Disney World (Orlando) Deals and Discussion

Quote from dancemom : Good to hear! My son and I just got to our hotel. Our car with Avis (I went through Hotwire and chose a compact) is a Prius! Very impressed though I have never driven one so it is a little disorienting. One thing I am confused about. There is a sticker on the windshield that says Etoll and says to drive through the EZpass and Sunpass prepaid lanes. I am hoping they are just charging my cc for the tolls. Much easier that way. Otherwise I may have lots of fines or the FL staties after me! Guess I should look that one up on their website!

My understanding is that it will just bill the EPass in the car...then Avis will bill you for the tolls...as well as a daily fee of some kind. They should have taken the time to explain all of that for you. I opted to just pay cash and avoid the surcharge.

Have a great trip! My car thru Alamo was a 2011 Impala LTZ....Sweet ride.

Anyone have a suggestion as to a decent hotel near WDW? My family & I will be there this coming weekend for the Princess Half Marathon and our accommodation plans sort of fell through (looooong story). The only Diz hotels that still have availability are too rich for my blood, so we'll just stay off-site. There is still availability, just wondering if any of y'all have any past experiences--good or bad--with any the ones within a couple of miles or so of Downtown Disney. TIA!

Quote from Teeniney : Anyone have a suggestion as to a decent hotel near WDW? My family & I will be there this coming weekend for the Princess Half Marathon and our accommodation plans sort of fell through (looooong story). The only Diz hotels that still have availability are too rich for my blood, so we'll just stay off-site. There is still availability, just wondering if any of y'all have any past experiences--good or bad--with any the ones within a couple of miles or so of Downtown Disney. TIA!

Look into a Villa, Condo, or Townhouse. More room, more bathrooms, and in my case...much cheaper. Ours was about 3 miles from the gate according to Garmin.

Quote from REDCELL : Look into a Villa, Condo, or Townhouse. More room, more bathrooms, and in my case...much cheaper. Ours was about 3 miles from the gate according to Garmin.

Thanks for the suggestion. I do have a couple of inquiries in at vrbo.com, will see what they tell me.

ETA, since we are only staying one night, I decided to go through a hotel. All of the condos/villas/etc that I searched through had a cleaning fee which made it a less economical option at this late stage in the game. I do love staying in a condo as opposed to staying in a hotel room for sure, and will def keep that in mind for our next trip.

This main site was mentioned before, but this link goes into further explanation about best kept secrets about WDW - interesting facts and trivia. I always visit this site before I go to Disney because I like to get my money's worth!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/best-kept-secrets_MK.htm

Speaking of money, do you know you can purchase Disney Dollars at Guest Services at each of the theme parks. It's about the cheapest souvenir you'll find...a collectible, or you can actually dole these out to your kids to spend it in the parks if you really want to. This dollar bill costs $1 to purchase and the face value is $1 - so it's not like there is a hidden charge tacked on to purchase these. Nice quality, feels like a real dollar and even has glitter embededded in it. Cute. They sell in other increments like $5, etc. Pic attached.

Also, if your kids love Legos, you can visit Downtown Disney to explore the Lego store. But be forewarned it is under construction right now until mid April so the temp location is nothing more than a yellow tent - we went there Friday - very disappointing! But once their refurbishment is complete I am sure the new store will be even bigger and better than before.

We just went to Epcot and loved Test Track - it was so cool! And Soarin' is amazing too. The flowers in Canada are beautiful - picture perfect. Happy travels!

Read this article and get some useful tips Insider's guide to Disney World [msn.com]

I like the free parking idea

I work at Disney World. Feel free to ask any questions.

Sabbie, I PMed you with a question about Hotels/Motels/Condos/Resorts/etc closeby to WDW, but maybe others could help or give their feedback as well:

Could you recommend some motels/hotels/resorts/etc that are near Disneyworld that are CHEAP, but also have DECENT REVIEWS?

Or possibly a place in between Disneyworld & Universal Studios (our plans are to go both parks).

I'm going with a group of friends (5-6 people), so we are looking for one bedrom for 2 days (we'll checkout on the 3rd day). The dates that we need a place to stay are: March 12th (Sunday) & March 13th (Monday).

Also, do you have recommendations on what to see is Disneyworld? We are all young adults (mid 20's), so we don't want to see any of the "kiddy" stuff. We want to focus on attention on the attraction targeted more towards adults. We like good quality shows (the most), followed by fun rides (2nd). We'll only have 1 day (either Sunday or Monday) to spend at one of the parks in Disneyworld, so which would you most recommend?

Any help would be greatly appreciated since most of us have never been to Florida (we're from Texas), let alone Disneyworld!

