Florida - time for an updated thread for 2017

[dolphins]

Discovery Cove is massively over rated and priced

BUT it does include two weeks worth of entry to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and the waterpark, Aquatica, AND free parking at all these properties, so that makes a big difference if you are likely to use these other parks (my wife in particular loves Aquatica and we normally have to do at least 2-3 visits). Personally we found DiscoCove lovely and paid a second visit, which was just as good - we didn't do the dolphin experience the second time and that helped bring the price down.

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

BUT it does include two weeks worth of entry to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and the waterpark, Aquatica, AND free parking at all these properties, so that makes a big difference if you are likely to use these other parks (my wife in particular loves Aquatica and we normally have to do at least 2-3 visits). Personally we found DiscoCove lovely and paid a second visit, which was just as good - we didn't do the dolphin experience the second time and that helped bring the price down.

Sea world are practically giving away tickets currently given the bad publicity.

Aquatica is very good - can Spend hours in the Rapids!

 

[dolphins]

Ah, the rapids - yeah, these are fab. ALWAYS worth people wearing the life vest on this, as it really adds to the fun. The number of people you see refusing them as "I can swim" are missing the point!

 

[casbom]

BUT it does include two weeks worth of entry to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and the waterpark, Aquatica, AND free parking at all these properties, so that makes a big difference if you are likely to use these other parks (my wife in particular loves Aquatica and we normally have to do at least 2-3 visits). Personally we found DiscoCove lovely and paid a second visit, which was just as good - we didn't do the dolphin experience the second time and that helped bring the price down.

I think it's also free parking at each park if you buy the 3 park ticket (SeaWorld/Busch gardens/Aquatica) - the price is basically 3 parks for the price of 2! With free parking included

 

[Tory Boy]

Off there in September staying New Orleans French Quarter, upgrading to the Dinning Plan.

Cost a bloody fortune for the seven of us, but there is no place better to spend said fortune IMO.

Defo stay one night in the right Universal Hotel to get the queue jumping passe.

Discovery Cove is great but expensive, and Seaworld has got a coaster ride where you wear VR googles. Looking forward to that.

TB

 

[Mr Bridger]

Thinking about doing Disney in the next few years for the grandkids, is it worth renting a villa compared to hotels?

 

[Is it PotG?]

Good info, thanks. Be there in a couple of weeks time, renting a house with others for 3 weeks. Already booked the Airboat ride.

 

[Giraffe]

My specialist subject!

On my recent solo trip, I didn't go to Pandora (it wasn't open, but they were doing limited capacity trials of it) as I wanted to save it for when we go back as a family. However, as an avid Disney podcast and vlog consumer, it does seem to be very well regarded with exceptional theming and two decent ride additions.

Also new: Animal Kingdom being open at night, including night time safaris and the new "Rivers of Light" show. (I've not done either - same reason as above). You might not have done the new Soarin' yet either, nor the Frozen revision to the old Maelstrom ride in Norway. Disney's Hollywood Studios is a bit of a building site, but the relatively new night time Star Wars firework show is absolutely AMAZING and a must see. Wishes (night time fireworks show) has now gone from the Magic Kingdom and been replaced.

Depending on where you are staying, I'd do Universal over two days and stay at one of the on-site hotels (we like the Hard Rock) to get Front of the Line access, meaning you can jump the queue on most rides, so you can ride favourites repeatedly with minimal/no wait. It also means no one has to drive anywhere at the end of the day and you can enjoy City Walk's many bars and the like, as well as the great pools (they'll let you drink in the poo tool, unlike DIsney). Volcano Bay, Universal's new water park opened recently too.

Last year we went to Kennedy Space Centre for the first time in years and it was amazing, far exceeding my memories and expectations. The Atlantis exhibit in particular is exceptional. I won't give any spoilers, but I was choking back a few tears at one point.

Maybe combine the above with a day out on the coast too. Last month I went out to Cocoa Beach for the first time, sat on the pier and watched a rocket launch. The beach itself is gorgeous.

Busch Gardens is also well worth a visit if you've not been before or not recently.

Disney restaurants that are amongst our favourites are: Boma, Sanaa, Teppan Edo, Coral Reef and California Grill. The latter could be a great choice for your special occasion as you can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from there - a great alternative spot.

What dates are you going?

Thanks, I knew you would come up with some good stuff.

