Orlando with teens
Mar 26th, 2010, 06:10 PM
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Orlando with teens
We are spending a week in Orlando with 3 teenagers. This is our first Orlando trip, so our kids have never had the FL Disney experience. Universal Studios will be a must with the new Harry Potter feature. Given that information, can you advise on how to best spend our days? Prices look pretty steep if we invest in both Disney and Universal Park passes. Will we be happy if we just do the 4 day pass at Universal, or should we just do one day at Universal and do a multi day with Disney properties? Blizzard Beach is the one Disney park I'd like to visit. I saw another post that didn't rate Wet n' Wild very well, which is associated with Universeal, I think. We might be able to get our "rides fix" at the Universal parks? I'd like to work in some down time during this week, as well as put one day aside for Mall of Millenia and possible another to visit a sandy beach - of which I'm open for suggestions. We'll spend 5-6 days in Orlando. I appreciate all opinions, ranking of activities and cost saving tips on park passes!
Mar 26th, 2010, 06:27 PM
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Numerous threads on this.
We've been a bunch of times so I'll give you some basic thoughts.
When you go will mean a lot, in terms of what you can see. If you go when schools are out, you can expect crowds. That will limit your ability to see everything.
Cost aside, I might consider two or three days at Universal. They will have more rides for teens. With their new Potter world, it will be crowded.
To keep cost down, you might want to consider the Orlando Visitors Pass.
http://www.seaworld.com/Tickets/Visitors.aspx
For $260, that will get you both Univeral Parks, Seaworld, Seaworld's Water Park, and Wet & Wild. Might not be a bad deal for roughly $52 per park. (though I would suggest you price out the cost for two days at Universal, and one at Seaworld.)
Disney's water parks are the best, no doubt about that. But, if cost is a consideration, perhaps the two options with the Orlando Pass are better options.
With Disney tickets (water park excluded) you don't really see any price discount for anything less than a 6 day pass. Basically a 6 day pass is the price equivalent of a 4 day pass.
A one-day pass at Disney World is $79. If you've got the stamina, you could save a bit of money (not much) and get a one-day park hopper for $131. That will allow you to hit more than one Disney park in a day.
If you opt for that, my suggestion is start at Hollywood studio as soon as they open. Hit Toy Story first, then Rock and Roller Coaster, and Tower of Terror. If you just hit those three highlights, you could be out of there in an hour. Take the Disney bus to Animal Kingdom. Ride Everest, Kali Rapids, and if time permits, the safari. If you stayed at Animal Kingdom through the early afternoon you could be at the Magic Kingdom by 2 the latest. Depending on what time they close that night, you would have 8 hours which for older kids could be enough.
If your kids are game, the combo of the 5 days at the other parks and one at Disney could be the best case.
But, that's a cost of close to $400 each. Not cheap, certainly.
We've been a bunch of times so I'll give you some basic thoughts.
When you go will mean a lot, in terms of what you can see. If you go when schools are out, you can expect crowds. That will limit your ability to see everything.
Cost aside, I might consider two or three days at Universal. They will have more rides for teens. With their new Potter world, it will be crowded.
To keep cost down, you might want to consider the Orlando Visitors Pass.
http://www.seaworld.com/Tickets/Visitors.aspx
For $260, that will get you both Univeral Parks, Seaworld, Seaworld's Water Park, and Wet & Wild. Might not be a bad deal for roughly $52 per park. (though I would suggest you price out the cost for two days at Universal, and one at Seaworld.)
Disney's water parks are the best, no doubt about that. But, if cost is a consideration, perhaps the two options with the Orlando Pass are better options.
With Disney tickets (water park excluded) you don't really see any price discount for anything less than a 6 day pass. Basically a 6 day pass is the price equivalent of a 4 day pass.
A one-day pass at Disney World is $79. If you've got the stamina, you could save a bit of money (not much) and get a one-day park hopper for $131. That will allow you to hit more than one Disney park in a day.
If you opt for that, my suggestion is start at Hollywood studio as soon as they open. Hit Toy Story first, then Rock and Roller Coaster, and Tower of Terror. If you just hit those three highlights, you could be out of there in an hour. Take the Disney bus to Animal Kingdom. Ride Everest, Kali Rapids, and if time permits, the safari. If you stayed at Animal Kingdom through the early afternoon you could be at the Magic Kingdom by 2 the latest. Depending on what time they close that night, you would have 8 hours which for older kids could be enough.
If your kids are game, the combo of the 5 days at the other parks and one at Disney could be the best case.
But, that's a cost of close to $400 each. Not cheap, certainly.
