Community Chat

[qualitygal]

What places did you enjoy the most visiting, staying at, and places to eat? We're not going yet, but I want to be sure if we get to visit again that maybe this trip, I don't miss......what?

What do you suggest?

[esmeraldagooch]

we have stayed at the contemporary twice. The monorail runs right through the hotel. We were given these trips so we didn't have a choice where we stayed. The hotel next door the grand Floridian would be my choice. It is absolutely beautiful and the monorail stops outside the front door.

[JeanLouiseFinch]

Many years ago we stayed off the property at a Holiday Inn in Lake Buena Vista and then another time at the Marriott Bargello (or something like that) - both are on International Drive and not far from Disney. I don't know if either hotel even exists anymore. What I liked at the Holiday Inn was that they had a kid's dining area (supervised) where they could choose kid friendly food and Mom and Dad could have a nice dinner alone.

It's been ages since we were there. All of Disney World was fun, but the parks you choose will depend on the ages and interests of your kids. Our kids LOVED the character breakfast art the MGM park and I was nuts about the Star Wars ride (don't even know if it's there anymore). We also enjoyed a day at SeaWorld, too. Besides seeing the Shamu show, we were able to pet and feed dolphins and participated in a Polynesian Dinner that night. I can't remember the name of the exhibit, but there was one building where you walk through a glass hallway/tunnel and all the sea life is above and around you. It was pretty neat.

We went to the Arabian Nights dinner-theater one night. You don't go for the food, but more for the experience. It was fun. We were there in December and they did a thing with Santa arriving. When we were first seated, the hostess asked if our kids wanted to be in the show. They did, so someone came and got them at the appropriate time and they were able to ride in on Santa's sleigh, then returned to us.

Universal Studios was a disappointment.

[qualitygal]

Cool! I want to be there one night for the castle all lit up and fireworks. I'll need to read up on all that stuff. We have some books. We're really picking and choosing to take in what we missed last time! LOL

Thanks for the info.

[meglet]

You could try to get a balcony room at the Dolphin. It's near Epcot and overlooks the "canal" system. You can take a boat over to the park. You can see the firework show right from your balcony there. 4 handed massage at the Dolphin Hotel too. If you're going with your SO alone or if you have childcare, I'd highly recommend dinner at Victoria and Albert's in the Grand Floridian. It's been a few years since I did Orlando and I hope that restaurant is still there. The whole meal and ambiance is fantastic, but three words in particular: Kona Chocolate Souffle.

[granddi]

When asking for Disney World advice, it is helpful to describe your budget. Also the ages of the visitors. Traveling heat of summer?, Christmas? First ever visit?

[esmeraldagooch]

This is how close the MK is to the Contemporary. From our deck.

[esmeraldagooch]

Grand Floridian from our balcony...

[Pickwickpapers]

There is so much to see and so little time.......you need a minimum of 4 days for Disney and you should check out Universal too......it is also fantastic too......so that's another 3 days. ......very comfortable shoes are required........look online for park maps and you can plan out your days.......plan some rest time and just enjoy things as you visit. .........hope you have a beautiful time...

[qualitygal]

Esmeralda! Great shots. Thank you. We will be planning 4 days again and I think we'll stay at the same place because we felt it was in convenient walking distance. It won't be till next year. Think I'll refer to it as our 50th anniversary gift to each other. LOL He'll turn 70 just before we go, so we do need to see that health wise, all systems are go. If our wants and hearts have their way, we'll go if we have to crawl. LOL (Not really.) Thanks for the updates ladies!!! Love the pictures. That will help us consider.