Going to Disney April 22-26 how are the crowds going to be?

We will be going to Disney next week from Tuesday, April 22 to Saturday, April 26. Does anyone know how the crowds are going to be? What park is best on what day? We will be taking our three year old and plan on going to MK and Epcot (Epcot only 1 day). Is it worth taking her to see the other parks or would she be bored? Thanks for your help.

Going to Disney April 22-26 how are the crowds going to be?

A three-year-old won%26#39;t be bored at any of the Disney parks, so go to as many as you have time to do. There%26#39;s something at every park, but especially Animal Kingdom.

As for crowds next week, looks like most days are rated ';5'; except for Thursday, which is an ';8'; for some reason.

The suggested park for each day is as follows:

Tuesday--Magic Kingdom

Wednesday--Epcot or Hollywood Studios

Thursday--Epcot or Animal Kingdom

Friday--Animal Kingdom

Saturday--Magic Kingdom or Epcot

Another park you may want to consider is SeaWorld, which is also ideal for a three-year-old.

Going to Disney April 22-26 how are the crowds going to be?

MGM is also a good park for a 3 year old. Playhouse Disney has the characters from Mickeys Clubhouse, Handy Mandy, Little Einsteins and My friends Tigger and Pooh. You can also meet them outside the show. They have Beauty and the Beast and Little Mermaid for the girls and Indiana Jones and the stunt show for the boys. The Muppet 3-D movie is also good for kids of this age. The high school musical show and the Pixar Parade are also good for a 3 year old. You do more sitting at this park for shows etc, it can be good after a busy day at M.K.

MGM is now called Hollywood Studios.

My five year old always LOVED Hollywood Studios. They have the Playhouse Disney show as mentioned and also the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground. You could spend an hour just at the playground. Animal Kingdom is great, too. I would plan on spending a day at each of the parks. You may be able to do a half day at Epcot, hitting just the kid friendly things like Nemo%26#39;s Ride (a lot of fun) and the aquarium exhibits. We have annual passes and go all the time. I think you%26#39;ll find that your 3 year old will love it all!

pink hair

At Last !!

On our way to AMI today after a week in Orlando being worn out by the kids and the parks. Time to relax now, can`t wait.

Also going to introduce my brother in laws family to the island, albeit just for a day. I`m sure they`ll fall in love with the place too.

At Last !!

Have a wonderful holiday and relax! :-))

yes, i´m sure the bug will bite again :-)

we´re all waiting for your report!!

At Last !!

Hey Steve, finally huh? Well, you are looking at some wonderful weather here. I know you are going to have a great vacation.

By the way, I love your picture on your post name, great job!

Portofino with hubby and kids - SO SO excited!!

Leaving this Sunday for 5 nights at the Portofino with my husband and two boys, ages 12 and 10. Can%26#39;t get there soon enough! Does anyone have any Portofino tips as far as dining or entertainment? Any Universal tips at all would be appreciated actually. First time there for us! Also, did I read somewhere that Mythos is only open for lunch, not dinner?

Portofino with hubby and kids - SO SO excited!!

yes mythos is only open until about 3:00pm. i find this a very weird decision on their part...as they get tons of business and have been voted many years in a row as best themepark restaurant in the world.

can%26#39;t say about portofino, have never stayed there as i%26#39;ve never wanted to take a trip to my own town...but i do know that it is beautiful inside. it is one of the nicest hotels in orlando.

since you are staying at portofino, you get a free unlimited express pass (front of the line access), so you don%26#39;t need any tips for lines or which rides get crowded first. you are set! i don%26#39;t even need to advise on what attractions to do...with 5 nights, you will have time to do everything. all i can say is don%26#39;t miss anything. universal/IOA are my two favorite parks...you and your boys will have a fantastic time!

Portofino with hubby and kids - SO SO excited!!

Thanks, Orlando Native. Glad to know for sure the hours for Mythos. I guess we will be doing lunch there and not dinner. Sounds like a good place to have a cocktail though and I usually prefer those with dinner and not lunch. Oh well, it%26#39;s vacation, right????

I have stayed at Portafino and it%26#39;s beautiful, They have an italian restaurant there called mama mia%26#39;s (I think) and it was very good, I had the veal and it was yummy.

Great - I just made a reservation for that restaurant on our first night there. I can taste the veal already!!

It was veal marsala I think I had, very good. Also your room keys can be used as fast passes. Regular fast passes only allow you to use them once per ride but room keys allow you go ride as many times as you want. My fav ride at IOA is Dr seuss cat in the hat lol. Yes it%26#39;s a kiddy ride but very cool! Your two boys will love it. Next to the spiderman ride at certain times of the day all the super hero characters come out to sign autographs so try to catch that. Bubba Gump shrimp co. is really good food at universal city walk too.

Bristol to Sanford - anyone done this?

Just wondered if any of you have done this as it will save us going up to London.

First Choice are the airline - slightly smaller aircraft.

Plus how did you get from Sanford to Orlando?

Thanks.

Bristol to Sanford - anyone done this?

Haven%26#39;t done this but with regards to getting to Orlando from Sanford, when you book you can arrange for transfers from airport to hotel so that isn%26#39;t a problem.

Bristol to Sanford - anyone done this?

Have you thought of flying with Continental from Bristol. You have to go via Newark. We did this journey from Manchester (before Bristol opened this route) and it was fine. You could think of having a ';Stopover'; in New York before going home. We could kick ourselves for not doing that!!

I have flown Bristol to Sanford with First Choice.

IMO First Choice flight was great. Seat back TV%26#39;s, meal and snack, and a larger seat pitch than other airlines. Oh and the staff were great too!

The only downside to our flight was that we had to fly to Manchester first to fuel up.

Sanford is a great airport, much easier to get in and out of than MCO.

If you are not hiring a car though, you will have to look at booking transfers.

We have booked with First Choice flying from Bristol to Sanford in September. I think the stopover in Manchester is like 1hr, IMO more than worth it as we don%26#39;t have to drive to Gatwick. We have also booked transfers with First Choice to our hotel from the Airport.

We looked at going with FC from Bristol, two things stopped us, flight was hour or so longer due to refueling and it was more expensive. So Gatwick for us. We normally go with Virgin so will be very interested in finding out what the difference is going to be.

Cash, Credit Cards or Travlers Checks

Okay our first trip to KW is 31 days away. What should we take?? All Cash?? Do the bars take travlers checks?? Use a credit card??

I know there are seasoned KW travlers that will know what is best and easiest to use on island time.

Thanks for your advice.

Cash, Credit Cards or Travlers Checks

Credit Cards all the way. Dont use prepaid cards either, just a regular credit card that you pay off!

The reasoning is very simple, credit cards are the simplest to dispute and charge back charges that are not valid.

Yes, taking a card to a bar is not the most convient thing in the world, but its worth it in my opinion.

Credit Cards give you a level of protection that differs from any other monetary form. Travlers Checks are the same thing as paper checks only with a bit more security, but they really are a pain and more and more places will not take them.

Cash can get stolen, and you dont have any recourse.

Credit Cards (not Debit Cards) are the best way to go.

I sorta kinda have a ton of experience in this field and area so if you have questions let me know!

Cash, Credit Cards or Travlers Checks

Never had a problem with a credit card although I always carry some cash with me.

Well if you%26#39;re going to the Green Parrot, and I hope you do since it%26#39;s the best bar on the island to hear live music, bring cash...they don%26#39;t take plastic!

We usually bring plastic and cash. Why use a credit card if you%26#39;re just going to Kelly%26#39;s for happy hour for a few beers and margaritas?? $20 max, so use cash.

But if you%26#39;re getting a big meal somewhere, or even to pay off the hotel room, use plastic.

cheers!

DFWPhotoguy - thanks for the advice about the prepaid cards. I was thinking about doing that this year but I couldn%26#39;t make up my mind. I think you just helped me decide.

Most people dont realize that prepaid credit cards or online ';virtual'; credit cards are EVIL.

Authorizations can hold weeks if not months. You are in for a much larger headache with them than a regular credit card.

Prepaid Cards to stay away from at all costs:

Green Dot

Account Now

Bank Freedom

Vision

Western Union

BuyRight

CreditSolveUK

I agree cash and credit card all the way. Always book hotels on credit cards, as well as cars and big purchases.

If they are not up to your standards and the hotel is not willing to work with you, just say these magic words ';I will dispute/chargeback these charges, and report you to the BBB'; I promise things change once they hear those magic words.

I could do a entire traveler article on consumer rights and how to note get taken by the man.

A lot of bars in the Keys do not take credit cards and those establishments who do accept them usually have a minimum $20 charge. If you plan on stopping by several bars to have a single drink, the credit card won%26#39;t work. Also, I think most wait staff prefers tips in cash rather than one on a credit card slip.

We always use Credit Cards for the Hotel and gas on the way to the keys. Cash for bar tabs. If we want to buy a larger items or a expensive dinner- credit card. I don%26#39;t want to pay interest on my drinks : )

kim

Was also thinking about the tip side of things... Why tip Uncle Sam? If it%26#39;s documented, it%26#39;s taxed. Take your debit card and a credit card. Each day, debit out the cash you think you%26#39;ll need for food and drink purchases. Tangible items such as shopping, excursion tickets for sunset cruises, attraction etc... Use the CC. Simple solution. This way, if you need to dispute a charge for merchandise or services, you%26#39;re covered and if for some reason, there was a mix-up on the price of a meal or bar tab, you know and can fix it right then and there.

