One Day in Orlando

[LisaT91403]

Hello Orlando Experts!

We (myself, DH, DS(6), and Grandma) are arriving in the evening on New Year's Day (Thursday), and are embarking on our Disney Cruise on Saturday morning. This leaves us a full day on Friday (and a bit of Thursday night, although not much since our flight doesn't arrive until 5:30pm) to relax and enjoy Orlando.

We have decided not to visit WDW because we only have one day, and it's going to be too crowded during the holiday. I'm open to both Disney and non-Disney activities, but I don't think I'll spend money on a traditional "character meal" since we'll have plenty of characters on the cruise.

We will have a rental car, so anywhere within reasonable driving distance is fair game. Here's what I'd like ideas for:

- A Friday day time activity in case it's too cold to swim

- An indoor back-up plan in case it's raining/very cold

- Restaurant ideas (unique ones?) for anytime on Friday, and possibly Thurs night

Thank you!

 

[kathy884]

I read on your other post that you have a six year old in your party too.

If it's too cold for swimming (always a hit with that age) and most of the Orlando resorts do keep their pools pretty warm, but still weather in December can vary so much, if I were in your shoes I would consider a day at SeaWorld (more doable with the Christmas crowds than the Disney parks) or if you are looking for more of a three hour vs. what could be a full day experience pehaps Gatorland. SeaWorld is a really special place over the season and such a great park for a multigenerational group. You just need to get to shows about 30 minutes before they start. And Shamus Happy Harbor is an incredible play area too (great for the 12 and under set) that your six your old I'm sure would love. And the great animal exhibits are much more doable with large crowds than the rides/attractions at the Disney parks over that busy holiday period.

Now Gatorland is more of a old time Florida attraction than a world class theme park, but we've always really enjoyed a visit there. Great little diversion, nice outing.

If it's freezing cold (too cold for touring outside). Usually that's not the case, just put on jeans and a fleece jacket, but there is always something like the Orlando Science Center. I haven't been, but hear good reviews. And I know at six DS always loved places like this too.

For food, there are two Disney resort hotels that I like to go to for special dining. One is the BOMA buffet at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (African themed, but like all Disney buffets some kid pleasers for picky eaters too). What I like about this is that you can go early (get a three hour parking pass and explore the grounds and after dinner explore the grounds and even use night goggles for animal viewing.) They also have story tellers that tell stories around fire pits, etc. that you can listen too, etc. The other place I like to go with a family group is Ohana at the Polynesian resort. Again, we love going to walk around their beautiful hotel and grounds. Here for dinner, the food is served family style and is Polynesian themed. I like the food at both these places. I think cost for adults is about $40 per person at both (Disney food costs are high.) I wouldn't think the food itself while good is worth that, but with the whole experience (gets me over to the very nicely themed resort and resort grounds) I've been a repeat diner at both of these.

 

[LisaT91403]

I read on your other post that you have a six year old in your party too.

Yes! I've edited my post to include that info...thanks for reminding me

I would consider a day at SeaWorld

Good idea, except that we have visited the one in San Diego many times

Now Gatorland is more of a old time Florida attraction than a world class theme park, but we've always really enjoyed a visit there. Great little diversion, nice outing.

Is that still there?! I lived in Orlando from the time I was a year old until the age of 4. I have seen my parents' old pictures of me at Gatorland. I had no idea it still existed! Might have to look into that.

I will definitely check out the dinners you suggested. The one at AK sounds pretty neat!

Thank you so much, Kathy! If anyone has other suggestions, bring 'em on!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I would highly recommend ICE! at Gaylord Palms. In addition to ICE!, they have lots of other activities (such as cookie decorating with Gingy the Gingerbread Man, holiday entertainment, gators in the 4 acre indoor atrium, etc.) to round out the day or a good part thereof. If you change your mind on the character meal, you could even kick off the day with "Shrekfast", the character meal featuring Shrek, Fiona and Puss in Boots.

You can read about our experience here (lots of photos, too):

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3041415&page=8

beginning at post 120.

Here's the official website as well:

http://www.marriott.com/hotel-info/...ter/christmas-at-gaylord-palms/csyr9pd/ice.mi

I would also second the suggestion of Gatorland. Add an airboat tour to the latter part of the day to round it out, and have a full "gator day" (as neither is a full day activity, but both compliment each other very well).

For our review of both Gatorland and the airboat ride (we visited Wild Willy's....highly recommend!), check out this link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3041415&page=4

and begin reading at post 60.