Driving Around

[Planogirl]

I think that you just never know. We got great rates at RPR a few years ago but then I couldn't find a thing this June. I HOPE that we can find some good rates next year.

If you ever do stay on International Drive, stay closer to Sea World and always head towards Sea World when you leave. We had the worst traffic in the other direction particularly close to Wet N Wild. We did much better driving in the other direction except when they had the beauty fair at the convention center. I never saw so many overly made up women in my life and the police down there stop traffic forever to let people cross.

 

[diskids2]

We did much better driving in the other direction except when they had the beauty fair at the convention center. I never saw so many overly made up women in my life and the police down there stop traffic forever to let people cross.

Ok now that's funny!

 

[diskids2]

I think the deals will fly out when WWoHP opens...the parks will be busier than they've ever been...no need to discount...at least for a while.

That is what I was thinking and hoping against....you never know....but it does seem logical that with all the people wanting to go to WWoHP that they won't need deals to bring them onsite.

 

[Purseval]

If you ever do stay on International Drive, stay closer to Sea World and always head towards Sea World when you leave. We had the worst traffic in the other direction particularly close to Wet N Wild. We did much better driving in the other direction except when they had the beauty fair at the convention center. I never saw so many overly made up women in my life and the police down there stop traffic forever to let people cross.

Get yourself an Orlando map and learn to use Universal Blvd to bypass International Drive. Universal Blvd on one side and Turkey lake Rd/Palm parkway on the other side can get you around most traffic hotspots between Universal and Disney.

 

[Purseval]

That is what I was thinking and hoping against....you never know....but it does seem logical that with all the people wanting to go to WWoHP that they won't need deals to bring them onsite.

That would be true in normal times but 1) this is a recession, and 2) the good folks at WDW also know about the opening of Harry Potter and will be making deals to entice people away from USF, which will have to respond in kind.

 

[diskids2]

That would be true in normal times but 1) this is a recession, and 2) the good folks at WDW also know about the opening of Harry Potter and will be making deals to entice people away from USF, which will have to respond in kind.

Let's hope!

 

[diskids2]

Get yourself an Orlando map and learn to use Universal Blvd to bypass International Drive. Universal Blvd on one side and Turkey lake Rd/Palm parkway on the other side can get you around most traffic hotspots between Universal and Disney.

I took a look at a map and saw what you meant about Universal Blvd and Turkey Lake.....

What are the hotspots on International Drive? We will be going to WDW twice and Seaworld/Aquatica twice.

I wanted to do some shopping, touring, eating on International Drive as well. Do you think it would be better to use the ITrolley for that or drive. What is parking like on I Drive....are there lots near all the stores, etc.

Sorry for the questions, but like I said in the OP...I have never driven around Orlando before.

 

[Purseval]

International Drive is one long line of traffic. Universal Drive has very little on it in the way of businesses and restaurants so you can cruise right down it. So if you wanted to go from an onsite Universal hotel to Seaworld, for instance, you can go right down Universal Drive and be there in minutes. If you want to go out of your way to be on I-Drive there is plenty of parking at the outlet malls, strip malls and restaurants along the way, it's just slow because of the traffic. We have never taken the trolley, we always drive and we've never had a problem finding a place to park.

One reason I-Drive is slow (and why you need to be extra careful) is because the area is loaded with people driving rental cars they are unfamiliar with in an area they have never been to before, many times rrying to read a map or guide book while they are driving. They have more than their share of fender benders and hit pedestrians so take it easy anywhere that is a tourist area.

 

[Tizzy_Meliss]

I took a look at a map and saw what you meant about Universal Blvd and Turkey Lake.....

What are the hotspots on International Drive? We will be going to WDW twice and Seaworld/Aquatica twice.

I wanted to do some shopping, touring, eating on International Drive as well. Do you think it would be better to use the ITrolley for that or drive. What is parking like on I Drive....are there lots near all the stores, etc.

Sorry for the questions, but like I said in the OP...I have never driven around Orlando before.

Another nice tool is Google. Put in the address of the hotel you will be staying at, click on Maps, when your hotel appears on the map click it and "search nearby" and put in "restaurants" and all the restaurants in the area will pop up. Then you can click on the dots and it will show you what is around. DH and I use this all the time when traveling to some place new. Some restaurants even have reviews.

 

[diskids2]

Another nice tool is Google. Put in the address of the hotel you will be staying at, click on Maps, when your hotel appears on the map click it and "search nearby" and put in "restaurants" and all the restaurants in the area will pop up. Then you can click on the dots and it will show you what is around. DH and I use this all the time when traveling to some place new. Some restaurants even have reviews.

Great idea...thank you!