Travel: USA - Florida/Orlando

[Dnls_mum]

iluvjr2:

There are Kmart & Walmart outside wdw and they are within driving distance. We stayed at hotels outside wdw as well as disney resort last year so we explored the orlando pretty well... But I could see that you have theme parks schedule packed so u may not have the time. We were like you when we were there last year... Overdose of theme parks... Till my children wanted a break... Not sure if u have tried out restaurants like ihop, bumbba gum, cheesecake factory, bistro Chan. Should try if u have the time.

This is not out first trip to Florida. Last trip was 5 years ago and did ihpp etc already. Did those on the west coast too. They are the usual run of the mill family place. We find the food is cheap and decent, but not exceptional. At least much cheaper then WDW restaurants.

There is Walmart in Florida, but not within 10-15 mins drive of WDW. To drive half an hour just to find one is definitely not my idea of a vacation. To me it will make sense only if we are driving outside the WDW and International drive area and walmart is on the way Won't go out of the way for it to save a few dollars. To each its own.

Agree that theme parks can definitely get overdose, that's why i always advise having water parks and minor attractions and shopping in between as breaks. We were already aware of those pitfalls and definitely enjoyed Blizzard beach and disney quest and the minor external show attractions previously. We also stayed offsite for a few days previously but offsite hotels definitely does not have the same atmostphere and themeing as a disney deluxe resort. That's why we decided on 11 nites at the Polynesian this time. Our schedule is not theme park packed as in we don't go from morn till dusk (we spend half to 3/4 day on days we visit the theme parks, not full day), but rather I have theme dining planned for most of the days. These restaurants are not all in the themeparks. Some are in various resorts. Extravagent, yes, but we like the overall atmosphere and fun and the privilege reserve seatings for the shows which comes with some of the meals.

DH and I have discussed whether to do a stopover in Houston since we travel via Houston to Orlando, but DH travel too much for work, he has been to Houston for business and thinks that one US city is no diff from the next and there is nothing significantly interesting to warrant a vist :sad: To him, the kids won't appreciate any landmarks as much as a themepark Also, unlike you, we have older boys (15 and 13) who love the thrill rides and will go over and over again. Sightseeing is ok for them, but they prefer activities, that's why DC will be ideal. Pure sightseeing is too sedate for them. I need to cater for young and old kids, boys and girls. So only themeparks for this trip again, both disney and non-disney. We are really looking forward to DC and airboat and kids are excited abt WWoHP.

Non-themepark self drive US trip? Next time perhaps

[Miracle Child]

Thanks, iluvjr2 and Dnls-mum, for the tips on child booster seat. Looks like the booster seat requirement is for < 5 years old? If so, then DS will not require one.

[iluvjr2]

U r most welcome miracle_child. I’m in the same boat w u - bz w sa2 now. Have a great family holiday in Orlando!! Who knows we may see each other in one of the parks!!!

[Miracle Child]

Yes! \"Jia You\" for SA2 and after that...Orlando Holidays here we come. Pray for good weather

[Dnls_mum]

Miracle Child:

Yes! \"Jia You\" for SA2 and after that...Orlando Holidays here we come. Pray for good weather

Miracle child and iluvjr2
Good luck to both your kids and pray for good weather and safe trip for all of us! :xedfingers:

[Miracle Child]

Thanks, Dnls_mum.

[despmom99]

Kids will love Walmart cos Hagen Daz and Ben and Jerry’s ice-cream is really cheap there! If you go to Cheesecake Factory to have your dinner, remember to buy for sharing. The portions are huge.

[despmom99]

Check out what you want to buy from Amazon and buy online when you reach there. Put name of hotel when you reach the hotel and have checked in.

[Miracle Child]

Thanks for highlighting...DS loves Ben & Jerry ice-cream but we buy only occasionally in S'pore cos' very ex. DH always teases DS to say we can only afford to buy \"Tom & Jerry\" (i.e. other cheaper brands) ice-cream :rotflmao:


Where is the Cheesecake Factory in Orlando near to? Is it near to any attractions?

Thanks!

[Dnls_mum]

despmom99:

Check out what you want to buy from Amazon and buy online when you reach there. Put name of hotel when you reach the hotel and have checked in.

You don't even need to do that only when you get there. You can buy while still in Singapore and have it delivered to your hotel so that it is there when you arrive. I have done it many times with diff hotels in diff cities. No problem at all. We'll need aqua shoes for this trip for DC, and it's much cheaper in the US. I'm ordering them for those in the family who don't already have it and it shd be waiting for us when we arrive. No need to wait to order only when you are there.