Florida Vacation

[dera]

Originally Posted by braty

Wow! Thanks. This kinda puts my "what watch to wear" worries on a back burner, and leads to more important issues. So how far is Beaches Turks & Caicos from Orlando DW?

His comments are 100% spot on. 14 days in Orlando is absolute craziness.

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by Verdi

Guys, this topic has been a blessing.
Jst to share, after I did some research and read your posts, I decided to give DW 2-3 days and Seaworld 1-2 days.
The rest will be Smyrna and Clearwater beach.
My daughter is 4 yrs old.

I have 9 days to spend in Orlando so out of these 4 will be thematic parks and the rest beach and a bit of shopping!

Happy to help!

See my post above, for Florida check out Captiva Resort, I think it may be perfecct for you.

[braty]

Originally Posted by speedolex

The problem with Disney World these days is that there aren't enough good rides. And the really good ones are booked in advance with Disney's FastPass feature so you can't go on them multiple times without a long wait. And as far as waking up early, you better get used to that because the Extra Magic hours at the crack of dawn are one of the only ways to beat the crowds to the good rides, it's a benefit to park hotel guests. We were just down there in February and you pay like $120 per person for an EPCOT ticket and there are two rides worth doing and long waits and long walks and it's exhausting. Then another $120 per person to go to Hollywood Studios and they have only one ride worth experiencing. And there are no half day park tickets. It's crazy expensive to do just a few hours a day at one of the Disney parks. Point is it's not what you think it is, pick a theme park, there simply aren't enough rides. If you wanted to make it a really long stay at Disney, this is the maximum amount of time you'd want at each park:

Magic Kingdom (2 days)
EPCOT (1 day)
Animal Kingdom (1/2 day)
Hollywood Studios (1/2 day)
Water Parks or Boating (1/2 day)

Point is, that's 5 days right there. You want to be more leisurely, fine, take it up to 7 days. But you do not, under any circumstances, need more than 7 days 6 nights exploring the sum total of Disney World. And Universal or Sea World are just poorer version of Disney, very small, very expensive.

Now, if you want to view your stay as getting in some important relaxation time, that's cool, I think that's great, but there are better places to go than Disney for that, especially the Polynesian which doesn't have the best pool. Atlantis in the Bahamas for one. Beaches at Negril Jamaica or Turks & Caicos for another. These places have no theme parks, they are 100% about relaxation and leisure time, massive pools, massive water parks, snorkeling, diving, boat excursions, fantastic food. All are short flights from Orlando.

If I were you I'd change the vacation, do half the time in Orlando at Disney as planned and then book the other half at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Half the time hustle at the theme parks, half the time being pampered at a luxury resort that's all about relaxation. I've done both multiple times, you need to trust me on this one.

IMPORTANT: Especially with a 6 year old son! I just read that. He can't go on half the rides in the parks that are worth going on, at his age he will only appreciate Magic Kingdom with its large assortment of rides for kids his age/height. A 6 year old will not get the full Disney experience in Hollywood Studios or EPCOT, they're practically worthless to him. You need to Google "Beaches Turks & Caicos" and book half your vacation there, now more than ever. Beaches Turks & Caicos is an all-inclusive and it has a kids camp at no charge where your 6 year old can spend the day with other 6 year olds in Sesame Street branded activities while you and your wife can get some alone time on the nicest beach in the world, fantastic food, etc. It's expensive, but Beaches will be cheaper than Disney with all the theme park tickets and food you're facing. Please trust me on this one. I have 4 kids, been to Disney World 10x or more, you are in Orlando way too long for no reason when there is a different experience that is better for your wife and son than this. By Week 3 you will be going out of your mind with regret and boredom.....you need to change the last two weeks to a different destination right now.

So then 14 days doing parks and relaxation and everything else in between lik universal, legoland etc is good enough? I was thinking of cancelling 4 days of my stay at the polynesian and stay there for 10 days instead, after reading everyone's suggestions. Should I do that or stick with 14 days at polynesian and consider those 2 weeks to do everything that needs to be done in Orlando ALONE. I can get that done and dusted and THEN move on to the other places like keys, or jamaica or turks as suggested for the remaining 2 weeks. What say?