We went August last year so the Frozen ride was done and enjoyed. We are all set for a late afternoon and evening in Animal Kingdom for the first time with fastpasses for the main bits including the show as I saw some reviews saying the premium seating is worth it because views are more limited in Animal Kingdom than say Epcot or Magic Kingdom.

I completely concur on the Space Centre, the moment that gave you THAT feeling is I am sure the same moment that gave it to me too. Just incredible.

Back after dinner with more comments, questions.

 

[Beach Hut]

A Giraffe in Busch Gardens would tick all the right boxes surely ?

Busch Garens is very good as a bit of everything, Potter Land is amazing

 

[Weststander]

We had our first ever Florida holiday this winter just gone, which ended up being our best non-skiing holiday. We still talk about it now.

Universal Studios was brilliant - if you can afford it, visit for three days altogether over your stay. The Harry Potter area is incredible, no expense or detail was spared. We allowed ourselves to get 'ripped off' by buying the Fast Passes, to queue jump. This cost an immense amount of money, but we would do it all over again, otherwise you'll spend 2/3 of the day in queues.

Eating out - even Denny's and diners are now expensive for a family bill. I can't think of an alternative, apart from eating food stuck in your condo or hotel room.

Cape Kennedy - allow a day to visit, an easy drive about 75 minutes away. Incredible place. Time it with a rocket launch, which are scheduled on the internet. So much more to see there, so get there in good time. Typically American, it's so well run.

Disney - book up to three rides a day well ahead, by buying their better park tickets and downloading the 'My Disney Experience' app. You can do this months ahead. Soarin, Frozen, Spaceship Earth and Test Track are brilliant at Epcot. Book ahead.

Sat Nav - save a lot of money and don't get one with your hire car. Pop into the nearest full blown Walmart (there are loads in Orlando) to get the cheapest Garmin sat nav at $100. Don't buy the US maps SD card in the UK which slots into UK Satnavs - it's out of date and we wasted our cash with Amazon on that.

Car hire is cheap. We booked independently in the UK beforehand at just $200 for 11 days, a huge people carrier. Buy you own US-compatible car excess insurance in the UK at low cost, saving fortunes. Virgin Holidays couldn't price match the low car hire cost.

Virgin Atlantic - were faultless. A great experience even in economy, decent legroom, free food and drink, and an excellent array of films and TV programmes.

I wish we'd daytripped to an Atlantic beach resort - we will do next time!

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

Thinking about doing Disney in the next few years for the grandkids, is it worth renting a villa compared to hotels?

It can save a lot of money when you are there - even if you make breakfast everyday.

Plus you have your own pool.

Would suggest paying a bit more and getting a step up from the basic villa, as some can be grim.

Unless you get one in a named area most are allocation on arrival

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

Ah, the rapids - yeah, these are fab. ALWAYS worth people wearing the life vest on this, as it really adds to the fun. The number of people you see refusing them as "I can swim" are missing the point!

Great place for a hang over

Looking forward to hitting volcano bay later this year - they have a fast pass for the slides

 

[Bozza]

Disney - book up to three rides a day well ahead, by buying their better park tickets and downloading the 'My Disney Experience' app. You can do this months ahead. Soarin, Frozen, Spaceship Earth and Test Track are brilliant at Epcot. Book ahead.

Fastpasses and MDE etc are included in all Disney tickets - there's no such thing as "better tickets".

The significant difference is if you are staying onsite then you can book your Fastpasses 60 days ahead for the length of your stay. If you are stay offsite then you can only book 30 days ahead of time, on a rolling day by day basis.

It doesn't make a huge difference in all reality, other than for Seven Dwarves, Tory Story Mania and Soarin' during peak periods which can get booked up between 60 and 30 days.

My tips for fastpasses and MDE is to keep juggling. In your early days book your 3 FPs for early in the morning, remembering there can be no overlap in the hour slots (which is slightly annoying). If you are heading to a first or second fastpass ride and there is minimal wait time, then change it to something else on the app and join the regular line. The second you tap in for your third fastpass of the day, make your 4th. Don't wait to ride the ride, do it as you walk through the queuing system.

 

[Bozza]

Great place for a hang over

Looking forward to hitting volcano bay later this year - they have a fast pass for the slides

The queuing for Volcano Bay looks very well done. You have a TapuTapu (a smartwatch of sorts) so you join a virtual queue, can go off and do other things, and then return when your watch tells you it's your turn at the front of the queue.

