Dec trip to florida- need tips.thanks

[MCsquared]

Hi all,

We're planning to go to Orlando,Florida this Dec. It's our first time going there and we are renting a van. I'm so excited as is my wife and my two kids (16 and 3 yrs. old). I would like to ask you all for some tips regarding:

1. the best route to take from Toronto to Orlando( we're from Scarborough )..

2. what's the weather there during Dec.

3. any other good places to check out aside from the theme parks ( like beaches,shops,malls).

4. any other tips/stuffs that you might want to share that might be helpful for us.

I don't know if i'm posting on the right thread but i would like to thank you all in advance!

MCsquared

[walkabout]

I've driven to Fort Lauderdale 2x, pretty easy driving. I used a triptik from CAA the first time, then just followed my GPS for 2nd time. Or just follow what google maps says. Should be really good weather in December, tshirt during days and maybe light jacket at night. lots of websites on things to do http://www.visitorlando.com/EN-CA/things-to-do/attractions/?s_kwcid=TC|15518|orlando%20things%20to%20do||S|p| 13093818537 I've been to all the theme parks, try buying tickets ahead online, lineups to buy tickets can be long. And I think most come in packages like a better price for Universal Studios + Islands of Adventure. I've got some favourite rides, and did the swim with the dolphin thing. Also saw Cirque, and Blue man group (wierd!). At night, not sure if kids are allowed, there's Downtown disney/Disney Boardwalk. Same thing for Universal, they have Citywalk. Lots of restaurants, entertainment, unique stores etc. There's an outlet mall Orlando Premium Outlets, international drive. i found lots of good buys there. Not sure about beaches, maybe there's a lake that you might be able to swim.

[rajin929]

I-90 / I-77 / I-79 to Florida is a great drive, I always love driving through the mountains when you hit West Virginia / Virginia.
If you are a CAA member, get the TripTik done closer to the date as it'll show you where the construction delays are on the interstate.

When travelling with Family, I try to break the drive up and stay a night somewhere instead of trying to kill the drive in 24 hours. Since check in at the hotel is in the afternoon, no point rushing to get to Florida early in the morning then having to kill time with cranky/tired kids.

[MCsquared]

thanks

[asyed]

I don't remember much but I believe after our stop over in DC, my family used I-95 all the way down.....not a fun route though...be sure to take frequent breaks and pack some food for the journey.....also be careful of some of the more sketchy areas of the south ( was in a a gas station once that appeared to be swarming with gangs....at 1 in the morning....on a deserted country road). Also having an extra driver is also a good idea. I don't know of any good places though since our journey was more destination orientated (we took about 2 days to get there) so we barely stopped at anything....



Hope this helps

[mazdaspeedemon3]

I would prolly pack a bathing suit

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Where staying??.

I found a great gem of a hotel, with full kitchen, so you can make the odd meal.. Saving $$$

[MCsquared]

Thanks Jeff. We are going to Orlando. We've been checking a couple of condominium style hotels which also has full kitchen. Maybe you know a good place to stay around that area, please do let me know...Thanks again!..
Where staying??.

I found a great gem of a hotel, with full kitchen, so you can make the odd meal.. Saving $$$

[asyed]

Also fair warning...Florida is full of toll booths ...especially the Florida Turnpike...good to keep some change since some toll stations are self serve and only accept coins..

[Default User]

1. the best route to take from Toronto to Orlando( we're from Scarborough )..

YYZ to MCO


2. what's the weather there during Dec.

Pretty much steady as it is now http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/usfl0372 except more rain


3. any other good places to check out aside from the theme parks ( like beaches,shops,malls).

Lots of Prime Outlet malls in the area. If you're into watches - there is a Movado outlet in Orlando
Foodwise - Golden Corral was always one of my fave pig-out spots


4. any other tips/stuffs that you might want to share that might be helpful for us.

Do Not buy the discounted tickets to any theme parks from scalpers no matter how legit they may seem. They are re-selling part of a 2-day pass, which often enough doesn't always work on the re-entry. Apart from one place in Kissimee, there aren't ANY legitimate discounted tickets to Disney parks

And if you do go to Disney - go a little later in the day - as I believe they still have the night parade at Park closing

[Default User]

oh and congrats on the trip! Have fun

[MCsquared]

Also fair warning...Florida is full of toll booths ...especially the Florida Turnpike...good to keep some change since some toll stations are self serve and only accept coins..-- thanks!

[MCsquared]

YYZ to MCO



Pretty much steady as it is now http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/usfl0372 except more rain



Lots of Prime Outlet malls in the area. If you're into watches - there is a Movado outlet in Orlando
Foodwise - Golden Corral was always one of my fave pig-out spots



Do Not buy the discounted tickets to any theme parks from scalpers no matter how legit they may seem. They are re-selling part of a 2-day pass, which often enough doesn't always work on the re-entry. Apart from one place in Kissimee, there aren't ANY legitimate discounted tickets to Disney parks

And if you do go to Disney - go a little later in the day - as I believe they still have the night parade at Park closing---thank you very much for this info

[MCsquared]

I've driven to Fort Lauderdale 2x, pretty easy driving. I used a triptik from CAA the first time, then just followed my GPS for 2nd time. Or just follow what google maps says. Should be really good weather in December, tshirt during days and maybe light jacket at night. lots of websites on things to do http://www.visitorlando.com/EN-CA/things-to-do/attractions/?s_kwcid=TC|15518|orlando%20things%20to%20do||S|p| 13093818537 I've been to all the theme parks, try buying tickets ahead online, lineups to buy tickets can be long. And I think most come in packages like a better price for Universal Studios + Islands of Adventure. I've got some favourite rides, and did the swim with the dolphin thing. Also saw Cirque, and Blue man group (wierd!). At night, not sure if kids are allowed, there's Downtown disney/Disney Boardwalk. Same thing for Universal, they have Citywalk. Lots of restaurants, entertainment, unique stores etc. There's an outlet mall Orlando Premium Outlets, international drive. i found lots of good buys there. Not sure about beaches, maybe there's a lake that you might be able to swim.---thanks

[Jeff-TheBiz]

1. the best route to take from Toronto to Orlando( we're from Scarborough )..

YYZ to MCO

No way.. Much smarter to drive to BUF stay one nigth, leave your car at the hotel for $1 a day and fly out of BUF... Cheaper, less stress..




4. any other tips/stuffs that you might want to share that might be helpful for us.

Do Not buy the discounted tickets to any theme parks from scalpers no matter how legit they may seem. They are re-selling part of a 2-day pass, which often enough doesn't always work on the re-entry. Apart from one place in Kissimee, there aren't ANY legitimate discounted tickets to Disney parks

And if you do go to Disney - go a little later in the day - as I believe they still have the night parade at Park closing

Check out www.undercovertourist.com (http://www.undercovertourist.com/) they have a crowd calendar which is pretty accurate. http://www.undercovertourist.com/planning/when-to-visit.html

[genericmoniker]

Or drive into BUF, there's a lot across the street from the airport that I paid I think 30 bucks to park at for a week. Cheaper than getting a room for the night.