I think a mix of debit cards and cash works fine. I bring a good base of cash that I work off of to make sure i%26#39;m not going beyond the fairly large budget i set for myself as is.

I say a debit card because in the afternoon, I find it nice sometimes to just open a tab and let it run. If you%26#39;re known they won%26#39;t need a card, but most will. So you don%26#39;t even really need to use the card, but have it to run a tab. I personally like tipping off a big tab as opposed to tipping per drink.

Eloquently put seabus! Thats pretty much exactly the right thing to do!

If you want the strong drinks, tip in cash!

colorstay

'Small town America' near Orlando

We are gonna have a car when we go in October and would like a day out to a little quaint ? town/village within driving distance ? May go to Celebration as well.Just looking something something different !!

Thanks in advance.

'Small town America' near Orlando

I would highly recommend going to Celebration and head for the market place. It%26#39;s a lovely little town with bars, retaurants, shops, walks, cinema etc...

You could easily spend a few hours here just relaxing and taking in the atmosphere. However don%26#39;t go on a Sunday as most of the shops will be shut!

'Small town America' near Orlando

Winter Park is also nice. Just north of Orlando off the I4.

Mt Dora has some lovely little shops.

I would also suggest Winter Park, maybe take the boat tour and have lunch.

For a small town america feel you might want to take a little drive to historic downtown kissimmee, although there isn%26#39;t too much there of interest! I think Sanford has a historic district too.

is Celebration south of orlando??

The developers have taken away many of of quaint town areas (don%26#39;t get me started). Having said that, downtown Mt Dora is still nice. There are lots of cool places to eat. Leesburg also still has a small town feel. Celebration is nice, but it seems like it was built on a movie set. Somehow it seems a little fake for me.

Sanford does have an historic district, but its very small. I was just up there Saturday...they have some nice little shops and art galleries on Park Ave (there%26#39;s one in Sanford also!) but many are closing.

Winter Park is better, more to do, more shops and restuarants.

Winter Garden has also recently redeveloped their ';downtown'; with quaint shops and restaurants, but again, its small.

Celebration is nice, but I feel its very manufactured looking.

Celebration reminds me of the film Cocoon lol :)

Surffish: I%26#39;m with ya%26#39; on Celebration! I feel the same way about Baldwin Park (probably because the guy who headed up construction in Celebration also headed up Baldwin Park)

Celebration is nice, and it is pleasant. but it does feel a bit like %26#39;Wisteria Lane%26#39;. With a side of Stepford ;-)

are you responsible

Have you ever met someone famous?

Apart from Mickey and friends have you ever met anybody famous and what was your reaction?

My 2 younger daughters are hoping to bump into Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana) or Zac Efron (Troy - HSM) whilst we are in Orlando and they are already planning what they are going to say to them.

Just wondering if anyone else has had an experience.

RM

Have you ever met someone famous?

well...being a Green Bay Packer fan...Brett Farve was there last week, but we wern%26#39;t...bummer. A lady I know who was there at the time didn%26#39;t get to see him either, but I%26#39;m sure someone on the TA had to have known.

My little 4 year old daughter would love to meet ';Hannah Montana'; and ';Troy'; too!

Anyone else?

DC7

Have you ever met someone famous?

I saw the guy from %26#39;Full House%26#39; at Universal Studios in Hollywood a few years back!!

I know you%26#39;re all impressed really LOL!

I talked to Stone Cold Steve Austin

I thought I saw Tim McGraw at MGM last year, but turns out it was a look alike!! I really did think it was him though!

Yes I have but never at Disney :( The closest was Johnny Whittaker. We saw him at the Magic Kingdom years ago when he was filming Tom Sawyer for Disney.(I can see the google button going now). I did have the opportunity to say hello to Tiger Woods at a function at the Hyatt Grand Cypress eight or so years ago. I have a signed golf ball someplace.

Look-a-likes...wow, when we went to MNSSHP in October 06, wow, the pirate on the ship float sure looked like a dead ringer for Johnny Depp...I almost climbed the float! LOL

DC7

DC7 - How could I forget about that one!! I will say I certainly agree with you because I thought the same thing at the MNSSHP - and almost did the same thing you did!! Enjoy your trip:)

I worked in Hollywood for six years and have met more famous people than I can count. Seriously, I started to keep track of them in a notebook and just got tired of dragging it out every three minutes. When you live out there, you see celebs everywhere. It helped that I worked on a TV show that had a lot of special guests, but you didn%26#39;t have to be in the industry to see the celebs.

On one day in L.A., I saw the woman who played Nelly Olson on Little House on the Prairie at the grocery store, stood next to John Lovitz at the Hamburger Haven when I was getting lunch, and saw Jennifer Aniston at an Irish pub where she had come to see her boyfriend at the time, Tate Donovan, play in an Irish folk band.

My favorite story involves standing on set with two of the cast members from my show. I am around 6%26#39;2'; and the two cast members were 6%26#39;3'; and 6%26#39;5';. John Cleese - who is 6%26#39;5'; - walked up and stood with us while we were talking. After a moment he said, ';It%26#39;s so nice to be among people of proper size.';

Before I went out to Hollywood, I did meet the wrestler Ole Anderson at the Shoney%26#39;s where I worked. He ordered the soup and salad bar. One of the other waitresses - a big wrestling fan who didn%26#39;t like him - told me to tell him, ';We also serve steak, you big pansy.';

Needless to say, I didn%26#39;t.

thanks for the replies - great posts although I don%26#39;t know some of the names mentioned but I%26#39;m enjoying reading them - keep them coming.

RM

what's happened to snow cones???

i loved these when we went in 05 and 06. we used to get them at universal and seaworld, but when we went last sept they had all changed to the frozen coke. does anyone still do the snow cones?

thanks

what's happened to snow cones???

i know there%26#39;s a spot in japan at epcot

what's happened to snow cones???

thankyou!!! my son and i will be heading there then!!

aerlingus dublin to orlando any info

Am travelling with aer lingus from dublin to shannon any advice re customs, meals, inflight entertainment etc

aerlingus dublin to orlando any info

Do you mean you are travelling with aer lingus from Dublin to Orlando (not shannon)?

If so, I%26#39;m going that route too in a couple of months and would like to know the same...have you filled out the advance passenger information on the aer lingus website?

How long does customs and immigration take at either dublin or Orlando MCO?

Thanks

aerlingus dublin to orlando any info

sorry dublin orlando, its a fairly recent service so just want some info. No i hav%26#39;nt filled our forms but will do before I go

hey mayolady did this aerlingus to orlando direct 3 years ago and didnt like it .brill to go direct cuts out all stop overs.the last two years went with delta absolutely brilliant airline contantly feeding you great movies really nice staff., but had stop overs in atlanta and new york on way back. swore i wouldnt go with aerlingus again but hey i am in 4 weeks .giving them 1 last chance .last time tvs didnt work radio s didnt work no ice for warm water and stopped in shannon for 4 hours unscheduled . maybe they have improved since then i hope so couldnt face another flight like that one.

There has been a few other postings on this subject on this site in the last few weeks.

Spoke to someone who flew the route recently.

Did not preclear immigration in Dublin, as expected. But had good individual seat back TV%26#39;s on the route out. However, an older airbus with the flip down TV%26#39;s was used on the return leg.

So it seems a bit hit and miss at the moment.

Taking the flight in a few weeks. Paid a lot for it, to go direct, so am expecting a great service. Time will tell!

Aer Lingus are working out more expensive than a couple of other airlines for Orlando at the moment. Would love some info on them though before I decide who to book with.

Also, does anyone think just going for a week to Orlando is a waste? I%26#39;ve limited hols. Thanks

FYI - premier seats are available for 鈧?50 each way extra but there is no premier service

Hi, Im also interested if anyone has travelled the Dublin_orlando route with aer lingus??

hi all,

I%26#39;m sitting here in staybridge suites writing this on my new laptop i got in Best Buy for $399 %26amp; tax! Flew with aerlingus on saturday, no seat back screens, food not great although help yourself to as much soft drinks etc as you want. Did not clear immigration in dublin what a nightmare in mco.Landed at 4.30, we were one of the first in line to clear immigration then collected bags brought them to customs, on to next customs left them there. We then had to go through security then downstairs to collect bags. We were an hour waiting for all our bags to come through, then downstairs to alamo car hire, another queue. It was 7pm by the time we go our car and were on our way. Having a great time now though!

Hi Mum3,

Hope you are having a lovely holiday.

What a bummer about not being able to clear immigration in Dublin - I%26#39;m so disappointed. Anyway, thanks for letting me know. Did you happen to order childrens meals on the flight - what were they like?

Anyway, have a great holiday and we look forward to your trip report on your return. 4 weeks and 2 days wait for us - think I%26#39;ll start packing this weekend!

Thanks.

Hi,

Just saw the post now.

