I am a 36 year old, wife and mother of one daughter. I work full time, and so like things that make ...
I am a 36 year old, wife and mother of one daughter. I work full time, and so like things that make my life a whole lot easier.
I give myself a couple of hours each night (my relaxation time) to spend online, chatting to friends on ICQ, general sufing...
There is so much to say about Orlando, that I don't know where to start...
My husband decided it was time to visit Orlando, after hearing so much about it from his friends at work, and deciding that it would be a great birthday present for our daughter, who was coming up to her 13th birthday. (who was he trying to kid, me or himself) So off he went to the travel agent, and arrived back home with every travel brochure that contained Florida. He then spent the next week weighing up the pros and cons of each and every one of them.
At last after giving it a great deal of thought and a lot of mumbling and grumbling about extortionate prices (you know what men are like) he came to the conclusion that Unijet would be the best choice, for us to travel with. His reason being that they seemed to offer the best hotel prices for under occupancy, you know those little extras that really bump the prices up, and they also offered the best deals on the
attraction tickets.
All he had to do now, was decide which Hotel we would stay at. He did not want hire a car, so thought it would be best to stay on International Drive. He was sure that there would be plenty of transportation available here to get us from a to b. To cut a long story short he decided on the Gateway Inn, which was just off International Drive but with in a 5 minute walk from Wet & Wild. So off he went again, with the brochure under his arm to get it booked. What a relief that was, I now had a happy husband and an ecstatic daughter, and eight month to wait before we were due to go.
The next eight months passed rather pleasantly, if not in expensively as both husband and daughter tracked into town each weekend in search of Orlando info. Arriving home each time with various expensive books covering all topics on Orlando and Florida in general.
By the time the day arrived for us to travel, my "two kids" had our holiday all mapped out for us, without any input from me what so ever, this did not really bother me as I was just so happy that the time had come at last for us to actually get there and happily fall in with all their well thought out plans. I just hoped that they would not be disappointed, I need not have worried as the holiday was every thing they had hoped it would be, and much more besides.
*** So what does Orlando have to offer?
If I tried to tell you about everything that there is to see and do in Orlando, it would take forever so I will give you what to us were the highlights of our much awaited holiday in Orlando.
First there was the Walt Disney Resort, which consists of the four main theme parks, The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom. All four parks were well worth a visit, offering something for every age group.
Then you have the Themed Disney water parks, which are Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, and River Country. Highly recommended for a fun filled half day or full day out.
Another great water park is Wet & Wild, which is ideally situated on International Drive.
An absolute must see attraction is Sea World, which includes some great exhibits and and wonderful shows. You can also take a backstage tour, which gives you a insight into what goes on behind the scenes.
The last Main attraction that we paid a visit to was the Great... Universal Studios :), here you can go behind the screen and experience all the action and excitement of the movies in person through a variety of unique rides, shows, movie sets and attractions.
There are lots more attractions and places for you to see, the list is endless.
*** Now for the shopaholics.
I you like a bargain, then find your way down to the Belz Factory Outlet World which is near the end of International Drive. which has over 160 stores, selling designer wares of all kinds at great discounted prices. Florida Mall - One of the largest malls in central Florida. 200 department stores, restaurants, theatres, and large food court. Mercado Mediterranean Village which is an assortment of nightclubs, restaurants, and specialty shops selling a various assortment of items.
*** Restaurants.
There are literally hundreds of restaurants along International Drive, which include all you can eat Chinese buffets, Indian Cuisine, Sea food and steak restaurants, pancake and waffle houses to name just a few. You are sure to find something to suit all tastes.
*** Getting around in Orlando.
Hiring a car is not absolutely necessary. If you decide to stay on or near international drive, then you will find that a lot of the hotels, offer a free shuttle service to all the main attractions. There is also the I-Ride Trolley service which runs the full length of International Drive the present fare being 75 cents for adults, children under 12 free. Another way to travel is by using the Lynx buses, these are very similar to our local buses. The present fare being 1Dollar each way, no matter how far you are travelling.
*** My overall view on Orlando Florida.
There is so much more that I would like to say about Orlando, but I think I have carried on for long enough. The best way to find out all that Orlando has to offer, is to take a trip yourself,if at all possible.
Orlando offers something for everybody no matter what age you are. To us it was a holiday of a life time, which we one day hope to repeat.
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Good op. I feel the need for a revisit (I was there in 95). It was great and as you say there is just so much to do.
MikeWhalley 02.04.2001 19:21
A really helpful review! I'm trying to get together as much information about orlando as possible before next year, when my fiance and I go there for our honeymoon. Cheers! - Mike
Michael-S 19.03.2001 18:10
Many thanks for this excellent review. I think I'll have to visit Orlando soon. Take care, Michael.
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