2 questions - shopping and Discovery Cove

[mkingdon]

Planning has stepped up a notch recently as we only have around 138 days to go

We had discounted Discovery Cove on the basis that it ws too expensive. However, after re-reading Simon's book, and visiting their web site, we have developed a "what the h***" attitude, it's only money (and not even our money as Mr Visa will do the honours).

I've read a lot of threads on here where everyone raves about DC, so I'm almost convinced it is the right thing to do.

I have 2 DDs (6 & 8) who I'm sure will love this experience, but just talk me into it!!!!!

Secondly, DW has told me that we *ARE* spending a day shopping this time. I know quite a few new malls and outlets have opened recently, so which is the best in your view. We've done Belz, so a different one would be nice.

That turned into a bit of an epic

Thanks

Craig

 

[Kermits Krew]

Hi mkingdom!

We've done Discovery Cove before and it was a fabulous experience. The dolphin encounter was beautiful (even if our dolphin kept getting distracted!) and the lazy river with the aviary in the middle was gorgeous. If your DDs are brave enough, they might even like to feed the birds and the deer in the aviary.

DC makes for a lovely break from Disney and the theme parks and is so relaxing. You'll love it, we're sure.

Another place to go for a cheaper and longer dolphin encounter is the Dolphin Research Centre (www.dolphins.org) but it is in the Keys so you could only really go there if you're planning to take a trip down south anyways.

As for shopping, try the Florida Outlet mall. It's just off of I-drive and out from the main city a bit but there are some great shops and really good deals!

This epic is now longer than yours... oops!

Have Fun!

Kermits Krew x x x

 

[floridalol]

Shopping: Mall at Millenia is the best without doubt. Florida Mall and Florida Outlet Mall are excellent as well.

 

[BevS97]

for shopping it depends on what you want - bargain basement stuff, designer gear, or decent every day shopping. Personally I like Florida Mall or Altamonte Mall as you get everyday shopping at American prices.
The discount places can be great for a bargain but it's pretty hit or miss as to whether you will find what you are after, and I think Mall of Millenia is supposed to be pretty expensive designer gear.

Bev

 

[Kimkie]

Florida Mall gets my vote. Can't wait to get back in there!

 

[allie5]

Maybe combine two places for shopping....the Premium Outlets for cut price bargains and Mall of The Millenia for more swanky shops! Both places are open late, so it shouldnt be a problem to fit both in. Also, if your flight home is too early to fit in another day at the parks then a morning at one of these is great to snap up some bargains before getting on the plane.

Have fun.
Allie

 

[SidB]

I've got a shopaholic for a wife and I think we've done practically even place in Florida ! Only kidding, but we have done a lot, so much so that we had to buy 2 new cases last time - 11 pairs of shoes is a typical example. My vote goes to the Premium Outlets. For something a little different try the Fleamarkets.

 

[floridalol]

SidB

I was disappointed with the big fleamarket on 192, I thought there would be lots of antique/second-hand stalls selling collectables but it was just full of cheap shoddy gifts - perhaps you've found one selling old colectables? - if so let me know!

Agree that Premium Outlets is very good, we always spend a fortune there.

FloridaLol

 

[SidB]

You're right, it is cheap and tacky, but that can be just as much fun. We visited one day when it rained, and I mean rain. We bought a cheap, but good quality suitcase, some sunglasses, a beach towel, a few gifts for the kids schoolfriends, and a good Caribean curry ! It was the cheapest we could find for these things.

Also, my daughter wanted to have her hair braided, but everywhere else the cost was ridiculously expensive. She could have had it done at the fleamarket for about 2 thirds the price. She decided not to get it done because she had to pay for it out of her holiday money.

It was a day out. Cheap and tacky just about describes me !

 

[bengunn]

Discovery Cove is great if you can afford it (or your plastic can!). We really enjoyed our time there. See Day 10 – Discovery Cove for more details (shameless plug for our trip report )

 

[harry the spider]

Have to agree with the cheap and tacky stuff at the flea market but nevertheless a fun thing to do.
Has anyone else noticed how many of the things you can buy there are advertised on british tv?
A friend of mine paid a lot of money ( about £30) for this back massager from QVC and i got the same thing for £5.00!! .
I did the decent thing and gave it to her and she sent the other one back!! .
We have spent some good times just wandering around the flea market and agree, great when the weather isn't so good.
LIN

 

[kazzie]

A massive thumbs up for Discovery Cove.You'll all have a day to remember (you can'p put a cost on that!)

The mall we like best is Florida Mall

 

[mike230652]

Craig,

Blow the expense...you have to do Discovery Cove. It's the best money you'll spend in Florida ( IMHO ).

DC is like a private beach club, loads of space to move around & relax/enjoy yourself. The lunch menu is exceptional. As well as the dolphin experience you can swim with stingrays ( minus their sting of course!! ) and if you go back to the stingray pool at 5 o'clock feeding time you'll get to feed them too.

Even non-swimmers have nothing to fear, the wetsuits make you fully buoyant........even my DW who can't swim was perfectly comfortable in 15 feet of water during her dolphin experience.

I'd recommend you take your own video though.....you can get some tremendous viewpoints of the dolphin swim......and I haven't read many reports of DC's video that are favourable ( and it's blooming expensive).

As to the Malls..........like you I was a non-believer in shopping on holiday ( or any other time , come to that ) but Florida is a whole different experience. I LOVED it, favourites were

Premium Outlet Mall.....brilliant Disney shop with discounts up to 50% and more, and excellent Nike/Timberland outlets.
Florida Mall.......excellent food court here !! Saved a fortune on Gameboy Advance gear
Altamonte Mall.......30 mins out of Orlando, but well worth a trip for a more "authentic " American mall, especially at week-ends when the Parks are heaving.

...............And if you really want your DW to cause terminal damage to your credit cards......go to Winter Park!!!!! Took my DW and kids there, marvellous place to visit...very up-market...but what suntan I had disappeared when DW showed me the price of ladies clothing !!! Bill Gates would have thrown a wobbler....


Go on, you know it makes sense!

mike

 

[BigBlue]

Prices are a little high there.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Prices are a little high there.

...this thread was started 3 years ago (you have been busy searching!).