Ask MetaFilter

I'm in Orlando for a week in October. I detest theme parks. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by pdb around Orlando, FL at 9:02 AM - 12 answers

I'm thinking about visiting Colonial Photo and Hobby in Orlando, which is at the intersection of North Mills Avenue and East Colonial Drive with my 16 year old step-daughter. As well as visiting the store we might go to the Starbucks a couple of blocks south of and maybe explore a bit - is this a terrible idea? Are there any areas in walking distance that we should particularly avoid? Bonus points for geeky or cool things to do/visit/see within walking distance of Colonial Photo and Hobby. TIA!
posted by Chairboy around Orlando, FL at 8:38 PM - 4 answers

Mr. Wasp and I are flying into Orlando next month. We're planning to immediately get out of the city and enjoy several days relaxing near/on the beach; we also like the idea of staying in a low-key, unique location. Google/travel site searches feel overwhelming and inconclusive. We're planning to visit Kennedy Space Center one day, but other than that, have a wide open schedule. Thank you!
posted by WaspEnterprises around Orlando, FL at 11:24 PM - 5 answers

I have to go Disney World with a bunch of families. I don’t have any interest. What bars are outside the Disney World complex that are reasonable to get to by Uber? Bonus if there’s a indie/cool whatever district in Orlando (I am sure there is!). There’s got to be a place the staff themselves unwind close by though. I’m open to other adult things to do besides bars, I just don’t like having to sit in a theme bar and order a Mickeytini or whatever.
posted by geoff. around Orlando, FL at 9:46 AM - 13 answers

Mrs Ashtray Elvis and myself have some time to spend in Downtown Orlando...by ourselves. We need a place to stay, cool paces to eat and stuff to do. We have 48 hours, no car and would preferably like to walk where possible but are open to stuff further afield. There seems to be some information out there but most centers around the theme parks.
posted by ashtray elvis around Orlando, FL at 4:46 PM - 6 answers

We're going to Universal Studios in Orlando but only for one day. We have tickets for both parks, but are not planning to spring for the line-skipping passes (money is tight). It will be on a non-"seasonal" day, not expected to be peak attendance, so we're hoping that won't be too big a deal - 45 mins at worst? What is the best way to navigate both parks so we can get the most out of our day? We are two adults and a 9 year old boy, none of us likes big coasters. [more inside]
posted by Mchelly around Orlando, FL at 6:29 AM - 7 answers

I'm making a few evacuation plans based on where Irma may go. One is to Orlando. I'd love to hear from locals on areas to seek or avoid - somewhere safe, not too prone to flooding. I'll need a place that is pet friendly and disabled accessible.
posted by cmyk around Orlando, FL at 9:43 PM - 5 answers

My family is headed to Disney World. My wife, 8 year old, 6 year old, Grandparents, and myself. I have NO idea what I am getting myself into. I keep getting a mix of excitement, worry, happiness, and pity from various friends. Help me make this trip magical without melting down. [more inside]
posted by jasondigitized around Orlando, FL at 4:11 AM - 25 answers

A friend of mine is taking a group of 20 high school kids to Orlando this month. Does anybody know of a good reliable company that will send a driver in a 20-30 seater on time each day to drive them to and from the airport, and around Orlando and surrounding areas while they're there? They're going to all the usual attractions, and all they want is a company that will show up on time, won't kill everyone onboard, won't traffic the students to an international crime ring and won't charge through the nose.
posted by tel3path around Orlando, FL at 5:38 AM - 2 answers

We are flying on a Saturday morning, in a couple of weeks. Wait times to clear security have been in the news lately. How bad is it? How early do we need to arrive?
posted by walkinginsunshine around Orlando, FL at 9:53 AM - 9 answers

Friends are visiting Harry Potter World - How can I help them get the most out of the experience? [more inside]
posted by Farce_First around Orlando, FL at 5:55 PM - 14 answers

This May we'll be driving from Hilton Head, SC to Disney World. Yay! With a 3-year old and a 9-month old. Uhoh! Where should we stop around mid-way to break up the trip? [more inside]
posted by Guernsey Halleck around Orlando, FL at 9:41 PM - 9 answers

Holiday travel edition: flying versus the train. [more inside]
posted by joycehealy around Orlando, FL at 12:41 PM - 8 answers

I am thinking about using lyft to get to and from the Orlando airport to my Disney world resort. Usually it's $70 by cab but lyft gives an estimate in the 30s, so it's tempting. My flight gets in at 11pm however so I am worried there won't be any availibily then. Also when taking it back to the airport I obviously need it to reliably pick me up. A couple questions: 1) anybody ever done this and what was the experience? 2) what is the wait time for pick up? 3) what was the cost?
posted by gwen1234 around Orlando, FL at 7:23 AM - 6 answers

I'm super bad at planning travel stuff and I'm trying to take a vacation with my girlfriend at the end of December. We'd like to do 3 nights at a quiet-ish beach within reasonable driving distance of Disney World and Universal Studios (because Harry Potter) in Orlando, and 4 nights doing both of those theme parks. First time Disney planner here, and I don't know anything about Florida beaches really. [more inside]
posted by lazaruslong around Orlando, FL at 1:46 PM - 11 answers

Help two (practically) first-time adult visitors plan a trip to Walt Disney World / the Wizarding World of Harry Potter next January. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by Tamanna around Orlando, FL at 12:34 PM - 24 answers

I'm planning an alumni party for my workplace's residents and fellows who will be at the national annual meeting for our specialty. The conference is at the Orange County Convention Center. I'm looking for a place within walking distance of the conference, with good food (doesn't have to be fine dining, or anything, but needs to be tasty) and a pleasant ambiance where our doctors can catch up on what they've been up to for the past year. It'll be a Tuesday night in September. [more inside]
posted by joannemerriam around Orlando, FL at 7:28 AM - 3 answers

We are off to Disney World, Orlando in just a couple of weeks. We have a 3 day pass with the water park + more option. We are 2 adults, a 5.5 yr old who will hit the height threshold, and a 9.5 year. We haven’t travelled there before. We are planning on visiting MK for 2 days, and leaning towards the zoo for the 3rd day. We want to see both water parks and the arcade. We are planning on following Touring Plan’s Magic Kingdom Two-Day Touring Plan for Junior Pirates and Adventures Ages 4-8. [more inside]
posted by walkinginsunshine around Orlando, FL at 10:13 AM - 13 answers

We're going to Orlando, FL for 10 days in September. Help us make this theme-park-heavy adventure as good as it gets. [more inside]
posted by mazola around Orlando, FL at 3:54 PM - 20 answers

I'm interested in booking a cruise with some friends for a New Year's Eve vacation. What cruise lines and ships do you recommend, and given the holiday, what recommendations do you have to make the trip affordable, since it seems that most lines have marked up sailing dates around the holidays? [more inside]
posted by cdemay around Orlando, FL at 5:23 PM - 3 answers