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#7638 - 04/13/04 04:17 PM
Questions and Comments for Orlando
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CSTUCKY
Administrator/Forum Host
Registered: 02/11/04
Posts: 1683
Loc: Kirkland, WA, USA
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Have a questions regarding this resort? Want to give someone kudos for the great story they shared in their Vacation Journal or for their awesome photo album? Do it here. Title your reply "Questions - Orlando", "Kudos; Journal - Orlando", or "Kudos; Photos - Orlando". This will make it easier to search this thread to find the questions and answers or the respective kudos. Be sure to give us the username for your thank you.
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#7639 - 05/17/04 06:47 PM
Re: WestGate lakes Resort
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gljmann
Registered: 04/02/04
Posts: 43
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Hi all, I am surprised how dead this thread is..... Lets liven it up a bit.
We got a flexchange to the Westgate Lakes Resort for July 4-11th for a 3 bedroom for 4000 points. We are so excited. But, what we want to know... Has anyone stayed there??? What tips can you tell us? We have been to Orlando but we did a Universal package so we are all excited to go to the Disney parks. We did spend a day at Epcot but didn't realize that we were just walking too slow. Missed too much. Can't wait to go back.
Anyone out there with some good tips? We are 2 families traveling together with ages 18-9!!!!
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#7640 - 05/19/04 09:48 PM
Re: WestGate lakes Resort
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catattack
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 62
Loc: Oakland, California
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I don't have any good tips, but I am booked for Orlando starting June 22nd. We will be doing the whole Walt Disney World thing. I'm anxious to read whatever anybody posts.
For instance, how long does it take to get from the resort to WDW (I'm guessing 15-20 minutes), a grocery store, the Orlando airport, etc.
I can't wait!
Linda in Oakland
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#7641 - 05/20/04 12:05 PM
Re: WestGate lakes Resort
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gljmann
Registered: 04/02/04
Posts: 43
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I guess that I'm going to have to count on you to give me all the scoop when you get back, I've been to Orlando before but we did a Universal Studios package so only went to Epcot. We were within about 10-15 minutes to everything and we stayed on International Blvd.
Can't wait to hear about your trip!
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#7642 - 05/22/04 10:28 AM
Orlando resort - transportation?
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catattack
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 62
Loc: Oakland, California
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I will definitely give a trip report when I return from Orlando, which is at the end of June. I have reserved a 2-bedroom. I'm going with my nephew and his nephew, so I think that should be plenty of room.
I believe the Orlando resort, the "Crowne Plaza," is listed in the AAA guide I got yesterday. They offer a discount to AAA members. I wonder how often they can rent rooms out? I thought the resort was pretty busy.
I do have one question to anyone who has been to the Worldmark Orlando resort: I read in the AAA guide that there's a shuttle. To where does it go? How does it work?
Linda in Oakland
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#7643 - 05/23/04 08:49 AM
Re: WestGate lakes Resort
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mrthrifty
Registered: 05/23/04
Posts: 2
Loc: Kansas
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My wife and I are wanting to go to Orlando in the summer of 2005. Any tips on how to get the best value for our points?
You'll have to forgive me for asking, but what is "flexchange" and how'd you manage getting a 3 bedroom at Westgate for 4000 points? That's a great deal! We'll have access to 27,000 points next summer but would prefer not having to use them all. We'll be needing at least two 2 bedroom condos.
Edited by mrthrifty (05/23/04 08:51 AM)
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#7644 - 05/23/04 09:27 AM
Re: Questions and Comments for Orlando
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vchat
Registered: 05/23/04
Posts: 1
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Well, it sounds like we're all looking for the same kind of information. My sister and I are planning a WDW vacation for next year and I have the same questions many of you have regarding travel time from the resort to WDW, grocery, etc. We are actually trying to decide whether or not to stay at one fo the WDW resort hotels, and since we will be 3 families traveling together, I was hoping to find some info here to help us make a good, cost effective decision. I'll check back later. Hope you all have wonderful vacations worth sharing and going back for.
