New here, need help please!!!!

Me and my girlfriend are wanting to go to Disney world for 4 days\3 nights...

We are comming from buffalo, ny and would like some help on where on the net is the best and most reliable (sp) place to get the best deals.....

Thank you so much in advance!!!

New here, need help please!!!!

Welcome smarks!

Deals for airfare are great on Kayak.com, or Mobissimo.com. Kayak gives you many gate options and prices. Also try the usual places like travelocity and expedia. If you want to stay on the property, try Mousavers.com. They give great advise for first time bookers. I suggest you price out options of car rental for off property accommadations vs. Magical Express and Disney transportation and apply any savings to staying on property! It makes a huge difference. If you stay on property, you can also take advantage of the ';extra magic hours'; program which is only available to property guests. This is what I would suggest for a 3 nighter. We%26#39;ve been there about 30 times, and I bet you%26#39;ll want to return again and again! Let us know how you like it!

New here, need help please!!!!

You won%26#39;t find any deals on park tickets unless you do some timeshare junk which I would never waste my time with. I agree with the previous post about staying on-site. Since it sounds like you are only interested in doing the Disney parks, then you would make great use of the free Magical Express airport to resort and back service offered by Disney. You can then also use Disney%26#39;s free park shuttles throughout your stay and save on a rental car and as stated take advantage of Extra Magic Hours at the parks that is only for resort guests. If you can get an early morning flight the first day and a late afternoon flight your last day, you could maximize your park time because the Disney resort will take care of your luggage so that you can maximize your park time. If you arrive early in the morning, they will go ahead and issue your park tickets and keep your luggage so you are on your way to have fun. When you come back at night your luggage will be in your room. On the last day (if you get the four day ticket since you will be there 3 nights 4 days)you can go ahead and check out of your resort and they will keep your luggage there and you can enjoy another day at the parks because your park tickets are still good even though you checked out. When it is time for your flight your luggage is ready to go and you just hop on the Magical Express back to the airport.

Disny has some great value resorts. They are themed to the max like everything at Disney. The rooms are a bit smaller than the more expensive and they don%26#39;t have the plush amenities, but are very cute, very clean, have lovely manicured grounds, two to three pools each,the same free shuttles and large food courts. Of the value resorts Pop Century is our favorite. It is really really cute and has three pools. It has its own Disney buses instead of sharing with any other resort. I think it would be a great choice for saving money and getting the full benefits of staying on-site which is great especially for a short trip because you don%26#39;t waste time driving anywhere. Hope this helps.

Oh, about for where to book. If you stay on-site you will find it the same no matter who you book from because Disney tickets and hotel rates are pretty set. We normally book everything directly through Disney because of the ease of doing so and the ability to get the dining plan which is a great value if you and your girlfriend want to eat at the best table service restaurants as well as counter service. We love it and it can only booked as a package deal for resort guests because it is based on your nights there. Here is the low-down on that. Also included are some sites for participating restaurants (very few that aren%26#39;t) and menus:

The dining plan is great if you don’t plan on eating fastfood counter service for most meals. If you want to eat at the better table service restaurants also then it is a great savings. You can get whatever you want regardless of price and the tip is included. You don’t have to worry with cash/credit cards because you just use your “Key to the Kingdom” card. Each person in your party gets 1 table service meal, 1 counter service meal, and 1 snack per night of your stay. (note: it is based on the number of nights you are booked in a resort and not how many days you are there) You can use them in any order you wish until they are all gone. You can use 2 table serves each and 1 counter and 3 snacks each in one day if you are really hungry and use 1 table serve and 2 counters the next day and so on until they are gone. They will give you a print out each time you use the plan so you know exactly what you have left so you don’t have to keep up with it or be caught off-guard after ordering a huge expensive meal and discover you have nothing left. Counter service includes one entrée (or combo meal), one drink and one dessert per person, table service includes one appetizer, one entrée, one drink and one dessert per person and price is not an issue. You can order the most expensive things on the menu if that is what you want. Most all ice cream and pop carts are considered for the snack option. We love the dining plan. It is approximately $38 per adult per day and $10 per child (age 3-9) per day. We are a family of three (2 adults and 1 child). So that is approximately $100 per day for us to eat with the plan since we have to buy very light snack breakfast (we use our refillable mugs for drinks). When we get our tickets for our table service meals (you still get a ticket it is just paid for already with the plan) it is normally $100-$150 just for the one meal. We won’t ever go without the dining plan again.

