First Time Going To Florida - Advice Please

[CraigKORE]

Hello folks!

I have just booked a last minute 2 week deal for me and my girlfriend to Florida, Orlando. We are going to be leaving this coming Saturday 8th September. I live in Scotland UK.

I have a few questions, and any advice will be very much appreciated!

We have got car rental for 2 weeks, and I'm getting really nervous at the thought of driving about in the USA (right side of the road instead of left ect..LOL). Should I be worried about this? This will be our first visit to the USA, and I aint sure what to expect with the roads/freeways.

We arrive at Sanford Airport at 4pm, and we have "allocation on arrival". All I know is that we are going to be staying somewhere in the Orlando area. Would anyone know if the roads going into Orlando will be busy at this time?

For entertainment, I also bought us 14 day Orlando Fexi Tickets, which give us unlimited access to Island Of Adventure, Universal Studios, Sea World and Wet And Wild (Aint sure if Busch Gardens is included). Would that lot be enough to keep us busy for 2 weeks? And also, anyone help with how much driving time is involved between them?

Another thing I was wondering about was Disney World as well. Should we try and get some of that in whilst we are there? And can you get 1 day passes for it?

Sorry for all the questions!!

Really excited about going going to Florida, but find it all a bit of a maze with so many things to do and see!

 

[kellymonaghan]

I wouldn't worry too much about driving. I find the biggest problem with switching sides of the road is making turns. You just have to remind yourself each time about which lane to turn into!

I think you'll find the biggest difference is that US drivers don't pay any attention to which lane they drive in. In the UK everyone seems to follow the "standard" rule: slower cars in the inside lane, faster cars in the middle lane, fastest cars in the outside lane, and always yield to faster cars coiming up behind you. In the US it's every man for himself, with passing on the "wrong" side and regular lane changes.

By the time you get through customs etc, you will be in the middle of rush hour and, yes, traffic into Orlando will be slo-o-o-w.

The FlexTicket is an excellent value. Busch Gardens is included in the 14-day version and you can certainly stay busy all that time if you want to, although my guess is you'll want some days off.

There are all sorts of WDW ticket options and I'll leave it to more knowledgeable experts on this board to sort them out for you.

There is also a LOT more to Orlando besides the major theme parks. Since you'll be there for a week, do take the time to check out your other options.

 

[EKIMR]

Hi,

I am also in UK, and have travelled to the US several times. and driven but not orlando.

Things to mention:

nealry all cars are automatic. I guess you will be getting one of these by default.

be aware of cars overtaking from both sides...inside and outside lane.

Note that at some junctions you can go turn right through a red light if the coast is clear - this one got me a few times, many frustrated people hooting me to get a move on!

On the whole its failry easy though

 

[MIB999999]

Sanford is north of orlando so you will be heading south and at that time of day the traffic is all heading north. you will be fine until you get to the south side of orlando.

BIG NOTE: you will be on I-4 west. If you look at an orlando map you will see that I-4 thru town is very north-south. just keep in mind that I-4 west will take you south thru orlando. I-4 east will take you to daytona to feed the sharks

yes we have right hand turn on red after a full stop and looking to see if it is clear. just keep in mind that this a privelige and not a right. you do not have to turn on the red if you do not want to. anyone toots at you just ignore them.

since i was the chairperson for the orlando scottish highland games, which is a yearly event. Welcome to Florida, the warm version of Scotland

 

[CraigKORE]

Thanks for all the advice and info folks!

Hopefully after the first few days, the driving side of things will be better, although knowing me, I will just drive round the airport car park for about half an hour till I get the feel of it!

I dont think we will be doing the parks everyday, as I quite fancy a few days relaxing. Any recommended beaches for me?

Another thing I meant to ask in my original post, how busy will the parks be at this time of year?

Thanks again for all the help!

 

[Robinrs]

Another thing I meant to ask in my original post, how busy will the parks be at this time of year?

Welcome to UIS, CraigKore!

I have to tell you, any time in September AFTER Labor Day is my favorite time of year to visit Orlando. The crowds are minimal and the weather is much more tolerable than the summertime. Have a great time!

 

[MIB999999]

Originally posted by Robinrs


Welcome to UIS, CraigKore!

I have to tell you, any time in September AFTER Labor Day is my favorite time of year to visit Orlando. The crowds are minimal and the weather is much more tolerable than the summertime. Have a great time!

Robinrs
the cold front will have to hurry since it has been in the low to mid 90's this whole weekend. i hope next weekend is at least down to the mid-80's, that is good florida weather

 

[Robinrs]

That is one thing you can say about Florida weather, MIB, you can only guess but it will do what it wants! I guess that cold front that ran through back in January is taking it's little ol' time.

 

[MIB999999]

Originally posted by Robinrs
That is one thing you can say about Florida weather, MIB, you can only guess but it will do what it wants! I guess that cold front that ran through back in January is taking it's little ol' time.

that was cold, you should never remind floridians of december of 89 and january of 2001. we get the chills just thinking about it.

 

[travelbug24]

Your first time. I am so excited for you. I love Florida. I will be there the same time you are Sept 13-18. Staying at the Hard Rock Hotel.

 

[Impulsive Puppy]

Welcome to the USA! You will have a lot of time in Fl. I would suggest going to the each, just remember your shark repellent. And bring sunscreen, lots of it! You WILL GET BURNED with out it. Kennedy Space Center isn't too far away from Orlando, you may want to check that out. There might be a space shuttle launch while you are there. Have fun and leave some sun for me!

 

[Violentp69]

Heres all the advice you're gonna need, ENJOY!