Vacation to Orlando Florida *ADVICE

• comical44
  
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  May 22, 2013 10:37 PM GMT

  So next summer Im taking a vacation with my little brothers to Orlando Florida. I plan on Visiting Sea World, Animal Kingdom and both Universal Parks.
  
  I want a hotel that is in the middle of all of those parks...I thin Sea World and Universal are near each other so even a hotel centrally located to them in Orlando.
  
  Can someone Give me some detailed advice on a really nice hotel? I dont want it to look like some cookie cutter hotel (Microtel or super more of a resort that has amazing features like Beautiful Pools etc etc. I want a cool room and I just wnat to have an amzing experience as well as I want my little brothers to be in awe bc they have never been there.
  
  The catch is I dont want to spend tons of money per night.
  
  Do you think its best to stay at one of universals hotels because I know they offer transportation to the parks and have other perks if you stay with them?
  
  Im all over the place but I need some advice whether you live near there or you have taken a vacation there.
  
  I need awesome hotel names(and inof about them) and I need opinions on how to do awesome things while im there and not spend a ton of money. any advice is appreciated.
  
  Thank you

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  May 23, 2013 1:14 AM GMT

  Over the years I've stayed on the Disney site at both the Swan and the lower cost All Star, off site at the Hilton by the convention center and also at the ridiculously expensive Loews up by Universal. It has a boat that takes you right into the park, gorgeous pools but the place is huge, takes forever just to get to your room and I thought too much money, I think starting at $300.
  
  The convention center Hilton is also huge but somehow easier to get around. It has an excellent pool area with fire pit and meandering stream to bob around in for around $200 plus taxes, fees, whathaveyou.
  
  The Swan is also a bit above 200, only really worth it if you are doing a few days at Disney.
  
  I actually liked All Star Music resort on the Disney site and I think it was only about 80 bucks when I went. Rooms were very clean, the grounds were beautiful, excellent pools. Decent food, not great but edible. Cafeteria style, a little noisy with kids. But the service into the park was perfect. Comfy busses nonstop. Makes it very easy. Check to see if they have regular busses over to Universal and Sea World. They might. That would give you a lot of benefit for little money.
  
  One of the excellent things about staying on site if you are doing a few days at Disney is that you get the park for a few hours after hours when everyone else has to clear out. So you watch the excellent fire works display and then hit all the rides you couldn't get on easily during the day.
  
  You seem to have a bit of an animal theme going so I'm going to suggest one more park that's a bit expensive but you'll love it. Discovery Cove. You'll need reservations as they only allow so many people at one time. I thought it was going to be real hokey until I went but I wound up thinking it was great. For added expense they have a dolphin encounter which is kind of worth it but only if you want to blow the bucks. It's not necessary as you'll have a great time snorkeling there anyway. The encounter lasts about a half hour or hour if I recall right but you really only spend seconds in direct contact with a dolphin. The ride lasts about 30 second, they're pretty fast. But it's hugely fun.
  
  PS, also at Discovery Cove with admission comes continental breakfast and lunch and the food was actually quite good.

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• calibro
  
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  May 23, 2013 3:06 AM GMT

  don't go

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• turtleneckjoc...
  
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  May 23, 2013 3:21 AM GMT

  I can help you here. Not only do I live in Orlando, I work for the largest hotelier in the US.
  
  Presenting, our signature Orlando property: The Wyndham Grand Resort at Bonnet Creek.
  
  
  
  The hotel is situated on Disney property and is not far from Universal and Sea World (about 15 minutes).
  
  Message me if you have any questions, or need some other options. Like I said, I can really help you out.
  
  -TNJ

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  May 23, 2013 4:23 AM GMT

  Universal is a good distance north of the Disney parks. Sea World sits between. Both Disney and Universal have resorts with benefits for guests and have transportation for guests at local hotels and resorts. Disney is cooler IMO with the monorail system. Universal is closer to the Orlando gay club scene if that interests you.
  
  You will need a rental car to enjoy both parks. Public transportation between Disney and Universal areas exists but sucks. If you are flying in and renting just book the cheapest available car then upgrade at the counter.
  
  If you have to stay centrally located look at hotels or resorts along International Drive which is good middle ground. Around Sea World and the convention center is a good start. Head further north and things get seedy.
  
  As for not spending tons of money good luck. You can buy discounted tickets for various things to do at tourist trap store all over Orlando and most hotels will have staff able to assist as well. Don't expect too much of a discount it will still be a couple hundred to visit all the parks you've listed.
  

