Visiting Orlando, part two
During Your Visit- Shopping
If shopping is on your Orlando MUST DO list, then it would be advisable to look at each mall’s list of stores in advance and plan which ones you’d like to visit. You can always learn more about Orlando area malls, shopping centers and generally about all aspect of your orlando florida vacation on the internet. On weekdays, malls are usually less crowded. If you decide to go shopping for the weekend, arrive early or shop late in the day to avoid lines at the dressing room or check out. Always identify a meeting place in case a family member gets separated or you prefer to shop individually.
During Your Visit - Dining
During the peak season it is always advisable to call ahead for reservations. Some restaurants accept reservations or even a call ahead seating. When calling for reservations you could also indicate some other things, for instance if you need a high chair - so it will be set when you arrive. To avoid noisy, grumpy kids who cannot wait for a meal to be served, bring a light snack to enjoy if there is a wait for your table.
Orlando does not need any introduction. It is famous as a family destination for theme parks, and its fame spreads wide and far and draws visitors from every corner of the world. But this playground that is larger than your imagination has more to offer than what lies behind turnstile gates. Visitors of all ages can find it all in Orlando: shopping on scale with its other attractions as well as museums, performance arts, green oases and outlying towns and neighbourhoods with their own distinct personality. You can stay in resorts that are within a mile or two away from the main attractions, westgate resorts are good example.
Walt Disney World created the town of Lake Buena Vista, where its fantasy kingdom constantly grows. This wonderful world started with the Magic Kingdom and went on expanding to include futuristic Epcot, entertainment world’s Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom. Add to the equation a couple of water parks, some miniature golf, a high-tech video arcade, golf and an enormous sports complex with a Richard Petty race car driving experience, and you have just about every entertainment base covered. Downtown Disney complexes can give you the ultimate experience in shopping, nightlife and dining, using the same special effects and gimmicks as the parks. Resorts have been closely following the growth and many have themes ranging from Caribbean to western lodge, gravitating around sports, music, etc.
Top class entertainment has taken thousand by the storm, all those with a love for fun, faux, goofy and imagination. Disney keeps on creating more and more theme parks big and small and contributed to the old cattle and citrus town a show-biz, grand-scale sense of proportion. Universal Orlando Resort has its two theme parks and has even furthered the reputation for state-of-the-art showmanship and thrills. It takes movie entertainment to the next level - from the big screen to first-hand experience in a way that inspires tears and screams. On top of that you’ll find a recreated downtown club and dining scene, and a medley of theme resorts, grew up to accommodate guests and expand the appeal of the parks to adult playtime.
Then, there is SeaWorld Orlando brings a marine attraction element to deal, but with its unique sense of drama and adventure. In addition to shows and exhibits including Shamu, the killer whale, dolphins, otters, seals, penguins, sharks and other denizens of the deep, SeaWorld thrills visitors with high adrenaline rides and simulations.
Visiting Orlando, part one
Plan Your Trip Safely
When planning your trip, the first step is to choose a reliable orlando vacation store. Once you have that sorted out, you can consider next steps.During Your Visit - Airport
Double check that all adults in your party have their driver’s licenses and passports in a place that’s both safe and easily accessible. You will need to show your identification more than once before boarding the plane. Practical thing is that many airlines now offer user-friendly electronic kiosks that allow you to check-in for your flight, check your bags, and print out a boarding pass using your driver’s license or the credit card used to book the flight.
Place all your airplane, hotel and rental car reservation info/documents in an envelope or binder that you keep with you in a carry-on bag. For extra safety, always keep a copy of this information in your checked bag as well. Do not lock your checked bags since during the random, by-hand searches of passenger luggage at the airport, they may break your lock if necessary.
Come earlier to the airport to have enough time to check in and go through security procedure. It is usually enough for you to arrive one-half hours early for domestic and two hours early for international flights.
Before approaching the metal detector gate, take off your coat, belt and the wristwatch. Wear slip-on shoes that you easily remove in case it is required for security check-up.
For long flights it is always a good idea to bring bottled water and a light meal on the plane with. In an effort to reduce fares, many airlines no longer serve meals in their fare-reduction effort, or they may charge you additionally if you ask for a snack. On departure, plan in advance the extra time you’ll need to return your rental car.
During Your Visit - Theme Parks
Once you have comfortably checked-in at one of the luxurious orlando vacation resorts, you should try to arrive at the theme parks early for an afternoon break at your hotel. If you decide to have an early dinner you will be able to enjoy the rides and night shows when everyone else is leaving the parks or eating dinner.
There is security check-up the the entrance of each park, so use the same good common sense with packing a bag for the theme parks as you would when traveling on an airplane.
Agree with your family what will be your meeting place in case you get separated.
For most efficient park navigation you need to go directly to the back of the park and then work your way forward. Alternatively, you can start at the right hand side and work your way around the park counter-clockwise direction. The most practical tip of all I have already mentioned - take a late lunch and ride the most popular attractions when everyone else is eating.
At the parks, you can rent strollers and wheelchairs if necessary. You would need comfortable walking shoes, umbrella or rain poncho, sunscreen and hat as well as a tote bag for your stuff and souvenirs. Alternatively, you can rent a locker to lighten your load. Note that in some parks umbrellas are not permitted.Always have some extra money on you for souvenirs, food and drinks for you and your family. Indulging in the theme parks works up quite a thirst and an appetite!
Camera, batteries and plenty of film/memory cards are tings you’d better bring yourself, since they charge dearly for these essentials at the parks. If water rides are in your schedule make sure you have brought some extra change clothes.
Good thing is to take advantage of Disney’s free FASTPASS and/or Universal Orlando’s EXPRESS PLUS program (although additional charge applies for the latter). While the details of the individual program may vary please note that each system allows you to bypass the lines and make the most of your day at the parks. At SeaWorld Orlando’s Adventure Express Tour you have a front-of-the-line access on rides and reserved seating at two of its most popular shows(subject to additional charge).
Shopping at the theme parks have highly practical shipping services or free delivery to on-property resorts or park main entrances.
