Hi there
First time poster here. Just returned from our Florida holiday having spent several months researching it with the use of this site. I thought I would return the favour by adding a few words about our trip which might benefit other travellers. (and I’m also trying to extend that holiday feeling just a little longer [msnwink])
This was our first trip to Florida. We flew from Ireland (Shannon) with Delta to Orlando via Atlanta. Cant fault the flights, all went on time and to plan. Our first surprise was the upgraded car we received. Having booked a medium car with 2 childseats we were pleased to see a Dodge Grand Caravan waiting for us. Very nice.
I was a bit nervous about the drive from the airport but we had received good directions from the villa owners. Driving generally was no problem.
Our villa was ideal and was exactly as described on the webpage. It was ideally located in Eagle Point, it was very well equipped, comfortable, clean and gave us the freedom and space to feel “at home”. All dealings with the owners before we travelled were always friendly and helpful (Thanks to Michelle and Kevin).
There are LOADS of attractions in the Orlando area but as this was our first time and based on our kids ages (7, 5 and 2) we focused on Disney. We got a pass and spent 6 days in total at the various Disney parks. The highlights were meeting characters, the parades, the runaway train ride at Magic Kingdom and the Fantasmic (?) show at MGM studios. The Disney Boardwalk is also a great place to spend an evening. No ticket required.
Outside of parks the shopping was great. We went to Florida Mall and Premium Outlets and Buena Vista Mall (good for designer labels), flea markets (good for browsing and the odd bargain, picked up an extra case for $25.) and Wal-Mart (good for everything!)
We also did a trip to Kennedy Space Centre (not impressed) and Cocoa Beach (loved it!) and had several “pool days” to recharge the batteries and relax. All together a very enjoyable holiday.
So, my advice to any other first timers planning their trip (for what it’s worth):
Dos
• Go. It’s a great place, well worth the trip.
• Stay in a villa. So flexible, so comfortable, I would not consider any other option.
• Have a good breakfast before hitting the theme parks. Food in parks is not cheap and choice is geenerally limited to fast food.
• Eat at Golden Corral (2 adults, 3 kids all you can eat and drink buffet for $35 – excellent quality and value)
• Visit Walmart before you do any other shopping just to compare prices. We found it the cheapest place to shop and it stocks everything!
• Go to the coast. Our day at the beach was great – sea breezes, warm waters.
• Travel in the off season. We found the heat of July/August to be energy-sapping.
Don’t
• Don’t overpack. You really don’t need to take much with you.
• Don’t visit Kennedy Space Centre. Unless you are interested in rockets it’s not worth the trip.
• Don’t put your theme park tickets in the washing machine!! But if you do the guest relations people at Disney are very helpful.
• Don’t take the upgrade from the car hire guy. You may get a better model anyway!
• Don’t try to watch your figure. You don’t stand a chance.
• Don’t try to see everything in one trip. There’s more to do than you will fit in a 2/3 week break. And you will need days off to just chill out.
So that’s it all over now. I’m sure we will go again, probably when the kids are a little older. Thanks to all previous contributors. Hope to be back when we plan our next trip.
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