So we are going to Florida late this summer to catch some baseball (nephew playing) in the Bradeton, FL area. While we are in FL and so close to Dinsey, I would like to take my 4 yr old to Disney for the day. She is 4 and so into princess and wearing her princess dresses. I also have two boys 7 and 11. I know my boys want to go to the Hollywood Studios (they are into Star Wars). We may split up for the day or buy a 2 or 3 day pass. Suggestions for Disney. DEALS.. what to DO or not do? I know it is going to be HOT in August.. Is it crazy crowded as well?
We are considering the All Star Sports at Disney, the JW Marriott (with discount of course) the Nick Hotel and I saw a Groupon for a Co-Co Key Hotel and Water Park which I would also consider..
We get Discounts and the Marriott and Hyatt if anyone has any hotel suggestions in Orlando and Siesta Key/Sarasota or Bradeton area... Since it is August.. A fun kid friendly pool is a MUST which is easier to find in the Orlando area.
DO NOT STAY AT NICK. Disaster! Dirty! Florida is hot. Try to have a plan this way you do not waste time. Pop Century is my favorite. Same price as All Star Sports but newer. Have fun.
We live in FL. It's hot, when isn't it?!? LOL. Last Sept. we stayed at Nick Hotel for a night. Our kids loved the pools. They have restaurants on site. A gift shot, movies (short movies~pay extra to see them all unlimited). They have a mini golf, basketball and pool tables. Massages are given by the pool. Crafts on site and beverages sold near the pools. If a birthday is planned, they give you a button to wear and all the staff say Happy Birthday when they see you. Downtown Disney has star wars swords (forget the name sorry) they can build.
Siesta Key has beautiful white sandy beaches and beverages sold at the beach shop.
Bradenton is growing we used to go to Pirates Spring Training :) and a Red Barn Flea Market. They have beaches also. Remember the sun screen and hurricane supplies.
I would not split the day at all. There is too much to see in the two parks for one day. When we went we spent 2 days in each of those two parks. I would do at least a 2 or if you can 3 day pass. The all star's are nice. We stayed in movies a few years ago and loved it.
Years ago, I went to FL in August and it was terribly hot and humid ! Bring sunglasses and hats, etc... We went to Magic Kingdom on the day it opened extra early. So, ask for the weekly schedule of park hours.
I was just in Disney last month. Typoon Lagoon will be great for the boys.
The body slides and rafting rides were fun ! We got there as soon as it opened to avoid the long lines. Many of the rafts are heavy. Your 11 yr old will be able to carry them up the stairs. Animal Kingdom...If you go, don't miss the Lion King Show in the Camp Mickey section. Your kids will love the safari, too. The boys will love the "Dinosaur" ride !
We did not get a hopper pass. There is more than enough to do in each park every day and still not see everything ! A fast pass is extremely important to have. The lines are long. Either bring or purchase lightweight
panchos for the downpours !
If you decide to stay in Disney, the dining plan is great ! Make reservations for the character meals !
Pop Century has 3 kid-friendly pools !
Busch Gardens is up in Tampa nice little water areas for kids and roller coasters etc for the older kids . Real close to Bradenton. Bradenton pancake breakfast on the beach is great. Treasure Island in Tampa is also nice on the pier where you can see the porpoises swim. Now to Disney. I prefer the carribean beach resort. If you can afford better I hear the polanesian is awesome also. Was going to go to nick hotel and then saw the very very bad reviews about bed bugs etc and that it was way to crowded. Good luck on that. Boys will probably love animal kingdom. My 11 year old loves the roller coasters (mount Everist). The younger kids love the dinasaur dig . Rope ladders, slides, sand pit. Magic kingdom you daugher will love the princesses. Take in a character meal for your daughter.
We stayed at the Marriot on international Drive. They had a very kid friendly pool. We had a wonderful time with our kids.
Typhoon Lagoon used to be part of a Disney park hopper pass but didn't count against you. We bought a 10 day pass and Disney gave us 14 days to use it. The 4 non-park days we spent at Typhoon Lagoon and Universal Studios. Universal Studios Luau was the best we ever went to and that included the three we went to in Hawaii.
Hope you have a wonderful time.
