Orlando Parks/ Cruise

[jdool16]

Hi Guys,

 

My family and I are currently in the process of booking a trip from Australia to the US from late November and throughout December. While on this trip we plan to have just over a week to explore the parks in Orlando and have also booked a "Western Caribbean Cruise" on Freedom of the Seas. We have just a couple of quick questions which you can hopefully guide us in the right direction for this part of the holiday!

 

 

1. As we plan to spend the majority of time at Disneyworld (as well as visiting both Universal Parks) is it a better to stay at a Disney resort, use their transportation and book a shuttle to the Universal Parks or book at a resort eg. World Quest, where the rooms are much bigger and hire a care. After doing a a browse both options are quite relative in price but our travel agent seems to think staying at a non-disney resort is better but with benefits at Disney like myMagic+ I am unsure with what to do?

 

 

2. We have a spare day in Orlando which we don't have anything planned, is there any non-themepark attractions that you recommend doing? If not what other parks would you recommend visiting that are in the area?

 

 

3. We booked the 7 night Western Caribbean while on a Voyager sailing to New Zealand. Knowing that you guys have done this itinerary numerous times is there any port excursions that you recommend? I know that we are leaning towards doing the Stingray City and the Turtle Farm excursion in Grand Cayman but have no other idea what do in the others.

 

 

4. For internal flights within the US is Delta a good airline? We are leaning towards flying with them because they are best fit for our itinerary.

 

 

5. What is driving from MCO to the parks like? Is easy to get too?

 

 

Hope these question aren't too annoying, just asking you guys since I know that you can give me 100% straight non Bull**** answers!

[Bargey]

This is my perspective, being another Aussie who's been to Orlando twice, I will state I am nowhere near the fountain of knowledge that Robb is

 

1. You don't say how big your family is, but if it's more than 3-4 my recommendation would be to not stay on Disney property cause the rooms are small and expensive for what you get. That said, the magic bands are great with the fast pass bookings & the memory maker if you pay for that. Driving around Orlando is a piece of cake, lots of freeways, getting from park to park takes very little time at all and car hire is cheap.

 

2. If you're at all interested in that kind of stuff Kennedy Space Center is awesome, a very easy hour drive from the parks area of Orlando. If you like Coasters go to Busch Garden in Tampa (another hour or so drive). Seaworld & Discovery Cove are great too. If you have one you might want to take the wife shopping on International drive to keep her happy. NBA will be in season so you might want to catch a Magic game. There's no shortage of things to do in Orlando my friend.

 

3. Can't help you here.

 

4. I've only flown Delta once, they were fine, can't help you much on this one.

 

5. Very, very easy, pretty much freeways the whole way. Just remember to have some shrapnel on hand for the tolls (which don't cost much).

[SharkTums]

1. This certainly depends on your family size, ages, and love for Disney in addition to your budget. There are some EXCELLENT resorts on property suitable for all ages, sizes, and budgets but if your other option is staying at a condo that you'd have more room in for the same price you may want to consider that. Staying on Disney Property is certainly something magical and makes a lot of things quite easy but has a few drawbacks. You can use MyMagic + whether you stay on property or not. The biggest pros to staying on property are the extra magic hours and the ability to go easily from parks back to your resort (which is awesome to play at!)

 

2. Again, this depends on your family and where you stay. Sometimes just a relax at the resort day is needed and awesome. Are the kids into animals? Sea Life? Space? etc. If you give us some more info we can make more recommendations.

 

3. Western Caribbean is a fun itinerary. Labadee is a fun beach day with the zip line and mountain coaster. Don't need to plan too much for that day. Grand Cayman we normally stay on the boat as we don't like to tender. Cozumel has a very good Dolphin Interaction place if you'd like to do that. Jamaica has really good zip line tours, Dunns River Falls, and another fun bobsled ride.

 

4. Delta is certainly one of the best US Airlines, it's our preferred airline and they'll be fine.

 

5. Very easy to drive in Orlando and everything is signposted well.