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#7645 - 05/23/04 01:15 PM
Re: WestGate lakes Resort
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gljmann
Registered: 04/02/04
Posts: 43
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We had reservations to Cabo for this summer but with the cost of airfare being so high we cancelled them. We starting doing an II search for any date in July and clicking in the box that says something like any destination. We found lots available in Orlando. We went on a couple mornings at 6am (pacific time) to see what was put into the system the previous night. One morning we found Westgate Lakes 3 bedroom. I called to book and it was in the 59 day Flexchange window. (All sized units with in 59 days are only 4000 points through II) We booked it and it was only 4000! We were thrilled because we were spending 15,850 on our Cabo 9 night reservation. We had really saved enough points to do that. Now we still have about 11,850 in our point bank. We were thrilled. Plus we are flying our family of 5 for 988.50. The Disney passes are what will really be the expensive thing. More that airfare. Oh well. 4th of July in Orlando sounds like a blast. Good luck and just know that it can be done if you are patient and spontaneous!!!
I'll post when we get home and let all know how the resort is.
Gretchen
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#7646 - 05/23/04 08:53 PM
Re: WestGate lakes Resort
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tiggerbelle
Registered: 03/27/04
Posts: 4
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I own at Westgate Lakes and it's a very big resort. The units are very nice. If you have a 3 bedroom it might be a "lock-off" unit. Two bedroom on one side and one bedroom on the other.
The units are all very nicely decorated and have a big screen TV in the living room. They don't give you a starter pack of coffee filters, spices, etc. You do get a roll of paper towels, small packets of dishwashing soap and bath soap.
The master bathroom has a jacuzzi tub with a separate shower. However, it's all in one big room.
Lots of activities at the resort and they have a very nice spa facility where you can get a massage or facial, etc.
Parking was the worse problem. After a few late nights, we'd return and there was no parking in front of our building and I had to park far away. All the buildings look alike and it's easy to get lost too.
Westgate has the reputation of being very "shark-like" in their timeshare presentations. They may try to schedule a follow-up with you to see how the unit measures up or invite you to breakfast and it's their way to get you to their sales presentation. So either don't answer your phone or tell them you're too busy. They might make a stink and say you need to do this or you can't check out or something like that, but it's just all part of the pressure to get you to go to the meeting. So beware.
You should have an awesome time in July. But it's going to be hot, humid and crowded. But you're on vacation, so it can't be all bad.
Have fun.
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#7647 - 05/23/04 11:12 PM
Re: Questions and Comments for Orlando
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melb
Registered: 04/07/04
Posts: 228
Loc: Sydney, Australia
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"same questions many of you have regarding travel time from the resort to WDW, grocery, etc"
The WM resort isn't close to anything really - it is half way between Universal and DisneyWorld, but this means it's in the mainly un-developed bit of International Drive.
With such a glut of timeshares in Orlando, I'd recommend using II Flexchange for 4000 credits. No-one has reported any difficulties getting a Flexchange in Orlando (other than trying to stay at a DVC resort - they are always difficult to get, and bigger than a one bedroom is rare). Staying off Disney property, you will be paying for parking and you will spend a lot of time in the parking lots  If you stay on property, you get to use the free Disney transportation - which drops you practically at the gates of each park
WM Orlando doesn't have a washing machine/dryer in the unit (they are down the hall, and I think on every second floor?) so with such 3 families, you could end up with a lot of traipsing down the hall.
I stayed 4 days at WM Orlando and a week exchange into Disney's Old Key West - staying on property very convenient, and the early access to Animal Kingdom is very very handy (get in while the animals are still awake before the Florida heat gets to them!!) but it's certainly not a cheap option.
Groceries etc, there are WalMarts everywhere once you get away from the parks, though I know some people avoid WalMart. Kissimmee is the closest to WDW and WorldMark, I think. WalMart also stocks a cheaper line of official Disney items, such as $5 t-shirts and towels (not as fancy as the ones you get in the parks, but they start at about 3 times that price) There are also various Disney discount outlet stores at the outlet malls (there is one up the far end of International Drive past the Universal turn off). They tend to stock the end of ranges, but some of the stuff is still available in the parks for full price. They usually don't have merch for the individual rides, but they do have general park stuff (Epcot, AK, Magic Kingdom, MGM - which they don't have at WalMart, WalMart tends to be "DisneyWorld Florida!")
WalMart was also the cheapest place I found to get a CD burnt from my digital camera memory card - they charged $11 for 300 photos, most places wanted almost $50!!
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#7648 - 05/24/04 10:40 AM
Re: Questions and Comments for Orlando
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catattack
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 62
Loc: Oakland, California
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melb, thank you so much for your thoughts about Orlando, and its relationship to WDW, Universal, grocery stores, etc. I learned so much. Also thanks for telling me how the washer/dryer thing works at the resort.
4 more weeks!
