Orlando Florida vaction planning for August 2009?

Question

Just starting to plan next years vacation to Orlando, does anyone know when the new Harry Potter Park might open? Is it going to be a good park for the whole family or just amid at little children?

We will be there for 12-14 days, hitting Universal parks, Disney parks and the beach - is there another thing that we MUST go to? Renting a house, a car for 5 adults 1 teen - got any tips?

Answer 1

You really should hit up Sea World in Orlando. I just went to Orlando over Spring Break and we went to Sea World and it was the BEST!

Answer 2

Usually we stay on Disney Property, and go to the 4 Disney Parks but another thing we liked is Medieval Times, it is a dinner and a show. I added the link for you for more information. Also when you go to Disney you can also do their water parks. Their are 2 of them Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

Have Fun!

Answer 3

the parks are all great. Sea World is a great option is you like marine life (Killer Whales, Dolphins, etc) because they are really the best at that.

If you want some things that are a little of the normal tourist spots i would suggest...

Food:

Cafe Tu Tu Tango. This is a small chain of restaurants that offer a "tapas" style meal. if you are not familiar with this, all the items are present in appetizer size plates. It means you can try a lot of things without breaking the bank or you stomach. Depending on what you order (drinks, pricey seafood items) it can be a very affordable meal. Check Pirate Golf next door for a fun Miniature golf experience for the family. if you like that kind of thing. oh, during dinner time they have artist, dancers, performers of all kinds performing thru the restaurants. this is a great way to try new things without having to commit to any one dish.

Ghirardelli’s Ice Cream Shop in Downtown Disney. they have the biggest and best sundaes at the parks. a meal unto itself.

Stores.

Millennia Mall. this is a high end mall (I think my only purchase was at the food court) but it still a great mall to walk and window show.

Park Avenue in Winter Park. this is a street filled with stores, specialty shops, restaurants. its great to place to walk and window shop.

Water Parks:

the two Disney water parks are probably the best in town. always make it into the top 10 water parks in the US.

Educational

the Orlando Museum of Science is always cool. you might want to check it out to see if they have any special events during your visit.

random tips for your trip. depending on how many days you will spend at a park you might want to do a couple of things. if you are only spending a day per park, pick out the rides you don’t want to miss and start with those rides first. that way if you do miss any rides they will not be on that list. hit the thrill rides first. their lines will become longer as the day goes by. and be prepared for the weather. rain or shine, you can still get a lot done if you are prepared.