Orlando Theme Parks - Hints and Tips

<h1>Orlando Theme Parks - Hints and Tips</h1>Author: <a title="R Green" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/r-green/56565.htm">R Green</a> The main attraction for visitors to Orlando is the vast array of theme parks including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Seaworld. In the peak season of May through to October, the parks can get very congested with long queues at the rides. There are means and ways of avoiding the crowds if planned carefully enough.

Getting there

Cost of parking at the attractions range from $8.00 - $13.00 per day. The parking lots at Disney are massive so be prepared for a walk and take notice of where you parked! You will normally be marshalled in at the start of the day so there’s no hunting for a space unless you arrive later in the day. Many hotels around the International Drive, Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee areas ahve complimentary shuttle busses running from hotels to Walt Disney World, Seaworld and Universal Studios – this can be useful for a trouble free journey, however, the trip can be lengthy as the shuttles pick-up and drop-off at numerous locations.

Queues

Make use of the Fastpass at Disney which is free of charge or a queue jumper pass at universal Studios which costs around $20-$30. Alternately, a great way to beat the queues is to go around park anti-clockwise – people generally go clockwise around the parks so this is a great way to get on the rides fast! The queues at the rides are quieter at the start of the day and towards the end of the day, so make use of the park hopper tickets!

Eating

Eating at the parks can also be a frustrating experience with everyone seeking a catering outlet at the same time, generally between 1200 and 1400 – if possible avoid these times and seek to visit the shows through this time when the queues will be shorter. Be prepared for a limited choice of fast food – there are restaurants but queues and waiting times can be long unless booked in advance. At Disney restaurants, children under 3 eat free of charge at table service restaurants and all you can eat restaurants (if sharing an adult plate), however, a full price is charged for counter service when purchasing a meal.

Shows

Arrive early for shows to get the best seats – especially if you have kids! Many of the shows run multiple times throughout the day so it is generally best to go through the lunch time, upon park opening or towards the end of the day.

One last thing, don’t forget the camera – Orlando parks are unlike any other experience in the world. Enjoy!

About the Author: Richard is a Director of <a href="http://www.floridatouristguide.co.uk," target="_blank">www.floridatouristguide.co.uk,</a> an independent and unbiased guide to all things Florida. He is a travel expert and seasoned Florida traveller. <a href="http://www.floridatouristguide.co.uk" target="_blank">www.floridatouristguide.co.uk</a> offers a complete guide with reviews and videos on attractions, restaurants and shopping as well as offering free vouchers.Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/orlando-theme-parks-hints-and-tips-395241.html" title="Orlando Theme Parks - Hints and Tips">Orlando Theme Parks - Hints and Tips</a>

The main attraction for visitors to Orlando is the vast array of theme parks including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Seaworld. In the peak season of May through to October, the parks can get very congested with long queues at the rides. There are means and ways of avoiding the crowds if planned carefully enough.

Getting there
Cost of parking at the attractions range from $8.00 - $13.00 per day. The parking lots at Disney are massive so be prepared for a walk and take notice of where you parked! You will normally be marshalled in at the start of the day so there’s no hunting for a space unless you arrive later in the day. Many hotels around the International Drive, Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee areas ahve complimentary shuttle busses running from hotels to Walt Disney World, Seaworld and Universal Studios – this can be useful for a trouble free journey, however, the trip can be lengthy as the shuttles pick-up and drop-off at numerous locations.

Queues
Make use of the Fastpass at Disney which is free of charge or a queue jumper pass at universal Studios which costs around $20-$30. Alternately, a great way to beat the queues is to go around park anti-clockwise – people generally go clockwise around the parks so this is a great way to get on the rides fast! The queues at the rides are quieter at the start of the day and towards the end of the day, so make use of the park hopper tickets!

Eating
Eating at the parks can also be a frustrating experience with everyone seeking a catering outlet at the same time, generally between 1200 and 1400 – if possible avoid these times and seek to visit the shows through this time when the queues will be shorter. Be prepared for a limited choice of fast food – there are restaurants but queues and waiting times can be long unless booked in advance. At Disney restaurants, children under 3 eat free of charge at table service restaurants and all you can eat restaurants (if sharing an adult plate), however, a full price is charged for counter service when purchasing a meal.

Shows
Arrive early for shows to get the best seats – especially if you have kids! Many of the shows run multiple times throughout the day so it is generally best to go through the lunch time, upon park opening or towards the end of the day.

One last thing, don’t forget the camera – Orlando parks are unlike any other experience in the world. Enjoy!

Richard is a Director of www.floridatouristguide.co.uk, an independent and unbiased guide to all things Florida. He is a travel expert and seasoned Florida traveller. www.floridatouristguide.co.uk offers a complete guide with reviews and videos on attractions, restaurants and shopping as well as offering free vouchers.

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/orlando-theme-parks-hints-and-tips-395241.html

Article Tags: Florida, Holidays, Orlando, Disney, Walt Disney World, Theme Parks, Universal Studios, Disney Tickets, Theme Park Holidays

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

How to Parallel Park

Play

Travel to Okinawa Japan: Okinawa World

Play

Learn about Legoland

Play

Learn about Lego City

Play

Travel Bytes Cedar Point - Sleep

Latest Travel Tips Articles
More from R Green

A family trip abroad

By: yair bar zohar | 02/01/2010
In order to plan a family trip abroad, it's very recommended to share everyone the trip's factors (including children or trip partners), and build a route according to what everyone wants to do/see/visit.

Holidays in Kenya: Experiences of a Lifetime

By: Anirban Bhattacharya | 02/01/2010
Kenya, with its stunning landscapes and exotic wildlife is one of the favorite tourist destinations.

Crested Butte Ski Vacation

By: ColoradoSki | 01/01/2010
When we think Colorado and world class ski resort often the first thing that comes to mind are the mega resorts like Aspen and Vail. However there are many ‘smaller’ resorts that are just gems in the skiing world. Crested Butte is one of those. This article is to give you some basic information on Crested Butte and how to plan your next ski vacation to the Colorado Rockies.

Ski Vacation Packages in Wyoming

By: ColoradoSki | 01/01/2010
Ski resorts in Wyoming are extremely varied from the large world-class resorts with 5 star lodging and dining experience to the small mom and pop style resorts. No matter which type suits your fancy you’re sure to find it and more. This article should help those of you looking for information on how to plan your trip and some basic facts about resorts and skiing in Wyoming.

Vermont Ski Vacation Packages

By: ColoradoSki | 01/01/2010
When your looking into where you want to take your next ski vacation Vermont should be a high consideration for you. Vermont has a wide variety of terrain accessible to all levels of skiers and riders and great snow every season.

Tips for Golf Holiday

By: lm foong | 01/01/2010
Are you planning for a golf holiday trip abroad for the first time? This article gives plenty of essential travel tips and golf holiday tips

How you can save thousands of dollars on travel cost and make $10,000 a month at the same time!

By: Dario Cucci | 01/01/2010
Most savvy business and pleasure travel consumers utilize the power of the internet public search engine travel portals to handle all of their travel needs. TVI Express travelers use their own personal travel portals, and do so at deeply discounted rates compared to other travel booking sites such as Orbitz and Expedia. Along with the deeply discounted rates on Air, Car Rental, Cruises, and Hotels TVI Express members are also creating home-based entrepreneurial opportunities.