First trip - help on planning

[ali5on]

Hi, This is my first posting (although I have enjoyed reading these informative forums for some time now). I have booked to go to Florida on March 22nd with my husband and 2 kids aged 6 & 9 and as the date is fast approaching I’m beginning to panic! I want to get the most out of this special holiday so have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with.

Reading this forum, people seem to plan their trips with military precision. Is it necessary to have an itinerary made before we go, if so how do we know how much to plan for each day and what if, for instance, its raining the day we planned to go to the water parks? We haven’t bought our park tickets yet but thought we’d go for the 5 day Disney hopper plus and a 2 day Universal pass (I’m not sure I’d enjoy the IOA as I’m a wimp on scary rides). We also want to spend a day at the Kennedy Space Centre. So all that takes up 10 days out of two weeks and I have to fit in some shopping time too. I’m sorry to go on, but I so want to get it right! Any comments would be welcome.

[smartypants]

I would use http://www.undercovertourist.com/travel_center/planner/plannerDetails.asp?area=orlando&areaInfo=Orlando%20FL&doWhat=Walt%20Disney%20World%20Tickets,%20Universa l%20Studios%20Tickets,%20Sea%20World%20Tickets,%20 Islands%20of%20Adventure%20Tickets

This shows which days they think will be busy. It is not an exact science but may help you make a flexible plan.

Put in your dates & off you go. 10 out of 14 is enough, you need a rest.

[KayleeUK]

Welcome to the Dis Ali50n:D

Well I am a planner, I don't think you need to be though. For me I want to make sure I get to see everything on my 'list' - so I have a plan. I am not sure about the tickets as we have annual passes, but someone will be along soon to help.

Make sure you plan your water parks and shopping day's in between your park day's so you all have time to rest :D

Kaylee

[rob@rar.org.uk]

We're much more relaxed about planning than some other people. I normally make up a little calender which shows the opening times for all the parks for each of the days we'll be in Orlando. I will then add any firm bookings we've made, such as Discovery Cove or any restaurant reservations. Beyond that we just take each day as it comes, normally deciding the day before what we'll do. This gives us the flexibility to chop and change without feeling like we've 'ruined the plan'.

One thing to bear in mind when thinking about what you can fit in: It is impossible to see and do it all! Don't worry if you think that you don't have enough time. Nobody could see everything that Orlando has to offer in one fortnight's holiday. Decide what is imprtant for you to see on this trip, and then don't spend any time worrying about missing out on other things. Who knows, you might even decide to make a return visit...

Regards

Rob

[SimonV]

Alison, you already sound pretty switched on, so don't stress on getting things planned in too great a detail. I think it is helpful to have a basic plan when you go (especially for the first time), but you don't need to stick rigidly to it. It is a guideline, not a straightjacket! The 5 Disney days and 2 Universal also sound quite smart, and I love the KSC, so that should be worthwhile too. The basic idea is just to get a good picture of what's available over there and just concentrate on what appeals to you most. As Rob says, you definitely won;t do it all, so don't even try to!

[signtalker]

Alison, we always try to do a basic plan, when we visit, weve found this helps, especially with children and if you want to book priority seating for the chararcter meals.
It really does help to have a rough idea of what you want to do, your 5 day hoppers and Universal/IOA tickets sound fine. We found ideally you need a whole day for all of these to take things at a leisurly pace. If for instance you do MK on the day after you arrive(which is always a good bet coz you'll still be on UK time), start hitting some websites or get the Brits guide, this way, you can plan to eat in the park maybe, and then hang around in the evening for spectro and FITS.
If you take each park like this you'll be amazed at how quick a basic plan comes together!.
We always have a day or so for shopping usually at the weekend, when the parks tend to be busier, and also Boggy creaks airboat ride, at most it takes and hour and a half with the drive to get there, but it does break up the theme park mentality.
You dont have to go at it comando style, but im sure the majority on here will agree with me.
Im sure if you let us know roughly what you wanna do, we can help in getting your plan sorted.
Just think of

things that are a definate to do
where you want to shop
eating/Character meals
Things that youre not to bothered with

Jules

[ali5on]

Thank you all for your helpful comments, I shall certainly take them on-board.

