what to do in florida?

[GilesFamily]

Help! First time on a cruise and first time in Florida. We are going on the 24/09/05 Magic cruise. We are flying in a day before and staying an extra day in Florida the day after. The day before our cruise we are planning on going to Universal Studios. (we are hoping that because it is late September and will be a Thursday the crowds won't be too bad (??) and we are planning to be at the theme park just when it opens), but we are stuck on ideas on what to do the day after. I'm guessing that by the time we disembark and retrieve our luggage it will be about noon (or earlier?). Then we will have about 24 hours before our flight. Because it will be a Saturday, we want to avoid any theme parks. Any suggestions, anyone? (something that would appeal to a six-year old?)

 

[kaceyisme]

We are going to the Kennedy Space Center when we get off the ship.

 

[mom2tiggers]

There's always the beach, go-karts, mini-golf, rent a jetski. Kennedy space center is fun too.

 

[jrabbit]

I understand that you want to avoid theme parks on weekends, but Sea World is a huge and fun place - lots of time to sit and watch the shows. I don't know any kids that don't love the animals!!

And there is a great rollercoaster (to big for the 6yo though) and the Journey to Atlantis ride too.

Oh, you should be off of the ship and out of the port area by 10am.

 

[alexandrew]

stay at one of the 3 fabulous onsite hotels.....either the Portofino, Royal Pacific (my personal favorite) or the Hard Rock.....

Staying at these hotels gives you an outstanding benefit....Front of the Line Access (woo hoo) you literally feel like Michael Jackson circa 1984 (how about that for an example).....you literally bypass the throngs of people waiting on line, and go right to the front...actually, it is a special line for hotel guests.....this benefit is everything that it is touted to be and more.....

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

If your renting a car, you could try cypress gardens. It's not crowded like other theme parks, about $35. per adult. Just reopened in December after a complete remodel. Has 36 rides. Many for kids, a small water park that will open this summer and several trails to walk on throught beautiful gardens. They have a water ski ahow, a western show and an animal barnyard show included in the price. It's a relaxed atmosphere, very family friendly. 2 rides you can get a little wet on so dress accordingly. It opens at 10, but in the summer months it may be 9, not sure.
Gatorland in Kissimmee is a good choice if your chile likes to see gators and other wildlife from the area. It opens at 9 and is about $20. for an adult. You can see the entire park and all the shows in 4 to 5 hours. The gator wrestling is the highlight of the park. It's not too far from the airport too. You can buy gator meat to eat and they have a nice gift shop. By afternoon this place gets pretty busy, but if you go first thing in thr morning you will be done before it gets crowded.
Spacecenter and cocoa beach are nice too. They are close to the port.
mom x4,grandma x4

 

[izzinmac]

Help! First time on a cruise and first time in Florida. We are going on the 24/09/05 Magic cruise. We are flying in a day before and staying an extra day in Florida the day after. The day before our cruise we are planning on going to Universal Studios. (we are hoping that because it is late September and will be a Thursday the crowds won't be too bad (??) and we are planning to be at the theme park just when it opens), but we are stuck on ideas on what to do the day after. I'm guessing that by the time we disembark and retrieve our luggage it will be about noon (or earlier?). Then we will have about 24 hours before our flight. Because it will be a Saturday, we want to avoid any theme parks. Any suggestions, anyone? (something that would appeal to a six-year old?)

While there have been some good suggestions, I'm going to challenge your assumptions and ask you to reconsider your decision. If what you say in your first sentence is true - first cruise/first visit to Florida, that means youv'e never been to WDW. Late September won't be a crowded time. I highly suggest you get a reservation at a WDW resort and spend the time you have all at WDW! It is a destination in itself! While 1 day won't do it justice, you're here so take advantage of the time you have. The other places are good, but for a first timer, WDW is a must see!

You will get off the ship with bags well before noon. More like 9am or earlier. Get to WDW and enjoy that day, night, and the following morning. The airport is about 30 minutes away, max.

The only bad thing about this plan is it will make you leave knowing you have to come back someday!

 

[GilesFamily]

Thanks everyone for your great suggestions. Never been to WDW, but figured because time is so limited we would'nt be able to see much (or refuse to go home, until I see it all!). I like the Kennedy Space Centre idea. It's a real toss up!

 

[brack]

Never been to WDW, but figured because time is so limited we would'nt be able to see much (or refuse to go home, until I see it all!).

To go that close and not go to WDW (even for a day) is heresy.

I went on a business trip to Palm Springs, California a few years ago and only had about 10 hours free. I drove to LA (2hrs) and spent 5 hours on my first Disneyland visit.

I was on another business trip to London and had 5 days off. I went to Disneyland Paris, spent 4 full days in the park and went to downtown Paris for 6 hours to say that I had been!

Go to the Magic Kingdom!

 

[inkkognito]

There is actually a lot you can do at Disney World without even going into the parks (Downtown Disney, Fort Wilderness, a visit to AK Lodge, take a boat or monorail ride, etc.). You can also visit Celebration, which is right next door to Disney World, if you want to do something low key. There are shops, restaurants, a lakefront with walking paths, and a fountain for the kids to run through to cool off.
Barb