help with day trip planning?

[silver apple]

Hi folks

We are off to florida in april, staying on international drive with a hire car. There will be 4 adults and 4 children (11,5,4,3).

We don't want to spend everyday of the fortnight in the theme parks, but obviously don't want to miss out on too much either.

What passes should we buy/ and do you have any recommendations for any "must" see days/nights out?

All help gratefully received.

Thanks xx

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi,

The type of passes you buy really depend on how many days you are thinking of spending at the parks.
Are you doing Disney, Universal and Sea World ?

see Maple Leaf website for ideas on what is available.

www.mapleleaftickets.com

A trip to the beach is a good day out, Clearwater has a fab beach, it's a 2 hour drive each way but makes a great day out from the parks.

[Pootle]

I agree with Johnny that Clearwater has good beaches, but if you think the drive might be a bit long for the young 'uns, then Daytona on the east coast is closer and could be combined with a visit to the Kennedy Space Center.

A nice 'free' activity (for maybe a non-park day) is to head to Disney's Boardwalk. In the evening there are jugglers and entertainers in addition to a really good atmosphere.

Many people like to squeeze in a bit of shopping too ;) . The Mall at Millenia is not too far from I-Drive. I like the Florida Mall and others like the discount outlets, such as Premium outlets Mall or the Lake Buena Vista Factory stores.

For a completely different change of pace, we enjoy the Scenic Boat tour http://www.scenicboattours.com/ - a relaxing cruise past grand homes and through lakes and canals of Winter Park.

I guess you've not been before? If so, don't forget to plan some 'down time' too. The parks are great but can be tiring and very stimulating. Time just spent by the pool maybe :)

[WiganTony]

Would echo the comment about ensuring "down time" - if you try and cram every day with a visit to the parks, you will be utterly exhausted, especially the younger ones.

We have been twice (in 2005 and August 2007), and on both visits, we have generally done no more than three consecutive days in the theme parks, followed by a day in the water parks and/or shopping.

Given the small difference in prices between the 5, 7 and 14 day tickets available in the UK, it may be worth considering the 14 day ticket for Disney. With this, you could spend a morning shopping/in water park and then call into the parks in late afternoon/early evening - it will give you more flexibility.

Our must see shows at Disney are Fantasmic (at the Studios - dining package available with reserved seating), Illuminations Fireworks (MK), EPCOT fireworks, and Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo (both Animal Kingdom). At Seaworld, there are a number of shows (Shamu, Clyde & Seamore) which are all extremely good, but you would probably need two days to see them all.
HTH

[silver apple]

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. It's going to be really helpful for planning our trips xx