Orlando for a week

[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

[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.

[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

[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.

[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

[chrisj]

I agree I would spend 2 days at epcot, its the best park for me

[chrizzy100]

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.....

[chrisj]

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

[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

[chrizzy100]

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.....
I'm staying till around jan 30th....just with my parents...it'll be like being a kid again....