single mom´s vacation in Florida

[Hallo from Sweden]

This thread was originally posted on the community board but I was recommended to post it here as well.

Good evening from Sweden !

We are (I think) 6 hours ahead of you. I have written on some of the other forums but never on this particular one (what does community board stand for ?).
But it seemed ok to send in a question here which is not directly related to Disney.
I will be travelling on my own with my two children 10,12 in Florida for 3 weeks, beginning the week before christmas and going back home on the 9th of january. We will start at Orlando (the Dolphin) where wll stay for 6 nights, then we´ll go down to the Keys by rental car and stay near Marathon for a week, after that to Fort Lauderdale, 6 days and then back to Orlando for 3 days.
I have already booked our hotels but I would gladly take any advice on what to do and see and do you think I´m totally crazy to be doing this trip on my own. What shall I look out for ?
I have been to the United States 5-6 times during the last 20 years som I´m not a total beginner but haveb´t been there since my oldest child was born.
One thing is, we booked tickets for an NHL icehockeygame in Fort Lauderdale, is it safe going to and from your car or should I use public transportation instead, we´ll be staying near the beach and Las Olas Blvd.
The FL hotel says it´s within walkingdistance from restaurants and shopping but would you walk at night, not very late but say until 9 ?
I stop here otherwise it´ll be to long.
Regards
Annika

 

[CarolA]

I will give it my best shot.
I travel a lot in Florida as a single female and it is generally pretty safe.

The LasOlas area of Fort Lauderdale is very tourist friendly so you should have no problem. In general you will be better off driving yourself to the Hockey game. Public transport in that part of the country is pretty weak and it probably will take you to parts of the city that ARE NOT on the tourist trail.

Have a great trip!

 

[Robinrs]

I'm a single parent, also and my son and I go to Orlando numerous times a year with no problems at all.

I've always felt safe there, but then again, I'm from New York City! You'll love the Dolphin, it's awesome!

BTW, Community Board is a board for all kinds of friendly communication, not just Disney related.

 

[mainewmn]

I have traveled a number of times with my son as a single parent without any incidents or problems. The next trip will be our first “family” trip to Orlando and I’m more concerned about satisfying everyone’s needs and wants. Have a good time and enjoy yourself!

 

[IloveDMB]

Just got back from Ft. Lauderdale about 2 weeks ago. I never once felt unsafe. We didn't rent a car so we took taxies everywhere and they are very affordable. Las Olas is a kind of long street so if you are planning on going from the beach area to the Riverfront, I def. suggest that you take a taxi. We walked one night and by the time we got there, we were too tired to do anything. Might I ask what hotel you are staying in Ft. Lauderdale?

Also, I don't know if you're plans are changeable, but if you haven't been to Key West, I def. suggest going there while down by Marathon Key. There is a lot to do in Key West and it is absolutely beautiful. You can visit the Southernmost Point in the United States there. It seemed interesting to me!

Hope this helps

 

[ear_poppin]

Ive been to Orlando many times and I am going for 3 weeks just me and my two sons aged 5 and 8 and I am not worried at all!! Its such a great place etc even though I am from England it feels like I know the place like the back of my hand.

Have a great time

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

It is a long drive to the Keys, although Marathon Key is closer than Key West. Be prepared with drinks, water, snacks etc. in the car. Allow enough time to make the drive in as leisurely a manner as possible.

Remember all the usual visitor "rules." Keep your valuables out of sight, both in the car and the hotel room, and on your person. Lock the car for any time you will be away from it at all, same for the hotel room. Use maps and plan your routes to avoid getting lost and having to ask directions from strangers. All those sorts of practical things!

Have a wonderful holiday. WDW is beautifully decorated during the time you will be visiting and you should enjoy every minute.

 

[Hallo from Sweden]

Thank you everyone for all your tips. We´re leaving in 10 days and I AM getting nervous.
How about staying for groceries on our way down to the Keys. All our luggage will be in the car, how big a risk for someone breaking into the car ? Any good suggestions on where to stop on the way from Orlando to almost in the middle of Marathon and Islamorada.
Annika