LOTS of questions re:1st trip (and w/25 highschoolers!!!)

[firecracker]

Hi, taking 25 high school seniors to Florida for their Senior trip. (I know, I'm crazy!) We're going to IOA for one day only.

Do you, the experts, have any touring suggestions? I'm a WDW fan and know those parks well, always have a plan A, B, and C. But, I've never been to IOA. We've got one day, Monday 5/24.

How should I tackle the day? Is it like WDW--should we arrive before opening time? I don't plan on dragging all 25 kids with me all day, but I want to make the most of my day (w/my DH). I'd love to ride 3x more rides than the kids!

Also, any suggestions on a place for all of us to meet for lunch or dinner?

Where can I find park maps, hours, restaurants, etc. in one place? It seems that WDW has lots of "unofficial" sites w/tons of info, but I haven't found much on IOA.

I can't think of anymore questions at the moment, but I'm sure I will as soon as I click "submit!"

Thanks in advance for all your help and information!

Carmen, the crazy one dragging 25 kids around Orlando!

 

[wendypooh]

Wow, my son graduates in June, and there is NO WAY I'd take 25 of his friends........... LOL, of course I would!!!

Anyway, you have tons of ????'s, hope I can help a little.

First off......... the one day one park ticket is $54.75 per person, and the 1 day 2 park ticket ( ONLY avail. at the gate) is around $77.00 per person.......... my advice............ if the kids can afford it, get the 2 park ticket!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you staying overnight???

You can also with your entry tickets get an express pass (free) for a ride...... i.e. say you want to go on Hulk, you put your ticket into the express pass machine, and get a ticket with a time on it, that's when you go bact to the express line, and ride, then you can get another express ticket for something else........ etc... OR there is an express pass plus book you can purchase, you get one pass for one ride, i.e. 1 pass for hulk, 1 time, 1 pass for spidey, 1 time...... etc. these are between $15-25.00 ( I don't think they are worth it). But it is an option.

There are a lot of good places to eat............ I'd suggest somewhere in citywalk...... my boys LOVED nbacity....... the food is super, or there is hardrock, or margaritaville....... which is also very good.......... or depending on your price range, we also liked Richter Burgers, and Cafe Labamba......... there are many good places. One piece of advice........... STAY AWAY from Mel's Diner....... the food is NOT good!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will try to find links for the park maps and also to some of the restaurants.

Also, I'd advise the (kids) to buy the refillable drink mugs....... it saves a lot of money on refills and ice water is FREE!!! and they can refill them pretty much anywhere, even the restaurants!!!!

Have a super time!!!

 

[wendypooh]

Here are links for a ton of info on restaurants........... etc!!!


http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/unimenus.html

http://www.yourmagicaljourneys.com/menu.htm

www.orlandotripplanner.com