Earthbound's 21 Day Itinerary

[Earthbound]

Thursday 29-Jul Arrive Sanford 15:00, Walmart blitz, Meal - Logans Roadhouse
Friday 30-Jul Magic Kingdom, PS @ Crystal Palace 6pm
Saturday 31-Jul Animal Kingdom, Meal - Sleuths
Sunday 1-Aug MGM Studios, Fantasmic DP at Hollywood & Vine 7pm
Monday 2-Aug Typhoon Lagoon, Meal - DIBB meet DTD - Rainforest Cafe!!
Tuesday 3-Aug Islands of Adventure (using Express + tickets), Meal - Mythos
Wednesday 4-Aug Hotel day, Meal - Pirates Dinner 8.30pm
Thursday 5-Aug Epcot, PS @ Ice Cream Social 3pm, PS @ Rose & Crown 7.30pm
Friday 6-Aug Universal Studios (using Express + tickets), Meal - Lombards
Saturday 7-Aug Discovery Cove, Dixie Stampede
Sunday 8-Aug Shopping, Fun Spot, Meal - Jungle Jim's
Monday 9-Aug Wet n Wild, Meal - Tony Roma's
Tuesday 10-Aug Florida Experience, Meal - Bennigans
Wednesday 11-Aug Seaworld, Dine with Shamu 7.30pm
Thursday 12-Aug Hotel day, Meal - Arabian Nights
Friday 13-Aug Universal Spare day, Citywalk
Saturday 14-Aug Gatorland & Boggy Creek, Meal - tba
Sunday 15-Aug Disney Spare day
Monday 16-Aug Busch Gardens
Tuesday 17-Aug Blizzard Beach, Meal - Medieval Times
Wednesday 18-Aug Spare day, Meal Race Rock
Thursday 19-Aug Hotel & Home!!!!

Also need to fit in on Hotel/Relax days:::
Helicopter Trip
NASCAR Experience for DW

[2BoysMum&Dad]

Hi Earthbound

Looks like you will have a busy time! We are also out in WDW for three weeks in the summer (and we will actually be overlapping for most of that time).

I have been advised by professional WDW visitors (LOL!!) that you will be exhausted if you plan a full day's activity every day, so I hope you will take it easy on some of those days and don't expect to walk too much at some of the places you are going. There are a lot of shows and things to watch at some places if you need a calmer day (due to the effects of aching muscles or sore feet etc).

Zoe (another Surrey person!)

[Earthbound]

Hi Zoe!
It'll be our second visit to The Magic - we originally went for the first time back in October 2001 but stayed in a villa a good 45 minutes away from the parks - so we know what to expect although we anticipate heavier crowds. This time we're in The Enclaves on I-Drive - we're a very active family but we know when to pace ourselves (hence the odd Water Park/Hotel/Shopping day thown in every so often).
We live near Woking, keep in touch & maybe we could share a beer or two when we're both out there!!
Earthbound

[2BoysMum&Dad]

A get together with a few drinks sounds like a great idea. Definitely keep in touch. Any useful information you have for first timers like us would be gratefully appreciated!

Zoe.

[Garry147]

Our family is also there for 21 days. It is our first trip so I'm very interested in a good itinery to cover that time. We arrive from Jul 27 thru Aug 17. The only firm day is Jul 30 at Kennedy as there is a space launch and some people seem to recommend Sea World as a good first full day.
How have you chosen your resturants? Can they all be recommended and is there any you would consider unmissable?

[2BoysMum&Dad]

We have tickets for Kennedy Space Centre. If there is a launch on 30th July - we'll be there! May see you Garry!

Zoe

[Garry147]

Here are the details straight from NASA
Event: NASA's MESSENGER launch to Planet Mercury Date:
7/30/2004
Time: 02:17:14 AM EST Details: The MESSENGER mission, spacecraft, and science instruments are focused on answering questions that will allow us to understand Mercury as a planet, and give us a better understanding of how our own Earth formed, how it evolved, and how it interacts with the Sun. This launch will be viewed from Kennedy Space Center. Contact: Reservations Phone: 321-449-4400 Location: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

I'm trying to find out if you can just turn up on the day with your visitor pass or if you need to book anything.

