Plan my trip to Orlando!

[IHateMyJob2004]

Going there with wife and kids (7 and 9).

Of course, we are doing Disney for about 4 days.
Before that though, I think we are going to do Universal and Lego Land. Any other places I am forget ting that is for kids like Seaworld?

How many days do we need at Universal? 1 or 2?

Disney is going to be the last destination. The day before going there we want to take a day of R&R. Just something where the kids can recoup. What should we do that day? Would SeaWorld work for the R&R day or is that a lot of walking? I figured that it is some walking with a lot of sitting around waiting/watching.

We are probably staying at the Nickelodeon hotel pre-Disney. Maybe R&R day will just be hanging out at the hotel or maybe we only stay there for one day on R&R day. Still planning things out a bit ;-)

 

[skimple]

There are dozens of websites. Do some research.

 

[Xstatic1]

Going there with wife and kids (7 and 9).

Of course, we are doing Disney for about 4 days.
Before that though, I think we are going to do Universal and Lego Land. Any other places I am forget ting that is for kids like Seaworld?

How many days do we need at Universal? 1 or 2?

Disney is going to be the last destination. The day before going there we want to take a day of R&R. Just something where the kids can recoup. What should we do that day? Would SeaWorld work for the R&R day or is that a lot of walking? I figured that it is some walking with a lot of sitting around waiting/watching.

We are probably staying at the Nickelodeon hotel pre-Disney. Maybe R&R day will just be hanging out at the hotel or maybe we only stay there for one day on R&R day. Still planning things out a bit ;-)

Drive an hour east to Kennedy Space Center. I did the Mega Tour (3-3.5 hours long)...it's awesome. You'll go inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, and see a Launch Pad (you'll be within 100 yards of it). Space Shuttle Atlantis and the Apollo/Saturn V Center are included with your ticket.

I like Islands of Adventure over Universal Studios (they're right next to each other). You can do both in 1 day but it would be a very long day, and you'd have to be at one of 'em at rope drop. If you're planning on doing both, do one each day. If you want my opinion on which one is better: Islands of Adventure. Read more details here: http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=36112650&postcount=3.

Are you going to all 4 theme parks at Walt Disney World? If you want to make the most of each day, go at rope drop. If you stay at one of the WDW hotels, the biggest perk will be going during Extra Magic Hours (usually 1 theme parks opens an hour earlier before the normal opening time). We did a lot of walking (I'd say we averaged 10 miles each day) at each of the 4 parks (although Hollywood Studios didn't seem nearly as big as the other 3). Wear comfy shoes and cargo shorts, bring sunscreen. Also, if you know which restaurants you want to dine at, make reservations ASAP.

Also read my WDW post: http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=35671561&postcount=24

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

If your kids are adventurous go on an airboat ride on Lake Toho. They'll get some thrills and an education at the same time. You'll have fun too.

 

[MrRamon]

Lindas La Cantina steakhouse is a must.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I really think you're trying to do too much in too little time. The kids will be exhausted and fractious. Your one day of "R & R " will be spent passed out like zombies inbetween separating the kids.

 

[NoTine42]

Drive an hour east to Kennedy Space Center. I did the Mega Tour (3-3.5 hours long)...it's awesome. You'll go inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, and see a Launch Pad (you'll be within 100 yards of it). Space Shuttle Atlantis and the Apollo/Saturn V Center are included with your ticket.

I like Islands of Adventure over Universal Studios (they're right next to each other). You can do both in 1 day but it would be a very long day, and you'd have to be at one of 'em at rope drop. If you're planning on doing both, do one each day. If you want my opinion on which one is better: Islands of Adventure. Read more details here: http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=36112650&postcount=3.

Are you going to all 4 theme parks at Walt Disney World? If you want to make the most of each day, go at rope drop. If you stay at one of the WDW hotels, the biggest perk will be going during Extra Magic Hours (usually 1 theme parks opens an hour earlier before the normal opening time). We did a lot of walking (I'd say we averaged 10 miles each day) at each of the 4 parks (although Hollywood Studios didn't seem nearly as big as the other 3). Wear comfy shoes and cargo shorts, bring sunscreen. Also, if you know which restaurants you want to dine at, make reservations ASAP.

Also read my WDW post: http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=35671561&postcount=24

Kennedy + Beach is a pretty good idea. Coco Beach might be a bit busy for my tastes, but I'd hate to waste the day driving. I'm typically do 8-9 days at Disney then rent a condo on a beach for a few days. Beach time is great for unwinding.

For your Disney days, definitely look at the crowd calanders at EasyWDW.com so you don't accidentally choose the busiest parks.
Josh also has the fastest loading ride wait time web page (faster than apps)

 

[danny87]

don't miss Treasure Island!! Awesome jetskiing and awesome Bubba gump

 

[Jeeebus]

If you're going for that long, you should consider renting a house / townhouse in lieu of the hotel. We go about 3x/year and always rent a house/townhouse in Kissimmee. Ends up being about $80 - $100/night for a 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom house with full kitchen and you're about a 5 - 10 minute drive to Disney.

There are a few companies that do house / townhouse rentals in the Orlando area. My wife usually books through one of them - if you need the name, I'll find out from her what it is.

No way would I stay in a 1 room hotel with two kids that age.

 

[lykaon78]

1. Stay on property at Disney. The travel system is great and there are times when the park is only open to Disney guests. Port Orleans Riverside has moderately priced and centrally located.

2. Make meal reservations for Disney now (or 180 days in advance). The best restaurants fill up fast.

3. Make an breakfast reservation at the earliest possible time in the Magic Kingdom (I think you have two options Cyrstal Palace and The Princess Castle). The earliest reservation is before the park opens so you get in early. It makes for great picture opportunities when the park is basically empty. Plus you'll score an early spot in line for popular rides.

4. If your kids want to meet characters, Google 'Kenny the Pirate'. Characterpalooza is real but no employee will confirm it.

5. I found PhotopassPlus to be a great value. Plus I got to be in the pictures.

6. The bus system at Disney is great but it takes some planning and extra time. A $20 cab ride gets you anywhere in a hurry. To get to the Magic Kingdom ask the cabbie to take you to Contemporary Hotel. Its a 5 minute walk from there.

7. With kids that age... start early and return to your hotel for a nap. Get cleaned up and go to dinner and finish the evening refreshed.