Need Tips / Info for those who have car when at Disney

[Wendybird55]

OK..So this long-time, stay-on Disney Property, use ME, use Disney transportation afficienado, has just rented a car for our stay this August at Disney.

This is our 4th trip this year (making use of that AP). It is a 12-day trip. We are not in any dire need or rush to do anything special at Disney - just enjoy the place. We purchased 3-day tickets to Universal. The amount of time spent in Disney parks is not crucial sooo...where can we go with the car???

Meaning..DS is a big breakfast eater and let's face it, Disney TS breakfasts get expensive over 12 days...any Denny's, Perkins, I Hops or diners nearby we can venture to for some breakfasts? I know there's a McDonalds on property and that's good as DS enjoys their Hot Cakes and Filet of Fish.

What about shopping or other dining options? We do have TiW which we will use. And fishing?? We've done the Disney 2 hour trips and love them...does anyone know of any other good fishing off property?
We don't want to do SeaWorld or LEGOLAND, as we do want time to enjoy being at Disney...just wondering if there are some nearby places (restaurants, stores) we can go to that will save $ to offset added costs of Universal and car?

Also any tips on getting around Disney with a car will be helpful. I'm assuming we'll be fine using the GPS on our phones...does MDE help with directions?

Thanks

 

[subtchr]

If you have never done it, Medieval Times is a lot of fun. The food is actually pretty good, too. I take groups there, and even though I've seen it enough times, the groups always LOVE it.

Be sure to do a search for discounts, if you decide to give it a try.

 

[Hootch]

I can't help you much on what else to see. In general, the signage at WDW is helpful for getting around the park. We almost always have our car and use it for a lot of getting around, just not outside WDW too often. Your GPS should work fine also.

Are you staying at Universal? The Express Pass that comes with a stay at the three luxury resorts is a major time saver for a number of rides there.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

Follow the signs to exit Disney property onto Hwy 192 and look for Bob Evan's. They usually do a pretty good job for breakfast and the prices are good. If you have shoppers, a trip to the outlets is a nice way to spend the day.

 

[Parker Clan]

We always have a car when we go to Disney/Universal & find it's very easy to get around. We use our GPS usually. One restaurant we like is Buca Di Beppo at the Florida Mall. Family style Italian- amazing food! And I can always find a coupon. I agree with a PP about staying on site at Universal. We only do 2 days but get SO much done with that unlimited express pass.

 

[Planogirl]

If you don't mind braving International Drive there is a good Bahama Breeze there. The trouble is that this road can get really backed up particularly past the Universal Blvd split.

I've heard that Keke's Breakfast Café is good but we haven't been. It's on Dr. Phillips.

I would download a good map if you haven't yet in case the GPS is fouled up. We love having a car even though I admit to getting lost more than once. It's all good though because we enjoy exploring and learning about the area.

 

[Fire14]

I enjoy visiting outlets. Would like to check out FL mall one of these days. During last trip I took day for myself and went on personal side trip but I will say it was one of my favorite days of trip.

 

[BrokeMack]

If you have never done it, Medieval Times is a lot of fun. The food is actually pretty good, too. I take groups there, and even though I've seen it enough times, the groups always LOVE it.

Be sure to do a search for discounts, if you decide to give it a try.

Medieval Times is fun. I went on my bachelor party (followed by Pleasure Island *sad face*). Irlo Bronson Pkwy heads out towards Kissimmee and there's lots to do out there. You'll stay clear of the I drive craziness and probably save some money too.

 

[DisMom829]

If you head to Vineland Drive, there are a ton of restaurants in that area, also there is an I-Hop nearby. We used GPS on our phones to find most places. I second Bahama Breeze, it is wonderful. There are outlet malls on Vineland and International Drive. There is also a Chick-Fil-A on South Apopka Vineland Road. A lot of restaurants in that area also.

 

[LOL!]