[Earthbound]

Garry,
thanks for that! I'm not a big space fan - but a launch will be exciting.
The restairants are all one's I've chosen on recommendations & write-ups. Can't really comment on them being unmissable but they're all worth a try!

[Earthbound]

Amendment number one!!!
Evening of Saturday August 7th now taken up with a visit to The Dixie Stampede - all booked!! Wild Jacks now moves to a spare day - probably Sunday 15th!!

[Ear_Poppin]

HI Chris

Great itinerary busy busy busy...

Looking at where you are going to eat I think we touched on it breifly last night but you most definitely need the entertainment book.

For your restaurants they have vouchers for

bogof = buy one get one free

Jungle Jims ( $9.00)
Arabian Nights ( $15 off x 3 )
Bennigans bogof ( $15 )
Wonderworks ( bogof x2 )
Sleuths ( bogof $15)

plus Ripleys, Boggy Creek Air rides, Gatorland, titanic and loads of restaurants. It is only $10 plus $5 postage which you would save using just one voucher.

www.entertainmentcard.com

In relation to the Universal park. Do you have an Annual pass. You are eating in 3 Universal restaurants. With an AP you get free parking ( $8.00 a time ), 20% off merchandise, 15% off the food bill. Only one person needs to get the pass for the bill to qualify. This includes all restaurants including fast food ( but not cash carts).

I can tell you that the savings do mount up very quickley especially as there are four of you going. The AP is about $181 dollars for the two US/IOA parks.

Hope this helps. The ET book runs out on 1st November and that why it is so cheap.

Denise

[Earthbound]

Denise,
Thanks for the advice on the Entertainment book - will definitely seek it out & order it!!
As far as Universal is concerned I have the 5 park 14 day tickets already in my possession - bought a little while back because of the good $$ rate. We're practically on Universals doorstep as we are staying on Carrier Drive so we'll be making use of the courtesy transport for our visits there that's a few $$ saved.
Again thanks for the tips & taking time out to reply

[icatqman]

Great Plan!
We are in Florida at exactly the same time, though we arrive later in the day (29 July). We stayed on I Drive last time and had the same flexi-ticket (our hotel was opposite W&W (better than the hotel pool) and we used it to good effect. This time it will be Disney (10 Day pass) and as we loved US and IOA we bought a 2 Park 3 Day pass(with an extra 11 days added on - can't see us fully utilising it but it's still a bonus). Seeing your plan has brought it all home - so much to do and so little time. I haven't set up my countdown clock -it will be the same as yours! I do hope there is a shuttle launch whilst we are out there! Great site with great tips - long may it continue!
Regards
P&C

[2BoysMum&Dad]

P&C = you will also be around Florida when we are there - although not exactly the same dates, but we will be overlapping a lot and no doubt visiting many of the same places. Hope everyone is going to be wearing their DIBB pins so we can wave to each other!! LOL

We leave on 24th July for three weeks.

Zoe

[Earthbound]

P&C - thanks for the comments!! You're right so much to do & so little time!! There is a shuttle launch scheduled for 2.17am on the morning of Friday 30th July EST, if you're interested in attending then have a look at www.kennedyspacecenter.com/launches/scheduleStatus.asp?dDate=10/25/2004&intPage=1 at the bottom is a link to the 30th July launch :thumbup:

[icatqman]

Hi,
We don't arrive at MCO until 2330 on the 29 July, so the nearest we will get to it is watching on TV! Only 82 days to go!
Regards,
P & C

[Earthbound]

P&C - late arrival - maybe you can watch or catch site of the launch on your way to WDW. I'll probably be tucked up in bed that night - waiting in the morning to blitz Magic Kingdom :thumbup:

[Earthbound]

Have edited the original itinerary with what we agreed as a family on Monday - still a couple of things to sort out but I think it's taking shape!! :thumbup:

[Earthbound]

More amendments made!! Have decided as a family that relaxing days are for wimps!! LoL - BUSY, BUSY, BUSY :thumbs-up

[2BoysMum&Dad]

Chris, because you will be overlapping in Florida for most of the time we will be there - do I make sure I avoid you at all costs or try to coincide a few days - LOL!!

