Hooray! I'm going to Florida! (Not Completely OT)

[aggirl479]

I just found out yesterday that I am finally going to get to go to Florida with my dad and his girlfriend [img]biggrin.gif[/img] . Sandy's (my dad's girlfriend) dad lives about 45 minutes from Walt Disney World. We're planning on going to Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World, plus a beach. Are there any other "can't miss" places to visit? Also, Nellie will be coming with me [img]smile.gif[/img] . What outfits/accessories do you recommend I bring for her? I will also be making a small order from AG soon. I know that I'll be ordering the Seaside Wardrobe and Josefina's Weaving Outfit, but what other outfits do you think would be good for a week in Florida (and outfits that you just plain love [img]wink.gif[/img] )? I can't wait! I've already starting packing (well, for Nellie) [img]tongue.gif[/img] .

[Kit_Girl]

I am also going to FL end of June with My Little Jelly Bean on here. We decided last night it would be fun to hang out down there.

[MOM to JILLIAN]

Congratulations on your upcoming trip to FL. It is a magical place--you'll love EVERYTHING! Be sure to visit Animal Kingdom and ride Expedition Everest! DS10, DD5, DH and I rode it four times in one day! It is our FAVORITE ride at Disney now. Be sure to get a Fastpass because the lines are super long if you don't. Enjoy your trip and take lots of pictures.

[aggirl479]

Thanks, MOM to JILLIAN! I'm sure I'll have lots of fun [img]smile.gif[/img] . You will all definitely be seeing some pics of Nellie in Florida when I get back [img]wink.gif[/img] . Kit_Girl, I hope you have fun on your trip, too! Any more suggestions for my trip, anyone? I also have a "Disney World Fund" saved up with about $100 in it, so I'm looking forward to buying some neat souveneirs and maybe a doll costume or two, hehe.

[MickeyFan]

Originally posted by Dreaming of Dolls*:
Any more suggestions for my trip, anyone? I also have a "Disney World Fund" saved up with about $100 in it, so I'm looking forward to buying some neat souveneirs and maybe a doll costume or two, hehe.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The best place to get reasonably priced souvenirs is outside the parks. There are also two outlets close to WDW that have good prices. Things at Disney are overpriced and it isn't the right season for finding good clearanced items. Most of the items at Disney can be purchased elsewhere for a lot less. If you are coming soon, bring plenty of sunscreen. We are having record breaking highs (in the mid to upper '90's) here so it is hot. The portable fans are great for the parks as well.

If you are set on going to Animal Kingdom, I would only go during the very early part of the day. Otherwise it is too hot. The flora in the park is such that it creates a humid atmosphere like you would see in Africa and it feels hotter than it really is because of the added humidity. Also, the animals tend to sleep in the afternoons because of the heat and you won't see that much.

If you are going to see the Light Parade at night, I would suggest going to the second one. Less crowded and much more enjoyable. If you are coming within the next two weeks you will be in time for the Flower & Garden show. This years' is really nice. While at Epcot, I would highly recommend Soarin'. Definitely get a FastPass and even with a FastPass, don't be the first in line. Everyone thinks that they have to be in line at the beginning of the time slot. If you wait until about five to ten minutes before your FastPass time is up, you can just walk on the ride. Otherwise, even with a FastPass you will still have to wait. There are so many other little hints and tricks that we have used over the years, but it would take too much space to write them all. If you check out the DisBoards you can find some great hints although I will say most Florida residents won't give away all their secrets [img]wink.gif[/img] Hope you have a wonderful time!

[kikilives]

For Disney info I would check out mousesavers.com . Before we went last time I discovered that site and definitely bought certain souvenirs and went certain places based on suggestions I got there. If you register they send out a monthly newsletter with special deals, many of them for mousesaver members only. Have a great time. I'd go yearly if I could, it really is a magical place.........

[aggirl479]

Thanks for the great tips, everyone! I just found out an even GREATER part of the surprise trip today! We're leaving Friday, June 16th (just a little over two weeks!), arriving the next day, going to Disney World on Sunday, and departing for a 3-night Royal Caribbean Cruise to the Bahamas on Monday!!! I'm SO excited, I just can't believe it! I haven't been on a vacation in 3 years, and I've never been anywhere southern of Virginia. Oh my goodness, I'm going to hyperventilate! Lol! Aack! I just bought new sunscreen today, and I'm planning on buying a little portable fan to take with me on the trip. Nellie will be coming to Florida with me, but she'll be left at Sandy's dad's house when we go on the cruise. Still expect lots of pictures!

[dolllover]

That's awesome! The Bahamas are the coolest! [img]wink.gif[/img] [img]biggrin.gif[/img] Where in the Bahamas is the cruise stopping?

[aggirl479]

Originally posted by AGfanatic:
That's awesome! The Bahamas are the coolest! [img]wink.gif[/img] [img]biggrin.gif[/img] Where in the Bahamas is the cruise stopping?

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">To be honest, I'm not sure. My dad said that Sandy had just talked to the travel agent yesterday, and they haven't even gotten the itinerary yet. I can't wait for more details!

[Kenshinchan]

That sounds like so much fun!

I'm guessing it'll be pretty warm on your trip, so have Nellie dress light. [img]wink.gif[/img]