HELP!! Qucik plan-Orlando visit Dec 25-31

[SK08]

To start with I admit, we are crazy ! Two days back we made a plan to go to Orlando, and we are in South Jersey (NJ)! We are visiting Orlando for the first time.

It was my sister's birthday and she has been wanting to go there. She turned 26 and is crazy about rides, but has never been to Disney

So we decided that as a treat, we would go there as a family and celebrate and enjoy, while making her wish come true. It would be five of us, mom, sister, myself, hubby and our 15 mth old son!

We are excited but clueless about what to do. We are going to do everything this weekend. Praying to get good air deals via southwest to fit our budget, if not we will drive. So please help us figure out what has to be done.
These questions are giving me sleepless night, but I am still excited (weird)!

1) If we drive, what is the good area to stop for a some time (we will start 24th evening)
2)How would be the weather there, should we just take summer clothes? Well we are checking weather.com!
3)Where should we stay. We prefer only 3.5 and above places, e.g. Marriott or Hyatt standards. Complimentary breakfast would do wonders. So need help in deciding what are the hotels we should consider.
4)What are place other than Disney to visit in our 5-6 day trip? May be Universal..etc?
5)Things we should list down as "Must Do" "Must See"
6)Where should we get tickets from? And what tickets to keep both sister and baby happy
7) Things we should consider while planning, e.g. I already bought "unofficial guide to walt disney world"...

To give some idea,
* Sister and me - Take all kinds of adventurous rides
* Hubby and mom- They get motion sickness, so take light rides like lazy river (yes I am embarrassed writing that )
* My son - Ofcourse he would need rides for 15 mth olds!
*Hubby - A nature freak, loves to do camping/ lodging in national parks, or any nature stuff, also amateur photographer. So during our trip, hoping to fit his area for a day or so. He can enjoy nature/wildelife, do photography, while we sit relaxing, enjoying nature!

May be we can split vacation 3-2, 3 for theme park and 2 days for other stuff in orlando!

I know it's complicated, but we will do it and post my experience back in 2009, but for now.. please HELPPPPPPPP me plan.

Thanks!

 

[NeverLandDreamer]

Let me answer #5 for you.

Must see/Must Do's.... the top four attractions in the following parks:

Magic Kindgom: Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan

Epcot/World Showcase: Soarin', probably Test Track (I say probably because I will be riding it myself for the first time next month!), Ellen's Energy Adventure, Maelstrom in Norway

Hollywood Studios: The Great Movie Ride, Backlot Tour, Little Mermaid show, One Man's Dream

I don't care for Animal Kingdom, which is why I didn't list it.

Now these are all personal opinions, but those are fantastic. Hope you have an awesome time!!

 

[Floydian]

Welcome to The DIS! That's sure a lot to tackle, but I'll try a few things...

Being a crazy Disney fan, I say stay at a Moderate Disney property, or the Swan/Dolphin, and don't bother with the rest of Orlando for this trip (not for 5/6 days). The queasy stomachs and young'un won't get all that much out of other parks (superheroes and extreme rollercoasters), at least compared to what Disney might offer them (Disney characters and gentle "Dark Rides").

Now, for the "thirlls", Disney isn't #1. But there's a few rides in each park that are quite good (Space Mtn, Tower of Terror, Mission: Space, Expedition Everest...), and plenty of other less strenuous things for the others to enjoy while they wait for you.

For the nature lover/photographer, he should LOVE the Animal Kingdom park. Plenty to see and do and take pictures of there. Plus, the other parks have their bits of natural scenery, as do some of the resorts (especially the Polynesian, which is a short monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom).

Plus, if you stay "on site", you can ride from hotels to parks to shopping to anywhere on Disney property without using your car. Park once, visit everything!

Hope that helps a bit. Now just dive in and have fun!

Edit: Oh yea...

The weather has been mid to upper 70's lately, and maybe in the 50's at night. So probably shorts, some pants, and a jacket just in case. But of course, check with the experts first.

 

[SK08]

Thanks a lot for your replies. It sure is helpful. We are also trying priceline to get best flight deals.. but chances see dim.

Information about staying onsite is great. We are considering that greatly, as suggested by you! Now it all depends on what last minute reservations we get.

May be we will end up driving. Will keep the forum posted with the hope that it may help someone in the forum. Giving back is a good feeling..