Did the outbound flight with Virgin through Manchester and returned direct with Aer Lingus in November. One tip for the future is booking one way with Aer Lingus as the return trip is priced in US dollars and always works out a lot cheaper if you book early.

Try and get seats up the front for your outbound flight, then get off the plane first so you are ready to briskly walk to the Immigration desk. We did it on the Virgin flight and we were first on the queue for Immigration. Only took five minutes and when I looked back the queue was huge which means a long wait to get through. Got caught out before!

Have to say, Aer Lingus wasn%26#39;t a patch on Virgin but was better as less time travelling with young children. One hostess actually told my husband not to tell anyone she had given him a coffee as everyone would be down in the galley asking for the same. Come on , its their job! No individual TV%26#39;s but as its a night flight, you might sleep anyway. Meal was horrible, but most are.

Overall, I only choose Aer Lingus for convenience as the service tends to be over priced and not up to the standard of other major airlines.

HGVC International Drive

We are considering this spot for our next visit to Orlando. Can anyone please answer the following questions:

-do they allow a cot in a 2 bedroom suite? We have 3 children (7,4,4) and do not feel we need a 3 bedroom, but would prefer not to have third child in the living room

-I have read there are two pools. Is there a zero entry section in the main pool?

-Can you suggest a building location for a young family?

-do you know if you book through a timeshare rental vs hotel direct if the room is pre-assigned?

I am looking at various booking options right now but rates aren%26#39;t available for next March yet.

Thanks a bunch - I appreciate your help.

HGVC International Drive

Bump....can anyone help with this one?

Cheers.

HGVC International Drive

1. I am sure if you wanted to put another bed in the room, you could. The lock off part is essentially a regular motel room with two double beds. You could easily put an air mattress in there or one of them could sleep on the pull out sofa. I think the 2br is designed to sleep 8.

2. Yes there are two pools A big pool in the main building and a smaller one on the opposite side. The smaller pool is zero entry. There is also a small bar and a pizza hut.

3. All the buildings are good. I don%26#39;t remember the building numbers, but the higher the number the newer the building. They are all pretty close to the pools. If you like to shop you can ask for a room on the outlet mall side and it is a short walk to the outlets. All the rooms face the inside of the resort toward the lake. I would just avoid a first floor room. You have zero privacy.

4. All rooms are pre-assigned. Think of it like putting together a never ending puzzle. You can always ask for a different room.

I you want to get a good deal and don%26#39;t mind sitting through a 90 min light pressure sales pitch you can stay there at a reduced rate. Another option is renting from someone who owns there. You can usually get the best deal from them because a lot of people who get suckered in realize that they are not going to use their time and sell it for what they paid for it. It can be risky, but if you use your head, you can get a great deal.

Buildings 1-3 are closest to the larger, waterfall pool. This is the pool that kids tend to flock to. It is also where the activities take place (games, sundies in the afternoon, pool-side movies). As well, the bar and grill are located here. Buildings 4-7 are close to the smaller pool. This pool tends to be quieter, with no kid activities, however kids still enjoy it. Since our last visit, they have built a bridge across the pond, making it quicker to access the main part of the resort (grill, store, check in)from the newer buildings.

they doo not allow cots.

Thanks for the great information! Does anyone know if there is a sofa bed in the non-master suite area?

Thank you again - I appreciate it.

We have stayed at this hotel for the past 2 years and we got a cot for my daughter at a charge of $10 per day because she did not want to sleep on the pull out couch in the living room. Not sure it was called a cot, it was actually a step up from a cot; a fold up bed with a single mattress. Hope this helps and enjoy your stay.

JoJo

10 day Theme Park ticket or not?

Hubby and I in our 50%26#39;s. Due to Hubby%26#39;s Epilepsy - no white knuckle rides. Previous replies suggest the following would be best for us:

Epcot

Hollywood Studios

Sea World

Discovery Cove

When I checked out website, I couldn%26#39;t see Epcot on there. Also, although a 10 day pass works out cheaper, would we really need this? If we were to purchase a 7 day pass can we spread this out over 2 weeks as we have 15 nights but won%26#39;t be spending all of it in the Parks as plan on Kennedy Space Centre and some retail therapy on other days + the odd day to relax.

10 day Theme Park ticket or not?

Probably a 7 day disney pass will be enough %26amp; will get you into Epcot.I think it will expire 14 days after you 1st use it! We went to discovery cove in 2004 %26amp; it was a fabulous day. we%26#39;d love to do it again someday but it isn%26#39;t cheap

10 day Theme Park ticket or not?

Hollyfairy,

I think the 7 day ticket will probaly be enough for you. It will allow you entry into MKingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. You can also use this to visit more than one park in one day if you wish. In addition you get 7 visits to the waterparks, Pleasure Island (in Downtown Disney) and Disneys Wide World of Sports. It will expire 14 days after the first day of use so you won%26#39;t have to do 7 consecutive days in theme parks. You%26#39;ll be able to have days off doing the other things you want to do.

Perfect - 7 day ticket it is. Thank you.

Is it better to book from here or wait til we get over there?

Sadly, you may have to skip all the nighttime shows at the theme parks as well, due to the Epilepsy.

I don%26#39;t think Epileptics can deal with fireworks or flashing lights, and all the Disney parks except for Animal Kingdom have these kind of shows at night.

Fireworks are fine as distant, possibly strobe lighting in a dark enclosed environment not though.

Hi, I have always bought my tickets in the UK from Orlando Ticket deals. You can buy them online or over the phone. They promise to match any other online(UK) price.

My Orlando flex tickets have just arrived today!!!!

yeah!!! Happy to see you are still planning and didnt give up Hollyfairy!!!!Dont let it get to you ,I know its a lot, but in the end a lil planning goes a long way at Disney.

For a good deal on tickets go to undercovertourist.com tax included, real tickets not vouchers and free delivery.

colorstay

find a white satin duvet cover

Magic your way pkg?

I booked room only at Disney - we planned on buying the tickets separately and take a cab from the airport to the resort (hubby is none too patient).

Was this a bad idea, are we missing out on anything? Is it worth switching to the myw package?

Magic your way pkg?

I really think you should try using Magical Express as it%26#39;s really no real delay and it%26#39;s free of charge.

The only real ';thing'; you miss out on not getting a full package deal is the ability to purchase the Disney Dining Plan if you%26#39;d like.

Magic your way pkg?

I don%26#39;t think you%26#39;re missing out on a thing-we tried the Dining Plan once and are not fans,too much food and too little spontaneity. I would suggest using a car service like www.happy llimo.com for a TownCar from the airport. Its about the same and they will make a grocery stop for you.

kinda depends on how many in your party and whether or not you are gonna eat table service meals alot.If its just the two of you,no biggie...but if you have like four people,the savings really adds up fast.As a family of four,who eats table service dinners most nights,we save at least 150 a day.

We didn%26#39;t consider the Dining Plan as we are staying in the Boardwalk Villas and have the kitchenette there.

I priced out the room and tickets vs the room pkg (room, tickets, Disney Express and MYW). There was a difference of around $71.00, although I%26#39;m not sure why? We can definitely get transport from the airport to Disney for that (we don%26#39;t need rt as we are going to the Portofino after Disney).

Do the ticket prices @ the Disney web site include tax - we%26#39;re looking at the 4 day park hopper for $257.00?

Thanks again for all your help - you guys are the bestest!

Ding Darling: Tram it, drive it, or bike it?

We%26#39;re visiting Sanibel in May and plan on going to Ding Darling. I%26#39;m just wondering what people%26#39;s thoughts are on the ';best'; way to experience it. We (my huband and I) are not HUGE nature buffs, but we definitely want to visit, explore, and learn. Is the tram ride worth the money? Do you get ';that much more'; out of taking it?

Thanks everyone!

Ding Darling: Tram it, drive it, or bike it?

I had some company in from CA over the weekend and took them to Ding Darling. We decided to take the tram instead of driving in order to get an ';expert'; to give us information. It was very enjoyable and Robert, our driver made it a great deal of fun and was extremely knowledgeable about a great many things. I do not think you will be disappointed if you take the tram - I believe it was $13.00 per person and took a little over an hour or so. Enjoy your time in FL.

Ding Darling: Tram it, drive it, or bike it?

We have done the Ding Darling twice now, the 1st time we took the tram which we really enjoyed because our guide was very knowledgable about all the wildlife and he was great fun as well. The 2nd time we cycled and that was great fun as well because you can go at your own pace, stop and take photo%26#39;s and talk to other people and we were lucky enough to keep bumping into the %26#39;info man%26#39; on our way round. My favourite things to look at were the roseate spoonbills, I spent a long time watching them.

We are not nature buffs but we learnt a lot from both trips and will do it again soon i hope.

I%26#39;ve taken the tram at least 10 times over the years. Though much is %26#39;same old%26#39; for me, I still learn something new each trip. Some guides are better than others. If this is your first time thru, take the tram. Even non-nature lovers get lots of island history and info.

If it%26#39;s your first visit the Tram is definitely your best option as your guide will know where to find anything of interest and will also give you much background information on the reserve.

If that whets your appetite and you have the time to visit again biking it is the next best option. Take fluids and a hat and enjoy.

