Orlando parks planning for 2 weeks

[nomad5]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone can recommend (based on their experience) the best way to do Orlando parks and the best types of ticket packages. Am getting bamboozled by Google search results so could do some with some personal recommendations based on recent experience!

Likely going in July for 2 weeks, DC are 7 and 4. DH has to work for one of the weeks so I will be taking kids on my own on outings /theme park trips.

I have been to Orlando myself but not for many years and not with kids, so it's hard to plan what would be appropriate!

Many thanks

You need to start with accommodation - on or off site? Park tickets can be as a package with Disney or via someone like Floridatix. What parks do you want to do.

Keep in mind a lot of Disney is already booked as July is a peak time.

I’d stay onsite if possible with the ages of your DC and the ease of jumping on the buses to the park and back incase of naps/over tired - especially whilst on your own sometimes. We really like art of animation hotel for the kids.

DCs are good ages for magic kingdom/ Hollywood studios and animal kingdom.

The water parks are fab.

Universal is good, it was $20 each way from Disney last year

We always book directly with Disney and Universal for hotel and tickets. All four Disney parks and both water parks would be amazing for a 7 and 4 year old. Depending on their interests, and whether any of Star Wars is open yet, I would say Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom then Epcot would be best in that order. It's best to try to do at least two days in each park, especially Magic Kingdom. Epcot can be done in one day if you take an abridged route around the world. Staying onsite if our preferred way of holidaying because of the perks of FastPasses, transportation, extra hours etc but not everyone agrees.

Universal and Islands of Adventure are great too, especially if you are big Harry Potter fans. Staying onsite for one night entitles you to unlimited Express Passes which are an absolute godsend in July! They're only included in the three original resorts though.

Agree, start with what type of accommodation you want and whether you want to drive.

Which parks do you want to go to? At your Dcs ages, universal is only worth it if they are Harry Potter or Dr Seuss fans. If not, I’d give it a miss.if they are space/science fans, then Kennedy space centre is fantastic. The Disney hopper tickets usually include water park access.

Think about whether you want to book a package or do it separately.

Re tickets, go to Martin Lewis’s hotel and see which ticket sellers have offers on and pros and cons.

Thank you so much! This is really useful.

We have booked to go Summer 2019. Children don’t know yet. I’m so excited! I’ve ordered 2 free books from Disney to help plan. Will also look into a book that’s been recommended - something about Orlando for Brits.

Which parks do you want to go to? At your Dcs ages, universal is only worth it if they are Harry Potter or Dr Seuss fans. If not, I’d give it a miss.if they are space/science fans, then Kennedy space centre is fantastic.

I agree. KSC is though an hour+ from Orlando by car/coach.

Don't forget the other parks including Seaworld and Busch Gardens in Tampa (90 mins from Orlando, though they provide free coaches)

For that age I'd concentrate on Disney and maybe sea world. That will cut down ticket cost and you will still have plenty to do! Think about doing half to three quarter days in parks then having chill time. We tend to go early until about 2, or maybe 3 until fireworks. All day is too long. Where are you staying? Disney hotel or off site? We love Florida!

I found the DIBB website forums incredibly useful when planning our trip. They can even tell you the "busy" days, on average, for each park. There's lots of planning advice on there. I'd have a good look through it if you haven't already?

Agree with funmummy48 the dibb is a great forum all about Orlando, lots of friendly knowledgeable posters. It's addictive!

buy the books wdw with kids and beyond wdw with kids absolutely invaluable to our holiday planning. we always stayed in villas off site because we have a large family and sunset lakes was the best location imo.