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by braty

So then 14 days doing parks and relaxation and everything else in between lik universal, legoland etc is good enough? I was thinking of cancelling 4 days of my stay at the polynesian and stay there for 10 days instead, after reading everyone's suggestions. Should I do that or stick with 14 days at polynesian and consider those 2 weeks to do everything that needs to be done in Orlando ALONE. I can get that done and dusted and THEN move on to the other places like keys, or jamaica or turks as suggested for the remaining 2 weeks. What say?

I recommend 10 days as the maximum to do Disney plus all of the other parks in Orlando. Leave Orlando by Day 10.

Then use the remaining time at one of the recommended resorts like Turks, Jamaica, or Bahamas taking into account the travel time to get there.

I'm jealous. You will have a great time with such an extended stay.

[RMC12]

I would say two weeks to do Orlando in that case. I am sure with a 6 year old you will find more than 2 rides per theme park he will want to do. That still gives you a full 2 weeks elsewhere. I can also highly recommend Captiva.

[braty]

Originally Posted by speedolex

I recommend 10 days as the maximum to do Disney plus all of the other parks in Orlando. Leave Orlando by Day 10.

Then use the remaining time at one of the recommended resorts like Turks, Jamaica, or Bahamas taking into account the travel time to get there.

I'm jealous. You will have a great time with such an extended stay.

I'm thinking better now. After my 10 days in Florida, I am thinking New York for a week, and then San Fransisco for another 7 days. My son's school reopens in mid August, so I could do more in the US if we all don't get too home sick by end of week 4.

Do you think NYC has much to offer for kids? I can take time out and take him Rolex window shopping. Trust me he likes it looking at watches :)

[braty]

Originally Posted by speedolex

I recommend 10 days as the maximum to do Disney plus all of the other parks in Orlando. Leave Orlando by Day 10.

Then use the remaining time at one of the recommended resorts like Turks, Jamaica, or Bahamas taking into account the travel time to get there.

I'm jealous. You will have a great time with such an extended stay.

Plus, if you can suggest which area is good to stay in which is safe and central I would appreciate it. I have been asked to stay away from Times Square as it inundated by tourists and is very expensive.

Soho?

[Bulliondesk]

Speedolex is SPOT ON. With a 6 year old.. Unfortunately he will not be able to go on MOST of the rides other than what is at Magic Kingdom due to their height and weight requirements. I have been to Disney World at least 20+ times. I have stayed at the DW resorts numerous times and have done every single theme park and attraction possible. At most I stayed 5 nights and I was pulling my hair out by day 3. Please do not spend more than ONE WEEK in Orlando. You will shoot yourself if you stay any longer. Believe me you will be able to hit every single attraction you want within a weeks time.

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by braty

I'm thinking better now. After my 10 days in Florida, I am thinking New York for a week, and then San Fransisco for another 7 days. My son's school reopens in mid August, so I could do more in the US if we all don't get too home sick by end of week 4.

Do you think NYC has much to offer for kids? I can take time out and take him Rolex window shopping. Trust me he likes it looking at watches :)

I'm glad you said that! Yesterday I was going to recommend that you leave Florida after a week and explore places in the United States like New York City or even The Grand Canyon.

Living in New York City I can be of service here. You want to stay in a hotel on the Upper West side of Manhattan near Central Park. Check out this hotel or the immediate vicinity:

The Excelsior Hotel
45 W 81st St,
New York, NY 10024

This area will put you right near the Central Park zoo, the Museum of Natural History, and the Hayden planetarium which are the top attractions for a child your son's age. The other would be the aircraft carrier Intrepid which is a 10 minute taxi ride from there. You can also catch hop on hop off bus is here that will take you through out the upper East side, Midtown, the Village, Soho and even all the way down to Little Italy, Chinatown and the Wall Street area. While a large and populous city, Manhattan is very easy to get around and staying up by Central Park gives you the best of all worlds as it is relatively quiet up there and morning stroll through the park before the tourists hit can't be beat.

