Any advice for a newbie?

[milomummy]

Hi all. I used the Paris forum for our trip last September and today we 'accidentally' managed to book a 17 night trip in Florida over this coming Christmas, leaving 21st Dec and returning 7th Jan, so I'm back and begging for advice!
A little background...we live in Germany, hubby is forces. He's off to sandy climes in the next couple of weeks and we really need something to look forward to as a family for his return in 6 and a half months.
We've managed to get really cheap flights for me, him and our ds who will be 5 by then, leaving from Dusseldorf straight into Miami. The plan is to spend 2 nights in Miami getting used to the time difference etc, and then drive on up to spend a night in Tampa where we intend to 'do' Busche Gardens and have a decadent night in a very posh hotel, probably the Ritz to celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary on Dec 23rd. Then we'll go on to Orlando where we'll be staying in a Best Western (I think!) hotel for the next 10 nights, before heading back to Miami via Cape Canaveral for the Space Centre and maybe a stop off at Palm Beach too.
So, I need help please. Should I book anything in advance seeing as it'll be over Christmas? Will they be doing anything amazing there to celebrate the season? Isi t better to book tickets to places before we go or wait and see when we get there? I know that a lot of places offer a good discount when military ID is shown (yay America!!) so don't want to spend out where we will get a discount.
Any tips for a nervous first timer? Having done Paris so recently, I don't think our emphasis will be on the rides so much, more the atmosphere this time round. And we don't want to be rushing round like crazed people all over..I understand it will undoubtably be incredibly busy, we just want to have fun really.
I have been told that the actual Disney park is smaller than the Paris one..is this right? Is 10 days in Orlando going to be enough? Too much? We are doing the Miami thing to get some beach days in too, so we're not frazzled when we get back home..

Ok, I am waffling now, look forward to any replies, eeeeek I am SO excited!

 

[milomummy]

Forgot to add, I have already been on Amazon and ordered the 'Brit Guide' (to Orlando) as we found it invaluable for our Paris trip (as did 2 sets of friends we subsequently lent it to!). I also picked up an 'Unofficial Guide to Disneyworld' so will hopefully get some hints and tips from them.

 

[Shazzie B]

Hope you have a fantastic time.

All the parks 'do' something special for Christmas.

When we went to Busch Gardens in Dec a few years back kids saw Father Christmas with no queue-he must have been on holiday too

10 days in Orlando will be plenty time to see the four parks-and one of the water parks should be open-will be OK on warmer days. Pack for both warm and cooler days though - we got caught out and had to buy jumpers!

Magic Kingdom does a special event in the evenings Mickeys Magic Christmas Party-you have to buy seperate entrance tickets.

Epcot do a lovely tree lighting ceremony-and also a candlelight prossesional (think your son may be too young to enjoy though-my kids weren't too keen-more an adult thing).

Keep asking questions-you'll get loads of advise here.

 

[Shazzie B]

Forgot to add, I have already been on Amazon and ordered the 'Brit Guide' (to Orlando) as we found it invaluable for our Paris trip (as did 2 sets of friends we subsequently lent it to!). I also picked up an 'Unofficial Guide to Disneyworld' so will hopefully get some hints and tips from them.

Both great books - lots of good tips in both- our best tip came from the unoffical guide re Animal Kingdom Parade-it works! Be warned, you might find the unofficial guide a bit scary (They have a great sense of humour though ) Don't be put off by their 'touring plans' we've never planned in this much detail and always have a great time-you'll need to go with the flow with a 5yr old anyway. I'd advise using their crowd planner though as some days will be really be busy over Christamas.

 

[allenclan]

Hi Milomummy we stopped in the bestwestern plaza july 2006 ,i read some bad reviews and we were quite worried,but it was fine,yes it is old and could do with a revamp but our room was cleaned daily.Try using this site for recommendations -http://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=best+western+orlando&sub-search=Go
We recommend bahama breeze and charleys steakhouse on int, drive and there are many disney restaurants-cinderellas royal table(upstairs in the castle)is fab for families.UK brits guide is like the disney bible its great for all info,so is this- http://www.wdwinfo.com/
have a great time.
David

july2006 bestwestern
aug2007 pop century
aug2008 cbr

 

[natalielongstaff]

Hi welcome back

you might want to think about booking some character meals and these can be booked 180 days in advance

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/dininglist.cfm

 

[Mrs Hobbes]

