa's in Florida (usually booking direct with the owners). We were unfortunately quite disappointed with this villa, we could tell by the pictures on the website that it looked older than other villa's we have stayed in and therefore expected that. However the villa was generally not in the condition we have come to expect (maybe our standards are now too high after some of the fantastic villa's we have stayed in?).

The exterior of the villa was dirty and looked like it hadn't been painted for a good few years, inside the carpets were dirty and kitchen appliances and equipment in poor condition. One of the showers did not work and the BBQ was not fit to be used! The villa is described as 'luxury' and 'executive' in the ad but I would not use these words to describe it, 'a bit old and shabby' would be more suitable!

The area was not too bad, but quite noisy being on the flight path to Orlando International.

We called the Management Company to report the shower problem on the third day and was told that someone would 'probably' be out that day - they never arrived! The Management company were generally not very helpful.

Do you think I should email the villa owners and mention these comments to them or give them this feedback?

To be fair it didn't spoil our holiday at all - the weather was fantastic and it was one of the best pools we have had to due to the free solar heating and the good weather. We would not return to this villa but I am not sure if this is just us having higher standards now.

Any thoughts?

p.s. We only visited one park - IOA, very quiet (infact everywhere we went International Drive etc. seemed exceptionally quiet!) had a great day - despite Hulk being closed due to technical problems :(

I would e-mail the owners...they are paying for a service they are not getting....and you paid for a villa that was not up to standered.....
23-09-2003, 12:51
Carla

Managed to get my 2 year Universal and IOA Annual Card with the Burger King offer. They didn't want to see my vouchers at the Guests service desk at all!!! Our cards expire on 8 September 2005 and are definitely worth the $169 each that we paid. Parking is free with an Annual Pass, so we went along for a couple of hours, twice, on our way to somewhere else, and rode our favourite rides.

The new ride Shrek is great. Lovely pre-show and great main show. All round good fun.

I love Epcot too!!:D:D
14-02-2004, 00:12
shamu888

[:I]
14-02-2004, 00:13
shamu888

[:o)]
14-02-2004, 02:00
orlandobabe

I'm so sorry that your villa was disappointing.

I was about to reply that we've passed the Crowne Plaza many times and it always looks lovely-I think it's relatively new. I didn't realise yours was not a recent posting.

You probably found that you were a bit further out than you expected to be also.

I'm glad it didn't spoil your holiday and it won't put you off booking a villa in future. I think it's a good idea to email the owners-they might not have been out for a while and not realised that it's not looking as pristine as they imagined.
14-02-2004, 02:29
Ray&Sarah

If it were our villa we would definately want to know that it wasn't up to par and that our management company was unhelpful.
We visited Epcot on our first ever visit to Florida about 8 years ago, it was a cold, windy day in December and we were not taken with it at all. Since then though we have heard so many people sing its praises that we keep saying we should go back and take another look as we must have missed something the first time around.
14-02-2004, 04:10
orlandobabe

Epcot is a park I feel very ambivalent amount. There's times I've really loved it and others I feel like I've paid to shop and eat.

Last time I went I loved it-that's Disney -you just never can tell what sort of an experience it is going to be.