So do Disney World for one week, shoot up to New York for a long three-day weekend, then shoot back down to the Caribbean in a place like Turks and Caicos for 10 days of relaxation. That would be a fantastic way to spend a month in North America. The hustle bustle of Disney World and waiting on lines, exploring a great new city, and then chilling for 10 days in the Caribbean. That's far better than your original plan.

[braty]

Can anyone suggest a not very expensive yet delightful place to stay in San Francisco? Are 7 days too much for SFO? And then the balance 7 days i head to NYC. Sounds fair? Nyc has lots to offer from what I've read. I know 7 days here..7 days there sounds repetitive but I do intend on coming back to the States to explore it's other states and places in the coming years. Right now my focus is my 6 year old Son and Rolex window shopping :))

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by braty

Can anyone a not very expensive yet delightful place to stay in San Francisco? Are 7 days too much for SFO? And then the balance 7 days i head to NYC. Sounds fair?

See my response above about New York City which is a good idea I think. Same time zone as Florida and only a 3 hour flight.

I don't think you want to take on San Francisco because it is a 7 hour flight from Florida or New York and there is a three hour time difference. Playing around with all the jet lag is going to be troublesome and you will waste two full days of your vacation flying back and forth that far out west.

Also, I truly believe the very best part of your vacation would be 10 days at beaches resort in Turks and Caicos. I would rather see you build around that then overextend yourself to San Francisco and New York. You need some relaxation on this vacation and going to those two large cities plus Orlando you won't relax at all, you're constantly walking around and on the go.

http://www.beaches.com/main/tc/tc-home/

Beaches Resort is truly one of the best places to go on a vacation with a young family on the planet. Trust me on this one.

[braty]

Originally Posted by speedolex

I'm glad you said that! Yesterday I was going to recommend that you leave Florida after a week and explore places in the United States like New York City or even The Grand Canyon.

Living in New York City I can be of service here. You want to stay in a hotel on the Upper West side of Manhattan near Central Park. Check out this hotel or the immediate vicinity:

The Excelsior Hotel
45 W 81st St,
New York, NY 10024

This area will put you right near the Central Park zoo, the Museum of Natural History, and the Hayden planetarium which are the top attractions for a child your son's age. The other would be the aircraft carrier Intrepid which is a 10 minute taxi ride from there. You can also catch hop on hop off bus is here that will take you through out the upper East side, Midtown, the Village, Soho and even all the way down to Little Italy, Chinatown and the Wall Street area. While a large and populous city, Manhattan is very easy to get around and staying up by Central Park gives you the best of all worlds as it is relatively quiet up there and morning stroll through the park before the tourists hit can't be beat.

So do Disney World for one week, shoot up to New York for a long three-day weekend, then shoot back down to the Caribbean in a place like Turks and Caicos for 10 days of relaxation. That would be a fantastic way to spend a month in North America. The hustle bustle of Disney World and waiting on lines, exploring a great new city, and then chilling for 10 days in the Caribbean. That's far better than your original plan.

Thank you so much. So i'll stick with Upper West side of Manhattan. That's a good tip considering there are so many neighborhoods.

I'd love to visit FAO Schwarz, the rolex bldg, and have a slice at Lombardis and visit the Fountain Pen Hospital too to name a few. I NYC i might have to keep my 116718 in the safe?

[braty]

Originally Posted by speedolex

See my response above about New York City which is a good idea I think. Same time zone as Florida and only a 3 hour flight.

I don't think you want to take on San Francisco because it is a 7 hour flight from Florida or New York and there is a three hour time difference. Playing around with all the jet lag is going to be troublesome and you will waste two full days of your vacation flying back and forth that far out west.

