Does anywhere really compare??

[angel191078]

Hi All

Just want to know if anyone has ever been anywhere that has compared to Orlando???

I have been for the last two years and I'm looking too book a holiday for this year. My boyfriend doesn't want to go back to Florida so i am looking for somewhere else. I am finding it very hard, I feel like I will be wasting my money cos i really don't want to go to anywhere other than Florida!

Please help! :(

[anna68]

Florida is fantastic but the world is a big place and there are lots of other amazing places to see!!

Depends on what you like: rest/relaxation or shopping or food/drink or sports or things to do?

How about the Gulf Coast if you still want to go to Florida?
Or Mexico?
Or closer to home - the canaries?

Unless you go to other places you'll never know what you like more!

[tiff]

You could consider splitting the holiday into a two centre as a compromise, ie 4 nights New York and then on to Orlando or elsewhere in Florida. Maybe try Miami and the Florida Keys?

I couldnt do Orlando every holiday, its too hectic for me and I like to try different places. We have decided to do Orlando every other year and then Turkey or somewhere else in Europe in between.

[I love walmart]

If it's just you two and no children, go somewhere else. We had some amazing holidays pre children, the sort we couldn't do now. I would highly reccomend an American road trip. We spent 3 weeks doing the West of America and this holiday was my favourite ever. I also loved New York. Sarasota is in Florida but it's on the beach, so if you have to do Florida why not try that for a change, or even the Keys.

I wouldn't reccomend the Spanish Costas as these are a bit too Englishified, but city breaks in places like Barcelona or Rome are nice European options.

The world is your oyster, don't miss out on it cos you love Orlando so much. Orlando will still be there when you've done the other places.

[tinacooper]

you must try to see more of the world than just orlando. we like it there but i would not dream of going every year.
we have been to canada which is beautiful and has loads to do and see great cheap shopping as well. or if you like a beach more cuba is different or any of the carabean islands. we also like fuerteventura which is nearer to home or malta we went to hong kong and malaysia on honeymoon that was great to, what about a safari in kenya or south africa..
been to most places really and they are all different

[ukdiva]

As others have said, it's a big world out there with some many wonderful sights, sounds and places to take it. Obviously nowhere is like Orlando, but then you wouldn't want it to be, that's the beauty of the world, so many contrasts and differences. I personally really love New York, that's probably my fave place in the US, i have also have wonderful trips to Australia, my fave place there is probably either Melbourne or Port Douglas, and i also loved Kuala Lumpur, Maylasia. Go see the world, Orlando will still be waiting for ya! ;)

[ali-s]

I agree that while you haven't got kids you should see as much of the world as you can ( when you have kids that's a great excuse for going to Florida every year ! ;) ) If I had the money and wasn't restricted to school hols , I would go back to Australia and New Zealand - everyone should see the Great barrier Reef and Ayers Rock. The scenery in N.Z ,esp the south island is amazing.There's plenty to do if you want activities - theme parks on the Gold coast, bungee jumping and jet boats in N.Z.

[MarieC]

Hi All

Just want to know if anyone has ever been anywhere that has compared to Orlando???

I have been for the last two years and I'm looking too book a holiday for this year. My boyfriend doesn't want to go back to Florida so i am looking for somewhere else. I am finding it very hard, I feel like I will be wasting my money cos i really don't want to go to anywhere other than Florida!
My son has beento Greece a few times on different islands.He said the people are very friendly and do all they can to make your holiday enjoyable/ They went to Athens and boat trips and it's cheap to eat out. I hope you find somewhere nice but you would have to go some to find anywhere as good as Florida.Thats what I think anyway Good luck in your search :wavey: :wavey:
Please help! :(
Let us know where you end up

[grottyrotty]

We had one week in Crete during the May holiday, a few years ago. The kids loved it. They were happy to stay in the pool all day because we were all-inclusive and they could swim up to the bar and order kiddie cocktails whenever they liked.

It was our 1st hotel type holiday abroad (not counting our stay in a hotel in Kissimmee!) We chose a quiet hotel in a quiet location - the Iberostar Creta Marine. It was lovely.

DH hated it. He wanted to be out and about.

Me - I'm anything for an easy life, and Pina Coladas served round the pool while the kids are off amusing themselves was nice and relaxing ;) But a week was enough.