Mar 26th, 2010, 06:47 PM
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I'll leave it to the experts on the parks to address those questions. I only go when there are guests from out of town. Your teens will probably like Islands of Adventure more than Universal Studios, but you could spend one day at each. Obviously, with the new Harry Potter attraction at I of A, it will be mobbed...so go early.
Regarding the beaches, I have some definite biases, err opinions.
Skip Daytona Beach!!! There is nothing relaxing about lying on the sand and having cars whizzing by. Just last week, a 4-year old girl from the U.K. was struck and killed by a slow moving car. Skip New Smyrna Beach. Just Google "Shark bite capitol of the world" and see what comes up. Cocoa Beach is nice, as is Melbourne Beach, just a little further to the South. The Gulf coast probably has nicer beaches, but there is a longer drive involved.
The Mall at Millenia http://www.mallatmillenia.com is a high-end mall, but there are several others with more bargains, including the Prime Outlet Mall and the Premium Outlets http://www.premiumoutlets.com
You don't say in what month you will be coming, but I hope you have a wonderful trip!
_______________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie
Regarding the beaches, I have some definite biases, err opinions.
Skip Daytona Beach!!! There is nothing relaxing about lying on the sand and having cars whizzing by. Just last week, a 4-year old girl from the U.K. was struck and killed by a slow moving car. Skip New Smyrna Beach. Just Google "Shark bite capitol of the world" and see what comes up. Cocoa Beach is nice, as is Melbourne Beach, just a little further to the South. The Gulf coast probably has nicer beaches, but there is a longer drive involved.
The Mall at Millenia http://www.mallatmillenia.com is a high-end mall, but there are several others with more bargains, including the Prime Outlet Mall and the Premium Outlets http://www.premiumoutlets.com
You don't say in what month you will be coming, but I hope you have a wonderful trip!
_______________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie
Mar 27th, 2010, 03:00 AM
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One piece of advice - do not make youself insane trying to "see it all" or pick "the best". One could spend literally weeks and zillions of dollars buying passes to various theme parks. There is no way you are not going to leave thinking you missed something - that is the way they want it so you come back. The idea is to leave, however, with the thought that you all had a great time - not so exhausted that you need a vacation.
With only 5 days I might reconsider the beach and the mall - while never been to that mall, upon checking stores they are not unique to Orlando. A sandy beach trip is going to take the better part of a day - with perhaps the evening left for Park activities.
Send those teens to the computer (they will probably be on-line as soon as they wake up in 6 hours or so) and have them do some research on what they want to see. I am guessing they would have the greatest time at a water park. We always had the best vacations when our teens owned a part of the planning - and then there was less to blame on me if things were disappointing. Assuming there are 2 adults and 3 teens, you could also consider splitting up - if it were me, I would pick any mall over a water park - but you will obviously have to decide for your own group.
I think 4 days at Universal is too much - might flip it and spend more time at Disney and less at Universal.
With only 5 days I might reconsider the beach and the mall - while never been to that mall, upon checking stores they are not unique to Orlando. A sandy beach trip is going to take the better part of a day - with perhaps the evening left for Park activities.
Send those teens to the computer (they will probably be on-line as soon as they wake up in 6 hours or so) and have them do some research on what they want to see. I am guessing they would have the greatest time at a water park. We always had the best vacations when our teens owned a part of the planning - and then there was less to blame on me if things were disappointing. Assuming there are 2 adults and 3 teens, you could also consider splitting up - if it were me, I would pick any mall over a water park - but you will obviously have to decide for your own group.
I think 4 days at Universal is too much - might flip it and spend more time at Disney and less at Universal.
Mar 27th, 2010, 06:51 AM
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Universal deserves a day. If you have not been to Orlando, it's a mistake not to see Disney. If you purchase the multiple day, park hopper prices the per day expense averages down.
Disney's best attractions are the best in the amusement business for any age. There are many web sites devoted exclusively to the merits of Disney attractions, I won't get into it. allears.net, disboards.com, are a couple.
If you want a beach day to decompress, Cocoa or Clearwater are both nearby and enjoyable. Depends on which is most efficient to your route.
You can fit the mall in an evening or a weather break.
Gail offers sage advice of don't over do it. You can reach exhastion and spoil the balance of the trip if you are not careful.
Disney's best attractions are the best in the amusement business for any age. There are many web sites devoted exclusively to the merits of Disney attractions, I won't get into it. allears.net, disboards.com, are a couple.
If you want a beach day to decompress, Cocoa or Clearwater are both nearby and enjoyable. Depends on which is most efficient to your route.
