View Full Version : Florida vacation/ holiday advice
Hi!
Next year my family want's to go to Florida. I have a 2 daughterst that will be 5 and10 years old next year. And my wife. I have a few questions, last time I was in Ft. Lauderdale is 13 years ago, A friend of mine and me buying cars ( Corvette-80 Monte Carlo -85 and a -68 Charger and a -88 Caprice that was so rusted it got the nickname Suprise), Dragracing in Gainswille and having fun.
1: What time of year ? Is May-July to hot and rainy
2: Apartment or Hotel. I prefer apartment so we can make food if we want.
3: Car rental ?
4: Disney world, Key west, Everglades, Car show for me. anything else ?
Olav
stage2ROUSH
07-16-2011, 01:18 PM
What time of year ? Is May-July to hot and rainy
VERYYY HOT !! sometimes rainey, this year it was not until just a few weeks ago.
When is the best time of year?
parsonsj
07-16-2011, 01:41 PM
November - April is amazing weather here. Occasional cold snap (meaning into the 30s F), but nothing compared to what Norway experiences, I'd guess.
Must be minimum 30 deg Celsus..... Normally here in Norway the area we are living in ,Stavanger ( The oil capitol ) we have 25 deg C on a nice summer day.
cobragt
07-16-2011, 02:53 PM
Universal studios in Orlando, Bush Gardens in Tampa.
If you go in March you can go to the 12 hrs of Sebring http://sebringraceway.com/index.lasso
or 24 hrs of Daytona in January it may be a bit cold but we are talking priorities here. :)
dadto2jays
07-16-2011, 03:03 PM
the best time is during november thru april not too hot and very nice weather overall. Places to go Walt Disney World a must, south beach in miami beach another must stop place, islamorada in the keys as well as key west, there are several GREAT beaches here in south Florida, universal studios, bush gardens there is so much to do..... Place to stay there are many weekly rentals as well as monthly rentals which by the way are cheaper than hotels.
Off Duty
07-16-2011, 06:09 PM
Hi!
Next year my family want's to go to Florida. I have a 2 daughterst that will be 5 and10 years old next year. And my wife.
1: What time of year ? Is May-July to hot and rainy- As stated, April, maybe May are about the best time to come to Florida. Weather is reasonable and you'll miss hurricane season.
2: Apartment or Hotel. I prefer apartment so we can make food if we want. - Many of the hotels, have cooking and refrigeration facilities in the suites as a standard now.
You might also look into some time share and vacation rentals. These are usually homes or condos, are fully equipped and have room for everyone.
3: Car rental ? - Tons of them! You'll need to show you drivers license and proof of valid insurance. Do yourself a favor and accept the damage liability waiver they offer. If by some unfortunate tern of events, you manage to damage or crash the car, you just walk away from it owing nothing:)
A lot of the travel clubs offer packages that include airfare and car rental at a very reasonable rate.
4: Disney world, Key west, Everglades, Car show for me. anything else ? - Yes (lol). All are great places to travel. Lots to see, do and learn for the kids.
The Florida Keys have a lot to offer and are one of my favorite places to be...and I'm a native Floridian!
Marathon, Islamorada, and many of the smaller islands, offer great boating, diving, fishing and exploration.
Key West proper offers a lot of historical locations and information, many interesting places to go, see, eat, drink and hang out...but remember, Key West proper, is more of a party town than the rest of the Florida Keys.
It's fine for families and they're moving a bit more toward the family oriented atmosphere, but it has and always will be, a party town.
It was historically a haven for smugglers, tax evaders, criminals and others trying to "get lost."
Even today, you'd want to pick your dates and events well when traveling to KW.
The end of October is Fantasy Fest for example.
Great time, not necessarily suitable for the kids.
Disney, Universal; Studios, etc, again all places that need to be visited once with the kids. The KSC (Kennedy Space Center) is also a great place for the kids.
If you make it to the Everglades, take one of the airboat or swamp buggy tours.