 

[Bozza]

Off there in September staying New Orleans French Quarter, upgrading to the Dinning Plan.

Cost a bloody fortune for the seven of us, but there is no place better to spend said fortune IMO.

Defo stay one night in the right Universal Hotel to get the queue jumping passe.

Discovery Cove is great but expensive, and Seaworld has got a coaster ride where you wear VR googles. Looking forward to that.

TB

Port Orleans French Quarter is a lovely resort. Nice and compact unlike some that are sprawling. Lovely boat ride to and from Disney Springs make a change from buses.

Try to stroll over to neighbouring Port Orleans Riverside to see YeHaa Bob and have a drink - he's very good!

The regular dining plan is well worth the upgrade from the Quick Service Dining Plan if that's what you've done. Did you know you can make restaurant bookings 180 days ahead of time?

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

The queuing for Volcano Bay looks very well done. You have a TapuTapu (a smartwatch of sorts) so you join a virtual queue, can go off and do other things, and then return when your watch tells you it's your turn at the front of the queue.

Apprently it's had some problems for the first few weeks, but I'm sure they will sort these out soon.

One thing that disappointed me about Disney is there is a LOT of works going on at the moment - Caribbean beach/Coronado among others have major works going on.

 

[Weststander]

Fastpasses and MDE etc are included in all Disney tickets - there's no such thing as "better tickets".

The significant difference is if you are staying onsite then you can book your Fastpasses 60 days ahead for the length of your stay. If you are stay offsite then you can only book 30 days ahead of time, on a rolling day by day basis.

It doesn't make a huge difference in all reality, other than for Seven Dwarves, Tory Story Mania and Soarin' during peak periods which can get booked up between 60 and 30 days.

My tips for fastpasses and MDE is to keep juggling. In your early days book your 3 FPs for early in the morning, remembering there can be no overlap in the hour slots (which is slightly annoying). If you are heading to a first or second fastpass ride and there is minimal wait time, then change it to something else on the app and join the regular line. The second you tap in for your third fastpass of the day, make your 4th. Don't wait to ride the ride, do it as you walk through the queuing system.

I'm just a one time visitor, I realise your know it inside out, so bow to your superior knowledge.

We went mid last December, before the U.K. and North American kids broke for Christmas. The queues for many rides at Epcot not just Soarin were huge, long at some in Magic Kingdom and most at Universal Studios were extremely long. We were OK at universal after paying for the daily queue jumping tickets. The My Disney Experience app was great, giving accurate queuing times. These revealed that not just for Soarin and Frozem, queues were often ninety minutes to hours!

Examples were Test Track, Mission Space and Spaceship Earth.

Have you experienced this too?

 

[Bold Seagull]

Whats the ball park all in cost per person for a florida disney holiday then? Flights, accommodation, all those queue ticket type things.

 

[Bozza]

I'm just a one time visitor, I realise your know it inside out, so bow to your superior knowledge.

We went mid last December, before the U.K. and North American kids broke for Christmas. The queues for many rides at Epcot not just Soarin were huge, long at some in Magic Kingdom and most at Universal Studios were extremely long. We were OK at universal after paying for the daily queue jumping tickets. The My Disney Experience app was great, giving accurate queuing times. These revealed that not just for Soarin and Frozem, queues were often ninety minutes to hours!

Examples were Test Track, Mission Space and Spaceship Earth.

Have you experienced this too?

Test Track is the only one of those that you would ever expect to queue much time for.

Mission Space is not very popular nowadays and is often a walk-on. Spaceship Earth can be busier in the morning as people walk onto it as it's the first thing they see, but by the afternoon, when they have made their way to World Showcase you'd not expect to wait more than a few minutes. Same day fastpasses are easily got hold of too.

If Test Track queues are long then it's worth going in the single rider line (same for Rock n Roller Coaster at the Studios) as you'll get on pretty quickly. You'll miss out on the design the car bit but get to do the ride itself in next to no time.

The biggest tip for rides is to get there when the park opens (or before for Extra Magic Hours if you are staying in a DIsney hotel) and blitz the rides in the first hour or two. This is particularly easy when your body clock is still adjusting and you're awake very early.

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

Whats the ball park all in cost per person for a florida disney holiday then? Flights, accommodation, all those queue ticket type things.

It depends on time of year really and when you book.