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03/07/2013 04:32:45 PM · #26 |
Originally posted by FourPointX:
ok having been through those ages with my kids and many many orlando visits, this is what i have to offer:
universal studios/islands of adventure is the perfect place. however, and this cannot be stressed strongly enough, do not plan on visiting unless you also plan on staying onsite. the onsite hotels are fantastic (especially the hard rock) but the hotel room key acts as an unlimited express pass for almost all rides and attractions.
it can't be overstated, you will spend a ten hour day waiting in line for 7 hours for 20 minutes of actual ride time otherwise. with the hotel keys, you will finish all the rides in one park before lunch, then either park hop or re-ride your favorites. it transforms your experience.
the harry potter world is in islands of adventure, as is the hulk, spiderman ride etc. more thrills in islands. the universal studio sides is more movie oriented, but still with some great attractions (the mummy is our family's favorite)
if you're interested let me know i'll share some tips for getting better pricing. |
Wow. You managed to make that not sound miserable. I'm impressed man. Hell, you have me rethinking my boycott.
Message edited by author 2013-03-07 16:33:06. |
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03/07/2013 04:44:51 PM · #27 |
ha! man if i had stopped after our first visit there in 2003, i would have said the same thing. but then we took a shot and stayed at the royal pacific and it literally transformed the experience. imagine, waiting 90 minutes for a great ride, say spiderman, and it's over in 2.5 minutes. now imagine waiting five minutes, then going on again, and again, and in half an hour riding it 4 times and then moving on to the next ride...it's awesome.
but once we tried the hard rock it wa sall over, haven't stayed anywhere else since. they go out of their way to treat you like a rock star. example - walking in the halls staff will stop you and ask if there's anything they can get you sir, are you enjoying your stay sir, etc. it tickles the heck out of the kids, and it feels good for mom and dad too. |
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03/07/2013 04:52:14 PM · #28 |
Originally posted by FourPointX:
ha! man if i had stopped after our first visit there in 2003, i would have said the same thing. but then we took a shot and stayed at the royal pacific and it literally transformed the experience. imagine, waiting 90 minutes for a great ride, say spiderman, and it's over in 2.5 minutes. now imagine waiting five minutes, then going on again, and again, and in half an hour riding it 4 times and then moving on to the next ride...it's awesome.
but once we tried the hard rock it wa sall over, haven't stayed anywhere else since. they go out of their way to treat you like a rock star. example - walking in the halls staff will stop you and ask if there's anything they can get you sir, are you enjoying your stay sir, etc. it tickles the heck out of the kids, and it feels good for mom and dad too. |
What happens if you answer like a rock star? ;)
"Why yes! I was hoping you could get me (I typed in an example of a request I might use on the staff to shock them into dumbfounded disbelief, then decided it was so potentially damaging to innocent eyes that I deleted it and replaced it with this request to use your imagination.).. my good man"
Message edited by author 2013-03-07 16:53:09. |
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03/07/2013 04:56:29 PM · #29 |
laffin....man i bet they would actually try to appease.
reminds me, if you DO opt for that route, dont buy tickets until you check into the hotel, they'll make sure you get every possible discount.
also when booking online, there are a couple of codes for discounts, code FLO gets you florida resident discount, and APH gets you annual passholder, depending on time of year one discount is usually better than the other. (and no, they dont actually check for either of these when you check in) |
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03/07/2013 05:17:49 PM · #30 |
Originally posted by FourPointX:
laffin....man i bet they would actually try to appease.
reminds me, if you DO opt for that route, dont buy tickets until you check into the hotel, they'll make sure you get every possible discount.
also when booking online, there are a couple of codes for discounts, code FLO gets you florida resident discount, and APH gets you annual passholder, depending on time of year one discount is usually better than the other. (and no, they dont actually check for either of these when you check in) |
Sure, I mean, I bet they could find the shaved donkeys and contortionist ok, but where the hell do you find a truck load of hermit crabs at that time of the night? ;) Besides, sourcing a B-52 bomber filled with Haribo Gummy Bears takes time.
Message edited by author 2013-03-07 17:19:03. |
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03/07/2013 06:33:46 PM · #31 |
| Your kids are the perfect age for Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. It is better than Disney for that age group although Epcot is fun as well especially the food. There are several places near Orlando since it is the headwaters of the Everglades. Haven't tried it but I have heard that Kissimmee Swamp and Ecotours is good. It's in Kenansville and is near several state parks. The tours let you see all kinds of birds and other Florida wildlife. You take the tour on an airboat. It is about 45 minutes from Orlando. Gator land is also good for wildlife. Got to agree about Dixie Crossroads but it's about an hour from Orlando and usually there is long wait. Hope that helps. |
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03/07/2013 06:40:54 PM · #32 |
| Hey Wendy, looks like you can swim with the sharks for free. They're kinda like dolphins ... They have a dorsal fins. Just in time for spring break!! |
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03/07/2013 06:52:54 PM · #33 |
| Forgot to mention that Gatorland has photographers pass on Thursdays - Sunday that let's you walk through their bird rookery lots of wildlife to see and photograph. Check out their website for more info |
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03/07/2013 08:36:49 PM · #34 |
| Thanks all! bump for the evening florida people. :) |
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03/07/2013 09:08:41 PM · #35 |
Well, guess who lives in Central Florida and does A LOT of exploring and likes to go on hikes!!!