Florida - well, we said last time we went that we'd done it to death and would go somewhere different if we went Stateside again :omg: :omg: But seeing all the ads on TV - I want to go back to the Disney magic NOWWWWWWW

Seriously, we do enjoy camping in the UK too, and our holiday in Cornwall last year was so relaxing after the previous year in Florida that was non-stop.

Deb :tinkani:

[Meeko1970]

How about somewhere else in the States. That way not everything has to change. Try California - San Diego has Sea World and theres Disney and Universal at LA. Also the chain restaurants can be found most places so you'll recognise some of the eateries. Vegas is fab too.

If you go back to Orlando in a couple or a few years time they'll be more new things to try out.

[liverpool lou]

Its seven years since we last went to the theme park bit of Orlando, and we are going again next year because we want DGD1 to experience it, but in between we have been everywhere else!!
I think India is a fabulous place for two people to travel to, there is so much to see and do and you can plan it all on the internet now!!
we done Goa, Mumbia [ Bombay] Jaipur [ mind blowing place!] and Agra [ Taj Mahal ].
I think you need a break from a place now and again, and it seems that bit fresher when you go back.
You would be surprised how cheap you can do it also.
Hope you have a good time what ever you decide.
Jean

[Disneydavey]

Thailand

The Culture
The People
The Weather
The Nightlife

Awesome place, been with my girlfriend 2 years ago, cant wait to go again, we went to FLA in October and wished I was in Thailand :(

[motty1969]

What about Egypt, but not Sharm El Sheikh! Go to Cairo, Alexandria, the people, culture, food , history is out of this world. It's one of the best places I've ever been to.

[kerryh]

How about giving Las Vegas a try, you could combine it with maybe New York or San Francisco. I dont think ill like any-where as much as Orlando but now im starting to feel that the money ive spent i could have saw some-thing new.

[ju_itfc]

Everybody shoot me down but I think Thailand is vastly overrated. Why travel for that long to get beaches that are only slightly better, and in some cases worse, than the likes of Crete and Rhodes. Yes the people are friendly and the food is pretty good, but for a beach holiday I don't think you can beat the likes of the Greek Islands.

Even places like Fiji and the Cook Islands I would never venture to again for a beach holiday, especially when there is comparable on your doorstep.

If I was heading to SE Asia again, I would avoid the obvious Thailand, Singapore (although great), Malaysia (ditto Singapore) and head into Cambodia and Vietnam again. Both are which are becoming more and more popular by the years, so get out there whilst you can enjoy it for what it really is before mass tourism takes over.

In the USA there is loads to do apart from Florida. The obvious big city destinations of San Francisco, LA, New York, Boston, Chicago are all worth doing, but my personal favourite would be to hit Washington DC. I have never enjoyed 6 days/nights as much as I did in Washington. So much to do and see, and a lot of it free of charge thanks to the Smithsonian Institute. Arlington is well worth a visit across the river as well, especially for the tomb of the unknown soldier and the sobering hills upon hills of little white crosses.
How about a twin centre Washington DC and Florida?

Aside from the obvious USA cities, I would also recommend heading into Memphis/Nashville, even if you are not into that type of music. Memphis is very industrial but Graceland has to be seen, it's a must do in America. Nashville by contrast has a very nice downtown area and of course plenty of country music attractions to visit.

Or there is San Antonio, a great city in Texas with the excellent Riverwalk comprising of restaurants cooking some of the best food served in the USA.

New England maybe? Do a fly drive and head to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachussetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. This is high up on our list to do, maybe even this year.

At the end of the day though and despite all the recommendations above, I would say head to Vegas. People call it Disney for Adults, an escape from reality but it isn't really. It's just a magnificent place to visit and is totally different to anywhere else. I mean where else would 2 to 3 days of your holiday be taken up with just looking around hotels? There are not your usual hotels of course.
Also, don't just think of Vegas as being the city, there is plenty to do and see in surrounding areas including Red Rock Canyon and the Valley of Fire State Park (highly recommended) not forgetting of course the obvious Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon. Also if you are feeling like a few days away from it all, head into Utah and to the Zion National Park....very much worth the driving.

I hope this has helped more than it has hindered!!!

[Mrs_Dazzle]

Like people say - there are TONS of places to visit other than Florida. Absolutely!

We love Florida, but only ever spend one week in Orlando. We love chilling out down the beach. That doesn't suit everyone - we actually live on the coast down on the south of England, but the Gulf Coast of Florida is so different.

We have started to visit other areas in the States, particularly since we holiday with our friends and their children now. The last couple of years have seen us go skiing to California/Nevada and Vermont.

