After we do Disney this year.....

[kimabird]

Someone give me a good itinerary for 7 nights in Orlando going to both Universal parks, Seaworld, & daytrip to Kennedy Spacecenter. Is it possible to maybe get a day in at Magic Kingdom too? Thinking about next summer's vacation already What's a good budget place to stay near Universal? Is it worth it to stay a day or two at Cocoa Beach (we really are beach people) at the beginning or end of the trip? I was even looking at the Nick Hotel, which my kids would Love; but it's very pricey and I'm afraid we wouldn't have time to enjoy it.... Thoughts?

 

[sjanus]

Vista Cay Resort is a wonderful 5 star resort located on Universal Boulevard, just 1-2 miles from Sea World, 3-4 miles to Universal, 1 mile to International Drive, 10 minutes from the Airport, and has a 10,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse with loads of amenities similar to Windsor Hills (by same builder). It is the only short term rental in Orange County and was built 2006/2007.

You can find 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom condos and 3 bedroom townhomes (which are wonderful because they have 3-1/2 baths) for reasonable prices through the owner on www.homeaway.com, www.vrbo.com, and through the owner site, www.vistacayrent.com. There is also a management company on site I could recommend, www.rentorlandoproperties.com, that has about 35 units. For the price of a hotel, you'll have an upscale place with loads of room and amenities. Townhomes are about 1800 sq. ft. and condos range from 1100 to 2100 sq. ft. and some overlook Lake Cay with a beautifully landscaped walkway.

If you go to trip advisor and type in Vista Cay you will see the wonderful reviews.

Sandy

 

[Upatnoon]

I know lots of people who take their kids to the Nick hotel for a short stay, but they usually don't go any theme parks, they just do the activities there. If you are paying to stay in a mini theme park, why leave to pay to enter another theme park?

Your list of things to do in a week would leave me exhausted. I suggest you pare it down. For example, universal/islands of adventure for 3 days, then the beach and kennedy for 3 days.

 

[proud_canadian]

A good portion of the budget for a trip to Orlando is park tickets. The cheapest way to do it is to stick to 1-2 "groups" of parks. So, for example, a 14 day unlimited pass to Sea World/Aquaticia/Busch Gardens, is not much more than a 1 day pass to Sea World. If you got for multiple days at Universal it is not much more than going for one day. And Disney prices are attrocious for one day. If you end up going to Sea World/Universal/and Disney you are going to end up with a very expensive trip. BUT, if you can afford it, woudl give you good variety.

We're planning a trip to Orlando and are going for 8 days, 7 nights. The first and last day will be for traveling and shopping. That leaves 6 days. For just over $100 per person we are getting the 14 day passes to Sea World, Aquatica, and Busch gardens doing 1 day in each park. Then one day at disney (we have leftover days from non-expiring passes). That leaves 2 days. We will have one day to hang and enjoy the resort, and either a second day of rest (our kids are young 6 and 3) or a second day at Aquatica or Sea world (we would have only have to pay for parking).

I'd talk to your family and see what they really want to do... Disney, Universal, Sea World, Nick hotel, etc. and then pick 1-2 of those "groups" and stick to them. If you try to do much you'll be exhausted and not really get to enjoy it all... plus it costs a fortune

Have fun!