Just to say hello....

[English Dan]

Hello everyone, great site!!!
My Family and I will be going to Orlando on the 2nd July (we can't wait!!) and obvioulsy we have a few questions. (sorry if I repeat any that have already been answered).

1. We will be going to all the theme parks but motly disney, would you suggest giving the theme parks a complete rest on July 4th?? Or is it better to say go just in the AM or PM? If so which is the best park to go to. I guess they will all have great firework displays!

2. When in the theme parks how many attractions are there that you have to pay extra to use/go on? Do you have to pay extra for Shark Reef at Typhoon Lagoon?

3. We are staying at a villa and will be hiring a car, we have 7 day hopper plus tickets, so if we decide to go to MK in the morning then go home and come back to Epcot in the afternoon, do we need to pay 2 lots of car parking??

4. The villa we are staying in is in Kissemmee, what is the public transport like?? If we dont want to drive one day is there a bus or some transport to get to disney or any other shops/Malls?

There is probably loads more things I could ask but I think thats enough for now!! Thanks for reading.

Cheers, Dan.

 

[nibblesandbits]

Hello Dan and welcome to our crazy boards! (Just as a note, you will now offcically be sucked in! :lol: )
I can answer a few of your questions for ya!

2. You do not have to pay extra for any of the attractions at any of the theme parks or water parks. Everything is included in the price of the ticket (I believe...unless I'm totally forgetting something.) Also, most of Disney Quest is included in the price of admission...with the exception of a few things that you could take home as souveneers.
3. You do not need to pay twice for parking. If you keep your parking reciept and show it when you park at Epcot, they will allow you to park there for "free" (I say "free" b/c you already paid for it at MK!)

Hope that helps you a little bit and have a wonderful time!

 

[Moustronaut]

1. We will be going to all the theme parks but motly disney, would you suggest giving the theme parks a complete rest on July 4th?? Or is it better to say go just in the AM or PM? If so which is the best park to go to. I guess they will all have great firework displays!.

This will be the most crowded day. If you want to go, go early and stay in a park. It's very very likely they will close the parks due to capacity. Since you are not staying in a Disney resort, you may not be able to get into one or all the parks that day. Epcot will probably have the best fireworks with MK a close second.

4. The villa we are staying in is in Kissemmee, what is the public transport like?? If we dont want to drive one day is there a bus or some transport to get to disney or any other shops/Malls.

Not that I am aware of for Kissemmee. I know there are shuttles and whatnot that run up and down I-drive near the convention center but I don't think any of them come as far south as Kissemmee.

 

[mousermerf]

1. Lots of folks suggest Epcot for the 4th because it has a massive capacity and tons of breathing room - the MK will be a mess and AK gets cramped easily. Anywhere you go, go early, because if a park reaches capacity it may not reopen for the rest of the day.

2. The only i even recall ever requiring money were the sideshow style games in Dinorama at AK. Even little toys you make and take from Epcot's Innoventions are free.

3. Parking is 1 fee per day (hold on to the pass), as noted above.

4. I'd just drive, it's really not bad and signage is usually pretty good. If you feel like you'd get lost, if you rent from Hertz Rental Car you can get a car with "Never Lost" which is a talking GPS that can find locations (like the theme parks) or restaurants and guide you there, even recalculating route if you miss a turn.

 

[figmentmom]

Welcome, Dan! :wave:

If you're considering going to any of the Disney parks on the 4th of July, I'd get there at LEAST an hour before "official" opening time in the morning. Be prepared for total gridlock, too.

I'm not an expert on this one, but it seems to me that NO public transportation goes to the Disney parks at all - in other words, if you're not staying at a hotel that has its own shuttle to the parks, your only other alternative is to drive your car. However, look at it this way - with your own car, you're not dependent on anyone's schedule but your own family's - you can come and go when you want, not when the bus does! As nibblesandbits already said, if you leave the parks and return later that same day, hang on to your receipt and you won't have to pay for parking twice!

Have a GREAT time!

 

[awallaceunc]

I suggest MGM on 7/4. I did it last year... great fireworks display (their only one of the whole year), and not that crowded (comparatively).

-Aaron

 

[crazydaveh]

As stated before, it will be packed on the 4th!

Get there early with your ponchos (It will rain, it's Florida) and tackle the day long adventure.

Public transportation does not go to the parks. Some of the Kissimmee places do offer transportation to and from the parks, but be careful of the times. Most are set as to when they arrive and depart and don't care that the parks are open later on holidays.

 

[English Dan]

Many, many thanks to you all, this has really hepled me. I can't wait to get there now!!

Am I to expect it to rain every day? I have been told it will but for only about an hour in the afternoon, is this correct? Thanks again.

Cheers, Dan.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

1. We will be going to all the theme parks but motly disney, would you suggest giving the theme parks a complete rest on July 4th?? Or is it better to say go just in the AM or PM? If so which is the best park to go to. I guess they will all have great firework displays!

2. When in the theme parks how many attractions are there that you have to pay extra to use/go on? Do you have to pay extra for Shark Reef at Typhoon Lagoon?

3. We are staying at a villa and will be hiring a car, we have 7 day hopper plus tickets, so if we decide to go to MK in the morning then go home and come back to Epcot in the afternoon, do we need to pay 2 lots of car parking??

4. The villa we are staying in is in Kissemmee, what is the public transport like?? If we dont want to drive one day is there a bus or some transport to get to disney or any other shops/Malls?

Greetings Dan and welcome :wave:
1) I would miss the parks if you don't like "Busy" - however the fireworks at night are not to be missed. Dilemma - as you're staying off property you will not be allowed into a park if it gets to capacity (so if you're going to a park I would not leave it too long after mid-day if you're not doing a full day)
2) The only things that are extra are : The Park Tours, The Dolphin Swim Experience at EPCOT, and obviously all food and drink
3) Keep your car parking ticket
4) Taxi is your best alternative - but having paid for a hire car I'd use it as driving is easy in the Orlando area

EDIT - re your last post - yes (probably) but it will be a welcome relief to the humidity

 

[English Dan]

Thanks Captain. I appreciate your help.

Cheers, Dan.

 

[Yellow Shoes]

but having paid for a hire car I'd use it as driving is easy in the Orlando area

Just remember that Floridians drive on the wrong side! It's LEFT turns that are tricky. You can make a right turn on a red light after you come to a complete stop.

 

[rogerrabbitfan9]

Hey Dan,
Expect rain rain on most days. It may not but there is always a chance. Don't get to the park to late as you will be denied access, this includes un-disney parks. (The last part I put I saw a person fighting to get in.)

 

[figmentmom]

Many, many thanks to you all, this has really hepled me. I can't wait to get there now!!

Am I to expect it to rain every day? I have been told it will but for only about an hour in the afternoon, is this correct? Thanks again.

Cheers, Dan.

Yes, it probably WILL rain every day - and summer rain storms in Florida are usually brief, but are absolute downpours! It's best to be prepared.

I absolutely hate having wet feet, so I always Scotchguard our canvas sneakers before we leave for vacation - it's spray waterproofing, I'll bet something similar is available on your side of the pond! :lol: I bring extra socks along, too.

Have fun!