I think everyone%26#39;s first visit to the refuge should be the tram. Since I%26#39;m in the refuge for hours when I%26#39;m in Sanibel, I also hear the trams go past. Some drivers are definitely better than others, but all of them are better (meaning more knowledgable) than you are (thus, don%26#39;t drive the first time through).

There is so much I would never know had I not been on the tram. Definitely take the tram. The second best would be to take the kayak naturalist-led tour at Tarpon Bay (this is part of the refuge). If you have no background with mangrove swamps you need to have someone explain to you what you are seeing. Try to go around low tide (call the refuge and ask -- they have the schedule).

To bike the refuge does take some stamina -- the island is flat, but it is a one-way ride. This means 4 miles through and another 4 miles back. Depending on the time of year, this, plus the ride to and from where you are staying can be a bit much.

When I just get to Sanibel, and I%26#39;m not quite up to ';island shape'; I ask my husband drive the bikes to the refuge parking lot and we bike from there -- cuts 2 miles from our ride.

Biking is just different from riding. Actually, I%26#39;m in the refuge almost daily (except Fridays - which I HATE). Most of the time, I prefer driving. When I%26#39;m on the bike, if I stop and want to watch or photograph wildlife, I might spend an hour watching/taking pictures, then I have to get on the bike %26amp; bike home. In that case, to have the lovely beater red Windstar van to climb into and drive down the road is heaven. When I stop, I may be walking back and forth, back and forth, on and on. In the van, I can turn on the air, have a couple of bottles of water, snacks, and then back to the refuge.

BUT, I see so many people driving through the refuge at the wrong time (try to go at low tide), they don%26#39;t know what to look at or for, the kids are bored, and everyone is frustrated.

If you drive or bike, please don%26#39;t hesitate to stop and visit with people. Talk to the ';Info'; people (their car is marked and they generally will have scopes and can tell you what you are looking at and will answer your questions. Stop and ask the people fishing if they%26#39;ve caught anything. If you see someone crabbing (hint, long-handled net) if they%26#39;ve caught any crabs. Anyone out in the refuge will generally be happy to try to answer your questions or point out things that you might have missed. I think I will still be in Sanibel when you%26#39;re there -- if you see a red van with Wyoming plates around the island, or more specifically in the refuge, stop and visit. The reason we are there is because we love it, so we are happy to share that love with you.

You didn%26#39;t ask about hiking, but there are several short to long hikes in the refuge as well -- those are wonderful.

Well it%26#39;s settled then - the tram it is! Thank you everyone for the advice and information, greatly appreciate it!

Thanks for the great topic. I wondered the same. We will take the tram as well when we go next month.

Is the tram available at the entrance to the park?

You book the tram by phone and then pay at a small kiosk in the main lot nearest the Visitor Center then walk over to extra lot and you%26#39;ll see the boarding area.

Great! Thanks.

Mini sunset cruise

Someone told me they took a little sunset cruise for about $20. It wasn%26#39;t one of the cruises with dinner, just the basic cruise out and back and snacks were sold on board. Could someone help me with the name?

Thanks, SunNut

Mini sunset cruise

The name of the sunset cruise for $20 is the Le Barge Tropical Cruise. 2 hour cruise...

It leaves from the Marina Jack/US41 marina.

Leaves at 7 PM. (941) 366-6116.

There is more info on:

www.sunnydayguides.com

~SRQgirl

Mini sunset cruise

Thanks SRQgirl,

SunNut

how busy is late april

we are looking at traveling next April 18-25, i know it is probably busy there but to accommodate our son%26#39;s vacation, it is either those dates, president%26#39;s week in february which i know is horrible and the summer which i also know is horrible. how bad is april??? HELP

how busy is late april

Well, of all the dates you have listed, I%26#39;d say the April ones are the best of the bunch.

Late April should see most of the spring breakers gone, but the summer crowds not yet there.

For this year, anyway, the crowd levels for that time period show only moderate crowds (5, 6, and 7 ratings mostly).

how busy is late april

thanks for ur response, where do u find the ratings of crowd levels online?

Here%26#39;s the site for the crowd ratings, but unless you subscribe to touring plans, you can only view 30 days out from today:

www.touringplans.com/tp2/UG2_index.php鈥?/a>

it is find here now so in a week or so will be just as good

We always tend to go around this time of year.....queues....what queues ;-)...

On a serious note if you get to the parks early you can get the majority of the more popular rides done in an hour or so without having to even queue.....even come the afternoon you%26#39;ll prob find max waiting be about 20-30 minutes...

oh ye and the weathers great....

lucky boogers!!! wish we could go in April..but school is still in here.:(

We are heading to Universal on Sunday. Hearing about the not too bad lines and the beautiful weather is getting me really psyched!!!

what's the weather in orlando today

Just want to know from the residents what the weather feels like today, the temperatures, whether it%26#39;s sunny, windy, etc.

what's the weather in orlando today

I%26#39;m not personally there, but get a daily email on the weather there.

It%26#39;s been cold for Orlando standards the last few days, but it%26#39;s warming up as the days go by. One last winter blast (dogwood winter) dug in the last couple of days, but it will soon be gone.

what's the weather in orlando today

thanks. we%26#39;ll be arriving in 2 weeks time and would like to know how cold it is. Living here in the philippines, we%26#39;re not used to cold weather. 22 degrees C is already cold for me.

It%26#39;s quite cool at the moment and VERY windy.......the cold wouldn%26#39;t be to bad if it weren%26#39;t for the wind. But today is the last day of the cool period. It hasn%26#39;t been too upsetting at the parks, but we haven%26#39;t been able to swim because of the weather.

Still a little early to be forecasting for two weeks from now, but generally, by May 1st, it%26#39;s very warm during daylight hours, and can cool off a bit at night.

Might want to bring light jackets and long pants for the evenings, but t-shirts and shorts will rule the day hours.

thanks again. Really appreciate all your input. Will definitely take note of your advise regarding clothes to pack

you can try weatherbug or wesh or wftv but last look was 58 degrees

ittwit

Adult fancy dress costumes

Hi,

Strange question but I have seen online that you can get Disney princess outfits for adults.

I was wondering if they sell them in Disney n where I can find one if so?

I really want to get one for a fancy dress party

Thanks

Adult fancy dress costumes

The massive Disney Store in Downtown Disney has adult costumes.

Adult fancy dress costumes

Woo hoo thanks!!

Hi throwing myself in on this question as well.

Do they also have adult buzz lightyear costume ?

My husbond love him, so

I just did a quick two second search on the internet and yes there is Buzz Lightyear Adult costumes. $85 U.S.$ at Moon Costumes. I%26#39;d just suggest going to a search engine, or just go to Disney online.

Thanks a lot, stayed in february in DisneylandParis

and the only thing they had was a t-shirt and of course had to bye it and he loves his T-shirt.

Mutter

Have you checked eBay - it might be a bit cheaper?

colorstay

Disney Hotels comparison - what do you get for your $$$?

As many of you have suggested allears.net I checked this out and I%26#39;m still undecided. After reading reviews, we%26#39;re really confused about accomodation quality %26amp; locations. We are a couple in our 50%26#39;s and due to Hubby%26#39;s Epilepsy we will not have a car - hence choice to stay at Disney and use free transportation. As many of you replied to one of my previous posts - seems like Epcot and Boardwalk area will be for us - however, this is how they were looking yesterday (daily room rate - regular season):

Polynesian rated 26 out of 293. Cheapest room 拢399.

Yacht %26amp; Beach Club rated 24 out of 293. Cheapest room $370.

Boardwalk Inn rated 109 out of 293. Cheapest room $370.

Boardwalk Villas rated 40 out of 293. Cheapest room $370.

Swan rated 79 out of 293. Cheapest room 拢214.50.

Dolphin rated 114 out of 293. Cheapest room $194.50.

Caribbean rated 67 out of 293. Cheapest room $165.

Port Orleans Riverside rated 45 out of 293. Cheapest room $165.

On top of this I guess tickets, meals, shows but I%26#39;ll start another post about that.

Disney Hotels comparison - what do you get for your $$$?

For those prices I would choose the Dolphin,even though I don%26#39;t find the ambiance perticularly appealing. The age factor puts some of the Disney niceties on the back burner and the location is as good as the other Boardwalk resorts. It is more like a Las Vegas style property, meaning it is fine but lacking a lot of the Disney touch.

Disney Hotels comparison - what do you get for your $$$?

I didn%26#39;t see the contemporary on this list, but it should fit somewhere around Yacht and Beach club. The advantage to it (and to some extent the Poly) is that it is RIGHT on the monorail for easy access to two parks.

Using your list, I%26#39;d probably consider the Carribean. I don%26#39;t think its significantly less convenient than the Dolphin and its less expensive and a little more fun.

The Carribean would be our choice...convienient location,and what a place.It is so pretty,and peacefull.Feels like you are really in the Carribean.

I did look at the Contemporary but didn%26#39;t really like the look of it and as there is a 14 storey tower it would be out of the question for me as due to a bad experience I do not go in internal (four enclosed walls) elevators. Thanks for your suggestion anyway as the monorail is a big plus for us.

Actually the Caribbean is the only hotel thats available for our stay. Does anyone know the difference between the standard view rooms and the water view rooms. Water view more expensive but is the standard just as good?

