Anyone got a Disneyworld / Florida holiday planned - Part 4

[ChippyMinton]

Hope no-one minds if I start another thread as the old one is full?

Or are you all in Orlando now?

Itscurtains We had 2 tolls coming from Orlando airport, both took cash. We didn't use it, we went through the express lane which gets charged back to the hire company and they offer a service for it. You get charged $4.95 a day and can go through as many tolls as you like in that 24 hour period.

We didn't have to ask for this, it was just on the car hire leaflet (Alamo) and we used it and paid $4.95 on the day we arrived and $4.95 on the day we went home. DH moaned it cost more than paying the tolls but I was so tired after the flight I didn't care bout the extra 2 bucks! I was more concerned that we needed coins for coin bins and didn't have them, but both the tolls we passed on the way were manned. Can't speak for Sanford airport though as haven't been there for years.

We cancelled Teppan Edo because there was a massive storm going on and I couldn't be bothered to get soaked in Epcot walking to it. Was gutted at the time and feel like I missed out. Am definitely booking it for next time and we will be within walking distance of World Showcase this time (Beach Club) so not a far walk even if raining!

Merricats it's well worth it, we stayed at the Yacht Club last time and loved the Epcot and Studios walks!

Thanks Merricats - that's really helpful

BaconAndAvocado We had the most amazing hummus at Spice Road Table in Epcot last year.

Re the road tolls. I didn't have any coins on me when we first arrived, only notes. The toll places weren't manned, and I was afraid I would get a hefty fine, but Alamo just added a bit on to the final bill when I returned the car. They know perfectly well that the tolls catch people out when they first arrive. I kept a stash of coins for driving further afield. There were several toll places on the way to Cape Kennedy.

Thanks Iam

We've just been booking our Disney fast passes, it's getting closer!

Iamastonished. Hummus at Disney? I'm shocked that sounds strangely fresh and healthy!

We've booked to go to the Tangerine Restaurant (or summat )

28 days to go and have just booked some Fastpasses !!! Got everything we wanted so far but will be booking Animal Kingdom tomorrow and don't hold out much hope for Flights of Passage........

And thanks for the reminder re coins for the tolls!

Restaurant Marrakesh.

There's plenty of fresh and healthy food at Disney you'll be pleased to know, it's just a common misconception that there's not.

Talk to me about the weather in Orlando right now - I'm melting here (currently in south of England) & now worried I'm going to be hot, tired (not being able to sleep) and cross the whole time.

Hot (30 degrees+) and humid.

Air conditioning makes a huge difference. You won't be hot and uncomfortable trying to sleep. You will be hot and uncomfortable walking around in the day but we just go on dark rides or duck into shops to cool down. Also consider heading back to your room or having a swim in the middle of the day. Heat is far more manageable abroad than here.

We're in Orlando at the moment and it's boiling. Mid 30s at least and humid. Cloudier late afternoon and evening.

Everywhere is air conditioned though. No issues sleeping. Stepping out of the apartment is like going into an oven and my hair is frizz-tastic.

Flights of passage - amazing. We didn't have fast passes but got on yesterday. Top tip is just to get there before the park opens and head immediately to the Pandora area. We were through the gates of animal kingdom at 8.40, started queuing for Avatar at 9.05 and were on the ride at 9.45. Queue time said 120 minutes...

It is a very good ride, like Soarin but so much more advanced and definitely worth the wait.

As two families going to Disney that can't decide where to book to eat, will we stave?! If we just see what's available on the night? Or just do a quick serve thing? We're hoping to go to rainforest cafe but appears fully booked already for evenings

Or is it worth booking lunch? To get out of the heat?

I'm seriously considering booking lunch to keep cool. No clue where though...

There are plenty of excellent counter services available if you don't want the hassle of dining reservations. Alternatively you can call guest services the night before or go to guest services ij each park at the beginning of the day to see what is available for if there have been cancellations. Since charges were implemented on cancelling reservations, people tend to cancel unnecessary meals now.

Epcot has the best counter services because of World Showcase and also Sunshine Seasons. Animal Kingdom has a great street food area and Pandora has healthy options. For Magic Kingdom I would suggest Colombia Harbor House or Pinocchio's Village Haus for burger alternatives. Hollywood Studios is the least inspired unfortunately but Studios Catering Co. has most basics and Starring Rolls bakery is awesome.

There are too many full service restaurants to suggest but our favourites are Hollywood Brown Derby, California Grill, Teppan Edo and Le Cellier. There are plenty of buffets for any fussy eaters.

Also just to add, all restaurant menus are available online at allears.net

You definitely won't starve stupidiphone , probably impossible in Disney! Some days we cancelled Table Service reservations and switched to counter service as it is more than enough food and a decent variety. We loved Flame Tree BBQ in Animal Kingdom and cancelled a booking to go there as the portions were so huge. Also love Columbia Harbour House in MK (tip : go upstairs to eat as there is a huge seating area people don't seem to realise is there). Backlot Express in Hollywood Studios is good, don't think Starring Rolls is there any more which is a shame (unless they've reopened it since May) . We didn't book any lunches but it might be an easier reservation to get? I know I saw somewhere that booking an early or late lunch (11am / after 2pm) is easier to book. It's definitely a good plan to cool down for a couple of hours if you are set to be at the parks all day. Be Our Guest had no windows and amazing air con, but everywhere indoors is well air conditioned.

We were expecting a more manageable temperature in May (have been many times before at that time) but there was a heatwave half way through and got up to 40 degrees. Even the Floridians were melting and it was hard work. Had to take a lot of extra air con breaks and pool hours! It wasn't humid thankfully but there was zero breeze. Was glad when the weather broke and rained it all out!

Ah yes of course I forgot about Starring Rolls. The Studios is rapidly losing all of its best places, we loved Writer's Stop too, bought many a nerdy Disney book there!

Was gutted about Writer's Stop as I'd never been there, found out about it (in the 5 year gap between Disney holidays) and then it shut before I got there! I would've loved to get my hands on some nerdy Disney books

Hello - another question. We're staying in a villa and so, obviously, making our own way there from the airport.

Do airports still do free maps of the area? I've checked out the route and it's not straightforward so will need to buy one otherwise

We were given a map when we picked up our hire car at Alamo but it wasn't terribly detailed - main roads only. We brought our satnav from home and it's been brilliant.