Advice for a family from Europe?

[Markus H]

In January-February 2003 w´ll come to Florida for the second time. We loved it so much two years ago, that we have to come back! In wintertime Sweden is snowy, cold (down to -10 degrees Farenheigt) and with only i few hours of daylight. Therefore we NEED a few sunny weeks, and Florida was a wonderful experience last time. Some days in Orlando, of course, but
1. Where should we stay? Is HIFS still as good as it was two years ago? We are planning to stay there again.
2. What should we do? We´ve been to Magic Kingdom, but this time our son is a bit older, almost 6.
3. Greatful for all kinds of advice, particullary to keep the costs down - the journey from Scandinavia isn´t cheap. Any god bargains on car rental, for example?

Markus
Uppsala, Sweden

PS
Any other Scandinavians online?

 

[Boo Mc]

Markus - I would definitely go to Magic Kingdom again. Your son will be able to go on even more rides now that he's bigger plus he probably doesn't remember everything from last time. Also, there are new rides, parades and attractions that weren't there last time. We always stay on-site so I can't help with HIFS. Hope you have a great time - we'll be there in Feb. too - can't wait

 

[holycow]

This is just an idea to help with the cost....if you really want to save money there is a hotel called Extended Stay their web site is extendedstay.com. ...the rate is like 299 per WEEK....I saw 2 in Orlando...one near Universal and one over on International drive.
It is a bit of a drive to Disney world but if it is money you are interested in saving....I haven't stayed at this one in FL but did stay in one in Calif....the one we stayed in was very nice....2 rooms with a kitchen too.

Also with the car you might want to look at the site biddingfortravel.com....people on there have bid for hotels, rental cars and airfare so you can compare rates....

also Orbitz or travelocity.com is good to compare car rental rates with....

Good luck with your trip!

Lisa
FLorida

 

[LKS]

You are a good candidate for the Fun in the Sun pass which is good for 30 days and covers ALL of the parks plus some nearby attractions like the Kennedy Space Center. It is marketed to international visitors.

At almost 6, your son (and his parents, of course) would find things of interest in all of the Disney parks. My kids said the Magic Kingdom was their favorite park, then Epcot, with MGM and the Animal Kingdom tied for third. Your son may also love SeaWorld too, esp. if he already has an interest in animals. My kids loved it.

I haven't stayed at HIFS for a couple of years, but I would think it would be quite nice for a stay of a few weeks, esp. since everyone has seperate bedrooms. I can take that for a while, but eventually I get tired of going to bed with the kids! I would not be surprised if you couldn't get an even better rate if you are really staying several weeks. At least get the Priority Club Card which lets you earn points towards a free stay. You could probably find a way to use those points while you are there. Just be sure to sign up now. I have been able to call the 800 number while on the road and use points for that same nights stay. You might have to check out and back in, but it might work.

 

[poohsdoodle]

I would suggest a rental home. Most of the sites I have found will offer a discount on the second and third weeks of your stay. Most all have private pools and are as close as many hotels. Let me know if you want a few websites, I have a TON!!!


**** what more could you ask for in a vacation than FL sun and Mickey Mouse!!! ****

 

[SmileyJoyz]

Be sure to check out mousesavers.com for car rental code discounts. While you can bid for cars on Priceline, I would bet that you should be able to find some good rate codes and then you won't have to pay for the car in advance. Plus, the nice thing about the codes and making a reservation through the rental car agency's website is that if you find a better code you can cancel your reservation without penalty and lock in the new, lower code. You don't have that advantage with Priceline. We usually find very good rates with Dollar Rent-a-Car and I have seen some amazing deals advertised on the mousesavers website.

I will also check out the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board and do a search for HIFS. I'm sure some recent travelers have some feedback on this hotel.

Have fun planning your trip!!!

 

[Wantogo]

Markus - Me and my wife and 5 year old son, went two years ago and had a wondeful time. We purchased 4 day Hopper tickets, which allowed us to go to any or all the parks for the 4 days.

Animal kingdom is a great place for young and old. Lots to do for a 6 year old.

Epcot is also a great place with lots of things to do. Especially the fire works display at night is amazing. Many different places to eat and sample cusines we were not familar with, but enjoyed very much.

Magic Kingdom, for me personally i'd go back just to go through the candy shop there.

We missed going to MGM because we went back to Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. We ran out of time. We took one day and went to Downtown Disney. We lots of fun there as well.

I have been trying to paid off some bills so we make another trip. A slow process.

 

[sharbear]

Welcome Markus to the DIS. I would second the advise to rent a villa. The HIFS is great but a home with a kitchen and a pool (be sure to have it heated in Jan.) has to be the way to go. I just want to suggest going to the beach if you love the warm weather and the sun. Have fun and welcome.

Sharbear

 

[ptrbryant]

Hi, Markus,
Last week, I booked a car rental through Dollar using the code "CARD" and got a rental from Jan. 28 - Feb. 4 for only $164, including all taxes--which I think is a great rate. I believe the code is still valid.
Last year was our first trip to Disney World and, since our son was just 6, we thought we'd spend all out time at Magic Kingdom. However, he really liked MGM the best..and Future World at EPCOT. Didn't have a chance to go to Animal Kigdom, but that's on our list for our trip this winter.
Best regards,
Karla
p.s. Not Scandinavian, though my g-grandmother was from Denmark...

 

[breana902]

Originally posted by Wantogo

Magic Kingdom, for me personally i'd go back just to go through the candy shop there.

LOL! Glad to see I am not the only one who goes to MK for the candy shop!

Markus,

My sons are now 4 and 5. We just got back from our trip and also went last November. The boys loved Magic Kingdom just as much, if not more than last year. It is not too soon to take your son back there. We were there for 9 days and spent 3 of them at the MK. As someone else said, try Dollar rental - I got a great rate for a minivan from them using the code FISH. This code is still active. The price I was quoted was exactly what I paid - there were no hidden costs. To save money I would suggest eating a late lunch - helps to keep dinner costs down since lunch is less expensive. What should you do? How many days in Orlando? I could go to WDW for 2 weeks and be able to find something to do everyday without a break. I love epcot and did the kids, also MGM and of course MK. Have you ever been to Universal? That is alot of fun - plus there is seaworld too. Go to universals web site - they have some great pass prices listed on their web site. Between the 2 parks at universal you could easily spend at least 3 days there. Have fun and enjoy the heat and sun. I miss the heat!