Walt Disney World

[Brianfo]

My wife and I will be taking 2 small children to Walt Disney World in Florida in 2 weeks. I get to go as a bonus thru my work. We are staying at the Hilton. My question is what is the weather like down there in January? Any good ideas on what to see and do with twins that are 2 years old? I am kind of looking forward to it. A chance to get out of Iowa in January. Oh well, enought blabbing. Any responses are greatly appreciated.

[Bearcat]

I'm sure it's mentioned in this thread somewhere, but the Whispering Canyon Cafe is great (or at least was years ago)... they had all you can eat meat platters that were really good and it's a fun place to have a meal. Ask for a straw, get a box of straws... ask for ketchup and kids from every other table bring you ketchup... and random broom/horse races, etc.

[Mr. Plow]

Originally Posted by Bearcat

Epcot has a great interactive Stare at Your Phone exhibit that lasts all day, with Hot Pockets provided at lunchtime.

So basically it's just like being at home.

[Mr. Plow]

Originally Posted by KCUnited

Book an airboat ride through the wetlands to see some gators and other wildlife. Had a blast doing it a few years ago.

Had a friend that did that a few years back. Looked like a blast. I'll put that down on my list.

[JD10367]

Originally Posted by Mr. Plow

If we ultimately decide to NOT do a park, what are some other things to do that teenagers will enjoy as much as teenagers can enjoy anything?

That's a large question. People tend to forget how narrow Florida is. Do you have a rental car? Head east from Orlando and in an hour you're at Cape Canaveral; head west and in 90 minutes you're in Tampa (with everything from Busch Gardens to the Florida Aquarium to the Dali Museum in St. Pete).

Orlando itself is pretty much just a giant tourist trap, but you can be tourist-trapped in things other than the Big Three (Disney, Universal, Sea World). Tacky as they might be, on International Drive you can find things like Ripley's and Madame Tussaud's.

If you're sticking within the Disney perimeter, Disney Springs is the latest name for the shopping center that used to be Disney Village and Pleasure Island. Plenty of places to shop (including non-Disney high-end stores) and eat.

If you are interested in being in the Disney bubble but not getting ass-raped for a room, people tend to forget that the Dolphin and Swan are non-Disney properties on site. I know someone who uses their Marriott Rewards to stay there. It's as good as being in a Disney hotel; you can walk or boat from there to the Boardwalk resort, the entrance to Hollywood Studios, the back entrance to EPCOT, and you can even walk next door to Disney's Fantasia mini-golf.

[Dallas Chief]

Originally Posted by JD10367

That's a large question. People tend to forget how narrow Florida is. Do you have a rental car? Head east from Orlando and in an hour you're at Cape Canaveral; head west and in 90 minutes you're in Tampa (with everything from Busch Gardens to the Florida Aquarium to the Dali Museum in St. Pete).

Orlando itself is pretty much just a giant tourist trap, but you can be tourist-trapped in things other than the Big Three (Disney, Universal, Sea World). Tacky as they might be, on International Drive you can find things like Ripley's and Madame Tussaud's.

If you're sticking within the Disney perimeter, Disney Springs is the latest name for the shopping center that used to be Disney Village and Pleasure Island. Plenty of places to shop (including non-Disney high-end stores) and eat.

If you are interested in being in the Disney bubble but not getting ass-raped for a room, people tend to forget that the Dolphin and Swan are non-Disney properties on site. I know someone who uses their Marriott Rewards to stay there. It's as good as being in a Disney hotel; you can walk or boat from there to the Boardwalk resort, the entrance to Hollywood Studios, the back entrance to EPCOT, and you can even walk next door to Disney's Fantasia mini-golf.

My man...

[Scooter LaCanforno]

Originally Posted by KCUnited

Book an airboat ride through the wetlands to see some gators and other wildlife. Had a blast doing it a few years ago.

Gators are everywhere right now and you'd see plenty if you do an Airboat ride. Airboats rides can be found on Rt. 520 at the St. Johns River. About 45 minutes east of Orlando. From there you can go to Cocoa Beach or the Space Center.

[Mr. Plow]

Originally Posted by JD10367

That's a large question. People tend to forget how narrow Florida is. Do you have a rental car? Head east from Orlando and in an hour you're at Cape Canaveral; head west and in 90 minutes you're in Tampa (with everything from Busch Gardens to the Florida Aquarium to the Dali Museum in St. Pete).

Orlando itself is pretty much just a giant tourist trap, but you can be tourist-trapped in things other than the Big Three (Disney, Universal, Sea World). Tacky as they might be, on International Drive you can find things like Ripley's and Madame Tussaud's.

If you're sticking within the Disney perimeter, Disney Springs is the latest name for the shopping center that used to be Disney Village and Pleasure Island. Plenty of places to shop (including non-Disney high-end stores) and eat.

If you are interested in being in the Disney bubble but not getting ass-raped for a room, people tend to forget that the Dolphin and Swan are non-Disney properties on site. I know someone who uses their Marriott Rewards to stay there. It's as good as being in a Disney hotel; you can walk or boat from there to the Boardwalk resort, the entrance to Hollywood Studios, the back entrance to EPCOT, and you can even walk next door to Disney's Fantasia mini-golf.

I knew I was asking a loaded question that could come with hundreds of answers. But, wanted to get some peoples "top choices" outside of Disney.

I love Disney. I've probably been 20-25 times in my life. With such a quick trip (get in on a Thursday morning, leaving Saturday morning), I wanted to get some ideas of things other than parks to do.

We're driving down to Miami for work and then stopping back in Orlando on the way home, so we'll have our own car to move about anywhere we please.

Does anyone know if the Harry Potter stuff is worth seeing at Universal? Wife is really interested in it.

