Originally Posted By friarthe I'm heading to Orlando for a work trip tomorrow. Anybody have tips on: --Orlando transportation if you're staying off-property (I'm at the Rosen Shingle Creek) --what's worth checking out, besides WDW, if I don't have full days? (I'll be free 2 days from noon on, one morning til about 3 pm, and evenings after 5.) I've been to WDW a few times, and though I know I'll get to Epcot for a half-day, I'm interested in checking out new things and maybe not breaking the bank.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<--Orlando transportation if you're staying off-property (I'm at the Rosen Shingle Creek)>> Rent a car. Or convince a fellow co-worker to be your driver! <<--what's worth checking out, besides WDW, if I don't have full days? (I'll be free 2 days from noon on, one morning til about 3 pm, and evenings after 5.)>> This is O-Town. Seriously, other than WDW? Simple. Sea World, UNI/IOA, Aquatica ... um ... and any chain restaurant you can think of. ... Unless, you want to catch a Magic game (not sure if they're even home this week). <<I've been to WDW a few times, and though I know I'll get to Epcot for a half-day, I'm interested in checking out new things and maybe not breaking the bank.>> Are you part of a convention? If so, you can get tix that are specially priced. If not ... it gets dicey. The fewer days, the more you pay. And the parks close very early now if you aren't paying extra for the Christmas Party (which I might do if you wanted to see MK) ... only EPCOT will hit 9 p.m. ... MK is likely open until 10 or 11 Saturday night only. Not much help, but you didn't give much to work with.
Originally Posted By friarthe Sorry, I was a little overwhelmed when I posted. Here's what I've discovered: --public transportation in Orlando is a joke for sure. --the "After 2" pass for Universal is a great deal. I "did" both parks in 4 hours, had a great time, and saw almost everything I wanted to. --taxi service here is insanely expensive. I could've hit Holy Land Experience this morning for curiosity's sake, but feel ambivalent. (I'm a Christian and a fan of kitsch, but it looks so insanely tacky I'd be stuck between apologizing and laughing.) Universal Islands of Adventure was MUCH better than I would have expected. Sure, Universal is prone to their noisy-gag form of entertainment (FIRE! NOISE! WATER!) but the theming was awesome, and totally unexpected. If I come back, I will rent a car or just, um, stay at a Disney hotel.