On the subject of restaurant reservations – I had no idea that it was possible to make bookings so far in advance until I read posts on this forum. We were hoping just to decide whilst over there where to eat. If we do that will we stand any chance of getting a table at the more popular venues? We would love to have a character meal during our stay.

Can you give me more info on the Boggy creaks airboat ride? It sounds interesting

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Boggy Creek details can be found at http://www.bcairboats.com/

We did this last year and enjoyed it. Zipping around on the boat is exhilarating, and the commentary from the boat driver (captain? pilot?) was interesting with lots of anecdotes. It's a bit of a drive to get to, but I agree with Jules that it makes an interesting change from the theme parks.

Regards

Rob

[KayleeUK]

We decided to do some character meal's when we were there. Once we phoned dining from our room the night before and once we just turned up at Chef Mickey's, we had to wait a while but that was OK.

Kaylee

[SpottyDog]

Hiya Alison, it gets excitin once yer holider's 'next month' doesn't it?

Don't worry that some of us here take the plannin to the extreme - it's a hobby but not essential. Plannin might just be 'where should we go today?'

The only tip I'd offer is to make a list of those things you'd hate to miss. It's best to have an idea of where you need to be some days to see a parade or a particular attraction as some are only on certain days. This should avoid disappointment by bein in the right park on the wrong day (been there, suffered that! :( ) and with so much to choose from yer 'to do'list will form a pretty good plan in itself.

Have fun.

[Hilary]

To plan or not to plan?

Do as much or as little planning as feels right for you and your family.

If you hate being regimented, then don't risk spoiling the anticipation of your trip by worrying that you haven't planned enough detail. On the other hand, if you think you'll be worrying that you'll be like lost souls wandering round Orlando without an idea of where to go next, then make a rough plan but be prepared to adapt it as you go along. :)

I'm an avid planner, but I accept that we have to switch things around if (as your example suggests) it's raining on the one day we've got lined up for a laze around the water park.

I don't think it's realistic for a first-time vistor to have a very detailed plan because you'll want to spend time finding out which things you enjoy the most.


Oh, and welcome to the boards! :wave:

[SidB]

We're leaving this week (!) for our second trip and have made plans this time. Plans can be helpful to identify which tickets to buy, if you want to purchase before you go.

A lot depends on the age of your children and you (Orlando brings out the child in all of us). On our first trip our children were 4 and 8 so we hit Disney with a 10 day pass, which was enough to do it some justice. This time we're going to include Universal as well as buying a 5 day hopper plus.

From my experiences this is my advise;

Do the Disney water parks. Even if you can't swim very well or are self consious in a swimming costume. I'm overweight and can't swim but I still enjoyed it.

Try a character breakfast.

Check out the money-ff vouchers you find everywhere.

Don't eat at the parks. We went to WalMart and bought food and drink to keep in our room and take to the park.

See the Disney shows. It gives your feet a break, lets you cool down, and they're excellent to watch.

If you're doing Animal Kingdom book a table at the Rainforest Cafe (just outside the gates).

Think about meeting the characters and getting autograph books. My daughter was 8 and loved it.

More important than a plan is RESEARCH. Read the Brit's Guide.

Have fun.

[JohnnySharp]

I think you need a basic plan, a decent idea of which attractions you would like to see.
We are taking our 9th trip this coming May and have visited all the Theme Parks.
It depends though, we have never really based our trip around the parks, we have seen most of Florida , Naples, Miami, Sarasota, Clearwater, Ft Lauderdale etc...for the first timer trying to squeeze everything into one fortnight..well it can be difficult, there is no way we could visit a Theme Park day after day, it is just too much, particularly given the climate and crowds.

I think you just need to do everything at a slow pace and just take it all in, every time we have been we have done things a different way, it really is just a case of building up your experience of touring Orlando.
If you tour say Magic Kingdom one day, you may fancy a relaxing day next, just play it by ear, every time we go we have a decent idea of what we are going to do..only to change our minds once we arrive!

