florida virgins

[jedny]

were going on the 18th of aug and have no idea what 2 expect ,is there a site that can help with your planning ,were staying in kissimee,and dont want a car,also how much spends will we need 4 2 weeks ,
thanks in advance

 

[Frances999]

This site is a great place to start - there are lots of people who can help answer any questions you might have!

I also like www.allearsnet.com for general Disney information.

It might be worth getting a couple of WDW guidebooks, too. The Brit's Guide and The Unofficial Guide are the best in my opinion.

Welcome to the DIS boards!

 

[Pegasus928]

Whereabouts in Kissimee are you staying? If you are in a villa you may struggle if you don't have a car - especially if you are going to the parks or out and about on a daily basis.
The amount of spends you will need will depend on how much you want to do and how many of you there are, what the ages are, what tickets you have already bought etc - there is no definitive answer to this.

Pegasus

 

[Goofyish]

Welcome to the DIS

You have found THE best to help you with your planning

Depending on where you are in Kissimmee, you may need to have a car. Public transport is limited. If you are in a hotel they may provide some kind of shuttle service to WDW and Universal, but the timings will be limited.
You can use taxis, but the costs will soon mount up!

Companies like Mears provide shuttke services too - but you will need to ring and pre-book everytime you want to use them.

 

[castanea1985]

Hi Jedny
Be prepared to be 'wowed'! Everything in the States is 'bigger' than here.
You can't just go 'round the corner' for things like you can here in the UK!
You'll probably have to drive at least 10/15 mins to the nearest store, so I hope you decide to get a car?!
It's also much more laid back than here, too.
One things for sure, you'll love it, and like many on these boards, you won't want to go anywhere else!
Hope this helps!
Tracy

 

[Davscotcar]

Welcome to DIS the best planning board.

If you have a driver in your party my advice would be to hire a car. It will allow you more freedom to move around Orlando at your own pace.

Remember to plan in advance, it will make for a better vacation.

Take time out to rest and enjoy yourself.

Always ask questions on the boards if unsure, there are plenty of people out there waiting to share tips and advice.

 

[Girlsontour]

Hi Jedny
Be prepared to be 'wowed'! Everything in the States is 'bigger' than here.
You can't just go 'round the corner' for things like you can here in the UK!
You'll probably have to drive at least 10/15 mins to the nearest store, so I hope you decide to get a car?!
It's also much more laid back than here, too.
One things for sure, you'll love it, and like many on these boards, you won't want to go anywhere else!
Hope this helps!
Tracy

This reminded me of the 1st time we went and stayed on I-Drive - looking at the map i suggested that we should walk to the Macdonalds as it didn't look too far away...we ended up hitching a ride there and back on one of the Rickshaw bicycles

Also last year we thought it would be a good idea to walk round the outside of CSR...oh my goodness, it seemed miles

 

[jedny]

many thanks 4 the replies
im,staying in the best western lakeside, the kids are 6 4 and im flying with virgin,as for the car with me not been there before i was a bit nervy as the missis wont drive so i opted 4 shuttles , ive also just found out my bro in law is going the day before also 2 kissimee(spooky)did not no and he has got a car

 

[wayneg]

Welcome to the boards.
We have stayed at BW Lakeside 4 times (under different names and owners) great place to stay, not luxury but after the re-fit last year its very good for the value end of the market.
Its not actually Kissimmee, its on the 192 west about 3 miles west of Disney Maingate. They do provide shuttle busses but I always have car so cant comment on them.
As others have said highly recommend car, easiest place in world to drive and will make your holiday a lot more enjoyable, getting to the Malls or upto Universal etc is so easy with a car.
2 weeks spend for the 3 of us comes to £1,000 we eat lunch onsite and evening meal offsite, not into shopping and use lots of discount vouchers. If you like shopping and eat onsite you can double that to £2,000+ over 2 weeks.
Ask anything else you need to know.

 

[Lisash]

Welcome to the DISboards You are in for a fantastic holiday. I'd definately recommend buying the Brits Guide, it was invaluable to us on our first trip and gave us lots of valuable advice.

I would definately recommend getting a car if you have a driver in your party. You will soon discover Orlando isn't necessarily that pedestrian friendly and that nobody really walks even the shortest distance. (probably because everything tends to be spread out) Most of the roads you have to cross (including I Drive) are major 8 lane highways where even using the pedestrian crossings feels a bit unsafe. I still feel very lazy using the car just to cross the road but it is what everybody does and seems like the safest option.

 

[Miffy2003]

many thanks 4 the replies
im,staying in the best western lakeside, the kids are 6 4 and im flying with virgin,as for the car with me not been there before i was a bit nervy as the missis wont drive so i opted 4 shuttles , ive also just found out my bro in law is going the day before also 2 kissimee(spooky)did not no and he has got a car

The Best western is in a good location for the attractions

Don't dismiss the idea of a car - it is really very easy and would mean you are restricted with the shuttles for leaving at a certain time (and being picked up at a certain time too which can mean you miss the fireworks & evening parade at MK or Fantasmic)

Any chance your brother in law could pick you up a couple of times, to give you a "feel" for driving the car, and then you could collect one later in your holiday?

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Orlando is a very difficult place to get around without a car. If you are staying on-site at Disney then you don't need a car but pretty much anywhere else travel becomes a hassle if you don't have a car. Having a car certainly opens up your options for restaurants, shopping oppurtunities and the other non-Disney theme parks. Of course we do drive on the wrong side over here!!

BobK/Orlando

 

[wayneg]

Of course we do drive on the wrong side over here!!

BobK/Orlando

I am sure you drive on the right side of the road because its far easier to get into your way of driving. I drive on wrong side when I get home

 

[chriswol]

Welcome to the diss, you will get lots of help through these boards.
we have stayed at the best western a few times now. its in a good location, and there are lots of places to eat around there, just down the road is the Golden Corral restaurant with all you can eat breakfast buffet you will not want to eat until the evening, as the portions are Hugh its really cheap to eat there as well. really easy to get to Disney from hotel you could do with a car though, as everyone has said its not difficult driving in the USA. You will have a wonderfull time and find yourselves going back for more