You'll see a lot of native wildlife and the kids will get a ride they'll never forget.
Olav
Responses in RED above.
Aside from those, if you happen to make it up as far as the Tampa/St. Petersburg/Bradenton area, let me know ahead of time, and I'll make arrangements to take you and the family out on one of our RESCUE AIRBOATS.
http://www.fl3asar.org/
If there's anything I can do for you or the family to make your stay/trip more enjoyable, let me know.
Gordon
Marine Operations Coordinator
FL3 ASAR
How long are you gonna be here? There is so much to do in the greater Orlando/Tampa area, it will make your head spin. If you stay at a theme park hotel, they normally throw in the express passes for free...but I'd suggest a vacation rental : either a condo or house.
As far as cars go, You've got numerous car shows and if you hit the right weekend, there are different monthly meet ups. Central Florida Racing Complex (http://www.cfracingcomplex.com/) & Orlando Speed World (http://www.speedworlddragway.com/) are the main strips. Plus Prodigy Customs is local!. Here's a list (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/orl-travel-florida-car-guide,0,6639113.story) of all the Florida car museums.
Orlando: Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure, Seaworld/Aquatica, Disney attractions (too much to list), Gatorland, Sanford Zoo, Orlando Science Center, LegoLand (opens October 15th in Winter Haven w/ a 45 min drive), Wet N' Wild, I-Drive (http://www.internationaldriveorlando.com/thingsToDo/index.asp), Numerous State parks and springs (very economical), Eco-tourism Zip lines, Swamp buggie tours, Airboat rides. Plus a crazy amount of art galleries, music events, and plays. Kennedy Space center is right down the road too.
Bush Gardens in Tampa and If you dig salvador dali in the least, you gotta check out the new museum in St.Pete (up the road from Tampa). St.Augustine is a great couple day destination in the colder months, rich U.S. history and some awesome Ghost tours.
killer67
07-16-2011, 09:33 PM
November in a nice apartment (lots of deals right now)
Thanks, looks like it will be week 1 and 2 in of April. Now we have to do some homework regarding hotel/ apartment, tickets and so on. How is the weather in April ?
Is late May, June or July to hot or rainy ? This will be better regarding job and school.
Off Duty
07-17-2011, 12:14 PM
...Is late May, June or July to hot or rainy ? This will be better regarding job and school.
It depends on where you end up.
KW is smoking hot that time of year, where the northern part of the state is a degree or 2 cooler.
Keep in mind too, that June begins our hurricane season.
ProdigyCustoms
07-18-2011, 02:34 AM
5 and 10 are the perfect age for Orlando. The keys is great for a husband / wife tiki bar adventure, or a boys fishing trip, but the kids will be quickly bored.
Regardless of what you do briing your wallet. Rooms and car rental are cheap, just bait for the theme parks. As others have said, the summer is brutal, miserable and the parks are PACKED! Nothing worse in my book then being at Disney in the middle of the summer with every other family on summer break sweating your you know whats off, waiting to get on It's A Small World with a miserable 5 or 10 year old!
Take one word of advice if you want this to truly be a trip worth remembering. Take the trip off season during the school year when every other kid is in class. Those kids can make up 5 days of mised school over the 12 years of schooling. The memories and quality family vacation will be pricless.
ProdigyCustoms
07-18-2011, 02:41 AM
Thanks, looks like it will be week 1 and 2 in of April. Now we have to do some homework regarding hotel/ apartment, tickets and so on. How is the weather in April ?
Is late May, June or July to hot or rainy ? This will be better regarding job and school.
June / July is just too hot. We just this past weekend took off for the first weekend in months and went to the beach. Was so hot by noon we were in the condo looking at the ocean from the air conditioning.