~ Im2bz2p

Quote from im2bz2p : Also, do you have recommendations on what to see is Disneyworld? We are all young adults (mid 20's), so we don't want to see any of the "kiddy" stuff. We want to focus on attention on the attraction targeted more towards adults. We like good quality shows (the most), followed by fun rides (2nd). We'll only have 1 day (either Sunday or Monday) to spend at one of the parks in Disneyworld, so which would you most recommend?

If shows are your priority, I'd definitely recommend Disney's Hollywood Studios. It also has some of the best rides.

highly reccomend the book 'The Unofficial Guide To Walt Disney World'. It has literlly everything you are asking about in one source, and the reviews are independent (and also based on user reviews as well). Tons of great money-saving tips too. They publish a new edition each year, because WDW changes so much! There is also a companion website wich details different park tour plans to save time and money, and based on research the best days to go to the different parks according to ride wait times. The book also has information about Universal Studios, lodging & dining on and off Disney property... etc... it really is a treasure trove of info.

And please, take it from a fellow adult... even the 'kiddie' stuff in WDW is tons of fun. It really is like no place else, and don't sell yourself short by avoiding anything. It's an entire experience in and of itself there, and don't be surprised if you become an addict! I know grown ''manly men" that felt "obligated" to take their families on WDW trips, only to come back excitedly planning their next trip (even planning a trip without the kids!). You can do Universal in a day or two, but it takes at LEAST a week to see the major parts of WDW. But do yourself a favor and invest the $25 in the book.

Quote from im2bz2p : Sabbie, I PMed you with a question about Hotels/Motels/Condos/Resorts/etc closeby to WDW, but maybe others could help or give their feedback as well: Could you recommend some motels/hotels/resorts/etc that are near Disneyworld that are CHEAP, but also have DECENT REVIEWS? Or possibly a place in between Disneyworld & Universal Studios (our plans are to go both parks). I'm going with a group of friends (5-6 people), so we are looking for one bedrom for 2 days (we'll checkout on the 3rd day). The dates that we need a place to stay are: March 12th (Sunday) & March 13th (Monday). Also, do you have recommendations on what to see is Disneyworld? We are all young adults (mid 20's), so we don't want to see any of the "kiddy" stuff. We want to focus on attention on the attraction targeted more towards adults. We like good quality shows (the most), followed by fun rides (2nd). We'll only have 1 day (either Sunday or Monday) to spend at one of the parks in Disneyworld, so which would you most recommend? Any help would be greatly appreciated since most of us have never been to Florida (we're from Texas), let alone Disneyworld! ~ Im2bz2p

If rides aren't your primary focus, you might like Epcot the best. Great food, great drinks, also great rides.

Animal Kingdom has good "shows", but they are definitely kid-oriented - Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Finding Nemo.

Be warned about finding cheap lodging on such short notice. You are traveling during most of Florida's spring break I believe. I live in Alabama, and it's our spring break and there are lots and lots of people headed down there during those dates. So you might be a bit limited in hotel choices.

We always stay in disney hotels, so I don't have suggestions for where to stay, but I'm sure others will. If there are several of you, you might consider getting on VRBO and renting a condo or house.

Quote from moozle : Animal Kingdom has good "shows", but they are definitely kid-oriented - Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Finding Nemo.

I think you're referring to the Beauty and the Beast show at Disney's Hollywood Studios...

Quote from UnrealFire : I think you're referring to the Beauty and the Beast show at Disney's Hollywood Studios...

Oops, you're right. B&B is Hollywood Studios. Sorry!

Quote from moozle : If rides aren't your primary focus, you might like Epcot the best. Great food, great drinks, also great rides. Animal Kingdom has good "shows", but they are definitely kid-oriented - Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Finding Nemo. Be warned about finding cheap lodging on such short notice. You are traveling during most of Florida's spring break I believe. I live in Alabama, and it's our spring break and there are lots and lots of people headed down there during those dates. So you might be a bit limited in hotel choices. We always stay in disney hotels, so I don't have suggestions for where to stay, but I'm sure others will. If there are several of you, you might consider getting on VRBO and renting a condo or house.

Thanks for all the responses guys!

Yeah, I realize we are cutting it close in terms of planning, especially for a place to stay.

Will check out VRBO! That seems like a great site.

Since we only have 1 day to spend at Disneyworld, I want to see just one of the "parks." Does Epcot has decent shows as well? I think that may be where we decide to check out without limited time.

We're also planning to visit Universal Studios (the next day) and then drive to Miami to enjoy a beach. Anyone from Florida know if it's worth driving to Miami for the beaches or are there equally beautiful beaches (and less crowded ones) closer to the Orlando area? I'm all about beautiful places (clear blue water & white sand)

I really appreciate all the help,

~ Im2bz2p