[ali5on]

Thanks again for all your advice and for welcoming me to the boards. I’m feeling much more relaxed about the planning now. My husband and I have started to rough out some ideas. Unfortunately, we already disagree about what to do on our first day!! He thinks we shall be too tired to do one of the parks whereas I have read that many people use the time difference to make any early start. We are flying from Gatwick at 11ish on the Saturday morning.

I checked out the Boggy creeks airboat ride website – it looks great fun. A question though to Rob or Jules; you said it was quite a drive to get there, yet on the website map they appear to be located at Kissimmee. Is this correct?

Sid mentioned taking food into the parks. With two constantly starving children, it would save us a fortune if we could take our own drinks and snacks to keep them going, but I thought this was not allowed. Can anyone advise?


Ali :)

[SidB]

Ali5on, we never had any problem taking food or drink into the parks. You'll probably only need snacks anyway if you take advantage of the huge breakfasts.

One thing I should point out is that drinks soon become about as warm as tea, so you'll probably end up buying cold drinks in the parks. This becomes ever more attractive because you get free souvenier Disney bottles/cups.

[mmaria]

Hi Ali

we're going march 22 too ,looks like we could be on the same flight ? haven't got our tickets but we going manchester (bml) to london to Orlando with virgin ........so look out for us
********* maria

[ali5on]

Hi Maria,

Yes it sounds like we shall be on the same flight. We too are flying with Virgin (11.15am). We have booked to stay at the Four Points Sheraton in Kissimmee. Where are you staying?

Ali :)

[JohnnySharp]

Alison, Johnny again here!

Regarding snacks, you can take them in with you. Our son loves his crisps and biscuits for example and we have never had a problem.

One thing, the most important thing to remember is to drink plenty of water, the best thing is take a couple of small bottles in with you and top up from the water fountains as you go round the park, they are pretty much everywhere and usually the water is nice and cold.
If you were to buy bottled water or soft drinks inside the park you will get charged silly prices.

If you have a good breakfast before you set off for the day it gives you a good start.

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Originally posted by ali5on
I checked out the Boggy creeks airboat ride website – it looks great fun. A question though to Rob or Jules; you said it was quite a drive to get there, yet on the website map they appear to be located at Kissimmee. Is this correct?

I suppose it's a longer drive than getting to the theme parks - perhaps 30-40 minutes - but in the grand scheme of things it's not too long at all. If you are keen to do the airbpoat ride the drive to BC Airboats should not put you off at all. It is relatively straightforward journey, especially if you follow the directions in SimonV's book.

Regards

Rob

[mmaria]

ali
we're going to be staying in a Villa this holiday for the time ,its off the 192 near the big WalMart .......... fingers crossed we like it .
I love staying on the 192 ,in fact ,more than I-Drive .........
though I would love to stay on site just once ,maybe just me and hubby...........
by the way we did the AirBoat ride ,and loved it .we'll be doing it again this time ,as I know my dad will love it to .
we also take food into the parks ,they don't seem to mind at all.

[ali5on]

Hi

You have put my mind at rest regarding taking food and drink into the parks. I was worried we would be spending a small fortune constantly buying snacks and beverages.

The airboat rides sound fantastic - I have always wanted to experience one in the Everglades but realised they would be too far to drive to on our first trip. The Bogey creeks ride sounds like a good compromise. Now its just a case of fitting it into our plan!!! I knew we should have booked to go for three weeks!!!:)

On the subject of plans, anyone want to settle the debate between hubby and me? Will we be too tired on our first full day to go to one of the parks?

Ali

[rob@rar.org.uk]

The general view around here is that your first full day is absolutely fine for visiting parks. The combination of your bodyclock still being on UK time (therefore you wake early) and the excitement of being in Orlando (especially for the first time) means you are raring to go. You might find that staying up late on your first day is more of a challenge, but I doubt you'll have any difficulty in spending a day in the parks.

