Anyone got a Disney/Florida Holiday Planned Part 2

[Groovee]

Old Thread

Ruggles, I'd invest in a pair of comfy flip flops. I find my feet get too sweaty in trainers so always splash out on flip flops.

For the waterparks, when I've been nearly everyone walks around bare footed.

Bacon, ESTA can only be done online via one particular site (there are lots of con sites that charge you extra!) This is the official site you need to use. It's $14 per person and used to be very easy but people say it's quite confusing now, especially when applying on behalf of children. I've not done the new form but Google something like 'children new ESTA form' and that should help.

Ruggles, welcome! I usually do barefoot at waterparks and you'll prob be fine at this time of year but the floors can get extremely hot later int he year. Crocs are very comfy but I can't do them in the rain (of which there is a lot in Florida). I used to have serious shoe stress but I bought these walking sandals and they're amazing. I think proper walking shoes/sandals are the way to go - some are less ugly than others.

As for what to wear in waterparks, most people wear a costume all day with some sort of coverup when you go for lunch etc. I don't think you'll want to wear shorts because your costume will stay wet for most of the day. Loads of people walk around in just swimming costume all day so if you're comfortable with that, that'd be absolutely fine - personally I'm only happy in a costume when underwater :)

Argh 22 days to go. Twigs I need a debrief soon as I'm having holiday panic!

Help Florida afficionados! What are your top tips for driving, maps and sat nav while in Orlando?

Thanks!

Jack, BREATHE :) There is nothing for you to do now except pack and enjoy it! I think you've got everything done, haven't you? What do you want to know/be debriefed about? Did you get the email about your Fastpasses, btw? (it didn't need a reply but our email has been playing up so am just checking).

Hi Hermione! I don't drive very much over there at all but I couldn't do it without a satnav. Luckily my Dad drives everywhere but once or twice I've driven from our villa to Disney as it was pretty much a straight road. If you want a good map then The Dibb (who know EVERYTHING :) ) recommend this one which I've just bought. A bit pricey but far better than the freebie ones apparently. We have a Satnav which we take with us but it's apparently cheaper to buy one at Walmart etc. than to rent one.

The only thing about driving that's weird (apart from being on the side of the road!) is that you can right left at a red light unless a sign tells you otherwise.

I replied to your email Twigs, did you not get it? I will resend. I don't know what I don't know if you know what I mean , I just feel like I should have planned everything. Should I be planning eating or is that only if you stay on site?

Thanks for the tip Lucas, have bought a copy

No I didn't get an email, Jack. Don't worry about resending though, only if there was something specific you wanted to know.

Nah, you don't need to plan/book eating at all - only if there is somewhere specific that you particularly want to eat. There are always lots of counter-service places where you can just turn up. There is nothing else you need to plan except I'd advise having a rough idea of what parks you want to visit, so that you don't waste half your morning going "what shall we do today?"

yay I'm down to double figures now! 99days

twigs If you want to eat at a Disney restaurant you DEFINITELY need to book!
I managed to get a table for Onderllas's Royal Table on DD's birthday, when I had a look the next day, nada!

The map Lucas recommended is very good! we're also borrowing a satnav from a friend. Traffic is relatively sedate there but everything is on a much vaster scale. I don't think you can "pop" anywhere!

Thanks for advice on ESTAs lucas

99 days? Yay! I think we're about 150 days, haven't Dibbed in a while

Bacon that's only if you want to eat at a specific restaurant. If you just want food there is no need to book at all as counter-service is always available.

Bacon Twigs know we are not staying on site (only doing one day at Disney!) so her comment was directly for my situation.

I have now ordered ugly walking sandals on this threads advice. Hope they're worth it!

Meant to say I'm glad the map is good, Bacon, because I've ordered it but haven't seen it yet :)

Link us to your shoes, Jack!

Hi everyone, can I join in? We're 88 days out. ADRs all booked, staying at Hard Rock Universal and the Beach Club. So excited!

Book they'd hurt your eyes Twigs!

Book? That should have said noooooo!

Said sandals are truly ugly (sorry to whoever recommended them) but I bet they are sooooo comfortable.

Will need to consider summat similar........bunions not relishing the Florida theme park experience

Oh I wasn't saying the other sandals were ugly, I have bought some different cheaper ones which are not attractive and ladylike but a bit clunky - I'm praying they are comfy though.

Oh pleeeease let me see! I bet they're not bad compared to some of the ones you see people wearing.

I've PMd you Twigs

Can I ask what people do re car seats? DS is a tall 7yo but I assume he needs one there and I foolishly haven't booked one with the car.

I take my own but you can hire a seat when you collect the car.

Is it silly money though? I'd rather buy a cheap booster here and bring it and leave it there than pay through the nose at the other end.

I hired a car seat a few years ago and I think it cost alot more than I paid for the seat back home! thats why I take my own. No-one checks car safety so you could buy one at Walmart on the way to your accommodation.