have i done the right thing

[Hbabe78]

when i booked my holiday last weekend it included free care hire. or the choise to waiver this and get free airport transferes to the hotle and back and there is a free bus aparently that runs from the hotel to the parks, i havent done much homework on it all though.

any way i picked the airport transferes mainly because my hubby is the more experienced driver but he doesnt handle stress well at all. so the thought of being up from 6 am for an 11am flight out of glasgow getting to the other side shatterd stressed and super excited, the thought of him cracking up on the wrong side of the road getting lost just wouldnt be the best start, and jumping on a bus and getting dropped off whare im going just seams better.

although i have a friend who seams to be a bit jelouse (even though shes been twice in her teens) who keeps finding neg comments to make, told me ive just made the biggest mistake ever

so have i done the right thing??

 

[Jakey Rowling]

Yes and no

You were right to turn down the "free" car hire. You can do it much cheaper yourself.

It you don't want to drive on arrival then get the transfer bus if you prefer.

You can still arrange car hire yourself if you wish although it is simpler all round if you pick-up and drop off at the airport in my opinion.

Bottom line is you haven't lost anything by getting free transfers.

I'd still recommend a car if possible.
Who are you travelling with, where are you staying etc.

 

[wayneg]

Agree with Jakey R, you did exactly the right thing turning down a free car.
I also would hire a car for full holiday, We use Airlinenetwork.co.uk they supply Dollar cars either from the airport or if you want to take advantage of the free transfers they have other location. If you do hire a car pre-book in UK with someone like Airnet, its cheaper than doing it out there.
Holidays can be done with no car but for us the freedom of a car in Florida is essential.

 

[Hbabe78]

there is 5 of us 2 adults and 3 kids ages 13 8 and 5.

and were are staying at the hawthorne suites on international drive

 

[Shazzie B]

We managed for 3 holidays fine without a car, once on site, twice off. We found getting to 'parks' OK but Water-parks quite awkward - we had to get a bus to a park then Disney transport to Water Park - worked OK but time consuming. We got a taxi back a couple of times as kids were tired.

However the last twice we've hired a car for greater flexibility.

Do what's best for you - it's your holiday - I'm sure what ever you decide you'll have a great one. Some people I know get very negative and mocking about how much we 'plan' our holidays to Florida - but it works for us - we always have a great time.

 

[Hbabe78]

i like to plan lol i like to know at least the basics of what to do.

im really over whelmed by it all at the moment, i dont know what to look into first.

things like eatng and so on, ive been having a look about i have got 11 months to go but time seams to fly by these days.

its all i can really think about lol. every bit of change is going in the piggy banks and im finnaly having something to push for re: my weight and it looks like this is the insperation i needed

thanks for taking the time to respond i appreciate it

 

[castanea1985]

there is 5 of us 2 adults and 3 kids ages 13 8 and 5.

and were are staying at the hawthorne suites on international drive

Hi Heather

I can understand your trepidation about hiring a car, but believe me, it really isn't that bad! In fact I find it easier to drive there than here!! My DD and her boyfriend (21) went out there a couple of weeks ago, and were bothered about driving... they were fine! No problems at all!

Why not hire a car for a few days, and on those days, visit the places that are a little harder to get to... The Florida Mall? Busch Gardens? Space Centre? etc..
On the whole, you will be fine on I Drive. There is a trolley bus which is cheap and runs every few minutes, so you will be able to get to Premium Outlets etc..

http://www.iridetrolley.com/

I couldn't go out there without a car.. but then again we spend more of our trips playing golf more now the kids are older, so we need one!
You'll have a great time with or without a car - but, given the choice, I would definitely hire one.

Hope this helps?

Tracy

 

[Jakey Rowling]

I'd find out the shuttle arrangements provided by the hotel to help you decide.
Often they can be quite restrictive in the drop off and return times depending on how you plan your days. (you have planned your days, haven't you )


No doubt in my mind a car gives you so much more flexibility and allows you to see,eat and shop at places that become awkward without a car.
You'll have a great time without a car no doubts, but it adds a lot to our time in Orlando.

On the plus side if you use the airport transfers you wouldn't need to worry about boot space for the luggage so a medium size car would do, although its not much more for a full size.

I can't emphasise how easy it is to drive there. For the first time driver, get a good map and a decent co-driver for the first few days and you'll be fine. The worst thing you could do is miss an exit and it's a lot easier to turn around and get back on track than at home.

There's plenty of advice on car hire, maps, driving etc on here if you fancy.

 

[Hbabe78]

if we do get a car, what is parking at the parks like.

also my eldest dd and i are planning on a swim with dolphins at discovery cove ( just waitinf for booking in sept to open) is it easy to get to on my own. its just i grudge paying an extra £300 so the rest of the family can come and watch and we really cant affort park tickets for every whare lol as much as id love it

 

[castanea1985]

if we do get a car, what is parking at the parks like.

also my eldest dd and i are planning on a swim with dolphins at discovery cove ( just waitinf for booking in sept to open) is it easy to get to on my own. its just i grudge paying an extra £300 so the rest of the family can come and watch and we really cant affort park tickets for every whare lol as much as id love it

Heather,
You can take the trolley bus!! It'll drop you off at the door!
See the website on my previous post.
Tracy

 

[Jakey Rowling]

i like to plan lol i like to know at least the basics of what to do.

im really over whelmed by it all at the moment, i dont know what to look into first.

Definitely start with a plan for the parks and work things around this.

See this link for a busy day guide which will help you plan.
http://www.askdaisy.net/orlando/busy_day_guide.asp

Assuming your travelling in the school holidays, it's worth the effort to plan.
I know it maybe sounds too regimented but a bit of research and planning can prevent the parks from becoming a frustrating experience at the peak times.

 

[Hbabe78]

actually no im going in term time, well its scottish term time, 20th sep, (family heartache this year has meant the school has been very accomadating and given permission for the kids to be off school

 

[Hbabe78]

oh and ill start looking at all the links this afternoon, im still officially working just now lol

thanks

 

[Mr Ed]

Discovery Cove is a lovely and relaxing day out With or Without the dolphin encounter. If finances allow it really is worth considering for the whole family.

Ed

 

[Dazed]

Hi Heather,

We had a brilliant time at Hawthorn Suites ID 3 years ago. I didn't drive but found the hotel shuttle ok and used I-ride as well. My youngest was 8. Might be too tiring for your wee one. A taxi from typhoon lagoon one evening wasn't extortionate - about £10+tip -ok between the 4 of us.

Lots of restuarants within easy walk, we loved Golden Corral which is great on a budget.

Sounds like your husband would be ok to drive though once you're there and that would be the best option. Parking was plentiful and free at the hotel and loads of parking but about $11/day I think at parks.