So where is everybody staying and when?

[Clare D]

Just wondered where everybody else was going to stay and when.
We are off to the AKL early October for 4 nights and then to Naples for 10 days.
What is your favourite park?
Mine is MK
What is your best tip?
Mine is read this site!

 

[mushumadness]

Im staying at an executive villa september 14th 06 for two weeks and I love epcot

anna

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Hi Clare

We're doing it the other way around this year - 12 nights Fort Myers and then 5 nights back in Orlando.

Following five consecutive trips (the last one in Oct 03), we decided we were all a little "all parked out" (I know, I know, how can that happen ), but we did all feel that we had done everything again and again, so we took a year off last year (had trips to France and Italy skiing for Xmas - fantastic ), but are really looking forward to our trip to Florida in August ths year. This time of the year is not one we have been before (nor would have chosen if it wasn't for DD at secondary school and I now work as school sec/admin officer, so no time off out of term time ), so the heat will be higher than we've been used to in May, June and October during our previous visits. But we all love the heat, Florida wouldn't be right without it roasting!

We are looking forward to our almost two weeks on the beach - we have always only ever spent a week in Orlando, that's enough for us, then a week or two down at St Petes and Clearwater, then the last two years it's been Marco Island, just down the road from Naples. It is great there - we love this area so much. There is so much more to Florida than just the theme parks, so much to see and do, including shopping and eating

Where abouts are you staying in Naples? We've stayed at the AKL and it was the best. We had a savannah view room and the animals were outside our balcony morning, noon and night.

Have you been down to the Naples area before? If not, holler and I'll give you some ideas of things to do and places to visit

My DD's (12) fave park is Universal's IOA (especially Hulk ), mine is a tought - nothing beats the sight of Cinderella's castle once you walk up Main Street in MK, but for our last two October trips we've done MK for MNSSHP, and it's totally transformed, such fun. I also love US - both parks have to be my favourite. DH's is Epcot and US's . . . especially MIB.

This year, since we're only in Orlando for a short space of time (like you), we know exactly where we're going . . . . MGM and AK for Disney (these were the two Disney parks we didn't do last trip, so we're looking forward to seeing them again now ) and then 2.5 days Universal, both parks

 

[mandymouse]

Great thread Claire

We are off to Orlando on the 11th May, we're going on the 3 night Disney Wonder Cruise and then having 2 weeks at the All Star Sports.

My fave park is MGM Studios with RnRc being my fave ride.

I'm with you on the 'best tip', there are loads of good tips and ideas on these boards, but I think my 'tip' would be to just sit back and remember where you are, we spend so much time organising meals and rides that we need to just sit down and take in the atmosphere.

mandymouse

 

[Clare D]

Hi Mrs Dazzle
Thanks for the offer of info that would be very much appreciated. We are actually staying at the Hilton on Marco Island but I keep saying Naples My DH has never been to the coast before as on the 2 occasions that he has been to Florida I have dragged him round Orlando for 2 weeks, hence the fact that he didn't want to go back!
I have been to St Pete's beach but this time wanted to go further afield. First time I went was in August in 1992 and it was very hot! We just missed hurricaine Andrew when it hit the Gulf Coast.
I am keeping my eye out for the announcement for the dates for MNSSHP as I am hoping that it will be on the Friday that we are there, according to this site they have some unconfirmed dates and Friday is one of them.
We have a Savanah room booked but Ihad to ask VIRGIN to request it direct from Disney as they only had standard rooms left and I wanted my DS(2) to be able to wake up with the animals outside. Thankfully WDW agreed to the room - yipeee!!!!!!!!!