April is warming up but not brutal and still out dry season.
elitecustombody
07-18-2011, 04:02 AM
I agree with Frank, make it off school season, no waiting in lines,much cooler weather and rent cheaper and overall experience will be waaaay more enjoyable. Take it from someone who has two young daughters and has lived in Florida for 22 years.
andrewb70
07-18-2011, 05:52 AM
Here are the monthly average temperatures for Orlando. Have fun, be safe, bring lots of Euros :-)
http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/USFL0372
Andrew
go-fish
07-18-2011, 08:03 AM
Must see in Florida:
St. Augustine- lighthouse, Ripley's Believe It or Not, beach, Daytona to the south of town.
Fort Walton Beach- Best beaches in Florida, US Air Force Museum,
Fort Pierce- Navy SEAL museum
Gainesville- Go to a Florida Gators football game. Lots of drinking involved!
Tony_SS
07-18-2011, 08:06 AM
We went to Destin one year... I think it's the nicest beach I've seen in FL. Very nice town too.. not very touristy.
Must see in Florida:
St. Augustine- lighthouse, Ripley's Believe It or Not, beach, Daytona to the south of town.
Fort Walton Beach- Best beaches in Florida, US Air Force Museum,
Fort Pierce- Navy SEAL museum
Gainesville- Go to a Florida Gators football game. Lots of drinking involved!
Well, would be nice with my buddys, but with my wife and daughters. I doub't. Might try one day alone...
Olav
Off Duty
07-18-2011, 05:24 PM
Well, would be nice with my buddys, but with my wife and daughters. I doub't. Might try one day alone...
Olav
LOL-That's what I was thinking.
If you have an interest, or are prior military, USAF and SEAL museum would be cool.
Kids probably wouldn't have much interest.
There are so many family oriented things to do here, there you won't have enough time to do them all.
stage2ROUSH
07-18-2011, 08:14 PM
ok and just an FYI, I perform ar Disney's "Animal Kingdom" at the "Festival of The Lion King show" I just" might" ( meaning I can) be able to get your family VIP seating/private meet and greet with the cast of the show. I would just have to know when you were coming.
vintageracer
07-19-2011, 05:51 AM
My family has found that that a hotel with a NICE pool/spa area has been one of the best hangouts on the vacation. When returning from the theme parks, water parks or other attractions the ability to "jump into that KILLER pool" at the hotel has always been a big draw. I know it sounds crazy to return from a great water park and then go to the pool but there is something about being "Home" that make it very relaxing. It works for us and maybe not for others. 8-9 hours days at a theme park makes for a LONG day.
jy211
07-19-2011, 06:18 AM
If you head to the Keys check out Hawk's Cay resort. There's always something to do down here. Just try to avoid the June-Oct/ early Nov with Hurricane season happening then..
John Pennekamp
Big Cypress Reserve
Name of that hotel and location ? I can take a look if it's aviliable if booking from Norway. PM me the info if you prefer.
Olav
ok and just an FYI, I perform ar Disney's "Animal Kingdom" at the "Festival of The Lion King show" I just" might" ( meaning I can) be able to get your family VIP seating/private meet and greet with the cast of the show. I would just have to know when you were coming.
Thanks! :-)
jy211
07-19-2011, 07:42 AM
Name of that hotel and location ? I can take a look if it's aviliable if booking from Norway. PM me the info if you prefer.
Olav
http://www.hawkscay.com/
CHRIS67
07-19-2011, 07:47 AM
ok and just an FYI, I perform ar Disney's "Animal Kingdom" at the "Festival of The Lion King show" I just" might" ( meaning I can) be able to get your family VIP seating/private meet and greet with the cast of the show. I would just have to know when you were coming.
Very cool show Scott! My son loved the monkeys in the show 3 years ago when we were down there and he can't wait until he sees them again this year.
http://www.hawkscay.com/
Thanks, I take a look into that...
