Helicopter, beach and has backlot gone????

[royal99]

Hi, recently joined did add a reply to another thread but need a couple of Q's answered. AS said before have been to orlando quite few times up to 2001, staying mainly at Port orleans or my mums villa until she sold it. Returning this year with me and my girlfriend heading to the marriott center and mum, sister and nephew to port orleans, just wondered if someone could help on these questions:

1. Although we been over ten times as a family never visited a beach (in florida) we thinking of going to cocoa?? Any other recomendations?

2. We also going to do a day of small attractions last time we did gatorland (brillant place) and ripleys (loved the mirror!) anyone pick out a personnel recomendation for another one?

3. thinking of doing helicopter ride, but the cheapest one for 20 dollars, unsurprisingly just goes up and down by the look of it, is the 75 dollar disney and seaworld one worth it, any personal exp?

4. It says in Simons v brit guide , that the backlot tour may be closing down ( it doesnt bother me to much, but my mum and nephew seem to be devasted, think there like the outside of the golden girls house) is it still going strong or do i have to break bad news?

Thanks any answers i would be gratefull, oh and great pics on here does anyone have any of the marriott center??

 

[wayneg]

1, We are not beach fans, stayed at Clearwater for a week which was 6 days too long but its a lovely place for 1 or 2 days. Been to Cocoa & Daytona last August both for day trips, both deserted not a patch on Clearwater.

2, If you have children we loved Disney Quest but only when its quiet, went back on a busy day and came out again after 2 hours, nightmare place when busy.

3, Never looked at helicopter tours, personally will do a Balloon ride someday but not interested in helicopters.

4. Backlot tour was still going at Xmas but they have not included the houses since they built Lights, Motors, Action. They clears all the houses to build it.

 

[JulieSharp]

Beaches on the west coast are much better and make a good contrast to Orlando and a much more relaxing stay.

Anna Maria Island is the best beach , in my opinion, though Clearwater and St Pete's both nice too with more going on.

Went to Cocoa many years ago, to be honest we didn't rate it that highly compared with beaches on the other coast.

 

[juliebro]

1. We've been to Cocoa Beach, Daytona and also to Clearwater - but only spent a few hours on each. Depends what you're looking for. Clearwater has warmer sea, but no surf.

2. We've enjoyed Fantasy of Flight and Cypress Gardens

3. DH arranged helicopter flights last year as a surprise. We had previously been in a helicopter over New York. Did the more expensive trip and throughly enjoyed it - got some great photos and you get a very different perspective. We didn't bother with the photos/dvd they tried to see us as an extra.

4. Didn't go to Disney last trip, so can't comment on backlot tour.

 

[T16GEM]

We went on the Backlot tour during our last trip over christmas but then when we were there around the 10th January it was closed, there was a sign up saying that they are preparing for a new production. No more information than that though I'm afraid.

 

[royal99]

Thanks for the replys, it sounds like clearwater is early fav will do some more research, think i will wait until i get to see how the pennys are for the helicopter but it does sound good, i guess we will wait and see on the backlot front. Any other oppinons greatly recieved and any pics on marriott center would be good or reviews??

 

[wayneg]

i guess we will wait and see on the backlot front.

See this page for latest refurbs. http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/rehab.htm
It should re-open 1st March.
Backlot Tour - January 4 – February 28, 2009

 

[Pootle]

We did the Backlot tour in November and got talking to the guide as we were in front car. He said they are getting rid of the guides in favour of recordings. More Disney cost-cutting I guess.

 

[Camac]

You could do an air boat ride at Boggy Creek or a Segway Tour of Celebration - we did this on Christmas Day, best part of the holiday.

Blue Man Group at Universal is a grat show if you are looking for an evening event.

 

[merlin307]

i would agree with the airboat ride. did this last april and we loved it - highlight of the holiday so we will be booking an evening ride this year (although i noticed that if you get your attraction tickets from attractionticketsdirect.com then you get a free voucher for an airboat ride at boggy creek - something to consider)

 

[Clare D]

Another evening event to consider is Cirque Du Soleil - La Nouba - at DTD.

This was the first show we saw by them and it was fantastic well worth the money. We ordered our tickets direct from their web site and had great seats.