 

[Clare D]

Mandy mouse

Love your tip, I agree we rush around withot enjoying what WDW is all about. In the MK the statue of Walt and Mickey always brings a tear to my eye
You'll have to let us know how you find the cruise. When DH and I were on honeymoon in the Bahama's the liner was docked and it is massive!!!!!! I would love to take DS &DH in a couple of years

 

[Danauk]

We are going from December 21st to January 2nd and are staying at the Beach Club Villas. I can't wait to spend Christmas and new year with the mouse!! I know it will be busy but we are planning some out of park days and some on site but non park days plus some back stage tours.
My favourite park is probably MGM as I love ToT and RnRC.

My tip would be to be well planned but not over the top. Then when you are there you can relax but know you are not going to be worrying about finding somewhere to eat etc!

 

[Miffy2003]

Great thread Clare!

We are off on August 12th, spending the night at Le Meridien Gatwick before flying out on 13th.
We will have one night somewhere to be decided but I'm hoping for Pop Century. Failing that I might give the Carribbean Beach a try!
We've then got 12 nights at Boardwalk Villas - I can't tell you exciting this is for me!
Then 2 nights off site somewhere - possibly the new Nick Hotel?
And last but not least we have three nights at our DVC "home", Saratoga Springs

This will be the first trip for us with not having a car the whole time. We are going to hire one for about 5-6 days in the middle instead.

My favourite park? Well, I have to walk up Main Street before I feel I am at WDW properly! But I think Epcot probably overall is my favourite.

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Hi Mrs Dazzle
Thanks for the offer of info that would be very much appreciated. We are actually staying at the Hilton on Marco Island but I keep saying Naples

We've stayed our last two trips at the Marco Hilton - you're going to have a great time It's in such a great position on the beach. Look out for the 'shellers' - it's the Floridian's national pastime down on the coast, it's becomes habitual! They also have a really nice pool area, too, with sunloungers all the way around and poolside service for those cocktails The pool is a large size and always seems pleasantly warm.

The Paradise restaurant is great for brekkies - especially if you're with Virgin, it's all free (continental, but my DH "upgraded" to full American all you can eat buffet each day for around $6). The restaurant overlooks the beach, so brilliant on hot sunny days. There are some lovely wooden big old rocking chairs at the far end of the pool area, on wooden decking looking right over the gulf - get yourselves down there for sundown - cameras at the ready, superb. There are a few restaurants around Marco, but most a few minutes drive away from the Hilton.

Take a trip to the Everglades - just drive down, ask the Concierge in the Hilton's lobby the best deals for an airboat ride. We've used Speedy Johnson's (prebooked) and then just drove around one day (about half an hour away) and found an Indian reservation and airboat ride. They were both quite different, but hugely interesting and fun. We've also discovered different wildlife areas, shopping (or looking!) in Naples and we've done the Naples Trolley Bus Tour (takes about 2.5 hours, but you can get on and off as you please to check out the little shops and restaurants). It then takes you around the beach and residential area of Naples . . . . my goodness, $$$$$ properties to die for.

If you fancy a little trip away to a beach, we love Clam Pass Beach in Naples - you can park your car in the public car park next to the Registry Resort, then get the free little bus (like a golf cart) that takes you through a wildlife conservation boardwalk area, full of birds and thingies) right down to the beach - nice and private, with great shelling

There is mini-golf nr Naples - the roads are very easy to get around down at Marco/Naples.

Food wise, you must try the Snook Inn on Marco - fabulous atmopshere and food - you can sit out on the deck on the waterway and watch the dolphins in the evening We also discovered Porky's Last Stand on the island - I must admit to being a bit unsure when we first found it, but suffice to say we ate there three times since the steaks, burgers and ribs were so delicious and very reasonable prices.

It's about a two hour drive up to Sanibel/Captiva for a nice day out, as well as a little over three hours down to the Keys.

If there's anything else you need to know, please shout.

 

[KayleeUK]

End of April for me at VWL, HRH, BCV and finally BWV

My favourite park is of course MK

My tip would be arrive early!!

 

[jockey]

Were off to stay at AKL (7nights) anf GF (7nights) in Feb 2006 - we had to delay our trip as I am pregnant - but delighted we will have a baby to take!!!