Also, I truly believe the very best part of your vacation would be 10 days at beaches resort in Turks and Caicos. I would rather see you build around that then overextend yourself to San Francisco and New York. You need some relaxation on this vacation and going to those two large cities plus Orlando you won't relax at all, you're constantly walking around and on the go.

http://www.beaches.com/main/tc/tc-home/

Beaches Resort is truly one of the best places to go on a vacation with a young family on the planet. Trust me on this one.

The ONLY reason beaches aren't top of my list is because coming from Oman, I have access to so many beautiful beaches. A beach is great place to be to unwind, but I do so much of that in Oman that a bit of crazy city hopping might be a pleasant change. But I do agree in the whole jet lag issue. *shudders*

[superstarmar]

Just got back from Orlando vacationing myself ...
The parks and area are safe... I wore my bluesy sub C
and had no worries ... Take whichever one you want to
wear and enjoy your vacation with the family .
It will be hot so keep that in mind and Florida is quite humid.

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by braty

The ONLY reason beaches aren't top of my list is because coming from Oman, I have access to so many beautiful beaches. A beach is great place to be to unwind, but I do so much of that in Oman that a bit of crazy city hopping might be a pleasant change. But I do agree in the whole jet lag issue. *shudders*

Did not realize! Apologies about the sun and sand which you have in abundance.

So...

Orlando
New York City

...then I'd rather see you go the 6 hours to London (or Paris or Rome) for a week than go the 7 hours the other direction just to see San Fransisco.

[Daytona88]

Agree that you should plan a visit to DavidSW!

[carreramay]

Originally Posted by braty

Hi Friends,

I will definitely be taking the Apple Watch.

What would you guys do?

For starters, sell the Apple watch while it is still worth something.

[braty]

Originally Posted by carreramay

For starters, sell the Apple watch while it is still worth something.

Haha..what's the point. It won't even come close to being in the same vicinity of being able to bit-finance my next rolex consideration. Might as well just leave it be as a fond memory watch till it gets outbeat by the newer version this year.

[braty]

[QUOTE=speedolex;6682222]Did not realize! Apologies about the sun and sand which you have in abundance.

So...

Orlando
New York City

...then I'd rather see you go the 6 hours to London (or Paris or Rome) for a week than go the 7 hours the other direction just to see San Fransisco.[/QUOT

Thing is we have already done Paris last year and London and Scotland, I plan on saving for December. As you know, Oman has a warm climate throughout the year mostly, hence a cold December would be ideal.

I like San Francisco as a place, but I don't know if my 6 year will enjoy past the boat ride to Alcatraz and the Golden bridge and a trip to Tiburon and some museums. I know NYC will be fun for a week and we can always return next year.

Grand Canyon and Montana any good for kids? :)

[eco8gator]

Leave the Apple watch home...or better yet run it over with a car:)

Regarding the watch...just wear your Sub and don't take it off...

Funny comment about the bigness that is America these days...if you have some time to visit Miami there is some really good shopping down there and the beaches are great. Since you have Disney World money I am assuming you also have Fountain Blue money...go there...great place to stay.

Enjoy

[speedolex]

[QUOTE=braty;6685140]

Originally Posted by speedolex

Did not realize! Apologies about the sun and sand which you have in abundance.

So...

Orlando
New York City

...then I'd rather see you go the 6 hours to London (or Paris or Rome) for a week than go the 7 hours the other direction just to see San Fransisco.[/QUOT

Thing is we have already done Paris last year and London and Scotland, I plan on saving for December. As you know, Oman has a warm climate throughout the year mostly, hence a cold December would be ideal.

I like San Francisco as a place, but I don't know if my 6 year will enjoy past the boat ride to Alcatraz and the Golden bridge and a trip to Tiburon and some museums. I know NYC will be fun for a week and we can always return next year.

Grand Canyon and Montana any good for kids? :)

Not really for kids. The Arizona Grand hotel in Phoenix is great for kids but the drive to Sedona and up to the Grand Canyon is all about sight seeing. If he would enjoy white water rafting and bouncing along the rocky desert floor on a Pink Jeep tour, then I'd recommend it.

