a few general questions

[peakfa93]

we are staying on international drive, we are just wondering if it is easy to get around to places such as downtown disney and back without renting a car?

and are taxis expensive?
also, i am an asthmatic and would be taking 3 different inhalers with me, how would i go about this with customs and so on?

last question... generally, for 2 adults for 2 weeks, how much spending money would you advise? we have already budgeted for park tickets and food etc so it would be just purely spending money.

thanks in advance!

katie x

[Philomena]

Hi Katie,

I think a lot of the hotels on International Drive have shuttle buses to Disney - once you get on to Disney property there are buses running to and from all the Disney hotels/shopping/theme parks etc but it could entail a bit of jumping on and off buses. You are also tied to the times the shuttle buses run to and from your hotel.

It is a long time since I used a taxi in Orlando but do remember it was expensive mainly because of the distance between everything!

The spending money question is a bit like the 'how long is a piece of string' question!! It all depends if you have plans to hit the shopping Malls with a vengence. So many bargains to be had at so many places! We took first time visitors to Premier Outlets and they ended up buying 3 pairs of jeans each from the Levi outlet as they said it would cost them the same price as 1 pair would here in the UK. You will also be surprised how much you will spend on water and soft drinks in the Theme Parks.

Have a great holiday - but next time book a Villa and hire a car!!!!!!

[Laurel Oak]

Katie,

Philomena has pretty much answered your questions except the one about your inhalers. My wife is asthmatic and I'm diabetic (tablets) and I carry both our medication, her inhalers and my tablets in a box in my hand luggage. I've never had any problems with security or customs in Manchester or Orlando, indeed no one has even looked at them. They are in there prescription packets and I have the repeat prescriptions with me.

As Philomena has said next time book a villa, not because most of us on here are owners and rent them but you will find them far more convenient and enjoyable with the independance it will give you. Finally its not too late so I would advise you to book a car, you can get a great deal on this site and its far easier to get to the parks and malls rather than relying on shuttles.

Have a great holiday.

[steph_goodrum]

You may find if you are lucky, like my husband, who uses 3 inhalers in UK for his athma, that you don't actually need them too much. No matter what time of year we go he has very rarely needed his inhaler, which is not the case at home.

Hopefully you won't need anything but if you need painkillers , and being astmathic can't take aspirin or ibuprofen, acetaminophen is in the USA what we call paracetamol.

[CERICROWLEY]

You are better off checking with the place you are staying specifically about shuttle services. Some places do offer this service, and will only run at certain times of the day. Which may limit the amount of time you spend in places, and this will also extend your travelling time to and from places, and the actual amount of time you can spend at attractions. There is a local bus service that does run the length of the i-drive, although I think you have to change services to get to downtown disney.

[Katys Grandad]

Having read your other post, I'm wondering if the reason you're not renting a car is down to your age. I'm aware that it's expensive for young drivers and I don't know if it's even available for somebody under 21. That said, it's perfectly possible to do what you want to do without one if you're staying centrally - many thousands of people visit Orlando every week and stay in the hundreds of hotels there without renting a car. Also note that a lot of hotels in the US charge guests for parking so, if you change your mind, factor that into your budget.

I'd say taxis are about the same rates as in the UK but a 15-20% tip is very much expected. As somebody else has noted, the distances can be quite long so the cost will mount up if you overdo it.

On the positive side, there are lots of free shuttles to the various attractions so make full use of those.

Enjoy!

[bargainqueen]

I know of someone who used to stay in International Drive with her disabled husband because it was easier to get around with the wheelchair.

She used to use the I Ride buses, check out this website for further information. [link not allowed as per forum rules]

I believe you can also use this company to get to Disney but a shuttle bus from the hotel or one nearby would be easier and quicker.

[DaveL]

Having read your other post, I'm wondering if the reason you're not renting a car is down to your age.

Katie says in her profile that she is 18 so car hire will not be an option.

Dave

[peakfa93]

Hi and thanks for all your replies. I will just take my inhalor in the prescription box.

my partner who will be 22 when we travel would be the one driving. i think we are going to opt in for car rental via this site, we didnt realise how cheap it is even with the young driver charge.

Thanks again every answer as been so helpful!!

Happy easter everyone x

[Dads_Taxi]

Hi Katie,
I asked a very similar question recently, here:

http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums...or-Non-Drivers

You may like to have a read of the suggestions there. The best solution were Lynx buses.

Why you, as an 18 year old, would consider a villa on a community when there are so many hotels in the thick of things, and you get your bed made and bathroom cleaned every day, is beyond me! Stick with the hotel on I-Drive .

Oh, and I've flown all over the World with inhalers in my hand luggage, and never had any mention of them at any airport.

Have a great holiday.