Plus the website won%26#39;t let me book 15 nights??

If its not much more,go for the water view.Beautiful lake there.

One thing that your $$$%26#39;s gets you is possibly the smallest rooms in the world.

Oh! Not sure I want to spend 2 weeks in a small room?

The Epcot resort area would be great for you. I understand that you can%26#39;t get 15 nights at any one hotel, but you might try splitting your stay between two hotels. The Swan and Dolphin would be good choices - great area and they will move your luggage for you. (I%26#39;ve done this several times when I couldn%26#39;t get all the nights I wanted at the Dolphin - I go to the Swan for a night or two, then the hotel moves me. It%26#39;s really pretty effortless - they are only a few steps away.) Try going directly to the swandolphin web site, and try different date combinations - often there%26#39;s just one night, or one or two days, that is sold out.

I understand the Disney hotels will also move your luggage for you, if you are changing between disney hotels. You might start at the Caribbean, then move to the Swan or Dolphin, or another Epcot resort.

The advantages of the Epcot resort area are huge, especially for adults. Walking distance to Epcot and MGM (or you can take a boat), easy access to lots of restaurants, the Boardwalk and its nightly entertainment. It%26#39;s worth moving in mid-stay if necessary.

I believe the Pop Century has a one bed room suite %26amp; Fort Wilderness has very nice log cabins.

Beach chairs/lounges

We are staying at the Plaza Beach Resort. Is there any place on the beach to reasonably rent beach chairs/loungers for about 4 days? Or is it cheaper to just buy them and leave them when we depart?

Thanks!

Beach chairs/lounges

For the price of the rental fee I have found it cheaper to go to publix and buy two beach chairs and just find a person in need when we leave. Its a great way to recycle. We leave for spb this friday. I can%26#39;t wait. Have a great time.

Beach chairs/lounges

Hi,

That is what I thought I would do. Hope you have a great trip.

plaza beach has some that people left behind, so check them out and see what they have before you go and spend the money. they keep them down by the pool area, along with sand toys, etc. for the kids.

they also have free cabana use, but the cabanas sit kinda far back from the water.

i left couple chairs there few years ago

Slurpees/icees in Disney hotels?

Hi,

Just read a post on frozen cokes and Disneychicks said that when she was in Pop hotel they had a machine where you could fill up your refillable mugs with slurpees.

Does anyone know if they have these in any other hotel? We%26#39;re staying in PORiverside and wondered if they have them there.

thanks

Slurpees/icees in Disney hotels?

When last I stayed at POR, they didn%26#39;t have the frozen slurpee machines at that time, but that was in September, 2007.

When I was at Pop in December, they did have them there, so don%26#39;t know if this is only a value resort perk or if all the food courts are getting them.

Should have had Partypa check on that this week while she%26#39;s at WDW.

Slurpees/icees in Disney hotels?

Holiday nut - We were there last week. No frozen coke machine. I know my kids would of found it if it existed.

That%26#39;s a shame - Thanks anyway.

Oh yoo hoo...Holidaynut!

You can get frozen cokes at a little stand in MGM (Disney Hollywood Studios). It%26#39;s near the Hollywood %26amp;Vine restaurant,just behind one of the clothing stores. Have a fune time!

Yes.fune time or fun time...whichever you prefer :-))

last week - wait times over 2 hours - will 4/30 be better?

I ran into someone yesterday who just got back from wdw, and said her poor daughter only got on a few rides, as the waits were over 2 hours. Will 4/30, 5/1 be better? I hope so, we only have a day or day and a half at the parks, hoping to do those ';most popular'; rides. I know the crowd report show 5 for 4/30 but jumps up to 7 on 5/1 for some reason?

last week - wait times over 2 hours - will 4/30 be better?

Courtbud- You should be fine. We hit some days with 9%26#39;s and we still got to do the rides we wanted.

It is the little stuff you miss and your not planning on doing that stuff. If you are only doing the main rides you will be fine.

I do think you need to add Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain railroad and Dinosaur to your list if you can fit them.

last week - wait times over 2 hours - will 4/30 be better?

thanks mac, i will!

Also, i just read your post on universal. We stayed at Royal Pacific last time and loved the location, hotel was fine, they had a great breakfast quick, continental as you%26#39;re heading out to parks. We%26#39;re staying at Hard Rock this time, kids liked the pool a little better.

Have fun.

listview bug

Anyone else travelling 17th May dublin - orlando aer lingus

Hi to anyone travelling this route, do you know if the parks, restaurants etc will be busy. I am wondering if we should have gone a week earlier to avoid memorial weekend.

Anyone else travelling 17th May dublin - orlando aer lingus

Mayolady, we are going on the 2nd and back on the 18th with Continental airlines...Hoping there will be little or %26#39;no%26#39; queues.. and hopefully the weather will be warmer there than it is now !..

Anyone else travelling 17th May dublin - orlando aer lingus

GuinnessDublin just back fromOrlando - temp never below high 70s! some days 85! arrived back to Dub and snow!!!

Hiya

We%26#39;re flying from Manchester on the same day and am sort of prepared for not going to the parks much that weekend. I made a post earlier asking what crowds would be like and this was the reply from a guy in Tampa

%26#39;Everything will be packed. The weekend will be the worst. Monday might not be to bad because that will be everyones travel day. Outlets and malls will be full as people as well%26#39;.

We%26#39;re planning on going to the parks first thing and if they get busy we can always come away and chill at the house then on one of the days go shopping.

Think the best thing to do is expect the worst then nething better is a bonus!!

Parent swap / child swap

I understand how it works if one child is too young to ride - but what about if one parent is too scared? The children will be 9 and 8 when we go - both are keen on trying the %26#39;big thrill%26#39; rides but both want to sit next to me for moral support and hand holding - and most rides seem to seat two side by side. Husband isn%26#39;t good with heights so there are some rides he doesn%26#39;t want to go on. Can he wait with my daughter while I go on with my son, and then swap and wait with my daughter while my son and I ride? Or is that abusing a system designed to help those with young children rather that those families with a scaredy-cat dad?!

Many thanks

Parent swap / child swap

The system is designed for people who are traveling with children too small for the ride-I don%26#39;t think people would let you cut ahead even if your husband was waiting at the head of the line-but it wouldn%26#39;t hurt to explain the situation to a Disney Cast Member and ask. there%26#39;s always exceptions to the rules.

colorstay

Restaurants on International Drive

Is there a way to get a list of restaurants on international Drive? We are staying across from Sea World and do not plan to dine in disney.

Restaurants on International Drive

These should have something....

http://www.internationaldriveorlando.com/

or download the PDF file on this link -

iridetrolley.com/visitorInformation/maps.asp

Restaurants on International Drive

I don%26#39;t think there is any like across from Seaworld but if you exit towards IDrive and make a left you%26#39;ll run in to plenty of them.

Littelmeshe, where are you staying. We are staying at renaissance hotel in 6 weeks time (OMG 6 weeks!!) and was founding restaurants in the area problematic. There are some in Westward (westwood?) Boulevard, the road running at the rear of the renaissance but not sure how far it is.

We are going the 24th-31st of May.

MAN to MCO with Virgin

Booked with Virgin to do the Manchester to Orlando run in June. We%26#39;re traveling with a 18 month old.

Has anyone got tips for entertaining small kids on flights?

Also, I%26#39;ve looked at Seatguru.com and V-flyer to find out the best seats on the 747 to get. Anyone got any suggestions for the best seats to get bearing in mind we%26#39;ll have jnr on our laps. How early would we need to be at the airport to get Bulkhead seats?

Cheers,

Darren

MAN to MCO with Virgin

When I took my kids abroad I was dreading the flight but it worked out fine as I packed them their own bags of fun - they knew nothing about them and were over the moon to get a bag full of treats. I packed new toys, things I knew they%26#39;d love, a few of their favourite sweets/choc/crisps.

I was so glad I did as we were delayed 17 hours at the airport!!! These bags were a godsend. They were still playing happily with their new toys when we finally got on the plane the next day!

We did go on a coach trip, from Brighton to Paris Disney when we had one child aged 17 months. I was dreading the coach trip so I got him a new toy, one of those big things that had lots of different things to do on it and he was so happy playing with it that the coach trip was a dream and Disney was a complete nightmare with him!!!

For the plane I%26#39;d also suggest that you take loads of drinks, the type you know they like as you don%26#39;t get many drinks on a plane, certainly not enough for children. Also lots of different treats to bring out if they start getting to the point of being a nightmare which hopefully will reduce little one to their usual angelic behaviour!!! lol

MAN to MCO with Virgin

We always use virgin%26#39;s Manchester to MCO flight. I usually pick seats towards the back of the plane as on most occasions the flight has not been full and that is where you usually find the empty seats!! Last few times I have had a row for myself and our 4 year old and hubby has had a row for himself!! Mind you, we always travel in October, January and April, so maybe its not so busy then. There are always plenty of films and kids programs to watch, and juice etc when the kids need it, its a great flight.

We discussed this the other day. But you are one up on the thread I%26#39;m about to give you as you are with Virgin, who are good with kids and give out kids goody bags which will help. so you can keep your homemade ones for emergencies or when you are on the ground. Check this thread:

tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g34515-i19-k1896鈥?/a>

The post about kids not getting enough drinks on the plane is nonsense.