For now, looking for more replies.
Thanks guys! Happy DIS"ing"

 

[pomlover]

You might want to try the vacation packages at the travel sites, Priceline/Hotwire etc. When I was looking on Hotwire earlier today and found I could get round trip flight plus a resort place for 4 nights at less than $400 a person. But I'm going from Houston so your prices may be different but do give it a try and you might find some good deals.

 

[ibcrazie4dizney]

Lucky you going to disney during the holidays!! I also live in South Jersey and I have found much better airfare flying out of Atlantic City, rather than Philly. Spirit has good prices and we even spend alittle more and sit in the "big front seats" to make our flight even better. We first tried AC airport last Jan and loved it compared to Phillly. Parking was cheap. There were no crowds, especially going through security, basically just as many people as were on our flight. However you get there, have a fun trip!

 

[GreyGooseCosmo]

Southwest is running some great sales right now. I have been stalking them for our trip in March - I'll gladly give up assigned seating for the extra $15-$25 per suitcase fees the other airlines charge.

 

[duckybelle]

I was just looking at Hotwire for a 5night stay in January/February, and it quoted me $979 a person for 5 nights and airfare, but again, that was for the Swan! Wishful thinking I know

 

[shopn24seven]

Just wanted to pipe in., LOL.
We will arrive on 12.24 and leaving 12.29.
We are crazy, too. LOL.

 

[Dizneydaz]

As far as the parks go, if you decide to skip a park, personally, I would skip DHS. Of the 4 main ones, for our family, it's the least favorite. Our fav is AK, then EPCOT, and MK. MK would probably rate higher for us if we didn't live in Disneyland's backyard and go all the time.

As PP mentioned I would probably skip Universal (and other parks) and stick with Disney.

Sounds like your DH would love AK. I rec. getting there early and riding KS (Kilimanjaro Safari) first thing. If members of your group also want to ride EE (Expedition Everest) IT'S AMAZING! then send one of them over to EE to grab FP for the group and rejoin you. EE also has a single rider line if only your DSis wants to ride (or someone wants to ride again). What we usually do is before we ride KS is grab a FP first and then ride it without using a FP. Then you can usually ride KS right away again, using the FP, or hold it and use it later in the day. Also, I would try to ride KS towards the end of the day, as well. The great thing about KS is it changes every time you ride it. The best times are first thing in the a.m., and at the end of the day. I just checked the calendar for Dec. and AK is open from 8 to 8 so I would try to ride KS before the sun sets.

Also, looks like AK has many EMH (extra magic hours) in the morning while you'll be there. That means they'll open at 7 a.m. for resort guests. If you're staying on property, and can get there by 7 a.m., do it.

Also great at AK is Dinosaur (though not for little one), Festival of the Lion King (awesome show); Finding Nemo show (amazing characters). Your DS might like to play in the upper part of the boneyard. It's filled with large sand like material that the kids can dig in to uncover the dino fossil. Kids really seem to like this (my DD9 has loved it since she was 2-3/4). Your DS will probably like KS as well-who doesn't like to see animals roaming about. Keep an eye out for the lion and lioness.

After exiting KS don't forget to do the Pangani Trail-you can see more animals close up as well as see the gorillas (near the end ) which you can't see from KS. You can also grab the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch (Conservation Station) where they have among other things, a small petting Kraal. They also have showings of animals during the day and some of them you can touch (like the snake.)

Check out the "It's Tough to Be a Bug Show" located under the Tree of Life. Word of warning-hold your DS in your lap at the end if he's scared of things crawling underneath him.

Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade-with holiday theming is pretty cool-your DS should really enjoy it. It starts at 3:45 but check the parade route because it loops back around and if you miss the start you can catch it as it comes back around in front of KS (& Tamu Tamu refreshments).

For dining, check out Pizzafari. The rooms are beautifully decorated and even if you don't eat a meal there a gerat snack idea is their breadsticks and marinara sauce-really good and a bargain at around $4. It's a nice place to take a break during the day. Oh, and the parade goes right by it as well.

We also like the food at Flametree BBQ. They have nice outdoor dining areas.

There are a few areas around the park where you can meet with characters. If that interests you you can find them outside the Lion King Show, near Tamu Tamu, on a side trail before you reach Dinoland. Check the guide for other locations.

If you are thinking of staying on property, I would rec. POP Century. The room rates are reasonable and the themeing is pretty cool! Who doesn't like a 3 story Buzzy, Woody, Lady, Tramp, Baloo, Big Wheel, Rubik's Cube, Bowling Pin, etc. If you want to stay at a moderate, I really like Port Orleans, French Quarter. It's the smallest of the moderates and isn't so spread out. But just so you know the room sizes at value and moderates are basically the same.