it is breeding season here in Florida so alot of our Nature Preserves are in full swing. \
I got this picture at Gatorland  , I have the year long photography pass (one day is $20), I will ask this Saturday what the policy is about bringing in your family then (it's an early arrival 7:30 SHARP)...I think you might be able to get your "non-photography family" in for less and I'm pretty sure I can get you in for the current Florida Resident pricing. I don't ever remember going to GL before this year. It's been amazing to say the least. Well, done and the birds are at eye level as are their nest where their little "hatchlings" are hatching.... . Currently they have a very active breeding colony going on...Woodstorks, Great White Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Rosette Spoonbills, Cormorants, Ahingas. Are all nesting and/or sitting on eggs.
Merriet Island is another ** place to go...I only been once but as I understand it's a very good trip. There is also Viera National Wildlife Preserve.
On Little Talbot Island is one of the states #1 Rookeries/Breeding Colonies. (I have seen the rookery, but haven't made it up there to see how "active" the Breeding Colony is.) If this interest you it's less than 30 min off I-95 North of Jacksonville, FL...I'll give exact directions if your interested.
Skip Gator Farm and go to the Gatorland (cause I can go with you).
Everglades NP - Stay in Naples area (as far south as you can - hotel (I'll help you with this if you like, as we were just down there), You have Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge   . Corkscrew Swamp is really amazing...a true Florida Eco Center, excellent boardwalk through the swamp. (they have Ghost Orchards - bloom in July...WARNING it's hot as Hades in July!!!). There Big Cypress National Refuge, (have't been there) Florida Panther National Refuge, 10K Island National Refuge. Not to mention Everglades National Park.
I'll stop there think about where you want to go more spacifically and I'll be happy to point you in the right direction (or go along with you ... wink...wink) When are you coming down?
ck out Clyde Butcher's Photography the majority of his work is well labeled as to where he took the pictures.
Message edited by author 2013-03-07 21:09:06. |
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03/07/2013 09:11:44 PM · #36 |
Hey Wendy, this place is right up your alley. I didn't read through this thread, but if you're in the area, it's a great place to go. It's a wildlife refuge and bird preserve in South Palm Beach county. I absolutely love this place and have frequented it for wildlife photos many times. In fact, the background header in this portion of the site may look familiar from one of the past HDR challenges LINK... Click back to the home page for all the info...
Anyway, that's one of my favorite places to go here. In terms of birds, it's one of the better places around. I seen have falcons, ospreys, and owls on a consistent basis, and even saw a deer on my last trip. There are plenty of gators around, so you'll be able to get a few shots of those. I once had the ever loving crap scared out of me by an otter, who surfaced for air right in front of me while I was looking through the viewfinder. I scared him equally and we both took off in separate directions. Anyone who saw this must have been amused... They also have a 5.5 mile kayaking/canoeing trail if you are feeling really brave. Here's a lousy cell phone pic of the trail 
Here is a list of the shots I have entered here that were taken out there...
           
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03/07/2013 10:55:09 PM · #37 |
OMG I typed so much and my browser crashed! Arrggg...
Cliff notes version:
I work at Disney, better than you think for teenagers <<missing list of roller coasters and thrill rides with descriptions>>
<>
My teenagers like it.
They like Islands of Adventure better, though.
Wildlife: Blue Spring State Park very good
<>
Space Coasts, Space Shuttle, Rockets <>
Tampa - Hard Rock - No Limit Texas Hold Em
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03/07/2013 10:58:07 PM · #38 |
| Is animal kingdom worth it? I dreamed about it when it first opened, because they had a photographer's safari package with some big name photographers. I had it taped to my fridge for about a year. couldn't afford it, but it was fun to dream. (about $2400 for the package without the airfaire) |
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03/07/2013 11:27:40 PM · #39 |
Originally posted by vawendy:
Is animal kingdom worth it? I dreamed about it when it first opened, because they had a photographer's safari package with some big name photographers. I had it taped to my fridge for about a year. couldn't afford it, but it was fun to dream. (about $2400 for the package without the airfaire) |
Daughter works there...let me see what I can find out...I think they have a variety of packages available. |
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03/07/2013 11:29:28 PM · #40 |
Originally posted by brucedgates:
OMG I typed so much and my browser crashed! Arrggg...
Cliff notes version:
I work at Disney, better than you think for teenagers <<missing list of roller coasters and thrill rides with descriptions>>
<>
My teenagers like it.
They like Islands of Adventure better, though.