In the seat, there is a call bell button. Press this to alert the cabin crew to your seat and then using your lips, ask for a drink. Alternatively you can use legs and walk to galley and get a drink as long as the seatbelt sign is not on.

There is no point buying loads of drink in the departures lounge, when its free onboard

Thanks for the feedback.

Totally agree about the service on board. Flown Virgin and many other airlines with business and family. The service is what you make it.

If any of you have ever been on a Virgin Vegas flight you%26#39;ll know the galley bar at the bottom of the stairs is actually like any pub except its at 34000ft.

I reckon I%26#39;ll either attempt to get a bulkhead seat (maybe sacrificing some seat width due to IFE folding into arm) or 62, 63, or 64 A%26amp;C or H%26amp;J...they%26#39;re the rows at the back of the plane where the have only 2 seats on either side instead of 3.

Daz

We flew with my 22 month old daughter on the same virgin flight in November.

I thought it would be a nightmare but i needn%26#39;t have worried.

The novelty of being on a plane, looking out of the window etc kept her occupied for ages. She watched some tv, played with her doll. I took her for a walk a few times.

Didn%26#39;t sleep but it was ok honestly!

I also took stickers which she played with for ages.

Virgin were excellent enough drinks, food, staff made a fuss of her.

At one point she announced she wanted to get off the bus to the amusement of other passengers.

The only bit she didn%26#39;t like was having to sit strapped in her seat for take off(we had bought her her own seat) On the way back she sat on my lap for take off with a baby seat belt and was much happier.

We had loads of room - half full flight - maybe you will get lucky in june!

For most of the way back she sat with husband on the row in front and i watched a film!

Stephanie

What%26#39;s the deal on booking bulkhead seats with Virgin? Is it just a case of getting to checkin early enough and not using online checkin?

Hi Lochdaz,

If all else fails try Medised !!!

Recommended for a peaceful flight for all !!!

Hi

We are also on a virgin flight from man to mco in june (26th to be precise). As my husband is 6ft2 we have pre booked the seats at the back of the plane that are in rows of 2 seats. They have much more rom and my husband can stretch hs legs out and be

comfortable.I think the rows of 2 seats start at row 60 -64 but there is a seating plan on the virgin website if you need any more information. Have a great holiday

zoe

There are 4 of us so we tend to get seats towards the rear of the plane going out with a window and centre seats so we can crash out coming back. If two of you with baby on lap then as said previous see if you can get the two seat rows right at the back. As for as keeping little one occupied, firts thing is to get the TV onto the kiddy channel!!

Disney Tipping on Dining Plan - Cash or Charge?

Hi all,

I%26#39;m sorry if this question has been asked a million times, I could not find the right search phrase to find the answer. We are visiting Disney in two weeks and we%26#39;ll be on the Dining Plan. I understand tips are no longer included in the plan so I%26#39;m trying to make sure I plan properly for those.

Do you have to tip in cash on top of the Dining Plan credit? Or can you charge the tip to a credit card? I want to make sure we carry enough cash if we have to use it for tipping.

-Sarah

Disney Tipping on Dining Plan - Cash or Charge?

I always tip in cash,its just easier than fussing with the credit card slip. Especially since you%26#39;re using the dining plan,what else would be on the credit card but the tip?Cash is simpler and more appreciated.

Disney Tipping on Dining Plan - Cash or Charge?

It%26#39;s probably best to use cash since you are on the dining plan. Servers like cash better too, as there%26#39;s no paper trail of how much they are getting.

If you were paying for the meal with credit card, you%26#39;d simply add the tip to the meal price that%26#39;s charged to the card.

Correct me if I%26#39;m wrong, but I don%26#39;t believe any alcohol would be included. So if you enjoyed an adult beverage with your meal, you%26#39;d need to pay for that. If you charged it to your room or paid for it with a CC, you could put tip right on that instead of with cash. But if you don%26#39;t have any extras, cash is probably the easiest way to go.

Kuddos to you for thinking ahead!

You can do it whichever way you feel comfortable. As Kat mentioned, servers prefer cash tips, but it is easy to use a credit card for tips as well, especially if you have you key to the world card attached to a credit card for purchases. Just be careful if you are ordering from the menu or getting alcholic beverages in addition to your dining plan selections, as there may be a tip automatically included in the bill for those items, so it would affect the overall tip you leave, in cash or on the card, when you figure percentages.

We are going to Disney in 11 days, and I have planned out all our tips according to the most expensive menu items. So if we get excellent service, the waitperson will get the full amount in the envelope, if service is lacking, I will take out a dollar or two accordingly. I am doing cash for dining tips only and will use the credit card for drinks and drink tips. Might seem a little complicated, but it%26#39;s just easier for me to keep up with this way. And I used to wait tables so I try to always tip in cash!

What percentage is considered an acceptable tip for meals?

For good service 20%

for fair service 15%

server

Accomodation close to Crossroads at LBV?

Hi all,

Would appreciate an info and/or opinions regarding %26#39;reasonably priced%26#39; (highly subjective, I know) family accomodation close to the Crossroads at Lake Buena Vista shopping centre.

I%26#39;ve had a look at past forum posts and have noted down a few suite hotels but cannot yet tell which %26#39;vacation communities%26#39; (eg. Windsor Hills) or condominium complexes are closest to this area.

Was in this area as a couple many many years back and remember the convenience of being able to walk to both Disney Marketplace shops and Crossroads eateries and supermarket at the end of the day.

Would like to stay in same area with family....prices permitting. :-)

All input appreciated,

CP

Accomodation close to Crossroads at LBV?

I think the Country Inn and Suites is really good value and very close to Crossroads and lots of restaurants

Accomodation close to Crossroads at LBV?

Here%26#39;s a list of some in the immediate area (these are not on Hotel Plaza Blvd):

Orlando Vista Hotel,

Doubletree-Club,

Holiday Inn Express,

Radisson,

Days Inn,

Courtyard

I don%26#39;t anything but suite hotels that are convenient to the Crossroads-never seen any condos but then we dont%26#39; stay in them. We like the Summerfield suites LBV,the Residence Inn LBV,the country Inn and suites LBV and the Sheraton Safari.the doubletree Guest suites is at Downtown disney,also very nice

A few weeks ago we stayed at Hawthorne Suites, LBV, it is located on Palm Parkway. Very close to Crossroads. All rooms are suites. Our suite had a kitchen, living room, and bedroom (2 double beds), bathroom. We thought it was very nice. Outside pool, whirlpool, basketball. Free breakfast, during the week free beer/wine 5-7pm. Price around $165 per night, but probable can get better price on internet.

Thanks to all that took the time to reply.

:-)

siesta keys Island house

Looking for place to stay on beach Siesta keys. Clean is the most important. Island House looks good on line so does midnight cove. Has any one stay either place or a better place.

siesta keys Island house

Midnight Cove is nice.

How long is your stay? Some places have a minimum rental period.

Have you looket at SeaCrest Apartments?

www.siestakeychamber.com

~SRQgirl

siesta keys Island house

Island House units are MUCH larger than Midnight Cove units...the bedrooms at Island house are more separated from each other and private than Midnight Cove bedrooms that typically have a thin closet between them.

Island House may be a little more expensive.

Cleaning is usually done by the same team of cleaners at any given place so they should be about equally ';clean';. Since each unit is individually owned however, some are completely re-done like new inside - (with all new kitchens for example) - while others may be pretty outdated (in both Island House and Midnight Cove).

Try to see pics of the interiors of specific units if you can.

Seaworld tickets

Is it worth buying Seaworld tickets in advance, please? I%26#39;ve seen them on undercovertourist.com and that you get two days for one. Does anyone know if this applies all year round?

Many thanks!

Seaworld tickets

You can normally get a second day free by visiting guest services (at the entrance) before you leave.

Seaworld tickets

2nd day free is all year round.

Thank you for your replies. Is it better to buy them before we leave or can we wait until we get there?

I don%26#39;t think it matters really. Are you planning to do Aquatica, Universal Studios, Discovery Cove or Busch Gardens? If you are then you can buy combo tickets.

*Flex Ticket Plus includes unlimited admission for 14 days to Universal, IOA, Seaworld, Aquatica, Wet n Wild and Busch Gardens. Adults $279.95 Children 233.95

Also available without busch gardens and is called Flex Ticket costs for Adults $234.95, Children $194.95

*Seaworld + Aquatica combo is Adults 89.95 and Children 79.95

*Busch Gardens + SeaWorld is Adults 99.95 and Children 89.95

*SeaWorld + Busch Gardens + Aquatica is adults 134.95 and Children 124.95

These are Gate Prices

If you go to the Seaworld site, they are still doing the adult tickets at kids prices. So if you just want Seaworld tickets that`s the place to get them. The second day is also free.

Yes, go to the SeaWorld website and purchase the adult ';Be A Kid Again'; tickets, as they are the cheapest you can get right now.

They are good for a second day if you go to guest services and ask the the second day free voucher.