You might be surprised at how quickly you'll be able to jump in your car and be at tons of great places to eat off-property. You didn't say where you are staying but you can literally see AKL from the parking lot of a Texas Roadhouse on 192. Take the back way out of WDW (Sherberth Road) and it only takes a few minutes. One of the first things that greets you when you drive off-property that way is a Golden Corral breakfast buffet.

In regards to fishing, serious fishing is only an hour away at Cocoa Beach.

 

[kmoore7]

We always drive when we go. Last trip was the first time we ventured off property though. Hate to leave that Disney bubble. We did find an I-Hop, Olive garden just to break up the trip a little. When we went on our honeymoon in 89, we did Sea World,Gator World. That was before cell phones and Google,so....

 

[coolbrook]

One thing to be aware of is toll roads. Figure out ahead of time where those are and be prepared! We were caught unawares and exited a toll road at an exit that was unmanned and for people with some kind of express pass sticker. We got a "ticket" in the mail after arriving home. Luckily it was just for the amount of the toll, but it stressed us out worrying what we would be charged for until we got that letter.

 

[CanadianPaco]

I enjoy visiting outlets. Would like to check out FL mall one of these days. During last trip I took day for myself and went on personal side trip but I will say it was one of my favorite days of trip.

Same! It's a fun time with great stores!!!!!

 

[Rosebud123]

We always rent a car, whether we stay on property or off.
Last trip we went to a Bitsuteki (sp??) place that was about 10 minutes away. We also used the car for our one day at Universal and our two grocery trips.

It's very easy to get around Orlando/WDW property.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

If you have one, take your GPS... We found it took us on a more direct route through and around WDW. A lot of the "shortcuts" through Disney were not posted or mapped on WDW maps. We stayed at CBR and had a car so were easily able to get around. Lots and lots of chain restaurants and some great breakfast places. Waffle house comes to mind, but there is a TON. Lake Buena Vista (you're not really in Orlando) is a tourist mecca and trust me there is plenty of places to eat and shop! (Disney just doesn't want us to know that! Lol). What's funny is we are doing the reverse of you this time. We have always rented a car, this trip we're planning to do a complete WDW transportation trip. Hope we don't live to regret it! Have fun, 12 days is awesome!

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Oh btw, Tolls. Get a Florida sun pass before you go. You set up an account and the cost comes directly out of that. It saves time and money! Our NY thruway pass worked in Florida. Much easier and cheaper...

 

[LetsTalkWDW]

Daytona Beach is about a 1.5 hour drive (maybe a little less). Lots to do or just hang out on the beach.

We've also done Kennedy Space Center about 1 hour drive. This was more fun/interesting for me than my wife.

 

[JimmyV]

If you don't mind braving International Drive there is a good Bahama Breeze there.

Isn't there also a Bahama Breeze in the Crossroads Plaza right across the street from Downtown Disney/Saratoga Springs?

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

We recommend any of the Ale House locations for dinner. Check out the WDW outlet store called Character Premiere in the Orlando Premium Outlets near the DTD exit of I-4. There is a Hash House A GoGo on I Drive now. As for breakfast, there are any number of IHOP, Waffle House, Golden Corral buffet, etc around the offsite areas of WDW.

 

[Jennytoon]

If you don't mind braving International Drive there is a good Bahama Breeze there. The trouble is that this road can get really backed up particularly past the Universal Blvd split.

Isn't there also a Bahama Breeze in the Crossroads Plaza right across the street from Downtown Disney/Saratoga Springs?

There is also a Bahama Breeze on 192. I third or fourth or whatever the thumbs up here. They sometimes have a happy hour where many of the appetizers are half off, including the good ones and not the ones that you were never going to order anyway.

Also on 192 we like Bonefish Grill and Houlihan's, and Chuy's. I think Houlihan's participates in the Kids Eat Free or has other specials -- their brunch is a good deal. The food is not amazing, but quite good and a solid value. Bonefish can be a little pricey, but still a bargain if you're used to Disney sticker shock prices and the food is good. Chuy's has excellent Mexican for good prices.