Have a great time! No matter which parks you go in take advantage of FP. Get as many as you can. Remember that you don't have to use them during the hour posted on the ticket. As long as you are there after the first time posted, you can use them the rest of the day.

Think about buying the Photopass CD. It's a great value if you plan on having any PP taken. It's $129.95 (or prepay $99.95) and you get the rights to the photos so you can print as many copies as you want (I do mine at Sam's Club)

Oh, and if you have time, definitely check out the resorts. They are great to walk around and see the holiday decorations. Don't be put off by the guard shacks, just tell them you want to look around or that you are eating there. There are a lot of great restaruants located at the resorts. Kona Cafe at Poly is one of our favs.

Well, I could go on and on, if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. We've been 12 times over the last 10 years-but still haven't seen/done it all!

 

[divanicki75]

Just wanted to pipe in., LOL.
We will arrive on 12.24 and leaving 12.29.
We are crazy, too. LOL.

Haha- we're crazy last minute-ers, too.. We're going 12/25- 12/27. Doing DTD on 12/25 (dinner and fun stuff) MK on 12/26, then Sea World on 12/27, since it's a smaller park & we get in for free (DH is active duty military) and we're doing an Elmo breakfast there, which 2yo DD will go crazy over... We're staying offsite at a Holiday which looks awesome!! I think this is the first HI I've ever stayed at, so I'm crossing my fingers... Anyway... I'll see y'all there!

 

[SK08]

Woohaah.. ! I thought my question was too boring to get answered.. but here I see replies today!

Thanks guys. Okay so I do have my disboard friends going in there on the 25th!

Yeah I have been looking for flights, something that would fit our budget but if not then we are ready for road.. either way ... we are coming Disney! Did you guys get any good deal for flying on the 25th or 26th..we are ok with PHL or Atlantic city or newark airports.

Oh my god.. i almost got cranky on my DH now.. as we still have packing to do, hotels to finally book (comeon let's hit the ORDER button)

I am going to read all the replies from you again.. for all the tips and tricks and park preference listed by you guys.

But with just 10-12 notice, he is doing good work , trying to get good value for the money we spend So again questions listed.. for ease of reading, please let me know if you are comfortable revealing how much you paid.. this will help me get some idea

1) Money spent on flight by you? Using priceline but no luck
2) Dates flexible for us, Dec 25 - Jan 3, need atleast 5 days in Disney. Hope this saves us on flight..
3) Any good vacation package for us
4) We are thinking of Swan and Dolphin.. that looks tempting to us.. will we need a car for the park if we stay here. Or is it near to monorail/transportation to the park.

Thanks again.
You all are great..

 

[SK08]

Thanks a lot Dizneydaz. Your inputs are great and I have converted your post into an excel sheet.. hopefully when we are back, I can give back to the community... and help someone out there!

Thanks again.. you are the best!

 

[princess lovers mom]

the swan//dolphin are on the disney bus route - you do not need your own car - if you say in a disney resort you can use Magical Express from the airport - "free bus"

I would agree to do Disney only - 5 days will still not be enough...

it is holiday time so hotels will not be their cheapest - you could call a disney reservation person and give them your budget and needs and see what they can find for you 1-407-W-DISNEY

this close to your travels you will probably not get reservations at a table service restaurant - but with a young one the counter service is probably better anyway - quick food

I say call Disney and ask for help....

 

[jerseygirl81]

I checked out different dates between the days you can travel and the cheapest airfare I saw was $270 out of Philly to Orlando on United Airways on Orbitz.com and that was non-stop, but not a lot of seats left at that price. Priceline may work for a hotel, if you stay off property you may want to rent a car especially at this time of year. We like National we've gotten some great discounts by using codes on Mousesavers.com. Good Luck and have a great trip! Love to hear want you end up doing! Linda

 

[jerseygirl81]

The Swan and Dolphin are not Disney owned so you could'nt use Magical Express you would need to take a taxi, plan for transportion or rent a car if you fly. There is a parking fee at the hotel but I believe you don't need to pay to park if you drive to the disney parks versus using the disney busses. The Swan and Dolphin are close to MGM and Epcot you can take the boat or bus there and AK and MK you would take a bus there. We are thinking of staying there on a future trip. I'm not sure about the discounts the hotels are higher at this time of year but it would'nt hurt to ask. Check their website if you hav'nt already. Linda