How to survive the parks

Florida Guide > Planning your Trip

I am often asked by guests if I have any advice on how to go about visiting the parks and getting the best out of them. I am well aware that some of you will have to visit during the school holidays which will always be the busiest time. So here is my take on it.

The first thing I would be inclined to do is to plan out your holiday before you even go, or failing that, as soon as you arrive. You can get all the information you need either from brochures in restaurant foyers, the owner of the villa you are renting, their management company or the internet. The main parks you may wish to visit are The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, Universal Islands of Adventure and Sea world plus the Kennedy Space Center (this often gets missed and really shouldn’t)

If you have two weeks then you should aim to do a park every other day and never several days on the trot, you will be totally exhausted by the end of it. On the days in between it might be a good idea to visit the water parks, such as Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon and Wet ‘n Wild. Don’t forget of course to save some days for the wonderful shopping.

I would advise you to get to the park as early as you can and aim to be at the car park about 15 minutes before the park is due to open. Next, aim for the best rides first and use the fast park tickets where ever you can. Another good time to do the best rides is during the parades or at the traditional lunch times of 12 – 2. Try and eat either earlier or later. We always take a book with us to read during the queues, it makes the time go much more quickly. Take plenty of rest breaks for coffee or ice creams to save the wear and tear on your poor feet. Speaking of feet, remember to wear the most comfortable shoes you have – definitely no high heels.

If you want to eat at one of the specialist restaurants in the parks you will need to book first thing when you arrive as they get booked up very early on. Otherwise the normal fast food outlets are fine. If you get a park hopper ticket, which enable you to switch from one park to another, you could leave and eat outside the park (which will be cheaper) and return in the evening.

Have fun!

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