Overwhelmed - How to start planning an Orlando Trip?

[wvhokies]

This is the first time I'm actually planning a stay for our family (me, DH, DD8 and DD5) in Orlando that's not an easy "all-inclusive" stay on-site with the DDP.

I really don't know where to start... we're planning on going 5/11/12 thru 5/19/12, and I know DH and I want to check out Busch Gardens Tampa and Legoland. We'll probably also go to MK and AK since our little one was only 2 the last time we were there and doesn't remember any of it. DH and I are huge Harry Potter fans, but aren't sure we want to invest in Universal if our 5 year old won't be able to do everything.

My kids also really love swimming and water slides / water parks. Anyone know much about Aquatica or Wet n Wild?

Based on all this, do you have a recommended place(s) to stay and any idea what we should expect to pay? Any ideas for purchasing discount tickets? We've also never rented a car there (for that matter, I haven't rented a car since 2000!), so any suggestions there are appreciated.

The more I write, the more I wonder whether I should be looking for a travel agent, although we are very budget conscious!!

Sorry about the lengthiness! Thanks in advance for any help!!

 

[Upatnoon]

This is the first time I'm actually planning a stay for our family (me, DH, DD8 and DD5) in Orlando that's not an easy "all-inclusive" stay on-site with the DDP.

I really don't know where to start... we're planning on going 5/11/12 thru 5/19/12, and I know DH and I want to check out Busch Gardens Tampa and Legoland. We'll probably also go to MK and AK since our little one was only 2 the last time we were there and doesn't remember any of it. DH and I are huge Harry Potter fans, but aren't sure we want to invest in Universal if our 5 year old won't be able to do everything.

My kids also really love swimming and water slides / water parks. Anyone know much about Aquatica or Wet n Wild?

Based on all this, do you have a recommended place(s) to stay and any idea what we should expect to pay? Any ideas for purchasing discount tickets? We've also never rented a car there (for that matter, I haven't rented a car since 2000!), so any suggestions there are appreciated.

The more I write, the more I wonder whether I should be looking for a travel agent, although we are very budget conscious!!

Sorry about the lengthiness! Thanks in advance for any help!!

1. It is very expensive to mix Disney and other theme parks. I would do one or the other.

2. I would suggest getting an Orlando flex ticket to cover most of the parks you want to visit except Disney and Lego. Check it out at http://www.mapleleaftickets.com/orlando_flex_tickets.htm

For legoland, look here: http://www.mousesavers.com/legolandflorida.html#admission
You can get kid tickets free for each adult pass you buy.

3. For lodging, I would rent a timeshare place in Orlando, such as Wyndham Bonnet Creek, for around $100 a night for a 2BR and full kitchen. You can find them less than that. Look on ebay as lots of people rent orlando timeshares. You can also get suggestions in the "we loooooove bonnet creek" thread.

4. Bonnet Creek has great lazy rivers and pools, as do other resorts in Orlando, so leave some time for them if you are staying at one. With younger kids, I would go Aquatica.

5. You will need a rental car, or course, but you know that. Figure 90 minutes to Busch Gardens and 1 hour to Legoland from the Disney area.

6. Stay longer if you can to get full use of your theme park tickets with a few days to do nothing but hang around your resort. You can always save money by eating more in your room, which won't be a burden if you have a large place with a full kitchen.

 

[wvhokies]

Thanks so much for the tips. We're doing a 4 day Disney Cruise in 2013, so maybe we could do the Disney Parks prior to that and stick to the non-Disney places this year.