Questions for a quick trip at a busy time.

[Sunshineminnie]

Hi all,

My family and I will be in Orlando for a cruise early August. I know that the parks will be crazy busy that time of year. Although we usually avoid crowds like the plague, this will probably be our last trip to that area before DD leaves for college. The kids (13 and 16) would love, love, love to go to HP! We are seriously thinking of going a couple of days early to surprise them with the HP.

We would fly in on a Wednesday, get to the airport at 11 ish. Rent a car. Maybe go to park on Wednesday but for sure on Thursday.

Here are my questions:
1. Our flight would get in to Orlando at 11am ish. Is it worth it to hit IOA or US that afternoon and evening?

2. The onsite hotels are WAY expensive, but I'm thinking probably worth it for the express pass and early entry. (again not a fan of crowds and lines) ya I know..... August.... crowds and lines! Does it make a difference which hotel?

3. Because time is rather short, is one hotel better as far as walking to the parks and such?

4. If we did go to the parks on both days, should we get a park to park option or just do one park each day.

5. Should we try to fit Blue Man group in instead of 2 parks?

6. What time is checkout. Could we go to the parks early (I think early entry is 7am) hang out for a few hours, head back to hotel to chill and pack and return late afternoon to hit some more rides?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[damo]

If you want to spend a lot of time at IOA, stay at Royal Pacific. It is great staying onsite in the summer because you can sneak back for a swim to cool off. I would definitely spend both days at the parks. They'll be open late both days. I'd do park to park and skip BMG. Check out is 11 but you have express access with your room key all day and you can use the hotel facilities all day.

 

[Sunshineminnie]

Thanks for the info! So, if we came back to the hotel to swim after we check out, are there locker rooms or somewhere that we could change and get ready?

 

[damo]

Thanks for the info! So, if we came back to the hotel to swim after we check out, are there locker rooms or somewhere that we could change and get ready?

The bathrooms are large and lovely. I'm not sure about the area down by the pool but there are probably some showers down there. I've never used them. The washrooms on the main level would provide enough room for you to get dressed and ready.