Early December 2003 - Advice wanted!

[CarolMN]

We'll be in Orlando 12/5 -12/12. The "we" consists of 3 adult women (late 40's to very early 50's). Two of us have been to US, but it was at least 10 years ago, maybe 12.

What are the lines like during this time (especially on Friday and Saturday)? Will we have long waits if we do not stay at one of the on site hotels and thus don't qualify for FOTL? We already have accomodations and do not want to stay at more than one hotel for the week.

None of us are all that interested in thrill rides. What park should we choose if we can only spend one day? Is there a ticket that will allow us to visit both parks in the same day (assuming that is even feasible without killing ourselves, LOL)?

Would appreciate any and all comments/advice you might have for us. TIA!

P.S. Is Grinchmas (or any other holiday event) going on then and if so, is it something adults would enjoy or is it mainly just for kids?

 

[MrsMud]

I'm sorry I don't have this information, but I'm bumping it up, as I would like to know, too!

 

[BarryHom]

There is a 1 day/1 park pass, but it costs around $70-$80. You can get a 2 day/2 park pass or a 3 day/2 park pass for about $10-$20 more. Unused days never expire (unless there is a special promo going on). As for doing the 2 parks in one day, it's like doing the 4 WDW parks in one day. You can see the highlights, but not everything.

Grinchmas usually occurs from November around Thanksgiving to around the first week of January.

 

[kellymonaghan]

You might want to consider the Orlando FlexTicket which gives you 14 days access to four parks (USF, IOA, SW, Wet n Wild) or five parks if you add Busch Garden Tampa.

Currently the 4park ticket is $175.95 and the 5-park ticket is $209.95. Divided by the eight days you'll be there, that's a pretty good deal compared to single day admissions.

Crowds will be light and you shouldn't have too many long waits.

Weather at that time can be unpredictable. I was in Orlando that time last year and the weather was rainy and cold.

Also, there may be "meets" going on while you're there - the DIS and RADP get together at around that time. Keep monitoring these boards for dates.

 

[sschaefer]

Hi to a fellow Minnesotan! My husband and I were there from Dec 3-7 last year. We did stay on property, but we kind of felt cheated, because many of the rides we went on didn't have much for lines so it didn't matter that we had FOTL. Both of the parks were really decorated for Christmas, Santa Clause pictures at US, also a Xmas Blues Brothers show. At IA was Grinch pictures and a Grinch Stole xmas show that shouldn't be missed. If you know what you want to see, it would be eay to do both of the parks in one day - I would choose a week day. The parks are within walking distance of eachother, and stop at Margaritaville in Citywalk on the way from one to the other for lunch - it's a great time. Their attempt at snow will make you laugh - it's bubbles, they also have a skating rink on Friday nights - that's something to watch! and horse and carriage rides in Citywalk. We both love the Christmas season, so we had a great time while we were there, but we also went to Disney the next week, so we got the best of both worlds. Bring warm clothes though, it was cold and rainy many of the days we were there. Let me know if you have any other questions. Stephanie