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Post by catseye on Jan 13, 2004 8:58:28 GMT -5
We are going to florida!!! WHOOO HOO Not till april, but I want to get a feel for what to do down there... We always drive, and will only have 4-5 days... Since I have family down there, we will only be able to spend maybe one day at a park... A couple years ago we went to universal studios, and we had a blast!! But this year we will have to take my son wherever we go, and universal wouldnt be any fun for him.... So any ideas on which park to go to since we can only do one??? We have sd8 adhd, autistic, hearing impaired, and my bs who will almost be 3... Thanks if you can help! cat EDITED to add sd really wants to see that castle that is in the advertisements, I dont even know what park that is at!!!  |
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Post by Honeysmom on Jan 13, 2004 10:08:55 GMT -5
It has been a long time since I was there (11 yrs), but when we went we stayed at a Holiday Inn, in Kisseme. It was the best place for kids. They had all kinds of cool kid things to do. They had little movies and lots of toys. I know we really thought the place was cool, even though I do not remember all of the attributes to the place. Also, they had a store there so you could just go and buy snacks and food, and the also had a cafeteria so you did not have to eat at a resturant every night.
I remember when we went that we really did not like Epcot Center all that much. We were 15, 13, and 9. We thought it was sort of boring. I love Disney! I think that is the one with the castle she is thinking of. I keep begging my DH to take me there, but we feel guilty going w/o the kids and they are too young to spend that kind of $ on a vacation. Disney (I do not remember if it is Disney land or Walt Disney World, I get them confused) I really really really really cool. It is a great time. Have fun, I'm jelous!! Becky
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Post by 1mom on Jan 13, 2004 20:37:33 GMT -5
dear catseye,
if you do do the disney, you really should consider getting what is called the "fast track pass". it's a pass for your family that allows you to go through a shorter line process. (one of the reasons most adhd'ers end up having a miserable time at theme parks is b/c the frustration levels go off the charts from all the standing and waiting in line, surrounded by all sorts of fabulous stimuli). they're a mess of nerves, tears and tantrums after each ride---which at peak times requires 1-3 hours of line waiting time. NO WAY! ;o0
have a blast!
prayers,
1mom
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Post by sierra on Jan 14, 2004 1:19:02 GMT -5
I'm probably a wet blanket but I'd rather be tarred and feathered than spend a couple days at the theme parks. I'll take the beaches, the everglades, the Keys, and the Kennedy Space Center hands down. I had the opportunity years ago to drive about 16 hours to arrive just across from the Cape to watch a take off. Which was delayed for weeks due to weather and mechanical problems. It seemed like the drive back home was 32 hours at least. Years later I realized my dream and saw Atlantis take off.
It's humbling and prideful all at the same time. Such a small and fragile world. But how incredible to venture beyond the atmosphere. I look forward to mankind venturing forth in future trips out of the gravity well again.
I'll have to look up the link sometime. There's a site with words that astronauts from all over the world have uttered while staring at our tiny globe floating in space, even people from war torn countries. Getting up there changes people forever. If we could just take every single person on this planet up to orbit for a couple days I think a lot of our problems would solve themselves. Because we'd realize how silly the issues are.
Well like I said I'm a wet blanket. And maudlin to boot.
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Post by mom2tj on Jan 14, 2004 14:38:40 GMT -5
for a 3yo Disney land is the best.. we also stay in kisseme I think its the best western Its realy nice.
Do ask about a pass for disabled it will make your day better I am not convinced its called a "fact track pass" I think but not sure that thoes are for everyone and you get to pass it one at a time I remember having one and only being allowed one ride every 2 hours.... but my sister when with a friend who's dauther is disabled and they got a pass to be allowed in all rides from the back door..... its worth looking in to, they must have a web site. ane take my advice.... rent a stoler... no matter what your 3yo says its a long day... even better if you have one of thoes umbrella one bring it! My husband refused the first day and the 2nd day was glad to have it our 5yo was glad too I dont care how funny he looked... mind you he is so small no one notices ;D
We've done disney land, epcot and MGM, Disney is more age appropriate for a 3yo epcot is more for adults and MGM better for older kids.
we brought our 5yo to MGM and found that alot of the attractions where scary we only visited about 1/2 of them... not to put it down we still liked it, but if I had to choose....
