Any suggestions for  Orlando Florida? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Joy at MCS
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2011, 03:31:19 pm
content: HII know this isn't the normal sort of topic here but any suggestions would be appreciated.Has anyone gone on vacation to Orlando? Any suggestions of good hotels, resorts or vacation companies you used for staying at a place?Thanks :-)

author: tecman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2011, 04:03:39 pm
content: I have been there many, many times, both business and vacation. Nice thing is that there are so many hotels, prices tend to be good. I usually stay at a Holiday Inn, but every major chain is there. Prices vary seasonally, with Christmas, Easter, spring break and Thanksgiving (US) are the worst. Early fall and summer are the cheapest. Rental cars are also cheap.Depends on what your plans will be. Disney offers some very reasonable prices for park-hotel, but you are basically locked into a "Disney" vacation. If you plan to do more, it may not be the best deal (they bundle the hotel and park passes into one price - skip the park and it is an expensive hotel day).Disney and Universal are 30-40 minutes apart by car. The beach and Kennedy Space Center are 1-1.5 hours by car from Orlando. Flying in, if you do not know the local roads, you will be hit with about $5-$8 in tolls just to get from the airport to the main highway. Think of it as a tourist tax.In general the area has tens of thousands of hotel rooms, many, many shops and restaurants, and lots of things to see and do. Most tourist areas are about 10-12 miles south of Orlando proper. International Drive is a mail road that goes from Universal past SeaWorld and down to Disney parks. It has the greatest concentration of shops, restaurants and non-park attractions.Paul

author: Joy at MCS
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2011, 06:03:06 pm
content: Thanks Paul.I lived in Orlando before moving to the UK so I know the area very well but since I lived there I never paid attention to hotels , resorts or anything like that.I looked at enterprise for renting a car. Is it best to go to the company themselves or use another site. I've never used any of the other rental car companies. Who do you use when you travel?Thanks for the advice. Greatly appreciated!Joy

author: tecman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2011, 06:14:30 pm
content: You can go direct, but you will find better deals through airlines or some on-line travel sites. Just watch out for the "extra fees".paul

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 10:50:32 am
content: When I was a young lad of 13 I went to visit family in Tampa. Naturally, at that age, I was interested in reptiles and snakes. One of my fondest memories of Florida was of visiting the Serpentarium in St. Cloud. If you're bringing a young one who likes snakes it can't be beat! The website ishttp://www.reptileworldserpentarium.com/.The other big highlight on that trip for me was MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) in Tampa. If you happen to be traveling that far you could easily lose six or eight hours there. It's an interactive museum with all sorts of awesome science stuff to play with. When I was there the big memories center on the huge Tesla coil that took several minutes to charge and the hurricane wind tunnel.Honestly, if I were going back now those are the first two places I'd go. Quiet, manicured beach with no critters to chase around in the tidepools? Nah.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 11:59:38 am
content: I call Fl my second home. Zero issues finding motels/hotels in Orlando, that's a tourist trap city! Its so dense with housing that competition is fierce so prices are very competitive.Frequent visitors rent houses or friend's apartments, so as to avoid cattle crowds. But, you can't go wrong for safety, convenience, and choice in Orlando for the usual Hyatts, Hiltons, and Quality Inn places.For geeks, don't forget to visit NASA, you're only 50 mi away.http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/interactive-map.aspx

author: sonicj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 12:29:32 pm
content: SKYCRAFT!!!

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 12:49:53 pm
content: Wow, after all these years, never heard of them. Will visit when I'm in Central FL. Thanks a ton!

author: tecman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 01:07:04 pm
content: Quote from: saturation on February 26, 2011, 12:49:53 pmWow...You never heard of them ?They are north of the city by about 5 mi, just off the exit.http://www.skycraftsurplus.com/Anytime I am in the Orlando area, it is a must to stop there.paul

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 02:16:07 pm
content: I know, mea culpa, I can't for the life of me see how I've missed them; I don't spend much time in Orlando, but I recall that flying saucer in my memory somewhere. I'm either up North towards Jacksonville or South to Lauderdale, or to the Keys.BTW, your 3456a is serving me well, and getting a lot of exercise, it has a good home. Thanks a bunch for selling it to me.Quote from: tecman on February 26, 2011, 01:07:04 pm

author: Joy at MCS
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 05:13:44 pm
content: Thanks for suggestions so far.Regarding Tampa, I was actually considering checking out some stuff there. I think I'd like the science muesum. I haven't looked at the link for reptiles but certainly when I lived in Florida I've seen plenty of snakes and other reptiles hanging around where I worked and apartment complex.I've been to Skycraft a couple times.

