STORM2K

OK, question for anyone who lives in Florida, or has been to Orlando. I'm heading down to Orlando on the 29th of February. Going to spend some time with relatives and I have a couple of days to visit the theme parks. I AM NOT buying a hopper pass, so that is out, because I don't have the time to use it. Anyway, one day we are going to Universal Studios.

The question I have is, which of the Disney's parks would you recommend. Keeping in mind, I will only be visiting one of them. I have two daughters ages 10 & 12.

We will also be going to Sebring and Ft. Meyers for a couple of the days. For a fun filled busy week in the Florida Sun.

Thanks in advance for any input

Go to Islands of Adventure. It is right by Universal. The kids will love it there. They may find Universal too boring, trust me on that one.

Be sure to ride Spiderman and The Hulk.

If your kids haven't been to Magic Kingdom, then that's what I'd recommend. If they have, I'd suggest Epcot. My kids have been to Magic K. several times and loved it. We haven't made it to Epcot yet but one of these summers soon hopefully we will. Enjoy your trip! It's a good time to go. We've only been able to go during peak times (xmas break and summer) and it's always been very crowded. Late February shouldn't be crowded.

We went to Universal Studios once and I wasn't overly impressed. But our kids enjoyed it. So there you have it. Lots of shade and fans at U.S. when you wait for rides. Don't quite remember that at Magic K. but then again I couldn't get over the heat in July - heat index near 100. I was wilting!

Mary

This will be our first time to Florida ever, so we are excited.

Thanks for the input Linda & Mary

Blizzard, I just got back from Orlando last night! For teenagers....MGM Studios....you can't beat Tower of Terror and Rockin' Rollercoaster!

Universal's Islands of Adventure is a great amusement park whereas Disneyworld is more a theme park. Universal has more rides for your kids.

Wave hi to Dr Phillips High School when you go, it's right across the street from Universal! (I went there BTW.)

Can't really say about the theme parks though since I never went to any of them when I lived there. I think Sea World would be cool.

Joshua21Young wrote:Wave hi to Dr Phillips High School when you go, it's right across the street from Universal! (I went there BTW.)

Can't really say about the theme parks though since I never went to any of them when I lived there. I think Sea World would be cool.

Yeah, that's another possibility, we have been to the one in Ohio, so we would like to check out the one in Fl. too

I am not a theme park fan. I have been to Epcot twice (in January 2002 and July 2003) and Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom once each, both times in July 2003).

Joshua21Young wrote:Wave hi to Dr Phillips High School when you go, it's right across the street from Universal!

Interesting... Doctor Philips High School is actually right across the street from a theme park. I just checked my Microsoft Expedia Streets & Maps program and located the town and school... I see it is on Turkey Lake Road. [the program stopped working on my old computer back in July, I installed it on my new one this week]

I am about 45 miles NNW (as the crow flies) of Dr. Phillips.

If you're only going to go to one this time. Go to Magic Kingdom, the girls will love it. You and Kerry will have fun too.

hunter84 wrote:If you're only going to go to one this time. Go to Magic Kingdom, the girls will love it. You and Kerry will have fun too.

Thanks Hunter! That's what I was trying to convey - if you're only going to one, and now I realize it's your first trip to FL, then IMHO, Magic Kingdom is a must. You see when kids think of Disney parks, they are thinking of Mickey Mouse/Minnie Mouse and the Magic Kingdom! There just isn't anyother place on earth that says Disney, I think anyway. Sure some of it may be hokey, but to a kids eye, it isn't. Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, It's a Small World, Swiss Family Treehouse, etc. They'll love it. My oldest daughter just loves Disney's Carousel of Progress. You sit in your seat and the floor you're on rotates around a circular stage. Each stage (about 4) illustrate how times have changed in our country - from post pioneer days, early 1900's, mid 1990's, late 1990's, to the future. She hasn't been on that ride in about 8 or so years but to this day still talks about it! Finally, if you decide on Magic Kingdom, consider having dinner at Snow White's Castle (make your reservation when you first arrive in the morning). I will warn you, it's quite expensive but when we went the first time, my husband said we had to budget that in. It was a must. And he was right, our kids loved the experience. You're high up in this simulated castle, with cathedral ceilings, having a rather upscale dinner, overpriced yes, but you're at a Disney Park! My kids still talk about how the pats of real butter came in the shape of Mickey Mouse! What's you're doing by going to Magic Kingdom and eating at this castle, if you choose to do so, is creating memories your kids will never forget. Okay I'm done. LOL Found a site for you, if you're interested:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/pa ... istingPage

Mary

Magic Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Magic Kingdom!!!

