Car or no?? And What about the camera??

[melissa180]

Ok so there are a few questions going through my mind....

Today I found out that we have enough frequent flyer miles to fly to orlando for free. So we cashed them in. So instead of driving were now flying. Now the pondering began...

Should we rent a car down there? We are staying off site at Days Inn in Kissimmee (Hwy 192-Days in West of WDW I believe)...the hotel has a shuttle to the parks. Is there a lot in walking distance as far as resturants go? Is there a good public transport system in that area in case we want to go to the Florida Mall or something liek that?

I am a semi professional photographer and am not leaving home with out my least expensive SLR camera. Do you have any tips as to what to do with it while on water rides and such? I thought about bringing a few ziplock bags to put it in the back pack. Just thought someone could maybe give another tip.

One last thing I swear-will cast members take pic's of you? We are going for our honeymoon and would like a couple of pics of the two of us together but I am worried that the "Vacation" movie thing might happen with the camera with asking other people.

Thanks in advance!
Melissa

 

[Kate-n-sam]

Definately rent a car. We do even on-site. The waits for the off site shuttles are inconvenient, JMHO The convenience of having your own car is so worth it. If you rent a compact, less the cost off shuttle to and from the airport, it shouldn't be so much.

I can't help you with walking to restaurants on 192. I'm speculating you can, but it is probably a very busy place, and if it doesn't have sidewalks, might not be a safe choice.

A large ziplock for your camera should be fine. Kali river rapids also has a waterproof enclosure for shoes and stuff. I'd still use the ziplock though, as I don't think it is water tight.

Most CMs I'm sure would be happy to take your picture. Sometimes, if we see a family in your situation, we will offer to take their picture for them, they always return the favor. I guess anything is possible, but I don't think you'll have a problem with the camera being stolen.

Have a great trip!

 

[Lstew]

We stayed in Kissimee last week,, It is a longer drive then you think.. I would reccommend that you rent a car. It will save you time,, lots of it.
The transportation center in WDW will get you anywhere you need to go,, by bus or boat.even the monorail will get you to many places..
So I would use the internal system if you are planning to hop between parks. It took us less then 30 min to get from one to the other. In a car I think you will taske much more time and get very confused if you are not familar with the WDW property. I would prefer to have them transport me around.

 

[Lstew]

Camera issue,, is easy,, bring along a water tight bag,, Most rides have compartment for you to place them in once on the rides, but they are not dry areas. But bring a camera!!

If you want character photos,, the best way is to wait in line for your autographs and photos,, they have *body guards* with the characters to help the lines go quickly,,they will gladly take photos for you,,

We even had a WDW photographer at the entrance of the park taking photos for us,, with MY camera. They knew more about how to take pic's with my camera then I did.. So those opportunities are everywhere..


you can find out where to see your favorite characters with the daily handouts at the front of the park.


AND<<< Pal Mickey will also let you know where and when the characters are in the park,, especialy if they are right around the corner

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I agree with those who say get a car.
192 is VERY busy! Probably safer to drive, even to go across the street. There are plenty of eateries in that area.

As far as the camera; I swear by kodak throw aways!
I take a few different types of cameras;
Advantix-panoramic, waterproof, black & white,
and standard w/ flash (w/o flash is too limiting.)
*Hint*Look for them on sale-i get mine at cvs.
If you prefer your slr, and want to take pictures in water,
custom waterproof camera bodies are available.
Ziplocs work well if you're only looking to protect
the camera and not use it.

 

[Rhonda922]

We always rent a car. I like to go out crusing around and its just nice to be able to come and go when you want and not have to rely on somebody else. My husband and I have this downpacked. We get off the plane and he heads to baggage claim and I go downstairs to the car rental counter.