author: sonicj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2011, 11:03:14 pm
content: theSalvador Dali museumin st. pete

author: tecman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2011, 12:16:36 am
content: If you are going to Florida, consider Key West, the Everglades Nat Park and St Augustine. All sites with lots to do.Paul

author: Joy at MCS
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2011, 02:57:53 pm
content: I've heard that St Augustine is nice, but I didn't see much when I was there last. Any suggestions?Also thanks everyone for the suggestions of things to see. If you think of anything else please mention.I couldn't decide where to stay so I ended up booking stays at 3 different places for each week.I did consider renting a house but didn't really know who was a good company to use for this.I can't wait for vacation!!!Have a great weekend!Joy

author: tecman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2011, 03:31:36 pm
content: Quote from: Joy at MCS on March 04, 2011, 02:57:53 pmSt Augustine is mostly historic sites, and a lot of tourist type shopping. There are old city tours, the fort, and city museum, as well as a number of other sites. Most are within walking distance and concentrated in a small strip of Old St Augustine. One day is plenty of time.Watch your timing. Spring Weekend season is nearly upon us, and Easter week is busy as well.paul

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2011, 05:11:32 pm
content: Stay away from Disneyland, they have mice 4ft tall running aboutLol

author: Joy at MCS
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2011, 04:38:30 pm
content: Thanks tecman. I actually think Spring break might be going on while I'm there. Florida is a pretty popular place for Spring break. I went to Cancun when I was younger.

author: tweek
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2011, 05:33:44 pm
content: I also used to live in Orlando, both north and south of Conroy (generally considered a dividing line between the tourists to the south and the civilians to the north), and I don't ever really remember noticing spring break in Orlando. My frame of reference is the time I spent Daytona Beach while in school, so I might be biased.If you like beer...Orlando Brewing:http://www.orlandobrewing.com/If you are going to be in the Tampa area and don't mind going a bit out of your way for good beer, Dunedin Brewery has some great stuff:http://www.dunedinbrewery.com/Before that though, get some Eli's BBQ, but only on Fri and Sat afternoons because that is the only time he's open.The Tampa Aquarium is also pretty cool.

author: Joy at MCS
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 12:20:19 am
content: Thanks tweek.Yeah I never thought of Orlando as being popular for Spring break. Most people I knew went to Daytona but when I was booking the hotel the lady told me they were packed because it was busy season for Spring break. When I did spring break it was all about drinking and gettin crazy. Can't really picture Disney for that :-)Did you live on Conroy next to the Millenia Mall? I lived all around Orlando .. downtown in the Pink Apartments next to I4, Near disney on John Young, Lake Mary etc etc.I actually was thinking about touring a brewery. Thanks for the suggestions. I also did think about the Aquarium but I'm not very familiar with Tampa. I've only been to Busch Gardens and once to Ybor City.ThanksJoy

author: tweek
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 01:05:09 am
content: The aquarium is actually south of the Ybor City historic area. Even though The Google doesn't show it, the aquarium is right next to (south of) the cruise ship terminal, and I'm pretty sure there are at least signs for that from I4.I lived in 2 parts of Orlando. I lived first in Hunter's Creek, a subdivision south of 417 between John Young and OBT. I could see some of the Disney fireworks at night from my apartment. I then moved to Orlando proper and lived off of 50 near Baldwin Park. Depending on how long ago you lived there, you might also know that as the large concrete pile that used to be the Navy training center.If you haven't seen downtown O-Town for a few years, you might be in for a shock. They have seriously re-done the roads around there, including ripping up most of the 408 interchange and redoing it (yay), and changing the direction of some surface roads. Just a heads-up.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 01:07:31 am
content: Quote from: Joy at MCS on March 10, 2011, 12:20:19 amThe travel agents here in Oz warn you about Spring break, stay away from Orlando, Miami et.alPrices get jacked up, and a squillion kids going stupid.Dave.

author: VIPR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 01:09:35 am
content: Hmm.....Orlando was just ranked the most dangerous spring break destination in the US.http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2011/03/09/2011-03-09_spring_break_survey_orlando_ranked_the_most_dangerous_destination_in_the_country.html

author: tweek
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 01:48:45 am
content: Wow, that's great.Orlando has had one hell of a crime problem last couple years, although I hear they are making some progress with it. In 2007 I think it was something like 140+ homicides. I see that Good Ol' Daytona Beach is second on that list. While I was in school, never would a spring break go by where you wouldn't hear about some drunk spring breaker taking a nose dive off a hotel balcony. Ah, memories.Joy, maybe you'd rather stay in Winter Park instead?(For everyone else, Winter Park is Orlando's upscale neighbor to the north.)

