planning ahead

[jaynekent]

Hi all, with only 8 weeks to go we are trying to plan ahead(with the help of the 2005 brit guide). I know we cant do it all in 14 days but which do we do and which do we leave out?( for next time!)[msneek]

We have booked discovery for the bank hol on feb 21st. Our children are 10 and nearly 9 like rides and animals and naturally want to do everything!!

All ideas for a sensible itinerary would be greatly appreciated!!

[Nostromo]

It really depends on what your group is interested in. If they like the big rides, then Islands of Adventure is a must. Likewise, Disney's Animal Kingdom for animal lovers. Most people fit Magic Kingdom in any itinerary. I think Sea World is also a good park to include, patricularly since you'll have free entry via your DC passes.

For 'alternative' venues, there is the excellent Old Town on a Saturday evening/night and of course Kennedy Space Center. For those who want a quieter day out(particularly if they do ot fancy one of the other parks) Winter Park is nice. Finally, if you don't mind travelling a bit, Silver Springs near Ocala is very good.

If you're using the Brit Guide, make sure that you take advantage of the 'Busy Day Schedule' for the popular venues.

[wrpac00]

I think Nostromo has basically covered it. It will be very tight in 14 days with not a lot of time for rest but you will have a fantastic time. It also depends on your budget as going to the parks each day can work out a bit expensive.

As you are going to DC, as Nostromo said you will get free entry into Sea World which is our favourite park. Having the free pass will allow you to pick and choose when you go even if it is only for a couple of hours which will come in very handy.

If you have never been before I would suggest the following:-
Magic Kingdom 1 or 2 days
Epcot - 1 day
MGM - 1 day
Animal Kingdom - 1 day
Discovery Cove is 1 day
Sea World 1 or 2 days
Universal 1 or 2 days
Islands of Adventure 1 or 2 days
Blizzard beach (I think Typhoon Lagoon is still closed then).

That may leave you a couple of days, or half days, to rest as you will need it.

Have a great time, I know you will.

[MaggieAllan]

and don't forget shopping[msnwink]

[flyrr100]

Now would be a great time to invest in your $$$$$$.
The rate is around 1.80. It could go higher, but It could also go down.
Just a thought.

[jaynekent]

Thanks all!

I was thinking about exchanging some money, am I right in thinking its best to buy from an online broker as opposed to in the high street?

[Matt]

Jayne,

I always use the online services of Travelex, I got a rate of 1.89 from them last week. It keeps hovering in that area on their website.

The exchange is commission free, however depending on which card you use to buy the dollars you could be charged by your card issuer.

Of course another great park not mentioned above and I would also say is a must for a first timer is Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay.

Enjoy

Matt

[jaynekent]

Hi Matt

Would you put Busch gardens as a must then? I have been told that its really good but dont know what to leave out if we include it!! I am also getting confused with epcot, do i need to spend more than a day here?

[Nostromo]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by jaynekent
Hi Matt
I am also getting confused with epcot, do i need to spend more than a day here?
[/quote]

Again, depends on individaul tastes. For me, Epcot is the main attraction in Orlando and I always reserve 2 days for it. Others seem to be able to stroll through both halves of the park in a single day. With your tight schedule, you can have a go at doing it in a day. If so, I suggest that you go on a 'quiet' day of the week (Epcot is not busy during weekends), be at the gate at 8:45am, get Fastpasses Mission Space & Test Track and plan to have a short, quick, lunch-break.

[wrpac00]

Jayne,

Marks & Spencers ure hard to beat and usually match Travelex or a very slightly better.

Busch is worth a visit (at some time), but with only 14 days you may find yourself very stretched for time plus it is a about a 2.5 - 3 hr round trip. Kennedy is also worth a trip but again it is about a 2 hr round trip. I originally didn't mention those as I think you will have your hands full visiting everything in the Orlando area. Personally I would not allocate more than 1 day to Epcot.

You will see from this forum that we all have our own favourties but my advice would be to spend at least 1 day at each park and go back to the ones you really like. Having said that it then makes it difficult to buy your park tickets. You need to make a list of what you want to visit based or YOUR preferences (rides etc). Do a search on google, or similar, for wdwinfo to get an indepth idea of what the parks offer. It will also give you an overview of Universal and IOA.