…go.com/media/…2006DiningLocations.pdf

http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm

Welcome Smarks....You%26#39;ll find a ton of info here. Since this is your first trip to Disney I would contact a travel agent that is a Disney Specialist. Their services are free and they will shop for you the best deals on hotels, ticket pkgs and answer any and all questions you have. I should know, I am one!! :%26gt;) I%26#39;ve sold 100s of Disney packages through the last 10 yrs.

As one poster said, Disney%26#39;s rates are pretty much locked in. Basically there are 4 Value properties, 4 Moderate and then it goes from there to Deluxe, Luxury and Homes Away from Home. When you want to go can make a major difference in your price. If you%26#39;re not locked in on a date, look at early to mid May. The weather is great, rates are pretty good and you won%26#39;t have the crowds in May that you%26#39;ll have over Spring Break, Easter or the summer months. What I would do is look at airfare on your own and then have an agent price a package for you with and without the air. In the Nashville area, we have Southwest and Delta that fly direct non stop to Orlando. The majority of my clients either drive or book their air on their own b/c Disney%26#39;s air rates are so high. I%26#39;m not sure how it would be from Buffalo.

If you%26#39;d like any other information please feel free to post back here w/your email address and I%26#39;ll contact you.

Good luck.

Karen

Hotels in Orlando - Are They Just Horrible?

Posted topic earlier about upcoming vacation at Universal Studioes and checked with booked hotel. I am NOT renting a car so location is important. I researched the hotels in the Universal - I Drive area and most are so bad I wouldn%26#39;t stay for free. The ones that are good seem to be on Universal Blvd but with no shuttle service. I am curious if Homesuites is REALLY as good as the rating as it is a chain hotel beating out the Ritz and Crowne Plaza? I cannot believe the way the hotels in Orlando are operating these days. I called the hotel I booked and asked 5 questions which all received invasive or negative responses i.e. shuttles up to Universal - times changes every week, pool bar - only open in summer I thought Florida was ';Summer';, pool area sunny = yes oh a positive, a renovated room - maybe might have a chance, as I am a member of their hotel, but who isn%26#39;t? so I might get to stay in one of the ';OLD'; rooms and hotel entertainment - a couple nights of Kareoke, I might as well stay home since I dont%26#39; even know how to spell it!! Where is there a nice clean hotel near Universal (which does have nice night life and I plan to spend most of time there) with a nice pool, and a late shuttle service. Taxis are fine if hotel is close to Universal. Of course I could pay $250+ and stay on site at Universal but for more problems? The on-site hotels don%26#39;t seem to get great reviews either. I am going to a Universal concert so will not consider any other area of Florida unless Jimmy Buffett was playing there. Any info appreciated. Thanks

Hotels in Orlando - Are They Just Horrible?

Hotels in Orlando aren%26#39;t horrible. But it seems like you are wanting the perfect hotel and that will be hard to come by.

Universal Blvd runs parallel to I-Drive, where you can access the I-Ride Trolley for a minimal charge. I believe their most expensive ticket is $10 for 14 days unlimited riding. The Trolley will take you to Universal and to Sea World. You will find that shuttles provided by the hotel do change every week, based on the operating hours of the park and the occupancy of the hotel. Also, the shuttles only run during normal park hours. If you are going to a special after hours event, they probably won%26#39;t be running. A cab would be your best alternative for the return trip.

During the winter months, there are fewer visitors and not as many people use the swimming pools at the hotels. That is why the pool bars are not always open. Even at Disney Resorts and Universal Resorts, you will find a lot of pool bars to be seasonal.

You will not find much in the way of entertainment at any Orlando hotel, other than perhaps a live musician in the lounge on the weekend. Most visitors will either be in CityWalk or Pleasure Island if they want night time entertainment, so there%26#39;s not much call for it. In fact, you will find more guests complaining about the noise if they do have it, so they just don%26#39;t.

Most rooms at Orlando Hotels are first come, first serve when it comes to renovated rooms. You can request one, but it is only a request. If you check in late in the day, they may all be taken. Typically the only guarantee a hotel will make is to give you either a smoking or non smoking room. Anything else, such as view, close to or far from elevator, etc., is considered, but not guaranteed. So while requesting a renovated room is the best way to get one, it doesn%26#39;t guarantee you%26#39;ll get one.

I would make a list of the absolute deal breakers as far as a hotel is concerned, and narrow your hotel choice down to three or four and then really research those choices to find one that meets the most of your needs. If you plan to be out late at Universal, you might want to reconsider staying on property. I have friends who just love staying at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Hope this info helps explain some of the answers you didn%26#39;t receive from your hotel. Enjoy your concert!