Hi all. I used the Paris forum for our trip last September and today we 'accidentally' managed to book a 17 night trip in Florida over this coming Christmas, leaving 21st Dec and returning 7th Jan, so I'm back and begging for advice!
A little background...we live in Germany, hubby is forces. He's off to sandy climes in the next couple of weeks and we really need something to look forward to as a family for his return in 6 and a half months.
We've managed to get really cheap flights for me, him and our ds who will be 5 by then, leaving from Dusseldorf straight into Miami. The plan is to spend 2 nights in Miami getting used to the time difference etc, and then drive on up to spend a night in Tampa where we intend to 'do' Busche Gardens and have a decadent night in a very posh hotel, probably the Ritz to celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary on Dec 23rd. Then we'll go on to Orlando where we'll be staying in a Best Western (I think!) hotel for the next 10 nights, before heading back to Miami via Cape Canaveral for the Space Centre and maybe a stop off at Palm Beach too.
So, I need help please. Should I book anything in advance seeing as it'll be over Christmas? Will they be doing anything amazing there to celebrate the season? Isi t better to book tickets to places before we go or wait and see when we get there? I know that a lot of places offer a good discount when military ID is shown (yay America!!) so don't want to spend out where we will get a discount.
Any tips for a nervous first timer? Having done Paris so recently, I don't think our emphasis will be on the rides so much, more the atmosphere this time round. And we don't want to be rushing round like crazed people all over..I understand it will undoubtably be incredibly busy, we just want to have fun really.
I have been told that the actual Disney park is smaller than the Paris one..is this right? Is 10 days in Orlando going to be enough? Too much? We are doing the Miami thing to get some beach days in too, so we're not frazzled when we get back home..

Ok, I am waffling now, look forward to any replies, eeeeek I am SO excited!

Congratulations you'll have a fantastic time. You're right it will be crazy busy but if you go with the flow and just enjoy the magical atmosphere you'll have an amazing time! We went to WDW for Christmas last year from the 22nd - 31st December. If you want to pm me I would be happy to share our itinery with you as I still have it. I would also recommend that you make you're dining reservation as soon as you are at your 180 days window - we were so pleased that we'd done this as the restaurants were packed and it was impossible to get walk ins without waiting a couple of hours. This wouldn't be much fun with children.

Hope you have a fantastic time.

Magic Kingdom does a special event in the evenings Mickeys Magic Christmas Party-you have to buy seperate entrance tickets.

I think that the Christmas Parties will be over by the 21st December as they finish for Christmas week. However there may be one on the day you arrive on the 21st, I think there was one on the 21st last year but without checking dates I'm not sure. The dates have been released for these parties and you can get tickets so I would book now if there is one you can go to.

 

[keasden]

Check out Seaworld, they are owned by the Anheuser Busch brewing company and very patriotic, I believe they offer free admission to members of the US and UK armed forces. Also, they do a special thank you before the start of the Shamu show asking all the armed forces personnel to stand, it can be very moving.

 

[UKDEB]

Hello, milomummy and welcome to UK Trip Planning!

The Disneyland Paris park is the biggest of all the Magic Kingdom parks, but Walt Disney World, with its four theme parks, two water parks, hotels, lakes, golf courses and Downtown Disney entertainment district, is much bigger than DLRP. It has 6 lane highways running through it. Any guide book will tell you that it's roughly the size of Manhattan, but it's really difficult to comprehend until you've seen it for yourself.

On top of that, you have Universal Orlando (comprising two theme parks and an entertainment district) and Sea World, plus a myriad of fantastic restaurants and shopping opportunities in the Orlando area.

You're very wise to adopt a relaxed approach, but you'll struggle to see everything in 10 days, particularly given that Christmas/New Year is the busiest time of all. You'll get plenty of planning help here, though, and you've already bought two of the best guidebooks on the market.

 

[milomummy]

Thanks so much for the replies so far.....keep them coming!!

I know this is gonna sound a bit daft, but I've never been to the US before so a bit unsure about stuff in general. What will be open at Christmas? Will we be able to eat out anywhere? Will places be open on actual Christmas Day and Boxing Day?

The hotel that the travel agent has earmarked for us is the 'Best Western Lakeside', anyone been there? The travel agent said he had used it and recommended it to several people who were all happy enough as somewhere to lay their heads.

In all honesty...I just don't know where to start! I am a bit obsessive about stuff and know that I could get in a panic about making sure we 'do' everything, but I don't want to be running around from place to place to make sure we do fit everything in, so any advice on stuff is really appreciated.

Places to eat is a good one..we'll probably do one character meal, so advice on the best place for this would be great. Other than that, we're not concerned about eating onsite and making reservations, but knowing it will be busy a heads up on good places to eat would be great...I don't eat meat and know that this causes an issue on eating out here in Germany but sure the US will be more accomodating on that.

