Off to Florida in July

PeterNem · 2 Mar 2006 at 19:56

I'm in Florida from the 25th June until the 9th of July and cannot wait, it's been 4 years since I've been which is too long!!

Florida is definately much different from NYC. Obviously the theme parks are going to be fairly hectic, but the pace elsewhere is a lot slower and more relaxing.

Keylow · 2 Mar 2006 at 19:59

Creature said:
I hate you both

Seriously, you'll both have a great time. Swimming with the dolphins is something that you will never regret, not even one little bit. If you go to sea world, i'd advise getting there very early as it get's packed stupidly quick. If you fancy a drive and like roller coasters, then go to Busch Gardens, great fun there.

*Wishes he could go again*

Seconded. Discovery Cove was an amazing place. Besides the dolphins theres a cove where you can snorkel round loads of different marine animals. REally was fantastic. Just put up a strong front when they try and sell you photos for mega prices. Remember an underwater camera too.

LynnieLeigh · 2 Mar 2006 at 20:10

Keylow said:
Remember an underwater camera too.

Cameras are not allowed in the pools on website and tickets, can only film from the Beaches. There is someone in the water filming for you

Creature · 2 Mar 2006 at 20:16

Davey_Pitch said:
Aye, it's the humidity that really gets to you. When I went a few years ago it was about 95f and 95% humidity. You were sweating from literally the minute you walked outside. I loved every minute of it though, extreme weather like that really reminds you you're on holiday (if the huge walking talking mouse doesn't do it for you).

Last time we went was hurricane season :cool:

rayer · 2 Mar 2006 at 20:27

Been to Orlando every year for he last 6 years..last year went to Dicovery Cove in dec and there was only 85 people there so we had a whole day with the dolphins...excellent day

Burbleflop · 2 Mar 2006 at 20:59

I've been to Florida a few times and I love the place. I've got some of my holiday pics online if you're interested - http://gallery.pauleagles.com/florida05 & http://gallery.pauleagles.com/florida03

Assuming I can save some money for once, I hope to go back this time next year.

Davey_Pitch · 2 Mar 2006 at 21:36

Creature said:
Last time we went was hurricane season

Hurricane Season runs from March to October as I remember, so it's always likely to be on. It used to rain pretty much every day at 2pm for about an hour, then disappear as if it was never there. It was always a perfect time to go and get some food anyway :cool:

Rikwaller · 2 Mar 2006 at 21:41

There is a new roller Coaster opeing at Animal Kingdom in April, think it is called Expidition Everest, looks quite cool. We saw it being built last Sept and it was Humegamongous

. If you check it out you will ave to let us know what its like

Sanzy · 2 Mar 2006 at 21:43

florida is great we have a villa there

make sure check out universal and the water parks!!

Creature · 2 Mar 2006 at 21:49

Davey_Pitch said:
Hurricane Season runs from March to October as I remember, so it's always likely to be on. It used to rain pretty much every day at 2pm for about an hour, then disappear as if it was never there. It was always a perfect time to go and get some food anyway

It was storms from 4pm onwards for us, we got there the day after the first hurricane, and left a few days before the second one, so was a bit nervy

Gilly · 2 Mar 2006 at 21:53

LynnieLeigh said:
(unless you’re like Gilly and would hate every minute of the holiday)

Davey_Pitch · 2 Mar 2006 at 21:54

Gilly said:

Actually, that's probably not true. You'd really enjoy the coming home part

Gilly · 2 Mar 2006 at 21:56

I deffo would if you flew into Manchester. Always good coming back from the wrong side of the hills

West · 2 Mar 2006 at 22:19

ahh Florida, im going abroad for the first time on holiday in september there (Im petrified of planes) My parents own a Villa in Kissame, im the only member of the family that hasnt been there

Im going for the theme parks and the food

LynnieLeigh · 2 Mar 2006 at 22:39

I don't like heights, for example, being on ladders etc. But Rollercoasters, plays, etc. I enjoy. Well I like flying but I don't really enjoy take off and landings, they make me nervous, don't kow why just get Jittery tummy.

Berserker · 2 Mar 2006 at 22:55

LynnieLeigh said:
Cameras are not allowed in the pools on website and tickets, can only film from the Beaches. There is someone in the water filming for you

Correct - you cannot take cameras in to the dolphin swimming session (in fact, you can't take anything droppable in). This is to avoid the risk of items getting dropped in the water and potentially harming the dolphins.

Fantastic experience. Would have been even better if I could swim, but hey, it all counts. I have a fantastic shot of the trainer/handler standing behind me with arms outstretched in position to catch me if I got in trouble (which I promptly did seconds later

)

Just for advice: they take both stills and video, and you can buy both. For the stills, you can get the lot on a photo CD and print them yourself, or get prints, or both. They're pricey but worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Other places I'd recommend if you have time:

SeaWorld (sister park to Discovery Cove) - obvious.

Busch Gardens - I can highly recommend the behind the scenes tour, but be warned, you must be there early if you want to do it, as it sells out very quickly. I was there when the park opened, and got a ticket. \o/

Kennedy Space Centre - if you're into astronomy of course. Unlikely you'll get to see a launch, but you never know.

I also took a few tours operated by Orlando Tours. Take your pick.

My only complaint would be the weather. It's far too hot for me that time of year. Much prefer February - less queues and lower temperatures.