Is this a Ok hotel and location: http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/check_avail?areaCode=&brandCode=DI,RA,BU,MT,HJ,SE,KG,TL,WG,WY,BH&searchWithinMiles=50&areaType=1&destination=Orlando&state=&country=&checkInDate=07/24&numberAdults=1&numberRooms=1&checkOutDate=07/25&numberChildren=0&numberBigChildren=0&rate=000&useWRPoints=false&corporateCode=&variant=&id=09574&propBrandId=DI&force_nostay=false&tab=tab1
Olav
Off Duty
07-24-2011, 01:54 PM
Is this a Ok hotel and location: http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/check_avail?areaCode=&brandCode=DI,RA,BU,MT,HJ,SE,KG,TL,WG,WY,BH&searchWithinMiles=50&areaType=1&destination=Orlando&state=&country=&checkInDate=07/24&numberAdults=1&numberRooms=1&checkOutDate=07/25&numberChildren=0&numberBigChildren=0&rate=000&useWRPoints=false&corporateCode=&variant=&id=09574&propBrandId=DI&force_nostay=false&tab=tab1
Olav
Days Inns are generally ok.
Most of the one's I've stayed in have been average to a bit better. Nothing fancy, just a place to stow my gear, kick off the shoes, clean up and sleep.
Most of the times I've stayed in one, it's been on business and cost was a factor.
I've actually stayed at this one once before. As said, nothing to write home about, and I was gone the next day.
How long are you going to be there?
If over a day or 2, I'd look for a Hilton Hotel, Hampton Inn, Comfort, etc.
They'll be a little pricier, but you'll usually get a bit more for your $$$.
Here's a link to some recent reviews of the hotel you're considering:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34515-d142271-Reviews-Days_Inn_Orlando_Airport_Florida_Mall-Orlando_Florida.html
As for the area, it should be ok.
South Orange Blossom Trail, or "SOB" as it's known, has a "history."
But just like any other city, some common sense and basic safety procedures will take you a long way toward being safe.
HTH?
We will be there for 10-12 days first weeks in April.
Off Duty
07-25-2011, 03:19 AM
We will be there for 10-12 days first weeks in April.
Personally, if you're going to be there that long, I'd choose another place.
Personally, if you're going to be there that long, I'd choose another place.
Any recomandations in same price range/ level ?
Off Duty
07-25-2011, 05:18 AM
Any recomandations in same price range/ level ?
Same area?
A area close to Disney and other places for a family to visit. Anyway we will rent a car.
Olav
chops101
07-25-2011, 10:18 AM
Price is directly reflective in the quality of the establishment.
You're not going to find a family resort at economy "motel" prices.
The internet is your friend, there are deals out there but you have to research.
I suggest staying at the Swan. Rent at Hertz. Brings lots of money.
The exchange against the dollar is in your favor right now.
We are a tourist state, spend a lot and spend often.
Cheers
Off Duty
07-25-2011, 10:23 AM
You may want to consider the Disney resorts.
We've stayed at several of them as the kids got older.
You're minutes away from the main gate, there's a shuttle to and from all day and into the late night, and the places are neat, clean and have 24/7 security.
As for the cost, if you book a package, you can get away fairly reasonably.
I'll check with a couple of my friends out there, and AAA as well, and see what I can come up with for you price wise.
Chops is right though. The internet really is your friend :)
Thanks!
My wife is looking at the Disney resorts Orlando now,
stage2ROUSH
07-25-2011, 07:03 PM
Very cool show Scott! My son loved the monkeys in the show 3 years ago when we were down there and he can't wait until he sees them again this year.
when this year??? yeah they r always a favorite. ALOT of them are actually former olymic gymnast.
What about this ?
http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-orlando-florida-FL036
Olav
93Polo
07-27-2011, 12:32 PM
If I were going to the Disney Parks multiple days I would stay in one of their resorts and would look into packages with food included. You also have the perks of geting into the park early and maybe staying late. The water parks at the hotels are also a nice feature if, you have time to take a break from the park.
I would try to schedule going to the parks while most US schools are in session. Summer vacations are usually June to sometime in August. I went in January stayed with Corvetteforum, staying on the Disney property and it was awesome, absolutely no lines. April should be good.