Hotels in Orlando - Are They Just Horrible?

fla4fun... what an absolute dead on on the money observation ...people who expect superior hotels and service should expect to pay for them.. the majority of the hotels on i- drive are clean reasonly priced and located primarily for tourists ..the likes of the ritz..carlton..rosen..peabody cater largely for the affluent and the conventions...there is an old saying... you pays your money and you takes your choice....

If you are going to limit yourself to one area of Orlando, you get what you get. My advice would be RENT a car for more options. Seems to me alot of people get on this site, and want to travel all over central Florida for free. Probably not going to happen anywhere in this country!

hi wutsnext,

i dont know where you got the idea that all of i-drvive hotels are bad. there are good and bad hotels all over the world, it all depends on what your budget is if you can afford why dont you go for the good ones on i-drive like the peabody etc. the homewood suiteson i-drive are good. really it all comes down to ones budget at the end of the day. and i am sure that a lot of of people will agree that i-drive is a hot topic many love it and many hate it. but on a good note it does have a lot of nightlife and good leating places that the kissimee and lbv.

thanks pam.

ps. by the way where are you from.

Hello wutsnext,

There are horrible hotels everywhere you travel and Orlando has some also. And no Homewood Suites doesn%26#39;t beat out the Ritz or JW Marriott by far.

We enjoyed the convience of staying at the Hard Rock resort when visiting Universal and the surrounding area. Yes, it%26#39;s pricey but it was great to be able to walk to Universal and the City Walk. It%26#39;s just like real estate, you pay for location, location, location.

One hotel that is outstanding and isn%26#39;t often mentioned on this forum as often as I think it should be is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone staying in this area that is seeking a true 5-star hotel that is conveniently located to Orlando attractions and isn%26#39;t overpriced. The hotel has two outdoor pools (one is heated-probably intended for smaller children when it was designed), an atrium lobby, lush tropical gardens outside, and its own private pond! Everything is well-kept and the staff are friendly and provide their guests with outstanding service. The rooms are clean and comfortable but are not huge in size. While this hotel serves as a conference center, it equally serves as an ideal place for families visiting Orlando (especially families with children) to stay. The hotel even operates its own shuttle to/from the parks, which is usually reliable and on-time! If you stay at this wonderful Hyatt hotel and don%26#39;t like it, then something is wrong.

Oh yes sac, your absolutely correct! The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is a beautiful resort! The pools and grounds are stunning!

Not sure what your price range is, but regardless of what it is you won%26#39;t have trouble finding a nice place to stay in Orlando. There are tons of hotels in all price ranges with various amenities. You just have to be willing to pay for what you want. Many people have champagne taste, but a beer budget. Many people don%26#39;t travel much so have no idea what a really great hotel costs. Many people pay what they think should get them a ';perfect'; hotel, and are disappointed when it doesn%26#39;t. Many people are overly critical and find the bad in everything. Most people will post the bad before they will post the good.

I totally agree with the previous poster. I have stayed at many hotels in my life and have only had one bad experience so far. There have been a few places that I%26#39;ve stayed at that I just didn%26#39;t care for, but I have also had the pleasure of staying at some really nice hotels that reviewers on here seem to like too. The hotel that I had the bad experience with was one that I had high expectations for and unfortunately it turned out to be a place that was worse than the dickens. I have also been surprised in the opposite way when we when to Yellowstone and were told by others that the food there is deplorable and the cabins are rustic, and found the food and the cabins to be both satisfactory. Some people are just so picky and like to complain about every little thing. I do not by any means doubt that there are hotels/motels out there that are complete ';dumps';, but a person cannot go to a 2 or 3 star hotel and expect it to be a Ritz-Carlton or a 5 star resort.

We have narrowed it down to Crowne Plaza Universal and Doubletree Universal. May split between two as I do not know if transport between CityWalk and Crowne Plaza is easy? Please let me know. Again we are not renting a car and will rely on taxi back from Universal at night. Universal is where we will spend most days and late nights (Sat Mardi Gras %26amp; Concert night) so we want to be close. We will not have children with us so prefer a hotel that is more adult/business oriented but close to Universal. I also will be one my own a few days/nights so want to also be in a safe close location. I guess you can%26#39;t ask for everything. It seems when I pick a hotel then read the reviews they astonish me. We live in a suburb outside of NYC and definitely do not like to drive on vacation as we deal with crazy traffic everyday. We stayed at the Portofino Bay a couple years ago for 2 nights with a $150 night rate and loved it but that rate is not available anymore. We don%26#39;t want to pay $50 for a roach motel and can pay $100 plus but it seems a lot of the larger hotels such as Doubletree and Holiday Inn are under renovation and you have to hope you don%26#39;t get the ';old'; rooms. We travel several times a year in the U.S. and belong to every hotel chain progam and also have AAA and Entertainment which has saved tons of money. What is the status of Pointe Orlando? Is the Mexican Cantina and Hooters still open? We are thinking of checking out Fridays Front Row as that looks fun. Thanks for all the info it has helped me to narrow hotels down.

