Discussions

Will be travelling to Florida and the Deep South states this spring looking for some info and tips on Disney World. Will be no children just 2 adults not interested in rides but want to visit for a day or two. What to do & see and where to stay without breaking the bank? Allegiant Air will fly us to Sanford then what? Do not like renting a car at the airport its usually double the price of off site rentals. Are there car rentals in Sanford itself? Internet sites recommend Epcot and Magic Kingdom? Any info would be appreciated.

www.mousesavers.com to find many great deals for both Florida and California. They are a reputable site and at the time we saved a lot by getting stuff through them. I think at the time though we did purchase our Disney passes through the Disney store in the mall. But hotels, and other parks we went on this site. Good luck

Downtown Disney is free and neat to check out. You can hop on the tram and the boat to Magic Kingdom around Disney for free too. Recommend parking at downtown Disney to avoid the parking fees at the park. My personal favs are Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Right now passes are 25% off for cdn visitors if you are buying four plus days. We are going in March and only doing three days but buying four is cheaper.

Last time I was there I used Thrifty rental. You can book and keep looking and rebook without penalty when you find a better deal. I rebooked 6 or 7 times when I found better deals on their site. Epcot is a must in my opinion.

Don't do Disney.  
Epcot, animal sanctuary, universal (loved it) and definitely take the trip to Clearwater Beach for a day.

Clearwater Beach is definitely in the plan. Pictures look beautiful. How long of a drive from Orlando? I believe spring training in March is also in that area? Would like to catch a few ball games as well.

It rehabilitates injured sea life - we saw the dolphin with the prosthetic limb there and saw lots of other sea life there. Can't remember the name of the movie that showcases their work.

Personally, I love Disney. We've been there 4 times now. If you're looking for the Disney atmosphere and Disney feeling, I'd recommend Magic Kingdom. Animal Kingdom is probably my favourite, as I love all the animals and it seems more spread out or something so it doesn't seem as busy as the other parks. It also isn't open late, closes at 5:00 pm or so. Lots of Disney characters there. If you are into culture, Epcot is awesome! You seriously can experience different cultures, traditions, and food from all over the world in a day. Really great experience. And a fireworks/laser light show almost every night. Hollywood Studios is good too, if you're into movies and the making of them. Disney is expensive, I'm not sure if there's a way around it. But as a kid growing up with Disney, it's worth it to me. Downtown Disney is a good suggestion, as it's free, but it's all shops and restaurants, it's not really what I think of as the typical Disney park/experience.  
We went to Clearwater Beach and the aquarium for the first time 2 winters ago. The aquarium is really neat, they're all about rescuing and rehabilitating marine animals. It's not a huge aquarium, and not set up like your typical aquarium, but is still a really neat experience. The dolphin from the movie "Dolphin Tale." lives there, as does a second dolphin who can't live in the wild. Clearwater Beach is right close and a really really nice beach. Super soft, fine sand. Lots of neat shops. Clearwater is only a few hour drive from Orlando. We stayed a few days in Tampa to attend hockey games and it's a beautiful city as well, and just drove out to Clearwater Beach for the afternoon.  
No matter what you decide to do, have fun, there's so many neat things to see and do there.

So do you buy your Disney tickets on line ahead of time or just at the gate when you go? Any advantage one way or the other ? When you land at Sanford airport can you get a shuttle to take you to Disney World?

We bought our tickets online from the Disney website beforehand. I'm not sure which is better, I just wanted the security of knowing they were bought and what the price was before we got there.  
I'm not sure if there's a shuttle from Sanford Airport or not. Sanford is an hour or so drive from Disneyworld.

They play out of Dunedin, which is on the west cost by Tampa. The Jays are playing the Phillies at Disneys World of Sports during spring break. We're going there to watch instead of Dunedin, only 10 min from our condo.

We have been several times and have always bought our tickets in advance. First time from the Disney store in Wpg (not sure if its still there) so we could pay in Canadian. Second time from Undercovertourist.com. They tend to be cheaper - when comparing prices keep in mind taxes are included in their price. Buy at least as many days as you want, possibly an extra day if you think you might go as its not much more for an extra day when bought in advance. Buy them here, you don't want to stand in yet another really long line just to buy a ticket, as there will be another line to stand in to get in, lines for rides etc.  
 
Sandford is a REALLY long way from Disney in comparison to Orlando airport (we have flown both). I'm pretty sure you'll have to rent a car. I can't remember which company we rented from. You might want to consider a sunpass for any toll booths or make sure you have lots of change, small money for the toll booths.  
 
There is lots to see and do. Airboat rides, orange farm tours, dinner theaters, shopping, downtown Disney (free), Universal Studios, beaches, NASA, and many others.

I checked out undercovertourist but it's more expensive - Disney is offering 25% off until the end of Feb to Cdn tourists, makes it considerably cheaper.

I've been to Disney 6 times and are currently planning our next trip and consider myself fairly knowledgeable on all things about DW. 1st - Yes, buy your tickets from Disney.com with the 25% discount, you will NOT find them cheaper anywhere. I do believe they must be minimum 4 days.  
 
If you've never been before, do your research on the parks. You say just adults going. This narrows it down substantially from what you will want to see.  
Magic Kingdom does have stuff for everyone but is more about the youngens! Lots of small kiddy type rides. Castle is beautiful and fireworks fantanstic.  
Disney Studios is I'd say for the teenager...high tempo atmosphere, lots going on, Fantasmic is a must see.  
Animal Kingdom is for everyone, more relaxing, Festival of Lion King show is awesome.  
Epcot as mentioned is kind of a trip around the world in one spot. Lots to do and see, night time fireworks are fantastic as well.  
I always recommend being at the park gates waiting to get in them 15 - 30 min before park opening, even earlier if it's busy time of year. Yes there will be a lineup.  
Looks like you've got Clearwater scheduled...must do.  
Bouncing around the Disney hotels can be fun too. Lots to see.  
Hoop De Doo Revue is a great entertaining dinner show.  
allearsnet.com is another website with a huge amount of info to help.  
There also some great restaurants at Universal City Walk.  
As for hotels, if you stay off site you will save money. Disney does offer discounts once in awhile on their hotels but they are still generally pricey. Off site you can spend however much you like.  
If you'd like more help or info from me, feel free to PM.  
 
Good luck and have fun!