Having lurked around this forum for a couple of weeks, I know those present are more than qualified to answer my questions!
My GF loves all things Disney and still gets teary eyed when I mention our Disneyland Paris trip last Christmas. Having persuaded her to fly, I thought a 12hr flight (via Atlanta) would be a gentle way to tackle her fear of flying!
So, we are off to Florida on September the 27th - Gulf Coast. However, a trip to Florida wouldn't be complete without a few days in Orlando.
I had planned on staying off-site, visiting the MK, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. I don't mind driving in the US, in fact I prefer it to the UK. But, I want to be able to have a meal and a couple of drinks - ergo - no driving back to the hotel.
I-Drive is okay - but I feel it has become a bit, erm, well, too tacky? Plus, it is not neccesarily in walking distance to CityWalk.
Universal CityWalk looks fine for a couple of evenings out, but the accommodation is a little expensive (Hard Rock etc).
Downtown Disney looks very attractive,maybe the Grosvenor Resort?
As you can see I am gradually upping the budget and it has nearly reached the 'stuff-it' point. Should I stay in a Disney Hotel? Would I be better off staying in a non-Disney hotel near to DD?
Final thought... If I stay in DD or in a Disney Resort hotel, should I scrub the idea of visiting Universal/Seaworld? Simply devote our time to the WDW? Get some sort of multi-day pass and tour the Disney parks.
NB: The GF is not a big coaster fan (she didn't exactly enjoy Space Mountain as DLP!!!) - so IoA is a no-no.
All suggestions welcome!?
My GF loves all things Disney and still gets teary eyed when I mention our Disneyland Paris trip last Christmas. Having persuaded her to fly, I thought a 12hr flight (via Atlanta) would be a gentle way to tackle her fear of flying!
So, we are off to Florida on September the 27th - Gulf Coast. However, a trip to Florida wouldn't be complete without a few days in Orlando.
I had planned on staying off-site, visiting the MK, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. I don't mind driving in the US, in fact I prefer it to the UK. But, I want to be able to have a meal and a couple of drinks - ergo - no driving back to the hotel.
I-Drive is okay - but I feel it has become a bit, erm, well, too tacky? Plus, it is not neccesarily in walking distance to CityWalk.
Universal CityWalk looks fine for a couple of evenings out, but the accommodation is a little expensive (Hard Rock etc).
Downtown Disney looks very attractive,maybe the Grosvenor Resort?
As you can see I am gradually upping the budget and it has nearly reached the 'stuff-it' point. Should I stay in a Disney Hotel? Would I be better off staying in a non-Disney hotel near to DD?
Final thought... If I stay in DD or in a Disney Resort hotel, should I scrub the idea of visiting Universal/Seaworld? Simply devote our time to the WDW? Get some sort of multi-day pass and tour the Disney parks.
NB: The GF is not a big coaster fan (she didn't exactly enjoy Space Mountain as DLP!!!) - so IoA is a no-no.
All suggestions welcome!?