[braty]

Originally Posted by superstarmar

Just got back from Orlando vacationing myself ...
The parks and area are safe... I wore my bluesy sub C
and had no worries ... Take whichever one you want to
wear and enjoy your vacation with the family .
It will be hot so keep that in mind and Florida is quite humid.

Nice!! How many days did stay in Otlando for? Did you covet all attractions? DW, universal, legoland, seaworld...? :)

[braty]

Can someone suggest the best Mexican restaurant close to Disney World? I'm a vegetarian but love Mexican :)

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by braty

Hi Friends,

I am planning on heading to Florida in June with my wife and 6 year old son. Staying in DW resort for 2 weeks and then off property for 2 more weeks to cover Universal, Sea World, LEGOLAND etc.

Hey!

What happened? What did you wind up booking?

[acaixguard]

We'll be going next month, and I plan on taking my SD4K with me (my daily wearer). Not worried about dinging it up or anything of that sort. Perfect watch to take in the pool and not worry have to worry about it.
Of course, I won't ever be taking it off. Maybe only while showering at most, and my family will be in the hotel room, so it will never be unattended.

[liuk3]

Originally Posted by braty

Thank you so much. So i'll stick with Upper West side of Manhattan. That's a good tip considering there are so many neighborhoods.

I'd love to visit FAO Schwarz, the rolex bldg, and have a slice at Lombardis and visit the Fountain Pen Hospital too to name a few. I NYC i might have to keep my 116718 in the safe?

I think FAO Schwartz in NYC closed.

The next time I bring my family, I might do a week or so at Disney, but maybe only visit the part every other day interspersing the park visits with days to lounge and relax at the hotel resort pool. My kids are young as well.

[braty]

Originally Posted by speedolex

Hey!

What happened? What did you wind up booking?

Hi. So I ended up with a travel plan which has both its pros and cons. I booked disney ploynesian for 2 weeks, then off to SFO for a week and then NYC for one week.

As you can see, I'm not an intrepid traveller :) i like to take things slow, easy and relaxed. Right now my focus is on my 6 year old boy and the amount of fun he can have without rushing. Maybe next year we'll do more adventurous stuff like drive down the west coast, do the grand canyon and ofcourse all the other great stuff everyone here suggested/ might suggest by that time.

I have disney sorted, SFO sorted but...NY is another ball game altogether. What would you guys recommend? Also how are places like Long Island, Martha's vineyards, Maine for a day or two?

NYC has always had that allure, that x factor. I wana do the usual touristy stuff but also things which are not on all guide books for NY. I wana take pizza tours, visit the apple store (hoping that the new MacBook Pro might be announced by then), the rolex boutiques, Fountain Pen Hospital, relaxing book shops...argh..so much to do..but I feel I haven't even scratched the surface of all the "fun" stuff one can do in NY.

:) please do feel free to suggest/ insist things that I can add to my "to-do-in-NYC-list". Oh btw, I might end up staying at Times Square.

[braty]

[QUOTE=liuk3;6726583]I think FAO Schwartz in NYC closed.

Oh shoot! That's sad news.

[braty]

Originally Posted by acaixguard

We'll be going next month, and I plan on taking my SD4K with me (my daily wearer). Not worried about dinging it up or anything of that sort. Perfect watch to take in the pool and not worry have to worry about it.
Of course, I won't ever be taking it off. Maybe only while showering at most, and my family will be in the hotel room, so it will never be unattended.

Nice! I think I'l take my deepsea. Atleast when im in NYC or SFo, I won't be too worried as I would be if i took my 166718 Green. I know I will
Miss it though.

[Relyt]

Another vote for dssd

Not you, but I'm still confused on why people worry about taking watches on vacation.

I'm about to go cut my grass with mine on. I do not have disposable income to just buy lost and broken watches.... But I have it, so I'm enjoying it. God forbid I lose it or something.... It's just an item. I'll work hard and someday get another one.

I understand if it was a family heirloom, but I paid for something so I will use it.

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