My favourite park is MK

My tip would be - plan well before you go!!!

 

[princess jackson]

Our holiday starts (or vacation) as they say over there. 29th March with one night stay at Manchester, fly out on 30th, staying at ALL STAR MOVIES for 2 weeks. And have also booked June 28th 2006!!!!! Yes flights are on sale!!!

Must say love all of WDW, but if I have to choose then it would be MAGIC KINGDOM, walking down main street smelling the fresh popcorn, and taking photo's of the castle, you can never get enough photo's.

Our tip would be if you have young children take them straight to toontown when it first opens at 10.

And if you like to browse in the shops without being bumped and pushed, shop in the morning or when parade is on, i keep away when closing.

 

[Disneystar]

Hiya

I'm going on 5th October, spending 3 nights at CB then 2 weeks at a villa.

My favourite park has to be Epcot

 

[Frances999]

This August we are going to New York then on to Orlando, where we are staying at the Hard Rock Hotel followed by Polynesian Resort.

I Can't wait!



My favourite park is Magic Kingdom & my tip is to arrive early, then take a mid-day break to spread the strain, then go back to the park until closing - especially in the summer

 

[Night-train]

We go on 4th April, staying 15 nights at All Star Movies (maybe see ya there Princess Jackson!!) before driving down to West Palm Beach for a 5 night stay with friends who live there. That's the bit that really makes the whole thing seem like a holiday for us as we can really relax and forget about schedules and itineraries etc!! We have pool parties, barbecues, go bowling, watch the fishermen on Lake Worth Pier and generally just chill out with the locals. A wonderful end to a wonderful vacation!

My tip? Do your homework! Arriving in the World without some sort of plan will only lead to disappointment. Know what's there and know what you want to do!

 

[disney13]

We're staying at the VWL and Vero Beach.

Fav park is MK.

Andy

 

[UKDEB]

We leave the UK 5 weeks this Thursday . 25 days in total to celebrate my best friend's 50th birthday (we've agreed she can come, too ) and we're flying into Washington DC, where we will spend 3 nights. Then we're driving down throught the Appalachians (Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway). We'll probably stop one night in Charlottesville or Waynesboro and then 2 nights in a log cabin (with a mountain view and a hot tub ) in Boone or Blowing Rock. Then it's on to Atlanta, Charleston, Savannah, St Augustine ... and finally 2 weeks in Orlando. Yeay! We'll be staying in a brand new, ex-show model villa which we got for a song. We might stay a couple of nights onsite at Disney or Universal - we'll see how we feel after all that driving! I'd love to stay at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes again, but I don't know that I'd persuade my travelling companions .

Our daughters are celebrating big birthdays - younger dd will be 18 in October and elder dd will be 21 in January - so we've got another trip planned in December. As usual, we will stay in a villa for the majority of the trip, with a couple of nights onsite.

I really want to stay in Naples - I must work out how I'm going to fit in a trip to include it. Hmmm...

My favourite park is Epcot.

My top tips are:

* Avoid EMH days at all costs, even if you're staying onsite;
* Take time to stop and smell the roses - you'll be on the flight home before you know it.

 

[shellbell]

We fly out the 10th June for a total of 21 days For the first week were staying at ASMO, then onto a private villa in Orange Tree for the 2nd week. For the last week we will be going to the gulf coast and staying in Indian rocks in the Holiday Inn Harbourside

This is my first trip to Florida and i can't wait

Michelle

 

[carolfoy]

great thread clare d I'm staying at all star movies from 12 november for 14 nights!!! (yup, total Disney overload!) My favourite park is definately MK I love the opening show with the train and characters arriving, makes me all choked up just thinking about it and hearing the cries of excitement all around as the anticipation builds.

 

[Goofyish]

We are going in December and staying one night at the Gatwick Hilton and then 14 nights at the Dolphin Hotel in WDW