Wildlife: Blue Spring State Park very good
<>
Space Coasts, Space Shuttle, Rockets <>
Tampa - Hard Rock - No Limit Texas Hold Em |
was at Blue Springs State Park this past Sunday...saw LOTS of manatee. Your sightings of mantee this time of year will depend purely on the weather. If it's cold they will be in the spring if not...they will be in the River moving out to the Atlantic. |
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03/07/2013 11:31:06 PM · #41 |
Originally posted by Ja-9:
Originally posted by brucedgates:
OMG I typed so much and my browser crashed! Arrggg...
Cliff notes version:
I work at Disney, better than you think for teenagers <<missing list of roller coasters and thrill rides with descriptions>>
<>
My teenagers like it.
They like Islands of Adventure better, though.
Wildlife: Blue Spring State Park very good
<>
Space Coasts, Space Shuttle, Rockets <>
Tampa - Hard Rock - No Limit Texas Hold Em |
was at Blue Springs State Park this past Sunday...saw LOTS of manatee. Your sightings of mantee this time of year will depend purely on the weather. If it's cold they will be in the spring if not...they will be in the River moving out to the Atlantic. |
seeing a manatee would be quite cool. :)
Ok -- time for sleep. whoa.... 11:30?? That's what I get for playing with smoke entries! I should have stopped an hour and 1/2 ago!
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03/11/2013 10:35:35 PM · #42 |
| Wendy, it wasn't very nice of you to start this thread! I like to see the ocean every 6 months. Usually I go on Marchbreak with my daughter but she is working now and heading to Europe in May. Last year we sent the week in Nantasket and Boston...St. Patty's day a Cheers! So this year I thought I'd go a little further up the coast to Cape Cod around Easter. Then I get reading about all of these wonderful places to see in Florida...Now it's on my radar too! It's a long drive though. 25 hrs...but the nature sounds amazing! So Thanks, thanks alot!!! ;-D |
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03/12/2013 02:40:43 AM · #43 |
Did anyone Mention Hamocks Cove State Park a few hours south of Orlando. Was the first State Park in Florida. Free to get in take Mosquito repelant and watch out for the wildlife.
    
Or Ponce Deleon Light house just south of Daytona Beach.    
Message edited by author 2013-03-12 02:53:59. |
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03/12/2013 11:39:51 AM · #44 |
Originally posted by vawendy:
Is animal kingdom worth it? I dreamed about it when it first opened, because they had a photographer's safari package with some big name photographers. I had it taped to my fridge for about a year. couldn't afford it, but it was fun to dream. (about $2400 for the package without the airfaire) |
We were there over New Year's, and were impressed with it. The safari ride gets you up close to a lot of really interesting animals, and it's really well done. Definitely worth one of your days.
If you can swing the Everglades, we thought it was an amazing place, too. |
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03/12/2013 11:56:51 AM · #45 |
Do you mean "Highland Hammocks State Park"...we are going there in a couple wkends for camping. |
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03/12/2013 12:34:49 PM · #46 |
One of the things on my bucket list is an airboat ride in the Everglades so definitely do this if you can. Here are some links:
//www.blackwaterairboattours.com/
//www.orlandoairboattours.com/
I lived in So FL for a number of years including Ft Pierce which may not be anyone's prime destination but does offer some interesting things to see like the Manatee Observation and Education Center: //www.manateecenter.com/. Manatees have been dying from red tide algae in record numbers so it might be a good time to visit and see this magnificent creature.
Janine's tips are excellent, she is a native and knows where to find the wildlife. Florida is a great place to shoot photos, you never know when something will magically appear. Good luck and enjoy your trip!
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03/12/2013 12:42:32 PM · #47 |
If you are driving down, consider the Cumberland island national seashore in ga, just north of the state line. Good birding and wild horses.
In April, the egret rookeries at the jax zoo and the st Augustine alligator farm will be in full swing.
Night shots of downtown jax shot from the south riverbank are also wonderful.
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03/12/2013 01:34:17 PM · #48 |
Having been born and raised in Florida, here are some nice places to visit (excluding the super-popular places like Disney, etc), in no particular order...
- Key Largo
- Key West (the whole drive from Miami to Key Largo to Key West is fantastic)
- Panama City Beach up the coast to Destin (white, sugar-sand beaches)
- Coconut Grove (Miami area)
- Miami Beach (including South Beach)
- St. Augustine
- The Palm Beaches
- Key Biscayne
- Apalachicola (great inexpensive fresh seafood)
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03/12/2013 01:48:10 PM · #49 |
Originally posted by Ja-9:
Do you mean "Highland Hammocks State Park"...we are going there in a couple wkends for camping. |
Must be. For some reason I have always called it Hammocks Cove. but according to google thats the place. Great place. Warning the 2x 4 walk way through the swamp is very flexible if you are my weight and you dont see the gators looking up at you from a few feet away |
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03/12/2013 02:02:29 PM · #50 |
I know of an airboat company on Lake Trafford (Near Waddy Thompson - [user]MelonMusketter[/user]) he can make amazing arrangements with the owners there. And it's near Florida Panther/Everglades/Big Cypress National Parks (don't forget Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary)...all of these would/are be high on my list. They are all very, very close together and pretty easy to explore. |
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