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  May 23, 2013 4:51 AM GMT

  turtleneckjock saidI can help you here. Not only do I live in Orlando, I work for the largest hotelier in the US.
  
  Presenting, our signature Orlando property: The Wyndham Grand Resort at Bonnet Creek.
  
  
  
  The hotel is situated on Disney property and is not far from Universal and Sea World (about 15 minutes).
  
  Message me if you have any questions, or need some other options. Like I said, I can really help you out.
  
  -TNJ

  
  
  OP, listen to Turtleneckjock! He will offer you the best advice on what you need to know about staying in Orlando! Have fun!

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  May 23, 2013 5:00 AM GMT

  I'm jealous!
  I would have been able to give some advice since I was just supposed to be there but it didn't work out so now I'm just envious

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  May 23, 2013 5:15 AM GMT

  NerdMonastery said I'm jealous!
  I would have been able to give some advice since I was just supposed to be there but it didn't work out so now I'm just envious

  
  
  What happened? You were so excited about it!

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  May 23, 2013 8:55 AM GMT

  Don't go during hurricane season.

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  May 23, 2013 5:16 PM GMT

  Don't go. :-)

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• LJay
  
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  May 23, 2013 5:52 PM GMT

  I used to live in Winter Park, which is grown into an Orlando suburb now. I would not go to Dizzy Woyld for all the tea in China, but if you must, take a little time to visit Winter park. The downtown area is really nice and borders Rollins College where the chapel and theatre are wonderful 20's Spanish Revival architecture and there is a large collection of Tiffany glass. The town is quite pleasant in places, too.

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  May 23, 2013 6:27 PM GMT

  Do not forget OBT for some STD's

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  May 23, 2013 6:37 PM GMT

  LJay saidI used to live in Winter Park, which is grown into an Orlando suburb now. I would not go to Dizzy Woyld for all the tea in China, but if you must, take a little time to visit Winter park. The downtown area is really nice and borders Rollins College where the chapel and theatre are wonderful 20's Spanish Revival architecture and there is a large collection of Tiffany glass. The town is quite pleasant in places, too.

  
  
  Think I've never been to Winter Park. But for driving through lovely areas I like very much Cherokee next to downtown Orlando,
  
  If interested in architectural/cultural curiosities in the Orlando area, probably not appropriate for the OP's trip but for future reference, not too far is the Cassadaga spiritual camp which can make for an unusual outing. Their Sunday service is always entertaining even for the skeptic.
  
  And for some wonderful architecture, not far in the opposite direction is http://www.franklloydwrightatfsc.com/ "the largest concentration of Wright designed structures anywhere in the world "

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  May 23, 2013 7:19 PM GMT

  Homesteaders saidDo not forget OBT for some STD's

  
  
  It depends on where you are on OBT.

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  May 24, 2013 2:46 AM GMT

  Some people already mentioned this, but you WILL NEED A RENTAL CAR. In Florida, there is no reliable public transportation.
  
  Also, I recommend staying in the Universal Theme Park Hotels (Hard Rock, Portofino, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort). The most expensive is Portofino followed by Hard Rock followed by Royal Pacific. These Hotels will give you immediate access to the park (a water taxi picks you up and brings you right to the entrance). Furthermore, if you stay in one of these hotels, you can use your hotel keys as fast passes and cut through the main lines. ONLY UNIVERSAL RESORTS DO THIS.
  
  On sight Disney Hotels do not allow hotel keys to be used as fast passes. Beside, Disney is filled with all the "kiddy" rides.
  
  I have no clue about Sea World....have not been there.

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• Apparition
  
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  May 24, 2013 5:49 AM GMT

  if it comes down to money, all the cheap hotels should have access to the prison bus for free that stops at every hotel on the way to disney and takes about an hour to get there. very ghetto, but gets you there.

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  May 24, 2013 6:55 AM GMT

  Oh ! hell bad experience . reply no two . Never go anywhere alone , damd too many muggers . Never screw around with the locals , they are already been screwed by the local plug gang .

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  May 27, 2013 2:07 PM GMT

  Erik101 said

  NerdMonastery said I'm jealous!
  I would have been able to give some advice since I was just supposed to be there but it didn't work out so now I'm just envious

  
  
  What happened? You were so excited about it!

  
  
  Something serious but thankfully it's gotten better and is getting better with time.
  It's probably something not a lot of people would consider that serious I guess because it's not like it's unheard of but yeah.
  Guess it wasn't meant to be.
  Thanks for asking though.

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  May 27, 2013 7:47 PM GMT

  Bring mosquito protection.
  
  

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