author: Joy at MCS
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 05:53:03 pm
content: WOW! I'm really surprised at that. I never really noticed any wild spring break parties going on while living there but then again I wasn't in a hotel.The hotel prices were pretty high when I checked. I think next time I'll choose to go in Feb or October instead. It actually would have been cheaper to rent a house but I just felt a bit nervous as there's so many companies that rent houses out but I wasn't sure what I was going to get.I'm not really surprised about Orlando being dangerous.. It's like any city some places are better to be at than others.There are some parts of Orlando that I wouldn't suggest stepping in even during the daytime if you valued your life.Tweek,Yes I do remember the Old Navy yard. Seems kind of wierd to have a place that looks like Baldwin park stuck in the middle of that area. I know Hunters Creek. I had and still have friends that live there. I also lived about 2 blocks from Hunters Creek when I first moved to Florida. Used to like the Wings at Froggers in the Shopping center where the Wachovia is off John Young Parkway and I think it might have been Town center blvd. I also used to work at the Florida Mall. You get some real wierdos hanging around the mall late at night when it closes.I only moved away from Orlando 4 years ago. I really miss it though. Do you still live in Orlando or how long ago did you move?

author: Joy at MCS
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 07:33:22 pm
content: Is Spring Break Just an American thing?Where do other countries go for Spring break?

author: tecman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 08:52:06 pm
content: Quote from: Joy at MCS on March 10, 2011, 07:33:22 pmJust an american thing. It is a mid semester break for most colleges and universities. Most "normal" people do not go on spring break after they graduate from school.If you want to go on a drunken, hyper sexed week long binge, try spring break.paul

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 11:03:06 pm
content: Quote from: tecman on March 10, 2011, 08:52:06 pmSign me up.

author: tweek
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2011, 04:33:07 am
content: Quote from: tecman on March 10, 2011, 08:52:06 pmYes you know it's gonna be a good time when Trojan sets up a stand and starts handing out free product.Canada (at least some parts) does spring break as well. There is a time regarded as "Canadian spring break" in Florida. I worked for my school's IT dept, so even though I lived in Daytona Beach at the time, I always worked during spring break. Only time anything really got done to the network was when the students were on the beach jumping off hotel balconies.Joy:I lived in Orlando from the beginning of 2005 till the end of 2008 when I moved to North Carolina. I also spent a few years in Daytona in the '90s. I chuckled when you mentioned Froggers. I would occasionally get Chinese take-out from the place next door and it wasn't unheard of to find the cops breaking up a fight outside Froggers. Sort of odd for a strip mall. Incidentally, the guy who lead the development efforts in Baldwin Park worked for Disney at the time Celebration was being built and also worked on that project. Might explain a few things for you.

author: insurgent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2011, 03:15:20 am
content: Good 'ole SkyCrap!I have the feeling I'll be visiting there often again as I used to in the old days now that my masochistic streak has caused me to take up electronics again.If anyone needs me to check to see if the have something, they are only a few blocks from my house. They always have a ton of stuff that isn't on their web site.Quote from: sonicj on February 26, 2011, 12:29:32 pm

author: Joy at MCS
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2011, 02:00:27 pm
content: Back from Orlando now. The jetlag is killing me. I don't know how people who fly for business regularly do it.There wasn't any Spring Break stuff going on in Orlando just lots of familys with kids. It was pretty quite the first part of my vacation but I noticed starting April 1st the parks and stuff got really busy.I stayed at the Radisson in Lake Buena Vista, Homestead Suites and Parc Soleil. All were really nice just depends on what you are looking for. Parc Soliel was probably my favorite because it was very nice resort with a two good size heated swimming pools walking trails , basketball and tennis court as well as lots of activities for the kids if you have any.Joy

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2011, 03:43:08 pm
content: Pleased to hear you enjoyed your holiday. Hope you didn't spend too much on my prezzie

author: Joy at MCS
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2011, 11:27:35 am
content: I've got some palmetto bugs for you...Just kidding.

author: FreeThinker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2011, 12:52:00 pm
content: palmetto bugs? Are they like mint humbugs?

author: insurgent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2011, 02:27:57 pm
content: Quote from: FreeThinker on April 18, 2011, 12:52:00 pmPalmetto bug is just a polite term used to describe the flying cockroaches of Jurassic proportions that we enjoy the company of here in FloridaYou could probably eat them but I'd suggest deep frying and lots of powdered sugar!