Before you do ANY of the other stuff (IF you do any of the other stuff), you absolutely, positively gotta see The Mouse! Go where it all began. See the magic! Feel the excitement!

I'm telling you, words cannot describe the awesomeness of the original part of the park that IS Disney! You don't have to be a kid to love it there. My boss still goes every year (and she's my age -- 35). I've gone there a total of 22 times in my lifetime and that's counting ONLY the trips to the Magic Kingdom. I've also seen EPCOT, Universal Studios, and Cape Canaveral/Kennedy. But nothing beats Disney's Magic Kingdom!!

The park is divided into themed "lands." Sometimes, it's best to try to conquer each land, one at a time. Don't look at your tourist map and find a ride that you want to go on that's in Adventureland, when you're in still in Tomorrowland and have a bunch of stuff to still do there. You'll lose precious ride time by walking all over the park. Then again, don't miss out on the "must do" rides. In addition to Mary's list, I should add "Peter Pan's Flight." Very cool indeed!

GalvestonDuck wrote:Magic Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Magic Kingdom!!!

Before you do ANY of the other stuff (IF you do any of the other stuff), you absolutely, positively gotta see The Mouse! Go where it all began. See the magic! Feel the excitement!

I'm telling you, words cannot describe the awesomeness of the original part of the park that IS Disney! You don't have to be a kid to love it there. My boss still goes every year (and she's my age -- 35). I've gone there a total of 22 times in my lifetime and that's counting ONLY the trips to the Magic Kingdom. I've also seen EPCOT, Universal Studios, and Cape Canaveral/Kennedy. But nothing beats Disney's Magic Kingdom!!

The park is divided into themed "lands." Sometimes, it's best to try to conquer each land, one at a time. Don't look at your tourist map and find a ride that you want to go on that's in Adventureland, when you're in still in Tomorrowland and have a bunch of stuff to still do there. You'll lose precious ride time by walking all over the park. Then again, don't miss out on the "must do" rides. In addition to Mary's list, I should add "Peter Pan's Flight." Very cool indeed!

Shawn - LOL Thanks for the Magic Kingdom pep talk. Didn't think I was steering Blizzard wrong. My kids want to go back in the worst way this summer. They want to see Magic Kingdom one more time and then Epcot. We haven't made any vacation plans yet but it's not out of the question. We've been to Magic K. a lot since they were very little, their Grandpa lives in the Tampa area, but we've had a long break from any Disney park. Maybe it's time....

Ditto on Shawn's Cape Canaveral plug. We went there once and to me it was the highlight of our FL trip that summer. But bear in mind we had been M. Kingdom a lot by then.

Think we've given Blizzard enough suggestions? he he

Mary

LOL! Sorry if I got overly enthusiastic. Couldn't help it. It's Disney!

I loved both Magic Kingdom and Universal. As posted above, go to Magic Kingdom first. Excellent!

Ages 10 & 12 are still not too old for Magic Kingdom, but getting close though. The crowds and long lines are a drawback but may not be too bad, since you're going before traditional spring break. If you had to pick only one park, this is it, dude.

But ... If they like roller coasters and amusement park rides, do Islands of Adventure.

If they like movies, Universal Studios. They have simulation rides based on famous movies like King Kong, Back to the Future, and, none other than, TWISTER!!!! This is my kids' favorite.

If they love animals, Animal Kingdom. I haven't been to this one, but I heard it's not really worth it.

Sea World rocks, but you've already been to one.

We actually have a better time over in Tampa at Busch Gardens and Lowry Park Zoo (which is an awesome zoo and a fraction of the cost).

Have a great time!!!!!

Too old for the Magic Kingdom??? *scratching head*

Surely, you jest!

One more thing to add - be prepared for the gift shops at Disney parks! My youngest saved up her money for months and had $30 to spend. She chose the largest stuffed Mickey Mouse she could find. We suggested she buy him right before we leave, so of course Mom wouldn't be stuck holding him. Had a slight argument about that. Laura was about 4 or 5 this trip. LOL But there was Mickey riding home to Ohio in the middle of the back seat, strapped into a seatbelt as if he was a real kid! He was the size of a toddler..... Mickey went with us everywhere that summer. She still has him. The memories.......miss those days.

And uh, Shawn, all anyone has to do is take a look at the gallery photo's and we can see why you love Disney still! You're a kid at heart! Mean that in a nice way.....honest. he he

Mary

Thanks to all of you for your advice. Rest assured, it will be taken to heart. I believe that we will be going to the Magic Kingdom. Also Universal Studios. If we have more days available, maybe we will try something in addition to these.

Again, thanks for all the input.

Yay!! Good choice, good choice!!

Mary, I know! It's good for the heart! (And don't worry...I take it as a compliment!)