Linda in Oakland
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#7649 - 05/25/04 11:58 AM
Re: WestGate lakes Resort
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gljmann
Registered: 04/02/04
Posts: 43
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Wow! Thanks for that report! I know we'll have a great time. With 5 days at Disney properties and 1 driving to Cocoa Beach, hopefully we will not be able to schedule in a time share thingy. I hate them anyways. However, some times the incentives are tempting....
We are so excited, thanks for sharing. Gretchen
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#7650 - 06/03/04 08:08 AM
Re: WestGate lakes Resort
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gljmann
Registered: 04/02/04
Posts: 43
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Somebody just told me about a webpage called
www.mousesaver.com
Lots of tips and ideas. If you sign up for their newslwtter soon you will get an email with the months deals. You have to sign up soon tho to get on the list to receive on the 15th of June. We are hoping to find a good deal on a 1 night hotel on the Disney propery for our last night.
Check it out and see what you think.
You must be getting so excited!!! I know I am and we don't leave until the 3rd!!!!
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#7651 - 06/04/04 11:00 AM
Re: Questions and Comments for Orlando
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MULAN
Registered: 06/04/04
Posts: 8
Loc: California
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I am thinking of joining Intervals international and was wonder what kind of a success rate you all were having getting onto the Disney properties (DVC). Using Disney properties would be my only reason for choosing II over RCI this year.
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#7652 - 06/04/04 02:04 PM
Re: Orlando resort - transportation?
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rchristy
Registered: 05/29/04
Posts: 77
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Linda,My wife and I along with three other couples(all over 65) just returned from Orlando. We didn't stay at our worldmark resort but went by it,to check it out. It was nice and in a very good location. It's almost within walking distance from Seaworld and within 15 to 20 min. from Disney. We went over there for the Fri. nite dinner special which was a Prime Rib dinner for $13.95 and it was grrreat. as far as the shuttal I don't know.
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#7653 - 06/04/04 03:34 PM
Re: Questions and Comments for Orlando
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gljmann
Registered: 04/02/04
Posts: 43
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We have II and have gotten alot of use out of it. We have used it 3 times for getaways that you pay cash for not points and just did a trade into Orlando at the Westgate Lakes Resort as a flexchange. We got a 3 bedroom for 4000 points because it was within the 59 day window. That saved us 11,580 from our Cabo booking that we had cancelled the day before. We are thrilled with II and sure get alot out of our original Worldmark points.
As for the disney resorts... I have never seen any available online. But I haven't really been looking. Which Disney resorts are in the II system???
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#7654 - 06/04/04 05:59 PM
Re: Questions and Comments for Orlando
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MULAN
Registered: 06/04/04
Posts: 8
Loc: California
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Most of the Disney vacation clubs are available for exchange with II. Old Key West, Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk Villas and the new resort that just opened in May, Saratoga Springs. I recently stayed at the Coronado Spring Resort and spent entirely to much money. It really made me appreciate Worldmark. I now realize what a deal I have. With 5 kids I had to get 2 rooms and with no kitchen, eating out for every meal was quite costly. I did like being on the property not having to drive or pay for parking, that's why I was wondering about DVC through II.
Edited by CSTUCKY (06/04/04 08:17 PM)
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#7655 - 06/04/04 08:24 PM
Re: Orlando resort - transportation?
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catattack
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 62
Loc: Oakland, California
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Thank you for the information! But a prime rib dinner! Where did you get that?
Linda in Oakland
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#7656 - 06/04/04 08:25 PM
Re: Orlando resort - transportation?
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catattack
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 62
Loc: Oakland, California
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Oh, also.....how was the weather? How did you stand the heat?
I've got my.Yahoo home page with an Orlando weather report every time I go online, and it reads in the 90's every day. I leave in a little over two weeks. I think I'm gonna die.
Linda in cool Oakland
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#7657 - 06/05/04 09:53 AM
Re: Questions and Comments for Orlando
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sharwell
Registered: 05/29/04
Posts: 4
Loc: Federal Way, WA
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I was on a waiting list from June of last year until March of this year trying to exchange for one of three of the Disney Resorts to go during Spring Break. None of them came up available. The guy at II said they rarely come up for exchange. So we stayed at the WM Crown Plaza which was very nice. You're not very far from the Disney parks and never had any traffic.
Shawn in Federal Way
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#7658 - 06/07/04 12:18 PM
Re: Orlando resort - transportation?