You can fit the mall in an evening or a weather break.
Gail offers sage advice of don't over do it. You can reach exhastion and spoil the balance of the trip if you are not careful.
Mar 27th, 2010, 07:59 AM
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I'll second the good advice so far. Sending the teens--and yourself--to a computer for research is probably the first thing to do.
I highly recommend Bob's Sehlinger's Unofficial Guide to Disney World and Beyond Disney, which covers Universal Studios, Sea World, etc. There are the official guides, of course, as well as others, but I really like his. Unbiased and thorough.
I highly recommend Bob's Sehlinger's Unofficial Guide to Disney World and Beyond Disney, which covers Universal Studios, Sea World, etc. There are the official guides, of course, as well as others, but I really like his. Unbiased and thorough.
Mar 27th, 2010, 08:24 AM
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Are you going to Orlando this spring break? If so, it's definitely going to be crowded. Here's how we've beaten the crowd factor (translated: long lines) in the past. You haven't mentioned if you've picked a hotel yet, and if you haven't done so, you may want to look into one of the 3 Universal Resort hotels. We've stayed at the Portofino the last 3 times, and not only do you just walk to both Universal parks, your room key serves as your Express Pass - this lets you bypass the long lines and allows your teens to ride to their hearts' content. My son rode on the Hulk 5 times, on the Mummy 7 times,..... you get the picture.
Otherwise, you can always buy the Universal Express Pass (up to $55.99 - depending on the day that you go - for each one-day, 2-park ticket, or 49.99 for a one-day, 1-park ticket, in addition to the daily entrance ticket)
For a 5-day visit, here's what my family would do:
Day 1 - Universal Studios
Day 2 - Islands of Adventure
Day 3 - Sea World (unless you want to do Blizzard Beach?)
Day 4 - Disney: Hollywood Studios
Day 5 - Disney: Animal Kingdom
Note: Getting a park hopper ticket for Days 4 and 5 would allow you to see part of the other two Disney parks (EPCOT and Magic Kingdom). My kids went to EPCOT just to go on a couple of rides, and Magic Kingdom for a few of their all-time favorite rides. Teens usually get bored with these 2 parks - hence, the importance of your kids doing research on their own. Oh, and the IllumiNations (nightly fireworks, laser and water show) at EPCOT is something you probably want to see. We love to eat at one of the restaurants at the World Showcase, specifically either of the French restaurants, and wait till it's almost time for the fireworks, before getting our prime positions next to the water. It's a great way to end the day.
Skip the beach or the mall - unless you really HAVE to. My teens LOVED going on all those water rides at Animal Kingdom -they got soaked, of course, and had such a blast. Of course, it helps to wear your swim trunks and waterproof footwear, and do bring dry clothes to change into.
As my teens got older, we kept spending less time at the Disney parks and more time at both Universal parks. During our last visit, they decided to skip Magic Kingdom completely.
Hope this helps. Have fun!
Otherwise, you can always buy the Universal Express Pass (up to $55.99 - depending on the day that you go - for each one-day, 2-park ticket, or 49.99 for a one-day, 1-park ticket, in addition to the daily entrance ticket)
For a 5-day visit, here's what my family would do:
Day 1 - Universal Studios
Day 2 - Islands of Adventure
Day 3 - Sea World (unless you want to do Blizzard Beach?)
Day 4 - Disney: Hollywood Studios
Day 5 - Disney: Animal Kingdom
Note: Getting a park hopper ticket for Days 4 and 5 would allow you to see part of the other two Disney parks (EPCOT and Magic Kingdom). My kids went to EPCOT just to go on a couple of rides, and Magic Kingdom for a few of their all-time favorite rides. Teens usually get bored with these 2 parks - hence, the importance of your kids doing research on their own. Oh, and the IllumiNations (nightly fireworks, laser and water show) at EPCOT is something you probably want to see. We love to eat at one of the restaurants at the World Showcase, specifically either of the French restaurants, and wait till it's almost time for the fireworks, before getting our prime positions next to the water. It's a great way to end the day.
Skip the beach or the mall - unless you really HAVE to. My teens LOVED going on all those water rides at Animal Kingdom -they got soaked, of course, and had such a blast. Of course, it helps to wear your swim trunks and waterproof footwear, and do bring dry clothes to change into.
As my teens got older, we kept spending less time at the Disney parks and more time at both Universal parks. During our last visit, they decided to skip Magic Kingdom completely.
Hope this helps. Have fun!
