Help decide my family Florida vacation.

[RBull4life]

I am seeking some suggestions for our first family trip down to Florida. We have several options available, but I am on the fence on which way to go.

Keep in mind that I have two kids ages 7 & 5, and we are going down there the first week of December to see WDW decked out in its Christmas glory, but it's how we spend the time in Orlando that I ask the help of my fellow sfgamworld members. I would have made this a poll, but I can't seem to find the poll button.

1) 6 nights / 7 days at WDW

2) 3 nights / 4 days WDW & 2 days at Island of Adventure staying at the Nickelodeon Hotel.

3) 3 nights / 4 days at WDW & 1 day at Island of Adventure & 1 day at SeaWorld.

I am not sure if 4 days would be enough to see everything at WDW. I have'nt been down there since they started building Islands of Adventure, so my memory of the entire area is sort of faded.

Thanks for any suggestions you might offer.

[coasterinsane]

Number two! Number Two! Number Two!

[zjohn1988]

Because of the children, I would go by choice #1. There is always enough to do at WDW

[rico28]

WDW First Then IOA, US, Seaworld in 3 yrs. When your kids get older to enjoy the rides more

[coasterinsane]

Honestly, I will admit that I did not read your full post. With the kids I would choose Number one.

Sorry...

[Danhockey04]

When are you going? If it is somewhere between August 24 and September 20th or something like that, Disney is offering free disney dining plan with a minimum stay of 3nights at their resorts. I'd like to just throw that out there and may help you decide if you are going then.

A 5-night/6-day package includes: (longer and shorter stays are available)

* 5 nights at a select Disney Resort
* 6 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket
* FREE Disney Dining Plan
* 3 night minimum length of stay - 14 night maximum
* Booking Dates:
o 4/07/08 – 6/22/08 - Disney VISA Card Holders
o 4/10/08 – 6/22/08 - Everyone
* Travel Dates: 8/24/08 – 9/20/08
* Prices start at:
$57 per person, per day for family of 4 at select Value Resorts (std room)
$73 per person, per day for family of 4 at select Moderate Resorts (std room)
$104 per person, per day for family of 4 at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (studio)
* Booking Codes:
Magic Your Way Package plus Dining - AYG
Magic Your Way Package plus Deluxe Dining - AYI
Magic Your Way Package plus Dine with Wine - AYH
Magic Your Way Package plus Deluxe Dining with Wine - AYJ

Those codes may not work, if they don't and you are still interested, I will find out what they really are when they are open for the public. It is also a little more difficult to get reservations for this time of the year there, so if you do this at this time, make sure you make the reservations as soon as possible, like right after you book the trip.

[RBull4life]

Thanks Dan. I really appreciate that info.

Is it usually crowded that time of the year? I am doing some checking before booking the trip, and it looked like the first week of December was their value season, which I assume means the less crowded it will be.

[Danhockey04]

Historically, September is the off season there with the least crowds, which is why they do the dining for free then. We went last year, second week of September and walked on everything, including Soarin'. After Thanksgiving to 2nd week of December is also light crowds, but the advantage here is that all the Christmas decorations will be up and they are really nice. Both are great times to go.

[Coaster Justin]

Even though I haven't been to Florida since 1991 or so, I have a suggestion.


1 : Sea World Orlando
2 : Busch Gardens Africa (2 Day combo Ticket with Sea World)
3 : Universal’s Islands Of Adventure
4 : Cypress Gardens & Old Town (Tons Of Family Rides at Both Parks)
5 : Walt Disney World: MGM Studios
6 : Walt Disney World: Animal Kingdom & Epcot
7 : Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom (The Big Huge Finale)

[Mr. Oscar]

Again, because of the kids, i'd say WDW. But for you, go on EE back row on the left. Trust me... you will not be disappointed.

[RBull4life]

Thank you everybody for your suggestions. It's been so long since I have been to WDW, I would assume that you could not get everything done in 4 days?

I am really looking forward to Everest Mr Oscar. Thanks for the tip.

[Danhockey04]

You can get everything done in a matter of 4 days. I usually finish in three days, but if you want to see ALL the shows, set about 4-5 days. Also, I would suggest Sea World as they have the best shows in Central Florida and have some kid friendly rides there. It is quite an experience and much fun. A one day ticket is good for all year if you get the fun pass, which is the same price as the normal entry ticket.

[FRD714]

Number 2 is a hell of a good choice to me, unless of course you haven't visited WDW before, or in the past few years.

[Director_Guy]

If you do decide to go to Universal as well as Disney, I suggest going to both Universal parks. IOA is a beautiful park but it's very possible to get most things done in a day.

[cycamps]

^I totally agree with you. I finished IOA by about 4:00, and I headed over to USF after that, getting almost everything done there.

[RBull4life]

One of the reasons I would go to IOA, is because they have Dr Suess, and the kids love Dr Suess. Not only that, but I am eager to ride Dueling Dragons, and The Hulk. I just don't want to fall short on seeing everything WDW has to offer.

I have entertained the idea of going during Halloween, but I think that IOA might be a little too much for the young ones.

[rico28]

Dueling Dragons maybe shut down for 5 months for rethemeing Harry Potter Land. Not a set date yet but your plans in december might be interrupted for IOA.

[Director_Guy]

I went mid-October to both WDW and Universal parks last year. It was practically empty at all six parks. That is, until Universal Studios opened up for Halloween Horror Nights. That was PACKED.

[RBull4life]

Thank you all for your input.

I am weighing in on all the options here, and since it has been voted on, we are going to be going the first week of December. Probably leaving the Friday, or Sat after Thanksgiving.