Wow, thanks for such useful info. We%26#39;ve actually already bought our Universal tickets and as we%26#39;ll have two small children I think the only parks we can really do with them are Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. We%26#39;ll give the water parks a miss this time but definitely want to do Seaworld so I imagine we can just buy our tickets at the gate. Thanks again!

Ooh, just read your message about getting them on the SeaWorld website so, if that%26#39;s the best deal, will get them there. Thanks everyone again!

Just bought ';Be a kid again'; Seaworld tickets so just have the Disney ones to sort out now!

colorstay

Polynesian Putter Golf

Has anyone on here played this course? I know about the big Tiki, but that%26#39;s all the info I can find about the course. Is it a fun course to play? Thanks in advance for your input.

Polynesian Putter Golf

Are you talking about the miniature golf course on Gulf Blvd in St Pete Beach? If so, it has been closed for a couple years.

Or is this a different place?

Polynesian Putter Golf

Thanks for the reply. That%26#39;s probably it. I found it on the internet. Thanks for letting me know it is closed.

There is/was another small course on SPB. Right beside IHOP. Very simple low key type but it whiled away a few hours for our boys during the evening in vacations past. I`m sure it was called Polynesian putter and was open last July.

OMG!....LOL at myself and blushing.... this place has re-opened, and quite some time ago, I guess! I drive past here nearly every day yet I never noticed. From the road, you can%26#39;t see too much, but the gardens look well-cared-for.

Thanks for the updated info. Is the course themed at all? They want a fun theme. Thanks again for your help.

I suppose there is a jungle type theme but the course is a very low tech format. It`s nothing like the pirates cove in Orlando for example.

We had fun there competing as a family while we were on vacation and have lots of good memories,but (although I`m reading between the lines) I`m really not sure this is what you are looking for.

ive played there twice. its pretty old fashioned, but a good moderately challenging course, and cheap (4 or 5 bucks) it has a few large concrete animals-there%26#39;s a snake and of course the tiki head. its not like the new fancy mini golf courses but i like it. it feels like be on a road trip in the %26#39;50s

Only on TA!

Somebody from Tampa asks a question about something in St Pete Beach (30 miles away) and gets a wrong answer from somebody IN St. Pete Beach and then is corrected by somebody in the UK!

And me, I%26#39;m in Tampa, and I don%26#39;t even know the place you are talking about!

Only on TA. ONLY on TA.

Joe

Tampa FL

Disney Info

If i have a one day disney ticket, would i be able to leave MK and re-enter on the same day? are there shuttles from MK to downtown disney?

thanks!

Disney Info

Yes, if you have a one day ticket, you can leave and reenter that same park on the same day.

You could only go to a second park if you have park hopper option.

There are no direct busses between Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney. You would have to go to a resort, then change busses or you could take the monorail from M.K. to one of the three monorail resorts and catch the bus to DTD from there.

Disney Info

Thanks! if we leave MK to drive to DTD would we have to pay again to park at MK when we return?

You won%26#39;t have to pay for parking again, as long as you keep your ticket!

posters for sale

questions abourt disney dining plan

Does anyone know if you are able to order any entree and desert on the menue when you have the dining plan or are you restricted to a few items?

Thanks

questions abourt disney dining plan

Nope, you can order anything on the menu for the meal you are attending.

Most places have a different menu for lunch vs dinner.

questions abourt disney dining plan

oh yea baby!! Order away!! Anything you want..regular menu...no restrictions!!!What a money saver....We love the dining plan.

thanks so much! Any suggestions on restaurants? I am going with my two sons aged 11 and 12, and my husband. I already tried to book le cellier but it was booked up and we don%26#39;t requirs any character dining. We are going in August.

Thanks

I think some of the restaurants that are on the DDP but not Disney owned (such as Wolfgang Puck and Raglan Road at DTD), do have a few restrictions on what you can order, but for the most part ';the World is your oyster.';

for a lil something different, try BOMA in the Animal Kingdom Lodge...great buffet with food from like 50 African countrys...soo good.

In Epcot,if you cant get Le Cellier:( try Mexico,the San Miguel I think its called,in the big building.It overlooks the Mexico boat ride,very pretty.

We love Hollywood n vine buffet in Hollywood Studios,maybe a lil too imature for your kids though,its a character buffet with the lil Einstiens .

For a very special Disney treat you have to get a giant turkey leg in the Magic Kingdom in Frontierland at a cart,and also in tommorrow land kinda by the Buzz Lightyear ride...Also in Hollywood studios at the walk up stands by RRC and TOT.My 9 yr. old lives for these things!! Now I have to roast turkey legs at home because of them..but they arent as good..guess that Disney magic makes it taste better!!

hi when in augest are you travelling free dining is on offer for the last week of augest

Sadly, the ';turkey legs'; aren%26#39;t available for a snack credit on the dining plan.

I know right?? I wondered last time why they wouldnt let us charge it as a snack,well it is kinda big I guess. Oh well, we just paid cash for them ...just an extra lil treat.

We are there from the 23rd of August until the 31st. The free dining starts the 24th so we are coming in late on the 23rd.

the strand hotel review + a few reactions to sobe

we are just back from a 3 nite getaway at the strand. I booked a junior suite for my husband and myself. we are a couple in our mid-30%26#39;s who were looking mostly for pool and beach time, in a place that caters to couples more than families. I requested a room in the contemporary (pool) building per advice on this forum, but was told at check in that ';there were no junior suites in that building'; (?) and that the retro building was all that was available. hmmm. didn%26#39;t make fuss about this. room was not ready at 3pm. (official check in is 4 there.) stowed bags and went and had huge mojito to start trip off right.

the good: the room was spacious and clean, the bathroom was roomy, modern and nice. the room%26#39;s ipod dock was a nice touch. the bad: jackhammers and other loud noise on thursday, friday and even saturday (!) morning, starting at 6:30 to 7 AM, from the construction at the clevelander next door. it didn%26#39;t ruin our trip, because we can both sleep through almost anything, but if it would ruin yours, beware. I knew about the construction, but didn%26#39;t expect to be so close to it.

all in all, I%26#39;d book this place again (post construction) purely for the rooftop pool, which was gorgeous, overlooking the ocean. pleasant in the afternoon and surprisingly uncrowded in the early evening on thurs. and fri., a gorgeous place to have a drink and a romantic swim. btw, I saw only 2 kids the entire time we were at the pool. It%26#39;s just as pretty as it looks on the web.

the pool area has bottled water, virgin frozen fruit drinks, popcorn and apples available, gratis. an attendant will fetch lunch from a cafe below, but you%26#39;ll pay $90 for lunch for two with drinks. ouch.

overall, the costs do add up quickly. you%26#39;ll pay about $50 in taxes/resort fee each day on top of your room rate, plus $35 a nite to park your car at the strand. Drinks are $7 for a beer and $14 for a mixed drink at most places on ocean drive. so do take advantage of happy hours and 2 for 1%26#39;s.

check your bills: don%26#39;t do what we did the first day and miss that they add in a tip on your bill before presenting it to you at most places in sobe.

next time I will shop harder for a cheaper rate online and be pickier about insisting on which room I get. also, I will not pay $100 extra for friday night. we had just as much fun during the week.

food: we enjoyed a good dinner meal at lario%26#39;s (despite mixed reviews here, their ceviche and shrimp and fish creole style were delicious. wouldn%26#39;t have wanted to dine inside, though. we lucked into a nice outside table under an alcove.) we also had a nice dinner at a casual place on hispanola way. check that area out. do avoid the tourist places on ocean drive. for an inexpensive breakfast, check out mom%26#39;s ny pizza on 11th street, around the corner from the strand. they will make you a yummy breakfast sandwich with orange juice for $5. Their pizza was good too, and there%26#39;s a store next door to get beer. Tasted great at that rooftop pool. Lots of people bringing own drinks up there in plastic cups. Not a problem.

btw, we did not go clubbing: we considered it, but didn%26#39;t realize the clubs don%26#39;t even get the party started til 12. after a day in the sun and some mojitos, you may find you%26#39;re ready for some fun before then, too.

we love key west; it%26#39;s much more casual, much less expensive, and has live music and dancing all hours of the day. but sobe is an interesting and beautiful alternative for a few nights, expecially for the beach.

the strand hotel review + a few reactions to sobe

KW%26gt;

Thanks so much for such a detailed report. Updated info like this keeps the forum fresh.

Hope you%26#39;ll come back to town again...

AG

the strand hotel review + a few reactions to sobe

Great trip report. Thank you!

driving licence

plz help if anyone can, the photo part of my husbands licence has broke in half, you can still see his pic and all, will this matter?? arriving in sanford and i think its dollar

driving licence

Can you stick it together with super glue? Re-inforce on the back with the very wide clear packing tape. You can cut it to fit. Better bring yours just in case.

driving licence

he was thimking of laminating it, it maybe can be stuck together, i really dont want to drive myself. and i go in 5 weeks so not sure if that is enough time to get a new 1

you should have time to renew it. we renewed ours last month and it came back within a week. It%26#39;s just a bit of a gamble, I%26#39;d give the DVLA a ring.

You might be okay as you have to produce the paper part too.

This is from the DVLA web site .

