Would love some advice before my November trip!

[Torontofamilyoffive]

It's been three years since we did a family trip, and we're very excited, but I have a few questions and concerns.

First, car rentals. Does anyone have a recommendation for a car rental at the Orlando airport?

Second, I have no idea what kind of clothes to pack. I've looked at the average temperatures, but it all depends on humidity and wind and whatnot, and I want to leave room in the suitcases in case I get to a mall, so if anyone has experience in Florida in November, I'd appreciate some advice on how to dress.

Third, and connected to the weather question, we have a bit longer this time and we'd like to visit a beach. Is it going to be warm enough to be in the water?

Fourth, this is kind of dumb, but when we went before, we had a child in a stroller, so we could store drinks and snacks in the basket underneath. Does anyone have a good suggestion for carting around water bottles and stuff? I've carried them in a backpack for other occasions, but five water bottles gets kind of heavy.

And lastly, for now, what are your non-theme park favourite places near Orlando? My kids are 7, 10 and 13.

 

[bankr63]

For car rentals, I would suggest that you hit the transportation board to find the best deals. I stick to tier one rentals and pick one that has a counter at the airport. Unlike most of North America, rentals at the airport are generally cheaper than outside locations due to the amount of competition. Our personal favorite is National, join the Diamond Lane in advance, you can have your pick of cars in your class on the lot. Alamo is the sister company with similar rates. Have also rented Budget, but the lines are usually pretty long, and they charge too much for toll pass.

We do March every year, but expect the weather is similar. We wait until the week before and check the long range forecasts before finalizing our packing list. Most of the time we pack for all weather, but we timeshare so plan for a bit of mid-week laundry. We also pack a couple of stuffable duffels (Lands End) for the shopping haul. That way if you face extra baggage charges it's only for the return leg.

You're Canadians, you can swim in Florida year round. I hear November is still pretty warm; it takes a while for the warm summer temps to moderate. By the time we go in March we're probably the only ones swimming, but it's a lot warmer than Muskoka in June.

We use the sling packs from MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop) - small ones for the kids, larger for the adults. Everyone carries their own drinks/snacks. These are much better than knapsacks because they easily rotate around the body to the front when you get on rides. No need to take them on and off as you tour.

There are LOTS of things to do in Orlando once outside the parks. Look up a couple of trips reports by fellow Canadian "Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina" - the last couple have been mostly offsite. Our favorite offsite adventure is Blue Spring State Park. Pretty sure that the Manatee will be in the springs in November but check the park site online before you go (easy to google). This is an amazing opportunity to see these beautiful creatures in their home environment and the boat tour on the St Johns is really incredible.

Have a great time!

 

[ParkHopperFan]

For car rentals, I would suggest that you hit the transportation board to find the best deals. I stick to tier one rentals and pick one that has a counter at the airport. Unlike most of North America, rentals at the airport are generally cheaper than outside locations due to the amount of competition. Our personal favorite is National, join the Diamond Lane in advance, you can have your pick of cars in your class on the lot. Alamo is the sister company with similar rates. Have also rented Budget, but the lines are usually pretty long, and they charge too much for toll pass.

We do March every year, but expect the weather is similar. We wait until the week before and check the long range forecasts before finalizing our packing list. Most of the time we pack for all weather, but we timeshare so plan for a bit of mid-week laundry. We also pack a couple of stuffable duffels (Lands End) for the shopping haul. That way if you face extra baggage charges it's only for the return leg.

You're Canadians, you can swim in Florida year round. I hear November is still pretty warm; it takes a while for the warm summer temps to moderate. By the time we go in March we're probably the only ones swimming, but it's a lot warmer than Muskoka in June.

We use the sling packs from MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop) - small ones for the kids, larger for the adults. Everyone carries their own drinks/snacks. These are much better than knapsacks because they easily rotate around the body to the front when you get on rides. No need to take them on and off as you tour.

There are LOTS of things to do in Orlando once outside the parks. Look up a couple of trips reports by fellow Canadian "Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina" - the last couple have been mostly offsite. Our favorite offsite adventure is Blue Spring State Park. Pretty sure that the Manatee will be in the springs in November but check the park site online before you go (easy to google). This is an amazing opportunity to see these beautiful creatures in their home environment and the boat tour on the St Johns is really incredible.

Have a great time!

I was going to reply but you nailed it on every point.... well done!!!