California/Nevada was the most fantastic holiday ever - we all agree and long to go back there. We flew into San Fransisco, stopping there for three nights to see all the sites. We then drove up into the mountains at Lake Tahoe - ski resort Heavenly. By name and nature :d: . Our hotel was just in Nevada - a casino hotel - but step outside the door, walk over the road and we were in California! It was fun to ski from Nevada to California, ever day! We visited Carson City and Reno whilst there.

Last year we flew into Boston, then drove thru New England into Vermont for a week's ski in Killington. Beautiful. We then drove back to Boston where we stayed for another 3 nights doing all the bits there. Definitely my fave city.

We've also been lucky enough to travel to Hong Kong and the Philippines to visit my brother and his family. Hong Kong was amazing, well worth a visit too.

St Lucia in the Caribbean was beautiful - relaxing, the most friendly people I've ever met.

Loads of places to visit in Europe, but these I've done mostly for skiing. Never been to Greece etc - that's one for the future in my dotage, I think, when I've run out of steam.

[MichelleS]

we went to dubai last year different type of holiday i would go to wdw every year if i had my way!!!!

[paulap]

Must say even though I love Florida, it has to be the Caribbean for me every time - blue sky, white sand, turquoise water, cocktails and the local people are amazing.

[Enright78]

We love the south of France, Nice, Cannes and the wonderful beaches and cafes. I'd live in a little village called Sainte Maxime if I could, it is fabulous! Also love the Vendee coast, Portugal, Barcelona, Marrakesh....I could go on!

[tracyh]

I would highly recommend an American road trip. We spent 3 weeks doing the West of America and this holiday was my favourite ever.

I would love to hear about your trip, I have a thread in this section if you wouldn't mind replying! :D

[dibbaholic]

What about Egypt, but not Sharm El Sheikh! Go to Cairo, Alexandria, the people, culture, food , history is out of this world. It's one of the best places I've ever been to.

Why not Sharm El Sheikh?

[marissa]

How about Lapland? We found it amazing and will def go back!

[vinamtaylor]

If it is just you two, then definately Las Vegas for us in on a parr with Orlando.

[Nicksgirl]

I love Florida with all my heart but I know there are times when we do need a break from it.
We did go every year for a little while and I think we got a little bored with all the queueing and not relaxing totally like you really should on a holiday and just the intamacy of being together.

I really loved Dubai, Thailand, Boston, New York, Vegas and Mexico, plus many more, but I think my favourite place was Antigua where I have never met such lovely people and I have never relaxed so much in all my life.
Just sitting doing nothing but sunbathing, swimming and just getting a balance in life was just wonderful.

I would always rush back to Florida but I know its nice to have a break from Florida as the next time you go back its with different eyes and many new things.

My husband has really had enough of Florida for a while, he says he cant stand the queueing, the Brits and the total change in a place that is just so commercialised now. However, I know I will have my way in a couple of years and back we will go...... thank god.
But the world is a big place and we want to see more of it.
:D

[carolynn38]

Hi Emma,
I am very lucky and been to some fantastic places, but I always have a special place for Florida as it has been one of my best holidays - ever.

Depending on what you are looking for, here is a quick run down of what me and my boyfriend have done over the past few years - we are mid 30's BTW

Mexico (Playa Del carmen) - this is a very relaxing holiday. 2 weeks lying by a pool / beach and not doing much. There is plenty to see and do, but our hotel was great so TBH, we didn't move much. We stayed at the Riu palace in may 2005 and will be going back to the Riu palace Riviera maya in may 2008. Can't wait.

Thailand (Patong in Phuket) - we went Christmas 2006, and although it was a good holiday, it wasn't the holiday of a lifetime I was expecting.

Egypt - both Sharm and Luxor. Personally I prefer the history aspect much more in Luxor than Sharm. Both are great places but I find in Sharm I could be anywhere in the world.

Las Vegas - we went for a week last June and had a fabulous time. A really great holiday and can't wait to go back next year with some friends. Definitely not realxing, but just great fun. Plenty to see and so.

Best holiday EVER was the cruise we did on RCI Freedom of the Seas the Christmas just gone. We were both a bit apprehensive as I didn't think we were a cruise's 'target audience' but had a fab time, and I would say I enjoyed it more than Florida. Read my trip report (link in my signature) for more information.

Like you, I could easily go back to Florida year after yer, but to me, the World is a very big place and I would like to see as much of it as possible. I always think its nice to go back to places, but maybe leave it a few years in between.

