recomendations please

[Jules]

Blackpoolowl my husband has the worst sense of direction in the world. Even in th UK he is hopeless and has to go somewhere at least 10 times before he remembers his way.

We have been going to Florida for the last 11 years we always have a car and have managed to find our way to most of the destinations mentioned above. We have not always come home by the most direct route but we have never had any major problems!

Our main rule is always have a full tank of gas before you set off then you are not worring that you are going to run out in the middle of nowhere as the gas stations can be few and far between when you get off the beaten track. We also use a guide book called The Brits Guide to Orlando which gives basic instructions to most of the main places of interest.

As far as directions to Celebration are concerned from International Drive it's on your way to Old Town. Get on the I4 (West)heading towards Disney come off at the junction marked 192 East, carry on down highway 192 until the lights at Celebration Avenue signposted The Greeneway (highway 417)and the airport, there is also a sign just before the lights for a post office, turn right at the lights and this road takes you right into the centre of Celebration. You must fit in a visit as it is wonderful, so peaceful. You will find it hard to believe you are so close to the 192.

Hope you have a great trip.

[florida4sun]

I went to the 500 last year, it is incredible. Th atmosphere and racing is out of this world. I have seen most types of motor sport, inclusing F1 and nothing comes close to the experience had. Make try and get seats as close to the front as possible. Driving is easy, no trouble getting there got held up for and hour getting out.
There are options for hospitality areas and food. We did this but it was acomplete waste of money. Next time its a ice box full of beer and sandwiches. Go you will not regret it, although tickets may be sold out, if they are then try for the pepsi 400.

Martin

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blackpoolowl
we go on the 4th feb for 3 weeks so we always catch the daytona ! i really do fancy going to daytona but seeing the amount of traffic on i drive because of the 500 not sure if i am comfident enough to try daytona on race day.i need a REALLY GOOD map of florida, i have done some searchers on the net but have come to the conclusion i would be better buying over there!(unless anyone knows different). we are there for a week before we get the car so i should be able to find 1........i hope!
terry
[/quote]

[Nostromo]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
I went to the 500 last year, it is incredible. Th atmosphere and racing is out of this world. I have seen most types of motor sport, inclusing F1 and nothing comes close to the experience had. Make try and get seats as close to the front as possible. Driving is easy, no trouble getting there got held up for and hour getting out.
[/quote]

Do you mean the Indy 500? I am going to that in May 2005 and looking forward to it eagerly. Tickets, hotel all booked long ago!

[florida4sun]

The Daytona 500 although its pretty much the same thing talking to people who have done both. Daytona was great last year due to the President making a surprise appearance. There was a guy flying around with a james bond jet pack, stealth bomber fly over, wonderful experience. The racing is very exciting you just cannot explain the experience until you have seen it in the flash. Cars passing with 12 feet of us at nearly 200mph and just inches apart.
The stadium is enormous. Nearly 200k people. Really good all american experience.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Nostromo
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
I went to the 500 last year, it is incredible. Th atmosphere and racing is out of this world. I have seen most types of motor sport, inclusing F1 and nothing comes close to the experience had. Make try and get seats as close to the front as possible. Driving is easy, no trouble getting there got held up for and hour getting out.
[/quote]

Do you mean the Indy 500? I am going to that in May 2005 and looking forward to it eagerly. Tickets, hotel all booked long ago!
[/quote]

[imported_n/a]

Hi blckpoolowl.
Buy a good map and take your time if you have not done a lot of driveing in the u/s,but it if you get lost you find some nice place,s to vist thats how we found naples, and gulf coast,sarosota,ann maria island which is not very far away from orlando, there lots hotels at discont price,s. if you feel confident go down to ft laudrdale stop there for sawgrassmills for shopping and also swopshop ,miami,the keys,coming back along the tamiaml trail its along way but well worth it.also take plenty of 1/4 where ever you go.
allenc

[pubmaster2k]

We have stayed in Clearwater beach for several years now and just love it, we use a little motel which is in a great position and nice clean rooms
Wherever you choose to stay on the Gulf will be great, Seafood restaurants all around and sunsets to take anyones breath away.

[orlandobabe]

I drove for the first time in October last year and I loved it.

This was with hand controls and a much bigger car than I am used to at home.

It did help that I knew the roads as I am always the navigator for my husband-but honestly you can't fall off if you use the 417 when leaving either airport. It's a toll road and never gets overly busy-unlike the I4-by the time you've found your villa-you will find that you will feel so confident having done a decent stretch of motoring on the 417.

My favourite map is the one you get from the tourist info places-it usually has lots of coupons around the edges. It shows the main roads, I4, 417, 192, Osceola Parkway. OBT which are the roads you mainly need-then you can always buy a more detailed map from a bookstore when you are there.

[julieanne]

Hi blackpool owl.

Driving in Florida is much easier than driving in towns and cities in the UK. I love it....

You've already been given some great ideas from all the experts on here.

I must say that Sarasota and Siesta Key are particular favourites of mine too [8D]

I made my first visit to Celebration on my last trip and fell in love with it - try and make time for a trip there too - you can't miss it if you are in or around Disney/Kissimmee area - it is well signposted.

Have fun [msncool]

[pepsi]

We like St Petes and Ft Lauderdale, though when we visited Ft Lauderdale we did stay for a couple of nights. Plenty to see and do here. A trip on the water taxis, well worth a ride, especially when you go down Millionnaires, row.