Race Fever....Daytona 500......

OK...with Speed Channel blaring.....

I am thinking that if you were going to build the Nascar Hall of Fame in Daytona Beach, what better time to make an announcement than at next Sunday%26#39;s race??

Anyone have any thoughts....???

Renata

Race Fever....Daytona 500......

huh? They should announce it, right before the race starts

Golf Orlando

Can anyone give me a recommendation for a top flight golf experience in Orlando? Money is no object. I am looking for courses to remember. Thanks

Golf Orlando

My favorite in the touristy area is Hawks Landing GC It has some nice holes, though its not in an isolated area (plays around 3 sides of the Orlando World Center Marriott, a 2000 room hotel). It has a lot of water on the holes. The only drawback is it is close to I-4 on the front 9. Also, I prefer to play the front 9 first, but they like to start off on 10.

Other top flight golf courses:

Grande Lakes Golf Course at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes (they have a caddie concierge program--its a Greg Norman course)

Walt Disney World GC: 99 holes of golf; the Palm and Magnolia courses host the PGA tour Funai classic; Magnolia was redone last year

Also, MetroWest GC and Falcons Fire GC are two of the top daily fee courses; MetroWest has hills. Also, Orange County National GC(36 holes) has hosted and will host again the PGA Tour Q-School finals, and has one of the best practice areas around. And ChampionsGate has 36 holes of Greg Norman golf.

Also, Bayhill Club and Lodge. This is Arnold Palmer%26#39;s course, and he hosts the Bayhill Invitational on it (Tiger Woods has won 4 times). I am not sure if they allow outside play, though. I do know that guests at the Lodge can play the course.

And, Grand Cypress GC. This is 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus golf, including The New Course at Grand Cypress, Jack%26#39;s tribute to St. Andrews (7 double greens, and a burn as well). Once again, I don%26#39;t know if they allow outside play, but if you stay at the Hyatt Grand Cypress (large hotel), or the Villas at Grand Cypress, you can definitely play. This is probably about as posh as it gets in Orlando, along with the Ritz course.

On the north side of Orlando, the Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes is a Tom Fazio course (and is also where Tiger Woods shot the commercial where he gave away Buicks to unsuspecting golfers--on the 12th hole). But I actually like Timacuan GC a little better. Both are near I-4 near Lake Mary. Also, 40 minutes from Universal, taking the Florida turnpike, you have Mission Inn, which has two courses (El Campeon is the older, more famous one) in Howey-In-The-Hills. And if you take Highway (FL) 50 west from the Florida turnpike for 1 1/2 hours or so, you will come to Brooksville, where World Woods GC is, which is Tom Fazio golf, featuring the Pine Barrens, done in the style of Pine Valley, and Rolling Oaks, done in the style of Augusta National. And if you take the turnpike to I-75 and Ocala, up there is Golden Ocala GC, voted the best Replica course in the country by a national poll. It has replica holes of several famous courses, including Augusta National.

vb

fort myers beach vs clearwater

please help,we can%26#39;t decide between fmyers beach or clearwater beach for 3 weeks,we will have two toddlers with us,fmyers beach seems to have more to do or more shops and restaurants to go to in the evening than clearwater ,ie:times sq .was looking at the neptune inn at fmyers beach.please please

fort myers beach vs clearwater

I used to vacation with the children when they were little in Clearwater. However, after discovering Ft Myers Beach I much prefer it. The neptune is a good choice but for 3 weeks you might be better renting a condo.

fort myers beach vs clearwater

I strongly second what the first reply suggested. Find a condo with a nice lanai so you can sit outside and relax while the little ones are napping. Lots more convenient all around for meals at home, room for everyone to have a bit of ';personal space'; and so forth.

hey,thanks for reply,sounds good but concerned in the evening time,it might get a bit boring for us looking at each others faces all evening and not being able to speak to any one else,she will kill me if she sees this,ha ha,thanks

From what I can see by researching, I think your best bet might still be a condo. Some complexes have group pools, grills, etc. Check www.vrbo.com, www.vacationrentals, etc.

