Great Florida Vacation Ideas

Posts Tagged ‘Walt Disney World vacation’

An Orlando Disney vacation is almost a requirement for anyone planning to visit Florida. And with all the options available these days, going to Disney for a holiday is easier than ever. Yep, an Orlando Disney Vacation is the perfect getaway to get a little magic back in your life.

If you’re going to Walt Disney World, I really do suggest that you stay at one of the resorts on the Disney property.  It really does make a difference!  That being said, here are some thoughts for you.

A Resort With a Wild Side

If you enjoy watching nature shows or avidly watch Animal Planet, then stop looking and stay in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. At this Disney resort, you stay in a setting modeled after Africa’s wilderness. And relatively recently, it also offerd its own wildlife reserve which means that you can check out and admire the animals in a whole different light. Just think of it as a mini-safari.

Life’s a Beach, Disney Style

If beaches tickle your fancy, you may want to check out Disney’s take on a seashore stay.  Your choices include the Beach Club Resort, Disney’s idea of a lakeside resort styled in 19th century.  Think of a turn-of-the-century (last century that is) waterfront resort, with all the luxury trappings.  But if a tropical vacation appeals to you more, try the Caribbean Beach Resort.  At the Caribbean Beach, you can even stay in one of the Disney Story Rooms.  Pirates of the Caribbean anyone?

The Great North Woods

What, the Pacific Northwest in Florida — no way!  Yes, you can stay at a Disney resort modeled after a Pacific Northwest lodge — Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Step into the lobby and you will see huge totem poles, and plenty of log trimmings.  Even the grounds make you feel that you are no longer in Florida.  Well, at least on any day but the hottest in the summer, at any rate.  It’s gorgeous and well worth a stay.

Daze (I Mean Days) at Disney

The reason to go to Disney World is to take a journey through its theme parks.  With four main parks, plus a few other attractions like the waterparks and Downtown Disney, there isn’t a shortage!

The Magic Kingdom is the oldest of the Orlando Disney theme parks (and the one I used to work at).  However, old doesn’t mean shabby — it’s constantly being updated and upgraded! If you want to satisfy your inner child, the lands that make up the Magic Kingdom are something you have to see.

The wildlife aficionado will appreciate Animal Kingdom. But be warned– this is a huge Disney theme park, and you will spend a lot of time walking.  Definitely wear comfy shoes!  As the newest of the parks, it’s got touches that the others don’t.

Lights, cameras, action — time to check out Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM).  Movie-lovers will revel in this Disney park.  It’s somewhat of a different “feel” than the other parks, but it’s well-loved by most folks.  And you just have to watch the variation on The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in the amphitheater in the evenings – truly different!

If you’ve always wanted to travel and see the world, then EPCOT may be your cup of tea (especially in the UK area of the park).  It’s also a large park, and is rather unusual in that it’s split into two.  FutureWorld is full of gadgets and attractions to make you think. The World Showcase highlights different nations and customs of the people who live in them.

Orlando Disney Vacation

Yes, there is plenty to do and see on an Orlando Disney World vacation — so much more than what I’ve mentioned in this post.

Disney World is known for being ever-changing in the theme parks, with characters, attractions and more.  In all my years as a Disney employee and then as someone who just loves Disney, I can say that what goes around, comes around.

So what’s my reason for this?  If you’re of a certain age, you  might remember one of the big shows at EPCOT was Captain EO, starring none other than Michael Jackson.  If you do remember, you’re in luck — you can see it again, as it’s been brought back to EPCOT.  If you don’t remember…you’re still in luck!

Captain EO is a 17-minute musical/theatrical/special effects show, obviously featuring Michael.  George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola also had a hand in it.  It has been cleaned up and pumped up, with all the new technology we now have.

And Now for Something New

That was the old, and here is the new for Disney World.  In the Magic Kingdom, there is something new called “The Pirate’s League”.  It’s a package for youngsters 3 years and up that lets them be transformed from a Disney guest to a pirate (argh!).

There are two packages — “First Mate” and “Empress”, both of which are $29.95.  So what does your little pirate get for this?

• Choice of facial effect (5 to choose from)
• Reversible bandana
• Earring and Eye Patch
• Sword and Sheath
• Temporary Tattoo
• Unique Pirate Coin Necklace
• Personalized Pirate Oath
• Official Pirate Name
• Removable Teeth (First Mate) or Makeup, Nail Polish and Face Gem (Empress)
• Participation in a daily Adventureland Pirate Parade

I’m guessing this will be a big hit, especially with Halloween coming up soon!  Oh and one more thing — make a reservation if you want your little one to be transformed, as you will most likely need one.

Speaking of Halloween…

Starting September 14, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will start showing up in the Magic Kingdom once again.  This is an “after hours” party, and requires a separate admission.

But can you imagine trick-or-treating at the Haunted Mansion?

Anyway, on 24 nights between September 14 and November 1, the magic Kingdom closes early, then re-opens from 7 PM to 12 midnight with Mickey and friends hosting the party.  There’s a special parade and fireworks show, plus all kinds of Halloween-style special effects throughout the park.

That’s it for today — catch up with you again later!

Where to purchase Disney World tickets — you have plenty of options these days.  From online to at a resort, a ticket outlet or the Disney theme park gate itself, you can buy tickets many ways.

However, there are pros and cons for these options, so let’s talk about them.

Buy Disney World Tickets Online

Yes, it’s true — you can get a good deal if you buy Disney World tickets online, but make sure you know what you are getting.  You might see a fantastic price, but what if that price doesn’t include something you want, like a Disney World Park Hopper pass?

When you are comparing prices online, make sure to compare the same kinds of tickets.  And yes, it’s safe to buy online; just remember to compare shipping prices when your’re looking at tickets (one vendor might charge $10 and another might charge $15 or even $5, so it can pay to check).

There is one place online that you shouldn’t buy Walt Disney World tickets, and that’s ebay.  Just say no, even if the price looks good.  Many times the tickets have been partly used (someone bought a 5 days pass and only used 2 days).  If someone else’s name is on the pass and there’s a problem at the gate, and your ID doean’t match the name on the pass…you just paid money for nothing, because you won’t get in the park.

Buy at a Resort

You can safely purchases tickets at either a Walt Disney World resort or a Orlando / Kissimmee hotel / resort.  Once again, check the options on the tickets you are buying.  You don’t want to purchase Disney World tickets for more (or less) than you need, in the way of options.

Purchase Disney World Tickets at an Outlet

If you’re driving to Disney World in Orlando, you will see signs for Disney World tickets at outlets.  In general, it’s safe to buy them there, but be aware that you may or may not be getting a discount.  However, they are usually more convenient than buying the tickets at the gate.

Buy Tickets at the Theme Park Gate

Your last option is to buy your Disney park tickets at the gate itself.  No extra discounts, but you are getting the “real deal”.  And if your Disney World trip is last minute, if might be your only option.

Purchase Disney World Tickets

Yes, you can purchase Disney World tickets in several ways, and hopefully this has helped you to choose.  Buying online generally gets you the best discounts, but keep in mind that if you’re buying within 2 weeks of your trip, you might have to pay extra shipping charges to make sure the tickets get to you before you leave for your great Disney vacation!