Are you planning on staying in Orlando for the duration of the trip or getting another place? The Kennedy Space Center and Daytona Speedway are not far away. You could always stay on a Disney property for a few nights while visiting the parks and then get a condo on the coast. I usually go to Daytona for a week during the summer.
You may want to try http://www.vrbo.com/ if you want to rent a condo.
Will try to find good hotel, with pool and good location/ area.
stage2ROUSH
07-28-2011, 06:27 PM
If I were going to the Disney Parks multiple days I would stay in one of their resorts and would look into packages with food included. You also have the perks of geting into the park early and maybe staying late. The water parks at the hotels are also a nice feature if, you have time to take a break from the park.
I would try to schedule going to the parks while most US schools are in session. Summer vacations are usually June to sometime in August. I went in January stayed with Corvetteforum, staying on the Disney property and it was awesome, absolutely no lines. April should be good.
Are you planning on staying in Orlando for the duration of the trip or getting another place? The Kennedy Space Center and Daytona Speedway are not far away. You could always stay on a Disney property for a few nights while visiting the parks and then get a condo on the coast. I usually go to Daytona for a week during the summer.
You may want to try http://www.vrbo.com/ if you want to rent a condo. staying on Disney property is a good idea, and I'm sure they offer package deals also might want to look into it
CHRIS67
08-01-2011, 04:02 AM
when this year??? yeah they r always a favorite. ALOT of them are actually former olymic gymnast.
This month. Can't wait!
Now we are looking at flights. Anyone can tell me if the bagage check is the same in Canada as in US ? If it's the same, 2 hour between flights for transfer to might be a problem ?
It's getting closer. We will arrive at Orlando airport at 29/30 March. We will be in Florida for 13 days. Tickets for Disney, sea world and so on is it cheapest to buy online or at the gate ? Any recomandations ?
Thanks!
Olav
64Comet
03-03-2012, 08:37 AM
Another native Floridian here...Ive found that sometimes if you stay at a resort property they will sometimes discount tickets. Online is sometimes cheaper. Disney has a pretty good lock on their ticket prices. As a native, we can get a discount and as a AAA member you can get a discount as well. I live in Tampa or I might be able to help you with either. Maybe someone in Orlando could be the middle man for you. In my experience, the benefits of staying at a Disney or Universal resort far outway the cheaper hotels. No need for transportation unless you leave the resort and theme parks. all is free and runs every 15 minutes or so from early morning until late at night. If you want to travel, most of Florida is only a few hours drive from Orlando. One day or two day rental cars are much cheaper than week rentals.
64Comet
03-03-2012, 08:43 AM
Tampa/St Pete is only a 2 hour drive from Orlando....and although I may be biased because I was born and raised here and grew up on the beaches here....I feel we have the most beautiful white sandy beaches in Florida. Miami is also nice but twice the drive and a little more adult oriented.
64Comet
03-03-2012, 08:44 AM
St Augustine is also really nice and thick in FL history. Kids may get bored though.
We have rented a townhouse/ appartment in Kissime. Hopefully it will be OK. As I undestand this is close to Disney. We will rent a car so we can see more of Florida. Hopefully i can go to a car show, Drag racing or something else car related.
Olav
CreepinDeth
03-05-2012, 04:29 AM
Looks like most questions were answered about the hot spots to see.
We vacation in Florida at least once every year. I was stationed in Pensacola back in the mid 90's. Ever since then I've wanted to relocate to the Miami area of Florida but the opportunity hasn't presented itself yet. One piece of advice that wasn't mentioned yet was which car rental company to go with. I've used all of them but for some reason in 2011 prices skyrocketed and the only REAL cheap place to rent from was ADVANTAGE CAR RENTAL. They were half the price of the other vendors for 10-14 days like we usually go.
