California girl's first trip to Florida and WDW...

[CaliforniaGal]

Hello, I've lived in California all my life and have been to Disneyland many times during my childhood and as an adult but now I'm taking my first trip to Florida and Disneyworld from October 7 through October 17.

This is what I have planned:

I read that Magic Kingdom is very similar to Disneyland so I'll probably plan on spending more time at Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kindgom. I also want to do Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

In addition to the park hopper pass to visit all four Disney main parks and 2 water parks, I'm planning the following.

One day at Universal Studios and Island of Adventures

Day trip to the Discovery Cove to hang out with Dolphins.

Day trip to Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach

I also want to experience at least one Florida thunderstorm. I've never experienced a thunderstorm up close or warm rain in my life since it only rains in winter in California and it's thunderless. Someone told me that the average Californian would freak out upon being caught up in a typical gulf coast thunderstorm so that made me curious enough to want to experience one. I've heard thunder from a distance maybe 5-10 times in my entire life and I like how it sounded. I bet the thunderstorm will put more adrenalin in me than all the rides put together. Is early October too late to guarantee this experience? I was planning to walk around in a swimsuit, shorts, and crocs to experience the thunderstorm. I may think of it as a thrill ride but I do know there are some dangers with lightning so would like some tips on how to know when to come in from the rain. Also, how risky is it to go swimming in the hotel pool during a thunderstorm? Do they close the pools when there's lightning nearby?

I chose early October because I wanted to avoid the crowds that come during school vacations and the oppressive humidity of summer and still have a guarantee that it would be warm enough enjoy the water parks and swim in the pool at night.

Hotel has a full shuttle service to the theme parks but I plan on renting a car for the day trips to Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach. I have a friend joining me from the 7th through the 13th and I'm on my own from the 14th through the 17th. I am staying at Maingate Lakeside Resort; anyone have experience with this hotel?

 

[bearloch]

Hi I have been to Disneyland myself many yrs ago. the magic kingdom main street is the only part that is the same! yes there is some rides that both parks have.. BUT WDW MK is still not to be missed!!

other parks plan on a entire day at studios to see it all and maybe a day and half at epcot Animal kingdom also is a full day but that park closes early so its a good chance for night life else where or hop over to another park!! I have no experience with universal studios sorry!! as far as storms in Oct they are not as often as in the summer sorry you may get one but more than likely no also you will be here while MNSSHP is on decide and get your tickets to that or plan around it so it doesn't interfere with magic kingdom days! have fun!!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Hello, I've lived in California all my life and have been to Disneyland many times during my childhood and as an adult but now I'm taking my first trip to Florida and Disneyworld from October 7 through October 17.

This is what I have planned:

I read that Magic Kingdom is very similar to Disneyland so I'll probably plan on spending more time at Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kindgom. I also want to do Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

In addition to the park hopper pass to visit all four Disney main parks and 2 water parks, I'm planning the following.

One day at Universal Studios and Island of Adventures

Day trip to the Discovery Cove to hang out with Dolphins.

Day trip to Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach

I also want to experience at least one Florida thunderstorm. I've never experienced a thunderstorm up close or warm rain in my life since it only rains in winter in California and it's thunderless. Someone told me that the average Californian would freak out upon being caught up in a typical gulf coast thunderstorm so that made me curious enough to want to experience one. I've heard thunder from a distance maybe 5-10 times in my entire life and I like how it sounded. I bet the thunderstorm will put more adrenalin in me than all the rides put together. Is early October too late to guarantee this experience? I was planning to walk around in a swimsuit, shorts, and crocs to experience the thunderstorm. I may think of it as a thrill ride but I do know there are some dangers with lightning so would like some tips on how to know when to come in from the rain. Also, how risky is it to go swimming in the hotel pool during a thunderstorm? Do they close the pools when there's lightning nearby?

I chose early October because I wanted to avoid the crowds that come during school vacations and the oppressive humidity of summer and still have a guarantee that it would be warm enough enjoy the water parks and swim in the pool at night.

Hotel has a full shuttle service to the theme parks but I plan on renting a car for the day trips to Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach. I have a friend joining me from the 7th through the 13th and I'm on my own from the 14th through the 17th. I am staying at Maingate Lakeside Resort; anyone have experience with this hotel?

I've never been in Oct. but have been swimming in Nov. it's usually still pretty warm in Oct. so the pools will be fine.
I personally wouldn't swim in a thunderstorm. Disney resorts and some others I have stayed at close the pool if there's a thunderstorm.

You definitely have a jam packed vacation! Will you have any "off" days to sit by the pool and relax? Some people just don't realize how BIG WDW is and all the walking you'll do. One of the best tips I received and I always give is take a day off in the middle to relax and refresh.

Do you know how far away Maingate resort is to the parks?

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