Duplicate driving licence, replacing if lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed

You must replace your driving licence if it has been lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed. You can do this online, by telephone, by post, or you may be able to use the premium checking service.

because you have the photo type licence you can order a new one by phone or online, no need to send new photo etc, also dollar are only interested in the paper part, every time i have offered both parts of mine they just want the paper bit

I applyed for a Plastic driving licence on line other week did it on a Monday evening arrived in post on Thursday.

I would get a new one if I were you. Whenever we%26#39;ve been there, the rental coutners only care about the card part of your drivers license, as thats all they have in America. I%26#39;ve got the paper bit out a couple of times to show them, and everytime they%26#39;ve said they don%26#39;t want to (or don%26#39;t need to) see it. If a cop in the UK stopped you, they wouldn%26#39;t consider your cut-in-half-stuck-back-together license to be valid, so you should get a new one anyway to be honest. You could also try e-mailling Dollar and asking if they would accept it. I%26#39;ve e-mailed them before, and they%26#39;ve been quite quick to respond.

we will take the chance and just go with the broken licence, it aint really that bad

Just a warning, in some states they clip a corner of your old license when you move to another state and get a new one, making your old license invalid. Depending who is at the rental/hire counter or if you get stopped you may have a problem.

Transport from Downtown Disney to I Drive

We will be staying near Downtown Disney and want to go to bahama breeze on I drive for a meal one evening. We dont want to drive. Which is the best way to get there taxi or bus and what are the costs.

Thanks

18 weeks to go and counting

Transport from Downtown Disney to I Drive

There%26#39;s a much closer location of a Bahama Breeze restaurant right there in Lake Buena Vista. It%26#39;s only about one mile from the Crossroads area across the I-4.

Bahama Breeze

8735 VINELAND AVE.

ORLANDO FL 32821

Transport from Downtown Disney to I Drive

Thanks for the info Kat most appreciated

In case you decide to do I-Drive anyway (for Bahama Breeze, or any other outing) then:

From either of two stops on Hotel Plaza Blvd, take LYNX 50 headed for DownTown Orlando. Alight at any of three or four stops near Sea World (i.e. on Sea Harbor Drive soon after the bus first leaves I-4), and wait there for a LYNX 8, which will take you right along the main strip of I-Drive.

Cost is $1.75 each person each way (no change given). the transfer onto the second bus is at no extra cost so long as you ask for a transfer (ticket) when you pay and use this when you board your second bus.

The last 50 leaving Sea World area towards WDW is at 10pm. They are very 30 minutes all day 7 days a week both directions. 8%26#39;s are more frequent on Weekdays, less so in the evenings (down to every 30 minutes), and they don%26#39;t run really late on SUNDAYS.

Check the schedules at www.golynx.com for exact times.

colorstay

Universal Studios in May

Which is the better day to go to Universal Studios in the Memorial Day Weekend, Sunday 25 or Monday 26?

Thanks

Universal Studios in May

are u staying at one of the universal hotels? if yes, either day as you get front of the line access. if not, i%26#39;m not sure, they will both be busy days.

Universal Studios in May

Both will be extremely busy, so it won%26#39;t really matter.

Definitely purchase the Express Pass if you are not staying at one of the Universal resorts.

I will stay in Westgate Resort...

child beauty pageants

Any Salsa/Latin music on a Tuesday?

My wife and I will be in South Beach the Tuesday night before Memorial Day. Can anyone recommend a place to hear and dance to Salsa/Latin music? We%26#39;d like to walk somewhere.

thanks for your help.

Any Salsa/Latin music on a Tuesday?

travelure%26gt;

Mango%26#39;s Tropical Cafe on 9th %26amp; Ocean Drive has live music and dancing...

mangostropicalcafe.com/content/mojito_room.c…

Ocean Drive is the best spot to walk around and has a few Latin Dining rooms as well. Check out LArio%26#39;s or the Cardozo Hotel.

Check out www.salsamia.com for Salsa parties too!

AG

what are the happening clubs this thursday

coming to miami fo thurs night...first time..

mansion? sky bar? victor hotel?

hard to get in?

what are the happening clubs this thursday

dagmaras%26gt;

The Victor is a great spot to pre-game. Check out this site for more weekend ideas:

southbeach-usa.com/news/鈥?/a>

AG

TOT & RNR - which one should you head to first?

Last time i went i was recommended to go to either Rocknroller coast or Tower of Terror first, get a f/p and ride the other, then go back to the other, f/p the other one, and ride f/p, etc. Can%26#39;t find those old notes. Anyone have suggestions on how to ride both of these a few times with minimal wait. We will plan to arrive before opening.

TOT %26amp; RNR - which one should you head to first?

I would do RNR first and get the Fast Pass for TOT.

For whatever reason, the que for TOT seems to move faster than RNR.

TOT %26amp; RNR - which one should you head to first?

i would go to RNR 1st, TOT que always seems to go quicker.

good advice kat!!! lol

I agree.....

Great minds think alike.....or something like that!!

LOL!!!

i know you can%26#39;t have more than 1 f/p at a time, so how do you do this again, get f/p from tot and ride rnr, then go back to tot and ride, can we get f/p for rnr for the 2nd time, but we have to wait until how other one is used first? Seems like we will be waiting awhile in order to ride 2nd time, and i don%26#39;t remember this last time, we went on both 2 or 3 times w/o a wait, can%26#39;t remember how???

You can fast pass RNR then get in line for it, go to TOT next do that ride twice waiting in line, then go to RNR for your FP.

oh ok i get it, get f/p but don%26#39;t use until you need it, you can ride w/o using it. once used, we can f/p the other one.

If you get there early as you planned you might only get to use the fast pass once. I would stay in that area until you do both rides twice if that is the plan. Too many loose too much time running from ride to ride. My family is lucky, I will go to the next section and fast pass for them while they are doing some ride I am too chicken to go on.

i think we will be ok, from what i remember, these rides are side by side in that area, correct? why would we only us fp once, wouldn%26#39;t we use it again to go on again, 2 or 3 times?

Can you eat anywhere or is everything pre booked?

Our chosen holiday/vacation period does not offer meal deals but wondered if Hubby and I can just walk in anywhere and eat or do you have to book in advance? Will probably snack during the day but prefer nice relaxing meal in the evening.

Any suggestions for somewhere special too please?

Can you eat anywhere or is everything pre booked?

Don%26#39;t wait to book book as soon as you can because if your going during busy season you can forget about getting reservation at the last minute book now.

Can you eat anywhere or is everything pre booked?

when are you going?? Booking ahead for dinner at Disney is almost always a must. Thats assuming you ment Disney??

Going early May (this year), but having never been to DisneyWorld before how can we possibly know where we want to eat until we get there?

Get on the phone right now. Waiting for cancellations is very chancey.

http://allears.net/din/dining.htm

maybe this will help you out

Actually its 2am here, not phoning anyone I%26#39;m afraid, been searching stuff all evening, just getting really confused. How can I choose a restaurant when I%26#39;ve never even been to Disneyworld - how can we possibly know where we want to eat - or have I misinterpreted something here? Perhaps this is not the right holiday/vacation for us??? Thanks anyway.

Hi Holly! Will you have a car? Or do you need to stay on Disney property for dinner? Where are you staying?

RELAX! I have been feeling like you. We go in June and everyone is making me feel CRAZY for not having booked all my dining months ago. Look at the places in EPCOT and pick 1 or 2 spots you feel are a must. Also look at your resot choices. Than call the WDW dining line and make a few reservations. If you see something more to your fancy when you are out and about than try to get in and cancel what you have. There are a million choices in Orlando, you will not starve, you just might not get your first choice. Have a good trip.

hollyfairy...just get some sleep,and start over tommorow.If you have no info on the choices ,check out the Disney website for a complete list of restaraunts,then go from there.Why cant you get the Disney dining plan if you are staying at Disney??

my favs: magic kingdom- liberty tree tavern inn

Epcot - Le Cellier in canada

Hollywood st- Hollywood n vine

downtown Disney- Raglan Road

Animal kingdom lodge Boma

Hi Hollyfairy,

Try not to let it get to you! I know it sounds ridiculous having to prebook a meal somewhere that you have absolutley no knowledge of or any idea as to whether you%26#39;re actually going to fancy it on the day!! We felt exactly the same but noticed that there are certain restaurants that repeatedly get mentioned as being exceptional. Therefore, we booked a few of these in advance for August would you believe!

The ones that get mentioned are:

Le Cellier - Canada Epcot

California Grill - Contemporary Hotel

Victoria and Alberts - Grand Floridian (I think - but i would imagine that will already be fully booked!)

Boma - Animal Kingdom Lodge

Jiko - Animal Kingdom Lodge

50%26#39;s Prime time - Hollywood Studios

Sci Fi Dine in - Hollywood Studios

Liberty Tree Tavern - MKingdom

Tony%26#39;s - MKingdom

You may also be interested in booking a Fantasmic package where you get a meal and guaranteed seating for the performance. We booked the Hollywood and Vine restaurant for this (buffet) but you can also choose either Brown Derby or Mamma Melrose.

Go on allears and it gives you the menu for each restaurant so you can see if there is anything on there that takes your fancy - somo of them do sound delicious. Don%26#39;t do it when you%26#39;re hungry though!

I know all this planning seems like a total pain in the a***. but it will be worth it!