[*source*]

I also did the Cruise Carolynn mentioned above ~ HIGHLY recommended but it was different for us as we did it with kids...

Our next fave holiday was a Californian road trip... REALLY REALLY recommend this (especially without kids although we would do it again wtih the kids now but it would be a totally different kind of trip...

Also the Italian Lakes... really beautiful and lovely people and food.

Australia was great ~ I have been twice but not in a hurry to go back ~ found the flights long. Singapore AMAZING ~ Hong Kong not my fave place...

If you really want to do Florida again then do the Cruise and that way you get Florida and your boyfriend gets to do the other countries as part of the cruise.
We did Miami and the Keys before and after the Cruise ~ really loved it!

[Sarah84]

when me and my boyf were looking for places to go away last year i really wanted to return to Orlando but he was not interested in the whole disney/orlando thing at all, so we ended up doing a twin centre 1 week in Mexico (PLaya del carmen) and a week in Miami we had a fantastic time and in the end i was glad we went with that and i didnt get my way to go to Orlando

[AndyJ]

Another vote for Las Vegas!

It's Disney for Adults :)

5 Cirque shows to see, each hotel is like a country in Epcot 50 times bigger... Etc :) See my trip report from last week perhaps. :)

[IANF]

This is the same predicament I had this year, Been to Florida for the last 3 years staying at different Disney resorst (I think I love it more than my DD9 and Faincee), anyway this year ive been coerced into 2 weeks in Cuba (must say the hotel Iberostar Varadero looks sublime!!) so we'll just have to see how it compares!!

[judith nicholls]

We took our 3 kids to Virginia in 2000. It was a fantastic place. Lots of history presented in such a way the girls loved it,(Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown) fantastic theme and water parks (there's a Busch and a 6 Flags) fantastic beaches with great waves. We even went to the Walton's Museum in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We ended our trip with a few days in Washington with the fantastic museums and monuments. We will be going back.
This summer we're off to Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Ohio - can't wait and as an extra bonus (it's our Silver Wedding) we are off on a Mediterranean Cruise.
Florida is wonderful - I keep finding new places to explore away from the theme parks thanks to tips on the Dibb and the villa owner's forum but I enjoy going to states which are less geared to catering for British tourists too.
Vegas is amazing - take the steam train to the Grand Canyon from Williams Arizona - fantastic fun.
California - wonderful scenery.
Delaware / Maryland - great beaches
New York - fantastic - often stop over for a couple of days.
New York State - beautiful.
Colorado - fantastic for skiing

My ambition is to visit every state. Alaska is next on the list.
Whatever you decide - have a fantastic holiday.

Judith

[nmurray]

Florida is my favorite place in the world to date but I still like to explore other places and really enjoy visiting somewhere new. We have been to New York and Mexico in the last couple of years and enjoyed them both and would visit again. We always end up going back to florida though but its nice to try different places too, the worlds a big place.

[beattieno1]

went to salou 3 years ago for 2weeks was bored to tears, thought we would enjoy it because it had universal med, when we came home DDasked when we were going on holiday, swore we would never go to spain again, florida for us every year, wont waste my money going antwhere else.

[motty1969]

Why not Sharm El Sheikh?

There's nothing there of any interest, except, snorkling, all inclusive hotels and that's it. Egypt is about history, culture, experiencing new things, not laying on a beach getting a tan. You can go to Blackpool for that. Before any one shouts, that's my opinion!

[youngbithum]

:wavey: :wavey: Hi All

Just want to know if anyone has ever been anywhere that has compared to Orlando???

I have been for the last two years and I'm looking too book a holiday for this year. My boyfriend doesn't want to go back to Florida so i am looking for somewhere else. I am finding it very hard, I feel like I will be wasting my money cos i really don't want to go to anywhere other than Florida!

Please help! :( :wavey: hi im with you on that my wife wants to go somewhere else so i look for prices on the net and then i compare prices to value against her choice and mine [florida] and it always works out in my favour so this xmas it looks like ive won again

[swv]

Las Vegas , Las Vegas, Las Vegas, we love it, also how about a few days in Miami and then a Carnival Cruise, we loved that last year waking up in a different place most days.
Although we love Orlando with a passion, i now think that our choice of holidays would be
1. Las Vegas (very tiring)
2. Carnival Cruise. (very relaxing)
3. Orlando (very tiring)

But all sooo very pleasureable.