 

[Loveallthingsdisney]

We always went to Disney in early November! Great weather 95% of the time. I had to put in my 2 cent's worth for Blue Springs Park as well. Not only is it really cool to see the manatees, but the park itself, and the walkways along the water, it's just SO Florida: lush & beautiful with the dripping Spanish Moss from the trees, and the lovely blue of the water. We were lucky enough, on the day of our visit, to witness the release of a rescued manatee, which had been recuperating at Epcot. What an operation that was was!! It takes a lot of people to transport one of those big guys, in a sling, from the moving truck, and then down to the water. And the one we saw wasn't even that big!! When they let him join his new manatee family, the water became alive with their reaction. I guess it was how they welcome a new arrival, but it was really something to see! Hope you are as lucky as we were!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

And lastly, for now, what are your non-theme park favourite places near Orlando? My kids are 7, 10 and 13.

There are LOTS of things to do in Orlando once outside the parks. Look up a couple of trips reports by fellow Canadian "Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina" - the last couple have been mostly offsite.

Aw, thanks for the recommend on my trip reports, bankr63 .

Torontofamily.....the links to my two most recent TR's are in my signature. If you want to check them out, just click on each one and it will take you directly there.

Some ideas for you..........

I know its a theme park, but SeaWorld is definitely worth checking out (by non-theme park, are you thinking specifically non-Disney?).

Discovery Cove is amazing, and worth every penny . Your day at DC also comes with 14 days free admission to both SW and Aquatica (SeaWorld's waterpark), so it generally is a pretty good deal when you take it all into consideration.

Gatorland is a great half-day attraction. There's nothing that says "Florida" like alligators.

Airboat rides are awesomely fun. We had a great experience at Wild Willy's in St. Cloud.

Showcase of Citrus is a fun half-day. Take their monster truck ride through a real orange grove and enjoy the most amazing natural orange slushie when you're done.

Mini golf is a great family activity. Our favourites are Congo River and Pirates Cove, but there are a multitude of others (we have also golfed at Hawaiian Rumble, Gator Golf, and Volcano Island).

Depending on when your visit falls in November, you could check out ICE! at Gaylord Palms. Amazing ice sculptures that will impress even the most seasoned northerners. Gaylord Palms has a whole host of activities running around the Christmas season (this year, the fun starts on the 23rd of November). You can decorate cookies with Gingy the gingerbread man, have "Shrekfast" with Fiona, Shrek & Puss N Boots, check out the beautiful decor and the 54' Christmas tree in the incredible indoor atrium, etc.

Cocoa Beach is fun. Ron Jon's Surf Shop is worth exploring after you enjoy your beach time. Lori Wilson Park is a good place to start, with free parking, and showers/washrooms/change areas readily available.

We took in a Raptors game at the Amway Center over Christmas when our team was in town to take on the Orlando Magic. Great fun and excellent seats at a fraction of the cost of a game at the ACC. Worth checking the schedule if you are a sports fan.

Shopping is a favourite pasttime of ours as well. We love the Premium Outlets (both Vineland and International Drive locations), and our 17 year old adores the Nike Clearance Store in Kissimmee. We have also had good success at the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, but as far as outlet malls go, its much smaller than the Premium Outlets. The Florida Mall is also worth a visit, and has a great M&M World with some fun photo ops.

Kissimmee Go Karts has a good track with fairly fast cars. You can often find a deep discount on Groupon or Livingsocial.

The Titanic Experience is interesting (especially if you have any history buffs in the family), and provides some good indoor fun if the weather gets in the way of your outdoor plans.

If you want some water fun and are worried about water temperatures being too cold, you could always trade in your day at the beach for a water park day. Aquatica and Typhoon Lagoon are our favourites (we have also done Blizzard Beach). TL and BB offer free parking, if that's a concern.

Downtown Disney is a nice place to spend an evening. Be sure to visit Ghirardelli's and Goofy's Candy Company and you'll be Mom of the Year.

As for rental cars.....we have had consistent success with Alamo (where we get to choose our vehicle from whatever is in the row we have reserved from) and a bad experience with our sole Budget rental (where a car was assigned). I agree with bankr, and would avoid any companies that don't have a counter in the terminal.

Hope that helps .

