Looking for US/I-Drive experts!!!

[happy2012]

I need some help w/ planning the "Orlando" part of our next WDW trip. I have got all things Disney down. I have some, but little experience on other Orlando attractions, so that is where I need some good tips & advice. We will pick 2 attractions to visit during our 4 night stay.


1.) 1 day @ a Universal Park,which one?
2.) Discovery Cove seems amazing-what age is good for DC? or Aquatica Waterpark?
4.) Cabana Bay Beach Resort will be 2 nights of our stay, any suggestions for the other 2 nights?

We are interested in exploring the nice dining/shopping areas of I-Drive. We have driven through the area & thought there was a nice stretch of I-Drive, pretty palm trees line the street & plenty of restaurants. The problem is I don't remember @ all what area we were actually in. Near the convention center maybe?? If anyone has pictures or know that area well, I'd appreciate any info or hotel suggestions. We would be happy to be able to walk to dining if we can. We are figuring we'll need a car but if we don't, please let me know,we'd rather walk but if a car is cheaper than airport transfers,shuttles & taxis, we'd pick the car.

 

[Lynne G]

Do not know the kid ages if you are with kids, but if you are going to USO, then think about a 2 park pass, as you cannot ride the potter train without it. Go on USO's website and see which park, IOA or the Studios hold your attention. The water rides, that you will get soaked on, are all in IOA. The newer potter section is in the Studios. With your CB stay, you get early entry. Take advantage of that.

If you can afford it, look into DC. It is a great park and so relaxing. With your ticket, you also get 14 days of visits to Seaworld and Aquadica. We think aquadica is a great water park. For DC, I do not remember the minimum age for being with the dolphins, but please check, as I think 6 years old, but that may not be right. I would also rent a car and stay near DC. There are several neighbor hotels that are listed on the SW website. We have stayed at the Fairfield and Residence Inns both very close to SW, DC, and Aquadica and would stay at either again.

Take a look in the Universal and SW forums here. Great info in those forums.

Have a great vacation what ever you decide. There is so much to do in the I drive area that is not WDW.

 

[Lynne G]

Oh, and I think you are thinking of the area around the Convention Center, it is more green and there are tons of restaurants and hotels in that stretch.

 

[GoBears 1980]

Even with one day at USO I'd get a park hopper so you can do the two WWOHP areas.

The nice restaurant area of I-Drive is the Pointe Orlando. It is just north of the convention center.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

You're thinking of the stretch of I-Drive that is south of Sand Lake Rd. Some nice hotel choices in that area are the Hyatt Regency Orlando and Rosen Shingle Creek. The Orlando Eye complex opened recently on that side of I-Drive, and includes the wheel, aquarium and Madam Tussauds.

There's the I-Ride Trolley which travels all up and down I-Drive which I believe is free.

 

[happy2012]

Thank you everyone. I have found all of the information you have offered to be helpful. I want to make sure I do those 4 days right!

 

[happy2012]

If anyone has any extra tips/ideas I'll gladly take them!!