Florida/Disney parks/International Drive wardrobe

[marilynwhirlwind]

Two weeks in Orlando with DH and DS (7yrs). Planning on doing the theme park holiday. How dressed up do people get for, say, evening meal out?

Orlando is very, very casual indeed, even for the evening. I go to Florida quite often and in the evenings tend to stick to linen trousers, sun dresses, linen shorts and short skirts. Take a cardigan as the air conditioning in the restaurants can be fierce!

What Sorrel said - and don't forget cardigans/ hoody for your DCs For the meals out - many a meal spoiled by teeth chattering children !

I haven't been to Orlando itself for many years, but the rest of Florida (except perhaps Miami) is extremely casual in the evening. I find it much more casual than, for example, many Mediterreanean resorts. Even in Miami evening wear seems to be either at one extreme or the other - very glam dressed up or very casual.
I like what Sorrel suggested for you, I think you'll feel like you've made an effort but not overdone.

Not at all.

This has got to be the least style conscious place I have ever visited. Comfortable clothing seems to be their mantra. You can spot a Brit a mile off because they dress so differently to the American tourists. Get yourself a bright t shirt, one each, for all the family and get it printed with "Summer 2012 Brent family vacation, Ohio" and you'll fit right in! Yes to a cardy for over enthusiastic air conditioning. And bring a poncho for rain showers and consider crocs - ugly but needs must if you are going during the rainy season.

What every one else said. I was totally overdressed the first couple of nights. All you need are Shorts and tees for most places, maybe Capri pants or something if you go somewhere special?

And don't forget the mac/waterproof poncho or umberella. A must.

you probably wont have chance to go back to the hotel and change for dinner. We find that we go to dinner on the way home from the parks as they close late. That still means eating at about 8.30-9pm and if we were to go back to the hotel shower and change it would be 9.30-10pm to eat and the children would not be happy.

The first time i went to orlando i took lots of dressy dresses, maxi diress, wedge sandals etc and didnt wear one of them due to being late back everyday. now i just take day time clothing, shorts and nice vest tops. Im not one for sporting brands anyay so would be smarter shorts and tops rather than a very casual option.

most restaurants especially along international drive the only rule was that men must wear shirts.

ci ci's pizza (there are a few on idrive) it looks a bit of a dump but very reasonable buffet style restaurant and the children loved it. specially the cinammon buns on the desert buffet.

A few nice restaurants in Pointe Orlando on International drive.

Last time we went we stayed on international drive and didn't hire a car, used the i-trolley bus to get up and down i drive and to sea world, aquatica and universal. hotel had transprt for universal, busch gardens and the water parks and paid $20 for taxi transfer to the disney entrance (ferry or monorail), we def saw much more of the area doing it this way and will do it again. The children love the tack and glory of going into the $ stores and spending thier pocket money, they also insited on going to chucky cheese whihc was hell on earth for an adult but the children loved it, think pizza hut in the middle of an arcade, for youngish children (4-10 ish)

Dont go to the bbq restaurant next door to coco keys water park hotel as it wasn;t great. (coco keys water park good for a slightly quieter water park, we stayed in the hotel and was good)

Are you in a hotel or villa?

sorry and when are you going?

Got back from there yesterday

Very, very casual. Shorts and t-shirts/vests. Nothing else required. I put a dress on to watch Cirque De Soliel (that spelling doesn't look right) and felt very over dressed.

We stayed in a villa that was equipped with a washing machine. I could have got away with packing 3 pairs of shorts, few vests, bikini and underwear. If we ever go again we'll only be taking carry on luggage.

Have a great time.

We only take carry on luggage on our Florida trips and still end up with stuff we don't wear. Saves so much time at customs etc.

For a smarter pair of pants, try the cigarette shape-narrow to the ankle which is exposed. they go with so many styles of top- I like them with striped T's, cashmere sweaters for air con and cool night air and with dressy tops for evening out. There are some great T shirts with pictures of Owls etc in store now- Next have a cotton knit mid sleeve top with an owl on it that'd be cool/warm enough in restaurants etc.

Avoid Midi dresses/skirts in the park if you'll be climbing in and out of endless rides. Not a lot of spare room on some rides (Aerosmith Rock n Rolln Coaster e.g) and you do not want trailing fabric. Nor do you want soggy trailing fabric if you've got wet on water rides and many have residual water in the base of carriages etc just there for your long hems to wick water up.

Sailor pants in pure cotton or linen mix for the parks and evening walks and city shorts are a smarter option than many of the shorts styles you'll see in the USA!

Espadrilles do not last long when on your feet for hours plus if the rope on them gets wet, they'll rub your feet. Gladiator straps aren't the best if you get swollen ankles, feet in the heat or especially during and after flights.

Wear pure cotton undies too!

Shorts, tshirts and sun tops!

Hi all thanks for your messages, only just got back to the computer as going tomorrow!
It sounds like I've managed to pack the right sort of stuff although I might put a couple of cardis in as hadn't thought of the AC.
We're in a hotel btw.

Comfortable shoes - you'll do tons of walking. A lightweight waterproof coat - Boden do a perfect one.