Another Orlando trip planning thread

[azza29]

Hey everyone, working on some plans for late next year to take the first trip to Orlando with my brother and have come up with the following:

- visit first during the first three weeks of November

- 3 days at Universal, staying onsite, probably go to Fun Spot one evening

- 1 day at SeaWorld

- 2 days at Busch Gardens Tampa

- half day at Legoland

- 8 days for Disney World, staying onsite (probably Pop Century for 5 nights, Port Orleans for 4 nights). Thinking 1 day at Animal Kingdom, 2 days each at the other parks and a 'break' day where we might go to a water park or Downtown Disney. This is a lot of time but since it's our first visit I want to be able to take it easy. We'll catch the tail end of the Food & Wine Festival and check out the Christmas Party one night.

 

I have a few questions:

- is three days enough for Universal? We will have the Express Pass.

- my brother wants to do some sort of outdoorsy/adventure-type activity. Maybe a hike or something physically challenging. Are there any options in the Orlando/Tampa area that would fit this description?

- is it worth adding the Kennedy Space Center to the itinerary?

- we both like theatre, what's a good site to find out what shows might be in town when we visit?

- any suggestions for things to do in Tampa in the evenings?

 

We're pretty early in the planning process and any comments/suggestions are definitely welcome. The only thing that really can't change is the timing, as the earliest we can leave is November 3rd and we want to head home before Thanksgiving week. Thanks for your help!

[SharkTums]

Let me at least help you with a few suggestions...

 

I think three days is TOO much at Universal/IOA with Express Passes. Three days would certainly let you take it easy and even possibly hit it on a weekend.

 

Likewise I think Busch Gardens is not a two day park. Unless you want to do some of the upcharge animal tours or are super crazy, one day should be fine.

 

There aren't really 'hiking' type activities in Florida since we're flat and have very little interesting scenery. Maybe an Airboat Ride? Or a zip line tour? Something like that may appease your brother.

 

If you like Space at *ALL* it's certainly worth a day trip over to the KSC. You could even combine it with Fun Spot in the evening.

 

Robb can help you with the show stuff.

 

For Tampa nightlife it depends what you're into. There's Ybor City, clubs, beach stuff, etc. I think it's much better to base out of Orlando and hit up Busch as a day trip.

[azza29]

^Cool, thanks Elissa. I was considering two days for Busch Gardens mainly because one wasn't enough at BGW earlier this year. Might allow for a break/non-park day instead, and if we really want to go back we can.

 

Maybe I'll book my brother into the F&W half marathon... surprise! He can wear his medal the whole time we are there...

[larrygator]

http://www.floridastateparks.org/catfishcreek/default.cfm

 

I've never been to this park but I've had friends hike here

[azza29]

^Thanks Larry.

 

Totally forgot to ask - where are the best places to eat at WDW and Universal? Quick service and sit-down. So many options... so little time!

[shivtim]

For an outdoorsy/adventure activity, you can canoe or kayak here:

www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/

It's about 35 miles from Orlando though, so you'd need a rental car to get there. In November there might be manatees (they come to the springs in cold weather). There's a nice little boardwalk hike too.