Mar 27th, 2010, 10:09 AM
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My 19 year old daughter and 5 friends stopped at WDW for a day on way to Spring Break beach - they selected Magic Kingdom for their one park for their one-day visit - so even older teens/young adults find something to draw them their - another example of giving the teens some ownership of Park selection.
Mar 27th, 2010, 01:24 PM
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If you are planning on eating at a sit-down full-service restaurant at Disney, ADRs (Advance Dining Reservations) are highly recommended. Find out more specific info on Disney's website or on allears.net or disboards.net.
This is only one key thing I've learned while researching my own upcoming Disney trip, even though we're not interested in any restaurant meals there. Count me among the people who would not have thought about making dinner reservations at Disney months before arrival at the parks.
This is only one key thing I've learned while researching my own upcoming Disney trip, even though we're not interested in any restaurant meals there. Count me among the people who would not have thought about making dinner reservations at Disney months before arrival at the parks.
Mar 27th, 2010, 02:17 PM
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michigandra has mentioned a very important point. Right now is not too early. Here are some sample menus to help you decide: http://www.allears.net/menu/menus.htm#res
Of course, this is much more vital if you are trying to get reservations at one of the top tier restaurants such as Artist Point, California Grill, Victoria & Albert's, perhaps Jiko or Citricos.
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Of course, this is much more vital if you are trying to get reservations at one of the top tier restaurants such as Artist Point, California Grill, Victoria & Albert's, perhaps Jiko or Citricos.
_______________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie
Mar 27th, 2010, 07:29 PM
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Thanks for the tip on dining - although after doing some additional research, I'm not sure we'll go to Disney. If we do 2-3 days at Universal (based on possible crowds/new Harry Potter feature), plus a day at Blizzard Beach and then some downtime at the beach and a shopping trip - will it be a complete mistake to skip the rest of the Disney Parks/dining experience? I'm trying to watch the budget on park passes - so that's why I"m thinking Universal and then a separate Blizzard Beach pass. Please set me straight if this doesn't seem like a good plan. Thanks!
Mar 27th, 2010, 08:19 PM
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blueslipper: When are you going to Orlando? My teen son just got back from a week-long spring break trip to Orlando. He sadly reported that the Harry Potter ride isn't open yet. That didn't stop him and his friend from spending 2 days at both Universal parks. Not surprisingly, they didn't "do" WDW this trip.
gail: Funny you said that about Magic Kingdom because although I did say that my teens would rather not go back to MK, my 17 year old daughter and her 5 best friends (all seniors) are on a "Disney Princess phase", much to her brother's annoyance. They have their own favorite Disney princess characters and have been quite obsessed with the movies and the songs of those characters. They went to Hilton Head for spring break and just got back, but I bet that if it were an Orlando trip, I think I know which park they would have enjoyed the most: Magic Kingdom, of course! My son can't wait for her to outgrow this phase, one that he calls "ten years too late".
gail: Funny you said that about Magic Kingdom because although I did say that my teens would rather not go back to MK, my 17 year old daughter and her 5 best friends (all seniors) are on a "Disney Princess phase", much to her brother's annoyance. They have their own favorite Disney princess characters and have been quite obsessed with the movies and the songs of those characters. They went to Hilton Head for spring break and just got back, but I bet that if it were an Orlando trip, I think I know which park they would have enjoyed the most: Magic Kingdom, of course! My son can't wait for her to outgrow this phase, one that he calls "ten years too late".
Mar 28th, 2010, 06:17 AM
#16
The Wonderful World of Harry Potter is scheduled to open June 18th.
You are trying to cram a lot into five days. I have spent five days at just Universal and thought that was great. You could spend a full week at WDW and not see every;thing
Go to the sites for the two venues. I know the Universal Orlando site gives a full description and some videos of the attractions. Let your teens see what each park has to offer and let them decide what they'd like to do.
Univiersal parks are not open late toward the end of August so that cuts into your time also.
You are trying to cram a lot into five days. I have spent five days at just Universal and thought that was great. You could spend a full week at WDW and not see every;thing
Go to the sites for the two venues. I know the Universal Orlando site gives a full description and some videos of the attractions. Let your teens see what each park has to offer and let them decide what they'd like to do.
Univiersal parks are not open late toward the end of August so that cuts into your time also.
Mar 29th, 2010, 08:43 AM
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There's nothing wrong with not doing something Disney. Several years ago, we did Orlando vacations two years in a row: one year we did Disney stuff, the next year we did all non-Disney stuff. It worked very well.
Your plan sounds like it will work for you, and that's what matters.
Your plan sounds like it will work for you, and that's what matters.
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