Regards

Rob

[ali5on]

Thanks Rob. I know the children will be desperate to experience Disney at the first possible moment. I'll just have to convince my husband!

Ali

[BiGGy]

well i remember the first time we went, i made the mistake of going to bed too early the day we landed and found myself walking around at 4am trying to find something to do LOL

first day wasnt a problem for us, we went to sea world as it was closer and more relaxed.

Maybe worth trying animal kingdom or epcot the first day as you could leave early if yoiu was tired and not really miss out on anything


Rgds

BiGGy

[Muppet]

First and foremost have a fantastic time.

If you want to do a themepark on the first and hubbie doesn't, compromise and do either animal kingdom or mgm as they are smaller.

From reading trip reports the kids seem to love the characture meals. A big hit is the Ice Cream Social at the Garden Grill in Epcot. Lots of charactures there, plus ice cream which is an excellent balance.

[Mrs Dazzle]

:D Hello and welcome:smooth:

I've joined the debate a bit late, but your questiona bout what's best to do on your first day is one that I asked first time we went. We find we have no problem whatsoever - we're always up earlier the first day due to going to bed earlier the night before (always try and stay up until at least 9pm US time - 2am ours:eek: ). When DD was smaller we always did MK first - they so love this park when they're younger and it's the main disney magic park for children, I guess. The only problem with that is to choose the right park for the second visit . . . ;)

5 days at Disney and 2 Universal are spot on - we only go for a week to Orlando and this is what we do, we then head down to the gulf coast for the rest of our 2-3 weeks.

Don't worry if you're not a huge rollercoaster fan at IOA - we're not and there's loads to do there. The characters are straight out of the comic books (especially all the Spiderman stuff - DD was in her element and had to explain to me who half the characters were last October:rolleyes: ;) ).

Our park days started with a large buffet style hot breakfast which lasted most of the day, then dinner in the evenings. Sometimes we needed to just get a small snack (cookie or similar) in the parks, but the Sizzler-type buffet breakfasts really do fill you up for a great price too.

Above all - just take time to enjoy yourselves - you will:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[UKDEB]

Another late-comer here. I always have an itinerary, but only because it's all part of the build-up and I love doing it - we never stick to it. I do agree that it's sensible to have at least a list of things you're keen to do. The most important thing to remember is that it's supposed to be a holiday! Take time to savour every moment and soak it all up - it will be over so quickly.

I would definitely recommend visiting a park on your first morning. You <i>will</i> be awake at the crack of dawn and you'll end up feeling that you've wasted a day if you don't. Like you say, your kids will be itching to get to Disney. My guess is you will too! During our first trip we made the mistake of going along to the welcome meeting scheduled for 11am on the first day. We were awake at around 4am and just hung around the hotel until it was time to go.

I agree with Annie that you don't need to be a thrill-ride fan to enjoy IoA. It is a stunning park and the whole Universal complex is right up there with WDW, IMHO.

[ali5on]

I'm overwhelmed by all your helpful comments! :)

Debbie mentioned the welcome meeting. Do you think it would be useful for first-timers to attend, or just a waste of valuable Disney time? :confused:

Ali

[BiGGy]

we went to the welcome meeting the first time and i cant really say it was worth losing half a day for tbh.

The last time we went my brother had to go to the meeting becuase of his wedding plans and it was 100% not worth going to, we went to the cinema in downtown disney and sat down to watch movies about the different parks etc then had to cue up to buy tickets after.

This was before i found this great board thou :D

i would say with the information you find on here, and also the information in simons book is more than enough to prepare you for the first trip.


rgds


BiGGy

[Mrs Dazzle]

I agree - IMHO the Welcome meeting was not worth the time - I was getting really stressy watching the clock going around thinking "I should be in a park by now".

The only welcome meetings we ever go to now are when we go somewhere new on the coast - they are invaluable for learning local trips etc down there - but like Biggy says, you can actually learn far more from these boards . . . even the so called ticket prices at the welcome meet can be bettered elsewhere.

If you feel you really could gain something from going, then go - but I think you have quite a good plan already:D