California girl's first trip to Disney World and Florida...

[CaliforniaGal]

Hello, I've lived in California all my life and have been to Disneyland many times during my childhood and as an adult but now I'm taking my first trip to Florida and Disneyworld from October 7 through October 17.

This is what I have planned:

I read that Magic Kingdom is very similar to Disneyland so I'll probably plan on spending more time at Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kindgom. I also want to do Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach Do you still recommend the park hopper pass or is one park a day a good plan since I'm gonna have 9 full days and one half day in Florida

One day at Universal Studios and one day at the Island of Adventures.

Day trip to the Discovery Cove to hang out with Dolphins.

Day trip to Kennedy Space Center

Day trip to Cocoa Beach.

I also want to experience at least one Florida thunderstorm. I've never experienced a thunderstorm up close or warm rain in my life since it only rains in winter in California and it's thunderless. Someone told me that the average Californian would freak out upon being caught up in a typical gulf coast thunderstorm so that made me curious enough to want to experience one. I've heard thunder from a distance maybe 5-10 times in my entire life and I like how it sounded. I bet the thunderstorm will put more adrenalin in me than all the rides put together. Is early October too late to guarantee this experience? I was planning to walk around in a swimsuit, shorts, and crocs to experience the thunderstorm. I may think of it as a thrill ride but I do know there are some dangers with lightning so would like some tips on how to know when to come in from the rain. Also, how risky is it to go swimming in the hotel pool during a thunderstorm? Do they close the pools when there's lightning nearby?

I chose early October because I wanted to avoid the crowds that come during school vacations and the oppressive humidity of summer and still have a guarantee that it would be warm enough enjoy the water parks and swim in the pool at night.

Hotel has a full shuttle service to the theme parks but I plan on renting a car for the day trips to Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach. I have a friend joining me from the 7th through the 13th and I'm on my own from the 14th through the 17th.

 

[real mad hatter]

Thats it.Iam off to get my speech tested...I'am repeating myself..

 

[CaliforniaGal]

Okay. I understand. I'll be staying at a value this January because it's my first trip without my parents and that's where my dad said he could send me. Thankfully my annual will be good and I have frequent flyer miles so I'll only have to pay for a one way ticket, so my friend and I can do sit down places (both of us are super sensitive, plus we both feel like we need the down time)

I recommend you at least take the time to see the resorts on the monorail loop. Just kind of go around and see them (you won't be able to use the pool, but you can shop, look around, grab a bite to eat, etc.). Those would be Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary. They are really neat resorts and you can explore them even if you are not staying there. You can park at the Transportation and Ticket Center. walk to Poly, and take the monorail to the rest. You can do this in the morning before heading to MK if you like.

QS Places:
MK: Cosmic Ray's, Be Our Guest if you get there early enough, Columbia Harbor House
Epcot: Anything along World Showcase that you like (except American Adventure) Food Court at the Land, good if you're like me and need the fresh options
DHS: Backlot Express and Pizza Planet. If you want to do one cheaper sit down option, here would be the place to do it as the QS food isn't stellar. I recommend Prime Time.
AK: Flame Tree BBQ and Pizzafari.

There is a McDonald's on property that has normal prices if you want to drive there and stay in the parks in the evenings. I would also highly recommend stopping at a nearby grocery store and grabbing some food to take with you if you are trying to save money. This especially goes for drinks. Disney allows food and drinks in all of their parks. This way you could get a full park day if you decided to stay later in the evening, something I recommend so you can see fireworks/parade (Main Street Electrical, it's my understanding Disneyland goers miss that parade), and Fantasmic! (Yes I do recommend it. I know you have it in DL, but it's a different show here with a few different scenes, though my guess is you'll still like the DL version better. Also, there's an ampitheater and the show is in DHS. Check which nights it plays. Also, unlike DL, fireworks are every night since the air quality restrictions aren't as high here).

Thanks- will check out all those places as I am trying to save more money for the attractions by eating cheaply.