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Post by jdmom on Jan 14, 2004 16:55:09 GMT -5
The castle in the advertisements is at Disney World itself. I was really rather disappointed with the castle. It was nothing other than what you see. There was nothing inside it. There may have been a gift shop, I don't remember. But it wasn't a ride, and you couldn't tour through it, it was just there. Of course, this was about 20 years ago, when I was a kid. We went on spring break when I was in the 4th grade. We took a two week vacation to somewhere every year when I was a kid. I have been to all 50 states. I must say that Disney World rates right there at the top of the "My favorite vacation" list! You guys will have a blast!
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SKay
Member Emeritus
Posts: 1,126
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Post by SKay on Jan 14, 2004 17:34:31 GMT -5
Not too big on Disney; it's been several years since I've been. Last summer we took our 6 yr old and 2 yr old to the Kennedy Space Center. There is one little play area but not much else for the really young ones, but the 6 yr old loved the whole thing . . . well . . . except what he calls Robot Command (I don't remember if that's the real name.) He doesn't like the darkness. It didn't seem like there was a lot there to me, but then after we left I find out there was more somewhere that we had missed. I guess I'm not much help.
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Post by Sorka on Jan 15, 2004 15:07:57 GMT -5
Sea World might be a better bet all around! You can stroll and look at the animals and take in a show or two
We live near the 'sea world' up here in ohio and it is always a big hit with the kids all under 8.
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Post by swmom on Jan 15, 2004 15:59:20 GMT -5
I agree. Sea World is terrific. And there's a tank where you can actually pet dolphins. They'll come up and take food right out of your hands. It was such a thrill. My 8dd loved it. Also, if your son is into animals, do the Disney's Animal Kingdom. That's also wonderful. They take you on a real safari and set things up so that you DO see animals, lots of them. They also have a conservation center there, which is good. Inside they have a real veterinary operating room with one wall that's entirely glass. In the a.m.'s(check the schedule)
you can actually watch them perform surgeries and do checkups and stuff on the animals that live in the Animal Kingdom. It's really cool stuff.
RE: the Magic Kingdom, the castle is breathtaking but that's all it is. Its not like you climb around inside or anything. The part our dd liked the best was the parade. That's really something and the characters come up the kids, they love it.
Hope that helps! Bon voyage!
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Post by mom2tj on Jan 15, 2004 20:18:07 GMT -5
I agree that the castle in itself was disapointing its nothing really but the experiance I'll never forget.....
DH & I also love Bush Garden thats closser to Tampa where my parents lthey have a bit of everything....
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Post by Amsmom on Jan 16, 2004 20:35:14 GMT -5
Cat, I live in Florida and love Disney World. It is so magical, especially for your very first time! Take the advice of the other members and get a stroller (maybe even a double stroller, because sd8 will get tired too). Also the fast pass is great. You go to the ride, put your ticket in a fast pass machine and it gives you a time to return and zip right through the fast pass lane, ahead of all the other people standing in the regular line. The website is www.disneyworld.com. Just be prepared for the insane prices. |
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Post by jachkldavis on Jan 16, 2004 21:53:42 GMT -5
I havent been to Florida  in years! I think that Sea World will be a good place to go. I love Disney but there are always so many people and I cant deal with it! I hope that whatever you decide you all have a wonderful time! ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by adhdtimes4 on Jan 23, 2004 22:27:21 GMT -5
When our boys were smaller - I think the youngest was 4, we went to Sea World and we all loved it. We rented a really big stroller that seated two big boys, and piled our stuff in it - backpacks, water bottles, etc. We forked out extra money to get premium 'near the gate' parking, but then we went back to the van to eat our lunch and dinner, saving tons of money in the long run.
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Post by AustinsMom on Jan 23, 2004 23:01:07 GMT -5
I'm a big Disney fan. Kids always have a great time there. And for a 3 year old, the Magic Kingdom will be good and your 8 y/o will have fun too. You can stay fairly cheap (like $79 a night) at the All Sports or something like that hotel there. It is on the bus line, and I think you get into Disney earlier when you stay at one of their hotels. I'd buy a DisneyWorld guide at the bookstore and plan your day based on what you want to make sure you do. There are areas of free play which my kids always need built in to the day to keep their sense of humors. I think there are playgrounds in several areas. And the stroller is a must if for nothing else than hauling all your stuff around. We rented one there. Whatever you decide to do, you can't help but have fun if you are in Florida |
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- Mother of two wonderful boys! Klayton - 5 and Haden - 5 months