Any experiences with World of Orchids?

[DVCconvert]

Just wondering if anyone here has visited the "world of orchids" and wanted to express an opinion if it were worth the time/expense - TIA !

 

[Ted and Holly]

Is it still open? We drove by it a month or so ago and it looked a little, no, a lot run down. As bad as Splendid China looks now that it is closed.

Their web site seems to be up to date, however.

Ted

 

[ehagerty]

Frommer's Web Site:

Link to description

"Lovers of horticulture will enjoy touring this conservatory and showroom filled with thousands of orchids -- many of them rare -- that are magnificently abloom at all times and on display as well as for sale (shipping is available). Streams, waterfalls, koi ponds, and birds enhance the grounds. Also on the premises: a nature walk through a wooded area, aquariums of exotic fish, and a small aviary. Allow 1 hour, more if you're gaga over orchids."

I thought, since I was staying offsite for a couple of days (DVC weekend thing; lack of AP rates thing; driving me into the arms of Priceline-thing - against my preferences - but that is another thread) - AND I was only a mile from World of Orchids - that I would check this out.

I so trusted Frommers - I used their Paris book to plan and execute a wonderful vacation in 1997 - hotel, food, walking tours - everything - and I don't speak French. Turned out very well.

This is the first Frommers recommendation I consider WAY off the mark. The reality is as follows:

- Aviary - consists of two parrots behind thick chicken wire. You can see them, but you can't really photograph them. If you have seen parrots at Rainforest (outside), Polynesian or Mexican pavilion (Epcot), this will be a big letdown.

- Thousands of Orchids abloom - Saw fewer than 20 blooming orchids in the "botanical garden". They were a pedestrian variety, many with holes in the petals. Difficult to frame a decent shot with the background. There were a about 20-30 varieties in pots in the gift shop - for sale. Impossible to take pictures as background was cheap ceiling tile, fluorescent lights, etc.

- Koi - were plentiful and pond OK. Polynesian and Japan/Epcot nicer. Didn't see any aquarium.

- Greenery - plentiful, but not much variety

- Size - walked through in 5-10 minutes

- Grounds - looks pretty run down - as poster noted in 2005!! (If only I had trusted DISboards over Frommers).

- Maintenance - certainly un-Disneylike. Air conditioner falling apart, with gaping holes, from the ceiling (I might mention, that it was pretty warm, too).

- Take away - two mosquito bites, and a modicum of doubt as to whether Frommer's actually checks out what they recommend (if it was "run down" in 2005 and Frommer's current post still reads as it does in 2007, something isn't right.)

Recommendations:
- Unless you are actively seeking to purchase an unusual orchid, don't bother coming here. I wouldn't even travel a mile and get in for free for this.
- If you really like orchids, go hang out with your camera at Royal Pacific Resort's Orchid Lounge or Disney's Polynesian. Orchid Lounge probably had as many varieties as World of Orchids, with a much more enjoyable environment.

 

[deejay-55]

We visited a couple of years back, it was almost derelict then. Don't know if it is still up and running?

 

[spiceycat]

it is - it's next to Celebration World Resort.

it is just not opened on Sun, Mon and one other day that I forgot.

 

[ehagerty]

I was just there an hour ago.

Doesn't matter what their hours are - it isn't worth going to.

 

[safetymom]

I drive by there quite often. I always thought I should stop and visit. Guess I won't bother now. Thanks for the info.