 

[kieras nana]

we stayed at the best western lakeside,in oct 06 & we are staying there,this oct as well.
it worked great,for us.
it is a 2 storey hotel,set out in blocks,around 3 swimming pools.it also has,a games room on site,pizza hut,a small bar,a little shop & a cafe type restaurant.as well as miniature golf.
the rooms,are perfectly adequate,with a fridge,iron,ironing board.to be honest,we only slept there.
there is also a walgreens,directly on the car park,which was handy.
it is probably,about a 10 min drive,to the parks.not far at all.i read on here,there is a short cut,but we get so easily lost,we stuck to the route,well signposted.
there are plenty of places,to eat,within walking distance & some souvenir shops.
it's not 5 star,but it does us fine.
wayneg,has also stayed there.i am sure,he will help,with any questions
tracy


wayneg,if you do read this,can you please,let me know,what number marker,the BW,is by,as we can't remember & this was our way,of finding it.
thank-you & sorry for hi-jacking
tracy

 

[nibbo]

Thanks so much for the replies so far.....keep them coming!!

I know this is gonna sound a bit daft, but I've never been to the US before so a bit unsure about stuff in general. What will be open at Christmas? Will we be able to eat out anywhere? Will places be open on actual Christmas Day and Boxing Day?

I don't think very much closes at Christmas. All the main restaurants are open on Christmas Day, maybe not as late as usual but they are still open. I think a lot shut earlier on Christmas Eve too. That was our worry too when we went last year at Christmas.
Hope the weather is good for you. Evenings can get chilly and some daytimes can be too but generally the days are warm enough for t-shirts. We had some lovely hot days last december and spent Christmas Eve by the pool all day.
You'll have a great time whatever. We went for a "once in a lifetime" trip just over 4 years ago and have just booked our 4th trip for Christmas 2009. It's magical at any time of the year but Christmas is just extra magical.

 

[dc1964]

Sorry did not read the above advice already advising you of this:

Dont know if you are aware but serving and retired members of british and US forces get free entry to Seaworld and Busch gardens, i think you show your iD at the park gates, though if thta is not correct someone on here will advise.
During the Shamu Show at Seaworld a tribute is paid to all service men and they stand up and are applauded. Thought this might be useful for you.


press release

Here's a press release today from the Anheuser-Busch 'Worlds of Discovery' parks, extending their free entry for members of the military:

Clayton, Mo. (December 17, 2007) – A tribute program that so far has provided free admission to Worlds of Discovery parks to nearly 4 million members of U.S. and coalition armed forces and their families has been extended through 2008. Anheuser-Busch launched “Here’s to the Heroes” in February 2005 to acknowledge the service of military men and women and the sacrifices made by their families.

“It is gratifying to all of us at Anheuser-Busch that so many members of our armed forces have taken advantage of this program and honored us with a visit,” said Jim Atchison, President of Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC), the family entertainment division of Anheuser-Busch. “This is a difficult time for our men and women in uniform – and their families -- and we are honored to give them something back.”

Here’s to the Heroes provides a single day’s free admission to any one SeaWorld or Busch Gardens park, Sesame Place, Adventure Island or Water Country USA for the service member and as many as three of his or her direct dependents.

Any active duty, active reserve, ready reserve service member or National Guardsman is entitled to free admission under the program. He or she need only register, either online at www.herosalute.com or in the entrance plaza of a participating park, and show a Department of Defense photo ID. Also included in the offer are members of foreign military forces serving in the coalitions in Iraq or Afghanistan or attached to American units in the U.S. for training.

“This is one small way we can acknowledge and thank the soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and Coast Guardsmen whose service helps to preserve the freedom and safety of every American,” Atchison said. “It’s important to all of us at Anheuser-Busch that we show our gratitude to the men and women of our armed forces and their families for the sacrifices they make on our behalf.”

Here’s to the Heroes is the fourth tribute to military personnel offered by Anheuser-Busch since Yellow Ribbon Summer welcomed service members home from the Gulf War in 1991
Three Anheuser-Busch parks – SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld San Diego – operate year round. The company’s remaining parks are seasonal, with varying opening dates this spring. Each park’s operating schedule is available online.

Inactive, standby and retired reserve members, military retirees, U.S. Merchant Marine and civilian Department of Defense workers are ineligible for the program. The program does not include Discovery Cove or SeaWorld’s new waterpark, Aquatica.

Orlando-based Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC) is the family entertainment division of Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. BEC operates nine Worlds of Discovery parks across the U.S.: SeaWorld Florida in Orlando, SeaWorld California in San Diego, SeaWorld Texas in San Antonio; Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa, Fla., Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove in Orlando; Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa. near Philadelphia; and waterparks Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Williamsburg. Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark, is under construction in Orlando and scheduled to open in spring 2008.

Worlds of Discovery parks play host to more than 21 million guests each year and employ more than 21,000 people nationwide. On the Web at WorldsofDiscovery.com