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rchristy
Registered: 05/29/04
Posts: 77
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They have a resturant and bar at the resort. Drinks were costly. As far as the heat, it can get hot, but we are from Ga. and we are used to it. That's the price we have to pay, to live here. If the weather were always nice there would be too meny people down here and this corner of North America would break off!!!
Edited by rchristy (06/07/04 12:27 PM)
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#7659 - 06/07/04 12:51 PM
Re: Questions and Comments for Orlando
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rchristy
Registered: 05/29/04
Posts: 77
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GOOD INFO.--if your going to the WM resort, it's still new to the area and not even some of the cab drivers know where it is, by that name. They know where the Crown Plaza is. Driving directions are, take I-4 south to Seaworld exit - go past Seaworld entrance to International Blvd.-turn right (south) about 1/4 mile look for WM on right. I know the area pertty well, so if anyone needs help e-mail me at 134christy@myexcel.com
Robin
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#7660 - 06/07/04 01:04 PM
Re: Orlando resort - transportation?
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rchristy
Registered: 05/29/04
Posts: 77
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I just look at the pic. of LOTES in the photo section of the Fla. forum and they have some great pic. of the resort, although I'm not sure if the building on the right is WMs!
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#7661 - 06/07/04 02:41 PM
Re: Questions and Comments for Orlando
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MULAN
Registered: 06/04/04
Posts: 8
Loc: California
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Thank you for the info. I had a feeling it would not be easy to get onto the Disney property.
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#7662 - 06/07/04 11:39 PM
Re: Questions and Comments for Orlando
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catattack
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 62
Loc: Oakland, California
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Thank you for those directions, Robin! I have printed them out and will use them in exactly 2 weeks. It looks fairly easy to get there. I guess I'll also have to figure out how to get from the Crowne Plaza to Walt Disney World resorts.
Thanks again!
Linda in Oakland
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#7663 - 06/07/04 11:41 PM
Re: Orlando resort - transportation?
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catattack
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 62
Loc: Oakland, California
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rchristy said, "If the weather were always nice there would be too meny people down here and this corner of North America would break off!!! "
As opposed to California, where the whole coastline is going to break off at the San Andreas faultline?
Oh, yeah, that sounds much better!
Linda in Oakland
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#7664 - 06/08/04 03:39 PM
Disney Tickets
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gljmann
Registered: 04/02/04
Posts: 43
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Hi, I am about to purchase our Disney tickets and wondered if anyone had used an off Disney outlet to buy them? I found a place that sold 4 day hopper plus for 222.00. It is a webpage and I called the number in the contact us and they sounded legit. We were really excited to see 4 day hopper plus because on the Disney sdight they only offer 5 day plus tickets. I a bit leary. Any advice??? We are buying 11 tickets so it is a big chunk of money.
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#7665 - 06/08/04 06:25 PM
Re: Disney Tickets
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melb
Registered: 04/07/04
Posts: 228
Loc: Sydney, Australia
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4 day Park Hopper Plus certainly do exist, and non-US residents can get them from the Disney site (they're $232 on there, no advance discount for non-US)
Is it one of the ticket brokers recommended on www.mousesavers.com? As mentioned on there, "There are a ton of fly-by-night ticket brokers around". If you'd rather buy the tickets in person, Kissimmee Wal-Mart has a ticket seller in Wal-Mart Vacations and they usually have them, but best to call ahead and check. They offer 5% discount on all tickets, so that brings it down to about the same as the $222 you've seen. They have tickets for all the theme parks, not just Disney.
With that many tickets, I would recommend you go get a photo copy of the back of them as soon as you get them - with the info on the back, you can easily get them replaced at the gate if you loose one (or take digital photos of the back of the tickets that are clear enough to read, you just need some kind of record)
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#7666 - 06/08/04 06:31 PM
Discount coupons
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melb
Registered: 04/07/04
Posts: 228
Loc: Sydney, Australia
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Orlando Official Visitor Center is well worth visiting early in your trip - they have a lot of offers and very helpful unbiased staff, lots of maps and discounts for non-Disney things. It's actually a bit back from the road, so easy to miss (car park in front, the building isn't hidden). They also give you a discount card for quite a few buy one get one free type offers. They've got discount tickets to most attractions.
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#7667 - 06/09/04 11:01 AM
Re: Questions and Comments for Orlando
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rchristy
Registered: 05/29/04
Posts: 77
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Linda, Getting to Disney will be no problem, you get back on I-4 south and follow the signs ( you can't miss it)Have a gret time.
Robin
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