 

[jmasgat]

Re: the beach. Cocoa Beach is fun if you want the urban beach scene--surf lessons, Ron Jon's etc. If you want a more natural beach experience, try going up to Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This is all near Kennedy Space Center on the Atlantic coast. About 1-1/2 hours by car.

 

[Torontofamilyoffive]

Thanks for all the great information. I'll definitely check out those sling bags from MEC. If they can be taken on the rides, that solves a lot of problems.

Blue Springs sounds great, exactly the kind of thing our family will enjoy. Has anyone gone tubing there? Is the boat tour worth the $? Especially considering the huge amounts we'll be spending at the theme parks?

A few years ago, we went to Disney and also Gatorland. This time, we're planning to go to Universal Studios and SeaWorld for sure. We're not sure about Legoland. I've seen some great reviews here that make me think we should go, but I've heard elsewhere that it's for younger kids.

I'd love to do one day at Disney, probably the Magic Kingdom, just because my youngest doesn't really remember. We didn't get to downtown Disney last time, so perhaps we should consider it.

I'd like to shop, but I know the rest of my family won't, so I'm hoping they can drop me off somewhere then go off and do something I don't mind missing.

The showcase of citrus sounds like it might be fun. We have a longer stay this time so we'll have a day or two that we can relax and do a smaller activity like this.

My kids have never seen the ocean, so I think that's a must this trip, and yes, it's a good point that since we're Canadian we shouldn't have a problem with the temperature for swimming! I'd love to go somewhere for shell collecting, but from everything I've read, it would be a much longer drive and I don't think we're up for that.

Thanks for the info and keep it coming!

 

[nilseks]

November can be chilly at night, and it can cool down quickly. You shouldn't need much more than hoodies although during one November trip we could see our breath at night.

We don't carry around full water bottles. Too heavy. We have some 'Bobble' water bottles. We bring them in empty and refill them in the fountains as needed. Our family isn't squeamish about sharing bottles so we usually only carry around 1. I refuse to be miserable because I feel like a pack mule--we travel light. Don't forget you can also ask for ice water at any restaurant.

As far as beaches, google "Jetty Park" beach--it's near Port Canaveral. We went last December and although it was a warm day, there was nobody there. Had the whole place to ourselves, except for the gulls lol. Beautiful wide beach with some small dunes, and there's and inlet off to the side where baby dolphins were swimming. We will definitely return!

 

[bankr63]

Thanks for all the great information. I'll definitely check out those sling bags from MEC. If they can be taken on the rides, that solves a lot of problems.

They can go on rides at Disney; US requires you to darn near strip for some of the bigger thrill rides and put everything into the lockers provided.

Blue Springs sounds great, exactly the kind of thing our family will enjoy. Has anyone gone tubing there? Is the boat tour worth the $? Especially considering the huge amounts we'll be spending at the theme parks?

Tubing is only available if the Manatee are not in the springs. Once they take up residence for the winter swimming (and tubing) is restricted. The boat tour was well worth the price. We saw so much native fauna up close (gators, turtles, birds, bald eagles), the photo ops were great if you enjoy photography. Very knowledgeable guide was able to pick out even the best camoflaged wildlife and really understood the ecology of the area.

A few years ago, we went to Disney and also Gatorland. This time, we're planning to go to Universal Studios and SeaWorld for sure. We're not sure about Legoland. I've seen some great reviews here that make me think we should go, but I've heard elsewhere that it's for younger kids.

I'd love to do one day at Disney, probably the Magic Kingdom, just because my youngest doesn't really remember. We didn't get to downtown Disney last time, so perhaps we should consider it.

MK is mandatory no matter the age. It is the one park we never skip, and usually hit twice; mine are DD17 and DS15.

I'd like to shop, but I know the rest of my family won't, so I'm hoping they can drop me off somewhere then go off and do something I don't mind missing.

DTD could probably solve both. You can get your shopping therapy on while the others do DQ or watch a show or just wander around. Everyone on our team finds something to enjoy there.

The showcase of citrus sounds like it might be fun. We have a longer stay this time so we'll have a day or two that we can relax and do a smaller activity like this.

My kids have never seen the ocean, so I think that's a must this trip, and yes, it's a good point that since we're Canadian we shouldn't have a problem with the temperature for swimming! I'd love to go somewhere for shell collecting, but from everything I've read, it would be a much longer drive and I don't think we're up for that.

Thanks for the info and keep it coming!

Sounds like you have a great trip lined up. Enjoy!