Zoe

[Earthbound]

Zoe - if we're both rushing around I just hope we don't collide into each other!! - could be nasty!! LoL ;)

[2BoysMum&Dad]

I now have awful visions of two families racing around Florida perpetually bumping into each other for three weeks! Could get very painful! Better bring your American Football padding for protection!! ;)

Zoe

[Earthbound]

Originally posted by 2BoysMum&Dad
Better bring your American Football padding for protection!! ;)
Zoe

Zoe - already packed as I'm hoping to get a training session out there with the Florida Gators!!
Have also e-mailed the local medics to make sure they are on stand.by!! LoL ;)

[2BoysMum&Dad]

Originally posted by Earthbound
Zoe - already packed as I'm hoping to get a training session out there with the Florida Gators!!
Have also e-mailed the local medics to make sure they are on stand.by!! LoL ;)

Good move about warning the local medics!!

If we get the chance, it would be great to watch you, will have to see how our itinerary takes shape.

[Earthbound]

No problem - their season starts in September. I have e-mailed theor coaching division to let them know that I'm over & asked for a day at their training camp!! If I get a favourable reply then I'll let you know date/venue etc!!

[2BoysMum&Dad]

Brilliant! I'd love to have a look at your equipment on 10th July!

Zoe

[Earthbound]

I'll get my polish out & buff it up!!! ;)

Actually just thought of a garden game we can play with my training kit!!! How quick can adults take to get the kit on!! :D :D :D

[Earthbound]

Final Version now issued & all commenst duly ignored!! ;)

[Dizzy]

Hi Earthbound,
Noticed you've booked a Nascar experience thorugh Keith Prowse. I wanted to book one for DH but cant find it on the site:confused2 .

Dizzy

[Earthbound]

Dizzy - try this link & it's about fourth from bottom. It is just the ride-along experience nothing flashy & costs $99
KP only send the tickets out about 2 weeks before you go - good luck!! ;)

www.keithprowsetickets.co.uk/cgi-bin/search.exe?crypto_block=M----LUo9w8-zNjFGxDDRUdcHAiaFs35CTkgY&user_id=kprowse&s_area=USAFLA

:thumb:

[Dizzy]

Thanks Earthbound - sorted!

[Earthbound]

Originally posted by Dizzy
Thanks Earthbound - sorted!

I love it when a plan comes together!! xXx ;)
What did you manage to sort in the end??

[2BoysMum&Dad]

Originally posted by Earthbound
I'll get my polish out & buff it up!!! ;)

Actually just thought of a garden game we can play with my training kit!!! How quick can adults take to get the kit on!! :D :D :D

What happened to this idea! :(

[Earthbound]

Totally forgot!!! We'll save it for the next one!! Your place end of August!

[2BoysMum&Dad]

OK Chris, I'm game! Just don't forget to bring your kit! :D :D

[taff1789]

we've done some planning and it's not as definitive as yours, we haven't planned where to eat each night, do you think we need to or play it as it comes
we're off from gatwick 30th july so we'll miss the shuttle
we're staying on i-drive
:cool: :beer2:

[Earthbound]

hi Taff! as far as the evening meals are concerned we're a VERY active family, sp I've booked some dinner shows mainly to coinicide with either water park days or hotel days - gives us something to look forward to. The only other set meals are the Priority Seatings at MK, MGM, RPCOT & Seaworld - the rest is pretty much as we go - the restaurants are just my suggestions & open for DW & DD's to argue!!!
If you do want to eat at a specific place then make sure you do book as it will usually be quite busy - either book before you go if it's in WDW or Universal, or pop in a make a reservation when passing the restaurant when you're out there - the same for I-Drive eating places!! Have fun! :thumb:

[2BoysMum&Dad]

Chris, I thought of you on 11th August. You had a meal booked "Dine with Shamu" for 7.30pm. We were there on 11th August and noticed the posted times for "Dine with Shamu" were 4.30 and 6.30! Got worried you'd miss your meal! What happened in the end? Did you find out about the changed times?

What happened to you on 13th and 14th August? Were Universal and Boggy Creek closed?

[Earthbound]

Zoe, we found out by accident (walking poast the entrance) that the times had changed - we were not impressed & had a few choice words with the staff!
Universal closed at 2pm on 13th & was back up & running next day although some rides (Dr Doom etc) were closed, but the park was very busy.
Boggy Creek was a wash out so we gave it a miss, I rang them beforehand - I still have 4 prepaid tickets to get rid of, will probably offer them on the DIBB at a later stage!