We typically go in the summer, but as people have said, it's the craziest and hottest time of the year. This past year , 2011 we went Thanksgiving weekend to Sanibel Island for a wedding, then to Orlando for 4 nights at my wife's uncles hotel (Sabal in Ocoee (http://www.tripadvisor.com/SmartDeals-g34499-Ocoee_Florida-Hotel-Deals.html)) which is 20 minutes from Disney. I would price out options slightly off Disney VS on Disney. We then typically go down to the Ft Lauderdale area to visit my wife's friends in Coconut Creek and my friends in Miami and South Beach for 4-5 days after Disney.
If you are a younger man, and you get a night to go out, I definitely HIGHLY recommend seeing Club Space in Miami or Nikki Beach which is the furthest south bar on South Beach. These places are pretty expensive, but crazy. I'm from the Chicago area and I clubbed alot in the late 90's and early 2000's but Miami's night club scene is probably the best I've seen in the country. I've lived in all 4 corners of the country too (Ex-Navy)
johngross
03-05-2012, 06:25 AM
Old Town is a neat little group of shops with a regular car show that is a bunch of fun for everyone. Some rides, neat shops and food. Used to be every weekend. Search "old town car show" should get you info. Have fun. Old Town is 5 mins from disneyworld.
scogin918
03-05-2012, 10:07 AM
Islamorada and rent a house
Thanks!
It's getting closer to departure...
Olav
Here we are after 22 hours travelling. Waiting for the kids to wake up. Have a nice day to you all . Olav
andrewb70
03-30-2012, 05:06 AM
Here we are after 22 hours travelling. Waiting for the kids to wake up. Have a nice day to you all . Olav
Enjoy your trip. Please post pictures!
Andrew
ProdigyCustoms
03-30-2012, 11:08 AM
The Easter Rod Run is happening in Daytona, about 4000 cars and a big swap meet inside the Daytona Speedway. Stop by and see us in Sanford if you like
The Easter Rod Run is happening in Daytona, about 4000 cars and a big swap meet inside the Daytona Speedway. Stop by and see us in Sanford if you like
Tomorrow we are heading for Daytona, without the wifes, so we had to rent one more car ;-) They wanted to go shopping. Hope the get time to visit Frank during the stay here. Sanford, is far from Kissimmee ?
Will anyone of you be there wirh our cars ?
Olav
sjaroslo
03-30-2012, 11:58 PM
I was visiting my car at Frank's shop on Tuesday, sorry to have missed you. Give my Butternut 67 some love when you pass through....
We was at the Carshow in Daytona, not many PT cars but lot of cars. All styles and ages. Will try to take a look at Franks shop if my wife agrees on that and she will stay at the pool. Olav;)
The Central Florida Racing Complex (http://cfracingcomplex.com/) is Roughly a 20 minute drive from you. Drag Racing, Auto-X, and Drifting. Head there on Thursday and it's free admission + Bike Night. Ashamed to say, but I still haven't made it there. Also, Dave and busters (http://www.daveandbusters.com/) is now on I-Drive (Arcade and Restaurant). Also, You can't beat Logan's Roadhouse for their specials, there's one in Kissimmee.. Very inexpensive for what you get compared to similar restaurants. Grab a leftover Sunday Paper Today (Monday) if you can and snag some coupons for your vacation dining...it adds up quick.
Tomorrow Animal Kingdom. The weather forcast is rain, but hopefully it will clear up during the day. Florida is nice for family vacation :-)
Olav
jy211
04-06-2012, 04:35 AM
I hope you and your family enjoy our state...
All!
Now we are back in Norway, Brrrrr it's cold 6 deg C. We had had 2 fantasic weeks, parks, shopping and some car related. We was at the car show at Daytona and Old Town Kissimmee. But we didnt get time to visit Frank's shop. Now i need to convince my wife that next year holiday must be Florida. But flight is expensive.
Thank you all for this vacation fantasic for all of us, even got a new Tatto so I will remeber this vacation.
Olav
All,
We are now planning next year vacation. This must be in July. I have been following the weather forcast but it seems like it a LOT of rain in these months or ??
Regards
Olav
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