Orlando : My first time

[sigur]

Yesterday I finally booked a trip to Orlando. My girlfriend and I are going for 8 days from the 18th October.

I have never been to Orlando or even a theme park before, so this is going to be on hell of a baptism of fire.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi and welcome

You have picked a good time to go, October is probably the ideal time to visit Florida.

Don't be afraid to post any questions on here, we are a helpful bunch!

 

[sigur]

Hi and welcome

You have picked a good time to go, October is probably the ideal time to visit Florida.

Don't be afraid to post any questions on here, we are a helpful bunch!

Thanks

So many questions but will hit "search" to avoid questions that have been asked a million times before.

 

[wifey]

If you want to do some planning before you go then get some good guide books and have a look at some of our favourite sites , we love the Brit's Guide to Orlando and Unofficial Disney Guide but Passporter is also very good
For helpful tips we look at http://www.allearsnet.com and check the weather forecasts with http://www.weather.com/weather/local/32836 other sites also available I'm sure you'll get lots of great advice right here on this forum

 

[JohnnySharp2]

So many questions but will hit "search" to avoid questions that have been asked a million times before.

Don't you worry about that the search facility is useful but it's always nice to ask your own questions anyway besides there is no limit on the same question(s) being asked.

 

[sigur]

Ok then, here goes.

Im staying at the Holiday Inn Plaza, im not too sure what the transport links are like so is it worth hiring a car while I am over there?

Universal is looking to be my main highlight, so much things I want to do there.
We have 8 days : Wednesday - Thursday.

What kind of itinerary should we be looking at (2 adults, no kids) ?

Is the Halloween Horror Nights worth seeing while I am there ?
Is the Universal Meal deal worth purchasing?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Do you mean the Quality Inn Plaza on I-drive?

Depending on where you are staying you can manage without a car, the transportation from the hotels to the parks is usually pretty good, however as we rent a car every-time we go I can highly recommend it - you just have that extra flexibility to travel around as you please, especially if you want to go slightly further afield - ultimately it just comes down to personal choice there.

The problem with 8 days is really you will struggle to fit all the theme parks in, Universal & Disney.
So the best bet is to visit the parks you really want to see, also if you spend everyday at the parks it will probably be a bit much so I would plan a couple of rest days for relaxing or maybe do some shopping etc

Universal parks have the advantage of being next to each other so you can simply walk from one to the other in a couple of minutes. Probably a couple of days would be enough for these, depending on if you plan on spending all day at the park when you go.
The general approach for many of us is to get to the parks just before opening at 9am, this way in theory the parks are quieter and the weather cooler (although conditions in October should be ideal)...it is common to take a break for lunch and then return again in the evening, should you wish to.
Once you have decided which parks and how many times you intend to visist them, I guess you can then look at the ticket options available.

The Halloween Horror Nights are excellent, to be fair though it is a long time since I have been to one - as for the meals question I honestly don't know as I have never tried this, sure someone will have done.

A good website that may give you an idea of what tickets are available and the prices is Maple Leaf who are based in Kissimmee, Florida - you could use their website as a guide as to what you can buy.

www.mapleleaftickets.com

As far as planning goes you can always just take it day by day when you get out there, must admit that is what we generally do.

 

[sigur]

Do you mean the Quality Inn Plaza on I-drive?

Ooops, yes that is the one.

 

[flortlebap]

October is a wonderful time to visit.

If you're staying off site, I would highly recommend hiring a car. I-Drive shuttle services tend to not be very good, and you have more flexibility with hiring. Parking charges will apply though - I think it's in the region of $9 a day at Disney.

You will probably need a day at both Universal and IOA, and if it's just adults, you'll love it. There are many thrill rides to take in. If you're both over 21 take in Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney and visit Citywalk, both great for evenings. Disney also have some thrill rides (Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror, Rock n Rollercoaster) for instance, so I'd do a few days there too.

HHN are meant to be great - but like Marmite, you either love them or hate them. Given the choice, I would go - but we can't fit it into our schedule

 

[flortlebap]

BTW we stayed at the Quality Inn Plaza too - and struggled without a car. Hire one if at all possible, and make sure you take out extra insurance. And PS - you'll probably find it difficult to hire if you're under 25!!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Ooops, yes that is the one.

You are staying on International Drive then (or I drive).
One of the main tourist areas in Orlando with many hotels available.

I guess then in theory, you don't HAVE to get a car, I am sure the Quality Inn have some sort of transportation to the parks and there are also buses you can use too, plus you are walking distance from restaurants.
Though I must admit I cannot comment from personal experience as we always have a car.

To rent a car or not is a much discussed subject on here, personally I think it's big advantage to have your own transport.

 

[sigur]

We are both over 25 so hiring a car should not be a problem.

Im looking forward to this trip, I feel like a big kid.

 

[alisonbestford]

It is possible to get the I-Trolley up I-Drive and then walk over to the Universal parks

It's a 15-20 minute walk but we did this several times on our first Orlando visit and caught a taxi back to the hotel at night
It's not so easy to get public transportation to Disney though

 

[Cyrano]

Hi sigur and welcome to DIS.
I'm sure you'll have a great trip

 

[sigur]

Im already starting to like this site

 

[AndRu]

If you're an Orlando veteran (and have a sadostic streak) then an 8 day stay on I-Drive without car would be possible. For anyone new to it and only 8 days, a car would be essential!

As for the theme parks, start reading up now. Use these boards, other 'net sites and books. If you like thrill rides then making time for Islands of Adventure (and possibly Busch Gardens even with the drive) should be considered. Even though the accent on this park is for children, always make time for a trip to the Magic Kindom. If you want a really laid back time visiting shops and cafes with an occasional ride then go to Epcot ... but only if you've exhausted all other avenues!

Good luck with your planning.

 

[wayneg]

Welcome, I have only ever been without a car for 1 day in Florida, staying onsite at ASM. It was my worst nightmare having to get on a bus. I have not been on a bus in UK for 22 years so it was not enjoyable. Just glad Alamo eventually sorted my hire car for the next day. If you are used to public transport you could get about but I would hate it.
October is our favourite time of year especially the week you are going thats probably the quietest week, beginning of month there are more Americans around.
We dont think the meal deal is worth it, $18.99+tax but no drinks included if you want the drinks added its another $7.99+tax. Most meals are around $6-$7 so you would have to eat 3 meals each to break even, 4 meals to be worth doing, I can eat but not 4 meals plus a day.

 

[sigur]

Welcome, I have only ever been without a car for 1 day in Florida, staying onsite at ASM. It was my worst nightmare having to get on a bus. I have not been on a bus in UK for 22 years so it was not enjoyable. Just glad Alamo eventually sorted my hire car for the next day. If you are used to public transport you could get about but I would hate it.
October is our favourite time of year especially the week you are going thats probably the quietest week, beginning of month there are more Americans around.
We dont think the meal deal is worth it, $18.99+tax but no drinks included if you want the drinks added its another $7.99+tax. Most meals are around $6-$7 so you would have to eat 3 meals each to break even, 4 meals to be worth doing, I can eat but not 4 meals plus a day.

The break down of meal prices is a great help. Like you I cant eat 4 meals when Im out.

Looks like I will definately be hiring a car then. We want to have a day going to outlets/malls etc anyway.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Many of the restaurants such as Ponderosa & Golden Corral do buffet style food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
These can work out very good value for money and are definitely worth a try.

 

[Miffy2003]

Welcome to the Dis sigur!

Lots of people stay on I Drive without a car and have a fab time