Just got back yesterday from a week in GLORIOUS Orlando! My wife is ready to move (again), as is her M.O. everytime we go to Florida.
Spent five nights at the Nick Resort. My advice...don't believe ANYTHING negative about this place, it is absolutely fantastic if (and here is the catch) the most important thing to you is that your kids have a fantastic time! We had an absolute blast! My 9 year old son and I participated in a "Nick Live" game show (free) and my family attended several of them; we watched "Spongebob Under the Sea 4-D ($5 per person, wristband available for about $10) and it was absolutely hysterical and amazing! Trust me, if you pay attention and participate as much as possible in the activities, it's a great experience. One thing people fail to realize is that there is a reason you WANT some of the things to cost money...if everything were free, EVERYONE would be doing them and the wait to do them would be outrageous! Pick what you want to do and spend a few bucks! It's worth it!
One day at Universal/IOA, not enough time. I was a little disappointed in Universal, can't give a specific reason. I know a lot of it was feeling rushed to hit both parks in one day and the fact that we have a 2yo, 4yo and 9yo, kind of tought to accomodate all. Extra day wasn't an option (but needs to be a necessity on future visits). We had too much planned plus we got tix at a discount through my niece who is a teacher in FLA. I will say, however that The Hulk is an impressive coaster and that after the Dueling Dragons, a checking of the shorts was in order!
On to Sea World...WOW. I love this place! Kraken...awesome (9yo addicted quickly!); Journey to Atlantis...loved it! Dinner with Shamu definetly worth the $$$$!!!! We had a great server who sat behind us during the show to give us a "heads up" on what was coming up so we'd know where to point and shoot and not miss anything. As an added bonus, the food was surprisingly great! Feeding the dolphins was a memory my family will remember for a long time to come. The highlight, in my opinion for the fam was the Blue Horizons show...unbelievable. It truly puts into perspective how amazing these creatures are. Awesome, awesome, awesome!
We'll be back, wife and I are already talking about a seperate savings account for a percentage of my bonus checks that will pay for next years trip!
Thanks to all for the help and advice prior to our trip!
Spent five nights at the Nick Resort. My advice...don't believe ANYTHING negative about this place, it is absolutely fantastic if (and here is the catch) the most important thing to you is that your kids have a fantastic time! We had an absolute blast! My 9 year old son and I participated in a "Nick Live" game show (free) and my family attended several of them; we watched "Spongebob Under the Sea 4-D ($5 per person, wristband available for about $10) and it was absolutely hysterical and amazing! Trust me, if you pay attention and participate as much as possible in the activities, it's a great experience. One thing people fail to realize is that there is a reason you WANT some of the things to cost money...if everything were free, EVERYONE would be doing them and the wait to do them would be outrageous! Pick what you want to do and spend a few bucks! It's worth it!
One day at Universal/IOA, not enough time. I was a little disappointed in Universal, can't give a specific reason. I know a lot of it was feeling rushed to hit both parks in one day and the fact that we have a 2yo, 4yo and 9yo, kind of tought to accomodate all. Extra day wasn't an option (but needs to be a necessity on future visits). We had too much planned plus we got tix at a discount through my niece who is a teacher in FLA. I will say, however that The Hulk is an impressive coaster and that after the Dueling Dragons, a checking of the shorts was in order!
On to Sea World...WOW. I love this place! Kraken...awesome (9yo addicted quickly!); Journey to Atlantis...loved it! Dinner with Shamu definetly worth the $$$$!!!! We had a great server who sat behind us during the show to give us a "heads up" on what was coming up so we'd know where to point and shoot and not miss anything. As an added bonus, the food was surprisingly great! Feeding the dolphins was a memory my family will remember for a long time to come. The highlight, in my opinion for the fam was the Blue Horizons show...unbelievable. It truly puts into perspective how amazing these creatures are. Awesome, awesome, awesome!
We'll be back, wife and I are already talking about a seperate savings account for a percentage of my bonus checks that will pay for next years trip!
Thanks to all for the help and advice prior to our trip!
