Shuttle Launch

Hi,

Disney is busy any time of the year. Be prepared for long lines and crowds of people. You will be shocked at the price of food in the parks. It is super expensive, so take water and a few snacks and try to minimize the amount of $$ you spend on cheap park fast food. Eat your main meals outside of the park or park hop and go to a sit down restaurant in EPCOT, but if you choose to eat at a restaurant in any of the parks make reservations when you first arrive, they fill up rather quickly. There are several books available about Disney and several websites as well that have very good information. Here is one of the best guides and I would definitely recommend getting it:

www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Guide-Disney-World-Guides/dp/04...

Another fun thing to do, especially for the kids, is to try and find all the hidden mickeys in the park.

www.hiddenmickeys.org/WhatIs.html

There is so much stuff online about Disney. Here are just a few sites that offer some tips.

www.mywdwtrip.com/
www.thedisneyblog.com/tdb/
www.disney-secrets.com
www.guide2wdw.com/index.html

as well as a link to more things to do in Orlando and Kissimmee, like Universal Studios or SeaWorld:

www.universalorlando.com/
4adventure.com/SWF/default.aspx
www.orlandoinfo.com/index.cfm
www.floridakiss.com/tools/tips/index.php
www.sanfordinfo.com/

the Orlando Science Center, Leu Gardens and Blue Springs State Park:

www.osc.org/index.htm
www.leugardens.org/
www.abfla.com/parks/BlueSpring/bluespring.html

Another idea:

www.fantasyofflight.com/biplane.htm

and some stuff on kennedy space center:

travelwithkids.about.com/cs/sciencemuseums/a/spacecenter.htm
space.about.com/cs/nasa/p/kscvisit.htm

I'm not personally familiar with any consignment shops for older kids or adults but here is a listing from citysearch:

orlando.citysearch.com/search?gcats=110&cats=524

If you want to head out in the evenings dinner shows, shopping outside of Disney or other activities not located within the parks, a rental car is the best choice. Driving in the states is not as intimidating as you may think.

www.uscarhire.co.uk/florida-trips/driving_tips.aspx

Here's an alternative:

www.mearstransportation.com

finally, here is a link from Frommer's with some great information for International travelers:

www.frommers.com/destinations/orlando/0022020013.html

hope this helps and enjoy your vacation!

T

Hi, L.! Welcome to Central Florida (early)! Shuttle launches are very exciting and have been to many myself. The first thing is...don't be shocked if the shuttle doesn't go up on schedule. Sometimes it does, but many times delays happen. Keep watching the website to keep up to date with changes. If you do miss and end up over in Orlando when it goes up, you can still see it from here. You just can't feel it like you can on the Cape! As far as getting over there, there are a few options. You can try Ace ( www.aceluxury.com ). Their rates are pretty reasonable.
Orlando is a busy place. There is Disney (of course) which will take at least 4-5 days to see it all. The best thing is that once you are at your hotel at All Star Music, you will have transportation via Disney buses to take you anywhere on Disney property. For your children, they may want to try Disney Quest, a virtual reality extravaganza of fun. I love it there! But there are also places outside of Disney if you are interested (just let me know!).
As far as Disney goes, it is busy. Take advantage of the early days for hotel guests. Do the big rides then when lines are short. Also, if you want to see the parades, it is best to sit on the curb to get the best seats and viewing (I definitely recommend this for the Magic Kingdom Very Merry Christmas parade). BUT...you must find your spot and sit at least 1 to 1 1/2 hours prior to parade time. You may save space but someone always has to be present to do this. I use this time to eat and take a break for the walking. Also, utilize Fast Pass as much as possible. I know this is short, but you can e-mail me and I will be glad to answer any questions you have.

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Hi L.

I happen to be on mamasource and have a shop that carries items like what you are asking for. We're located in Longwood, maybe a 30min ride from Disney. We usually have lots of ski wear, some people rent them, but you can purchase. The store has lots of inventory, so may be a little crowded, but most people find what they need and more. Depends on the sizes you need because it is one of a kind. It's called Family Values Resale and you can get it on the internet. Hope this helps.
D.