Orlando April Trip

[NeilS]

Message: We are a family of 3, with a five and a half year old boy, from the UK going to Orlando in 2nd week of April and I've got one or two questions about our forthcoming trip:
1. Is it possible to buy tickets for Cirque du Soleil when we get there, or does it get booked up so quickly its best to buy before we leave the UK?
2. We know the parks will be busy when we go, but what will be the average queueing time be for the small children rides in April?
3. Are there any parks you wouldn't take a five year old boy? Animal Kingdom? Epcot?
4. My wife is on a diet and has recently lost about 40lbs. Are all the restaurants fast food or are there plenty now that do low fat food/salads etc.
5. Which are the best beaches on the west coast and whats the driving time from Lake Buena Vista area?
6. Has anyone been to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and not liked any aspect of it?
Many thanks in advance.
Neil

 

[RobinMarie]

Hello Neil! I think you are visiting during a pretty busy time of the year so you might want to purchase the Cirque tickets ahead of time just to be safe.

2) My suggestion would be: arrive when the park opens, on a non-early entry day, and do all of the rides you'd like within the first 2-3 hours. With a good plan, most of the popular rides will be doable. Some attractions are easier than others but for rides like Dumbo in the MK, you'll want to be there at opening. The wait times can easily be 45 min - more as the day goes on. Use fast pass!

3) My dd is 6 and will be visiting the parks for her 8th time this April. There isn't any park I wouldn't take a 5 yo.

4) Disney has made great progress in their healthy choice and salad offerings. One of my favorite salads is at Pecos Bills, counter service, in the Magic Kingdom. I don't think you should have any problems sticking to your diet if you are determined!

5) I'm not much help here but we did drive from Fort Myers to Disney one year and I think it was over 3 hours. I thought the area was great. Tampa area is a much shorter drive with some good beaches within the city.

HTH!

 

[Kate-n-sam]

and welcome. I will try to help you as best I can!

1. Don't know
2. I don't know how long the lines will be, I've never been at this time. I do know if you are at the parks for opening and use fast pass, you should be able to do many of the popular rides without much wait. Also save the less popular for mid day when the parks are busier...the treehouse, the people mover in TL to name a few.
3. There are a few attractions people caution taking young kids on...EPCOT...HISTA, Mission space, test track, may or may not be scary for your child. Mine would be, but my friend's 3 year old does all of these with no problem. AK....Dinosaur. MGM...ToT, RnR, Star Wars, the great movie ride. This one is mostly enjoyable, but there is a short section from the movie Alien.
4. She should be able to find fruit, salads and soups at most restaurants. Certainly at sit downs.
5. Not sure.
6. Sorry!
Have a great trip

 

[cleo]

Hi NeilS, and Welcome to the DIS!

Just as an added idea, have you picked up The Brit's Guide to Orlando and Walt Disney World, written by our own Simon Veness? The 2004 edition is out, and it will give you so many fabulous descriptions of the parks (and beyond!) that you'll feel like a real pro by the time your holiday arrives.

It may help you decide which attractions are appropriate for your child, as well as giving you loads of great tips specific to our British visitors.