Bahama Breeze Restaurant I-Drive

Staying at Universal Doubletree on Major Bvd. without car for a week. Is it worth booking a hotel for a night or two near I-Drive to check out Bahama Breeze Restaurant which has great ratings? Or is a taxi from Doubletree reasonable? I can get the Hampton Inn, Homewood or Springhill Suites on Universal Blvd but it is too far a walk from I-Drive nightlife or even worth it? Have been to Citywalk restaurants but wanted to try something different. Any info on Universal Doubletree hotel also appreciated.

Bahama Breeze Restaurant I-Drive

Take the taxi or the I-Drive Trolly. Bahama Breeze is one of a chain and fun place, but I sure wouldn%26#39;t change hotels for it.

Bahama Breeze Restaurant I-Drive

I agree, I wouldn%26#39;t make my hotel plans around being by a restaurant.

hi wutsnext,

i would change from the doubletree to the top end of i-drive it is a lot cleaner and peaceful and on a joking note you can croos the roads without running for your life like on i-drive from the sand lake raod downwords towards wet and wild. if you want to stay at some suites behing banama breeze than you will get hampton inn,homewood suites, extended deluxe suites, springwell or even embassy suites, or even try the crowne plaza.

we did like bahama breeze and the food is good and you do get big portions.

thanks pam.

i got very very ill after going to bahama breeze

There is more than one Bahama Breeze in Orlando. You%26#39;ll have to ask how much it will cost for the taxi. It is a good place, but not worth a big taxi fare.

Hi Pam We are traveling from the suburbs of NYC and that is why we prefer not to drive on our vacations as we deal with crazy traffic so much. With our discounts we can get on Universal Blvd the Springhill Suites for under $80 a night or the Crowne Plaza for $100 or less a night and the Homewood Suites on I-Drive for $120. The Doubletree Universal we can get for $65 a night which seems to be very close to Universal Studios. We can split the hotels but only once as again we will not have a car. Also I will be on my own a couple nights and want a close, safe hotel. I have stayed on site at Universal (Portofino Bay) for $150 but we are not budgeted for that as we are going to Europe in May. We like #1 Clean, #2 Location and #3 Value in hotels. Thanks for your input.

Bahama Breeze is one of my favorite restaurants here. Always a wait so be prepared. While you wait there is an outside patio bar with entertainment most nights. You can also order appetizers. Their Pina Colada%26#39;s are #1. There is one near Disney right near I4 and 535 approx 1/2 mile from Disney property. The other one is on International Drive approx 1 1/2miles to Sea World. I don%26#39;t think I would change hotels mid trip just for that though as Universal is pretty close. You may just want to make a night of it and go to Bahama Breeze for dinner (count on 2-3 hours there) and then walking over to Pointe Orlando for some shopping, Hooters, or to the Movies.

philosophy

Adults on in Disney

My husband and I are considering a Disney vacation. We are in our late 20s with no kids.

- When should we go? Obviously the less crowded the better since we don%26#39;t need to deal with kids vacations ...

- Where should we stay?

- How long do we need?

- Any suggestions for adult activities?

Thanks!!

Adults on in Disney

Sorry - meant to title it ';Adult Vacation in Disney';

Adults on in Disney

Hello Marley,

The least crowded times to visit Disney are when the children are in school. If your planning on going this year the least crowded times to visit would be the end of February through the 2nd week of March, or the last week of April through the third week of May, the week after Labor Day until Thanksgiving, and the week after Thanksgiving through the week before Christmas.

As far as where to stay, it all depends on if you want to stay on Disney property, if so the Grand Floridian, and the Yacht and Beach Club (perferable the Yacht side as it is more adult orientated) would be nice adult orientated Disney choices. The Yacht Club is great because of it%26#39;s location as it is a 5 minute walk to Epcot and a quick boat ride to MGM.

For off property choices the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, JW Marriott and the Ritz are perfect for adults.

If your planning on visiting all four parks, and also visiting Downtown Disney I always recommend a day or two for relaxation by the pool, especially if your staying at a resorts I listed then a 7 night stay should cover it. For a wealth of information along with this forum go to www.allearsnet.com and www.disneyworld.com

I would second the vote for the Yacht Club. In addition to being convenient for Epcot and MGM, you are also a 5 minute walk from the Boardwalk, with shops, restaurants and night time entertainment. You will also want to set aside an evening for Downtown Disney. You can either spend it at Pleasure Islands nightclubs, or splurge for an evening of Cirque du Soleil.

I would also get the Disney Dining Plan. Since you will get one table service meal each day, you can book restaurants like the Yachtsman Steakhouse, that are more adult oriented, without worrying about the cost.