Another Florida Planning one, advice required

[SimonCaldersPassport]

Rather than jumping on another thread that is currently running I thought I should start my own (although I’m obviously following that one!)

We are looking to book a Florida trip for next January/February. We were originally supposed to go on a big family trip to Orlando in 2020 but it all got kicked to the kerb due to Covid. The kids are now adults and doing their own thing but me and my other half would still like to do the trip.

Ideally looking to do a period of time in Orlando doing Disney/Universal parks, then maybe a week over towards Clearwater, and a final couple of nights in Miami.
I have a loose plan so far but would love some feedback on the pros and cons of it. (I last went when I was a teenager and I’m now in my early 50’s!!)

I’m thinking we fly into Orlando, and stay in an apartment/condo or cheapish hotel for for 7 or 8 nights somewhere close-ish to the main Disney parks. Use Uber/Lyft getting to and from the parks. (Not worried about the Water parks, but definitely want to do Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom)

Then do 2/3 nights in one of the Universal Hotels so we can take advantage of their fast passes, and do the Universal parks.

Following this hire a car and stay in a nice beach hotel over on the coast for 5-7 nights before driving down to Miami for a couple of nights and spending a few days in that area.
(Would like to do the Everglades at some point)
Fly back from Miami

Altogether around 3 weeks stay.

So, what is good about the above, what could be done better, and what is rubbish! And any other suggestions would be well received

We did a week in Orlando. I avoided parks with animals so that meant a week was fine.

then to Sanibel island which was lush. Then Naples. Then Miami. Then down the keys (which were amazing).

I think you are too long in Orlando tbh.

Just checking that you'd accounted for the weather in Clearwater. It's currently around 60 degrees so not great for the beach. There may be other things you want to do there though.

A fly drive is a great idea. Orlando you’ll be busy all the time you’re there and can easily rely on uber. I stayed at Sapphire falls resort in October and it was very convenient being in Universal but for the price I’m not sure I would again as we were out all day.
Clearwater is lovely as is most of the gulf coast. We really like the Florida keys so if you have time maybe head down there- the drive alone is gorgeous.
Miami is nice but stay either on the coast or in the Brickell area if you want to walk around.

@Florajane hadn’t considered the weather! Just went there nearly 30 years ago and remembered it being lovely! Maybe we should go straight from Orlando further south, maybe Naples @SquishyGloopyBum suggests, or Miami for a couple of days and then down to the Keys…
@MamaMumMama the Universal hotel was more to her the fast passes or whatever they’re called there.

I've been to Clearwater and it is lovely but possibly less so in winter...Orlando can be chilly in January and February too but that generally is better if you're going to the parks anyway. Universal is easy with fast passes (although Epic Universe isn't included currently) but don't forget to check out Disney's Lightning Lane system. There are lots of YouTube videos explaining it all.

It's worth looking at the Disney offers when they come out for next year, usually about Easter. We found staying onsite in one of their value resorts wasn't any more expensive when you factored in the transport, free parking and free dining offer. It definitely made the days easier because your could always go back to the hotel easily if you needed a break.Then I would Uber over to universal for a couple of days. You can collect your rental car there when leaving for the rest of your trip. Universal hotels tend to be the best price well in advance and just container increasing in price. Travel Republic is a good site for pricing universal hotels.

I would avoid Miami, its not great. Instead hit up the everglades and spend a few days in the keys.

I think you might find The Dibb beneficial!!
it’s a Disney forum x

Id stay in a Disney hotel for the first week.
Saves so much time sitting on the roads. Early enter to the parks and so easy to use their transport.

The weather this week is dropping from 30c in Orlando to about 14c so be wary when planning stuff around beaches :) but there’s loads of stuff to do.

Universal is easy with fast passes (although Epic Universe isn't included currently)

Hope you don't mind me correcting you but you can now buy fast passes for all the parks, including Epic, although they are jolly expensive

Another vote for the keys, although I like Miami. It's fun! The Keys are great for Jan/Feb. Just be prepared that they're a PITA to drive though as there's literally one main road throughout. I think Orlando is great in Jan/Feb as it's nice but not too hot. I'd avoid Feb winter breaks for US schools though as it gets busy then.

I meant that Epic fast passes aren't included in the hotel stay so you have to buy them separately. They were $300 each when I looked the other day😮

Don’t skip the water parks!

Miami is fun, especially if you like to party?! I can recommend places if so.

Great advice all, thanks
So we could stay a little bit longer in Orlando, maybe a water park or two for the odd chill day!
Someone else mentioned the Disney Dining Plan and staying onsite, and point taken about sitting in traffic etc. Any recomendations for which Disney Hotel would be good - not too kiddy orientated!
And then head to the Keys for a bit of R&R - again any suggestions for down there?
And yes I definitely want to do Miami if only a couple of nights - we dont want to party as in hit the clubs but love a drink and live music so @Crushed23 let me know anywhere you think would be good!

Avoid Disney between 7-10 January - it’s marathon weekend so will be busy!

I would recommend a trip out to some of the natural springs outside orlando if you get a chance. A solid, relatively cheap condo on a resort woeth checking out is Orange Lake, lots of pools, restaurants, supermarkets and just off main highway.

Check the parks calendar as there is a holiday weekend Presidents Day in mid Feb.

I agree with staying on Disney property, as the internal transportation is decent and free. Uber/Lyft is probably min. $10 each trip and you won’t get dropped off right outside the parks.
Plenty of hotels to choose from, depends if you want to save or splurge. Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter are pretty, but I’d go for a resort on the Skyliner route, POP Century if on a budget.

Get free dining if you can, and compare the plans and costs for Value and Moderate resorts, as you may get better value by upgrading.

You may be lucky with the weather but prepare for chilly evenings, and check sunset times. Definitely no long sunny evenings in mid-winter! On the plus side the parks are gorgeous at night.

Just to add, UK residents get 14-day Disney tickets, so you may want to just base yourselves at Disney if you can get a good hotel deal. It’s nice to relax at the pool, or to spend a day or evening visiting the different resorts, especially the deluxe ones which are themed to the max.

Boardwalk is a great hotel for adults but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them, they’re all great. Even the kiddy-themed ones are good fun.

I love Miami and the Keys too. The weather is great in the early part of the year too.

Coronado springs, Port Orleans are good