[Scooter LaCanforno]

There also might be a Rocket Launch during the time you're down here. Check the schedule.

[Mr. Plow]

Oh, and I've stayed at the Swan waaaaaay back when it first opened. I'm definitely going to look into those hotels.

[ThaVirus]

Originally Posted by Mr. Plow

Boom. Almost a 2 year bump on a 15 year old thread.

Going to be in Orlando for a couple days next month and thinking about spending one day at a park. Wanting to do something different from Disney. We've never been to Universal Studios and was hoping to get some input from those of you that have.

I'm hoping to have one day at a park and one day of relaxing or doing something NOT park related - but it looks like to experience everything at Universal, you have to get through both Universal Studio's and Island of Adventure. Is that a 2 full day deal or is that something you can get through in one day?

If we ultimately decide to NOT do a park, what are some other things to do that teenagers will enjoy as much as teenagers can enjoy anything?

Any suggestions on good hotels to stay at?

Thanks in advance for the help.

About Universal, it really depends on a lot of factors. They've got three parks now: Universal, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay (water park).

Are all of your kids teens? If so, you could probably skip Seuss Landing and Toon Lagoon in IoA. That'd leave you with Incredible Hulk (great coaster), Spider-Man (awesome simulator), Hagrid's (great coaster but seemingly always broken down), King Kong (simulator), Jurassic Park (low key water ride), Forbidden Journey (cool simulator kind of deal) and they'll open the new Velocicoaster on June 10th which is ****ing awesome as well. Plus they've got the Hogwarts castle and Hogsmeade if you're into the sights.

In Universal, you'd be able to skip the kiddie area as well as Minions and Shrek so that'd leave you with Mummy (cool indoor coaster), Rip Ride Rock-It (great coaster), Transformers (simulator just like Spider-Man), Fast and Furious (would NOT recommend, it ****ing sucks), Simpsons (simulator) and Gringott's (coaster/simulator). For sights, Universal also has Diagon Alley which is so cool to see for the first time.

Volcano Bay is just ****ing awesome. For all teens/pre-teens, it might e your best bet. They've got this cool system where you wear this digital bracelet. You can walk up to a ride and swipe your bracelet and it'll keep you in a virtual line. When the time has passed and you're able to ride, it'll buzz and you just walk up and ride. It just makes it so much more chill. Instead of sitting in the heat in a long ass line for an hour like the other parks, your kids can hit the lazy river or the wave pool or grab something to eat.

The parks have been packed lately so understand that there will be long waits and it's Florida so it's hot as balls. I've been spoiled so going without an Express Pass is not an option for me. If you've got the money, id recommend staying at one of the premiere hotels on-site like Hard Rock or Portofino since they will give your whole family Express passes with the reservation. Plus, Hard Rock has a bitchin' ass pool.

[Deberg_1990]

I’m headed to universal in June. Staying on property.

Been there before I and would say 2 days to do everything if your just doing Islands and Universal. 3 days if you want to add the water park.

I plan on getting the express passes as well, but they are expensive.

[ThaVirus]

Originally Posted by Mr. Plow

Does anyone know if the Harry Potter stuff is worth seeing at Universal? Wife is really interested in it.

Dude, it's ****ing awesome.

[ThaVirus]

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

I’m headed to universal in June. Staying on property.

Been there before I and would say 2 days to do everything if your just doing Islands and Universal. 3 days if you want to add the water park.

I plan on getting the express passes as well, but they are expensive.

I saw they were going for $300+ per person lol **** all that!

That's why you're better off booking one of the premier resorts. $400-500 per night is expensive but Express Passes for your whole family kinda makes it worth while.

For Plow, I might also recommend staying at Cabana Bay, Sapphire Falls or Endless Summer. Those are all pretty good. They're not premier so no Express but really great properties with awesome pools and amenities.

[KCUnited]

Originally Posted by Mr. Plow

Had a friend that did that a few years back. Looked like a blast. I'll put that down on my list.

Protip: find a smaller operation. we took one that was like a 4-6 seater from a local as opposed to the giant ones with like a dozen fatties from canada on it. smaller ones can get into spots the bigger ones can't.

[arrowheadnation]

Originally Posted by Mr. Plow

Boom. Almost a 2 year bump on a 15 year old thread.

Going to be in Orlando for a couple days next month and thinking about spending one day at a park. Wanting to do something different from Disney. We've never been to Universal Studios and was hoping to get some input from those of you that have.

I'm hoping to have one day at a park and one day of relaxing or doing something NOT park related - but it looks like to experience everything at Universal, you have to get through both Universal Studio's and Island of Adventure. Is that a 2 full day deal or is that something you can get through in one day?

If we ultimately decide to NOT do a park, what are some other things to do that teenagers will enjoy as much as teenagers can enjoy anything?

Any suggestions on good hotels to stay at?

Thanks in advance for the help.

If you want to go Disney, for teenagers I'd stick to Hollywood Studios. It's a one day park with the most "teenager" type rides, plus it has Star Wars land.

If you want to stick with Universal, then yeah, you have to buy passes to both parks to "see it all." You won't be able to ride everything, but it's definitely more "teen" oriented than Disney. You don't have to do both parks, but if you want to see all of the Harry Potter stuff you will (Diagon Alley is in one park and Hogsmeade/Hogwarts are in the other).

If you don't want to pay to get into the parks, just go to Disney Springs and/or Universal Citywalk. These are the free dining and entertainment districts. You can easily spend a few hours at each of them.

As for hotels, definitely avoid the Disney bubble right now. Most of the perks you get from staying in the bubble aren't being offered due to Covid. You can stay at the Four Seasons or Waldorf Astoria cheaper anyway, and they're literally right there on disney property.