Having done purely WDW 2 years on the trot (not mention several trips to DLP), we decided it would be a good idea to have a Disney free year (absence makes the heart grow fonder right?).
Our initial plan was to have a holiday in Europe, but the prices for what you get during the school holidays is pretty terrible, so we started looking at whether it would be possible to do a 'cheaper' trip to Orlando, especially if we forgo WDW. There are so many other things to do in Orlando that we've always and prioritised Disney over, plus I like a good holiday I can plan.
We've always been fans of Universal but gave it a miss as our daughter was only 5 / 6, however we now feel she is taller and brave enough. We have also read the first 2 Harry Potter books to her and she has seen the first film.
The first challenge to making this a 'cheaper' trip was to find a cheaper flight. Thanks to theDibb we looked at Tampa Airport and we've managed to get a really good deal direct from Gatwick with BA. We chose a Fly drive so we've got the car included to. Whilst the location of Orlando airport is better, the journey won't be too bad and hopefully immigration is less busy.
We then looked at accommodation and decided on a Villa, so we could have proper rest days with our own pool. This also worked out nicely budget wise. The villa is located in Indian Wells which means we are close to most attractions and restaurants we'd like to visit..
This is out current plan:
Day 1 -Travel day.
Day 2 -Pirate Cove mini golf, Wonderworks, Lunch at Bahama Breeze. Pool time at villa.
Day 3 -We usually start flagging on day 3, so we will have a full rest day around the pool. Most likely including a breakfast out and then we've booked a reservation at Homecoming, Disney Springs (yes we had to scratch that Disney itch a little).
Day 4 -Aquatica until early afternoon and then dinner out late afternoon.
Day 5 - Full day at Universal Studios / Island of Adventure. Meal at Toothsome. One night stay at Royal Pacific resort (for the express passes)
Day 6 - Full day at Universal Studios / Island of Adventure
Day 7 - Wild Florida airboat tour in the morning. Evening Date night at the Polynesian resort including O'hana and Trader Sam's (my mother in law will be looking after our daughter).
Day 8 - Another rest / pool day. Evening at City Walk hopefully eating at Cowfish.
Day 9 - Kennedy Space Center
Day 10 - Sea World
Day 11 - Rest day with breakfast out. Kobe steakhouse in the evening.
Day 12 - Legoland Florida
Day 13 - Discovery Cove with Dolphin Swim
Day 14 - Final rest day with evening spent in City Walk.
Day 15 - Drive to Tampa Airport with a meal before our flight.
We have a list of restaurants we plan to fit in, and are contemplating booking Blue Man Group tickets (we loved it back in 2011 on our Honeymoon).
We also want some flexibility on our rest days so may go to cinema or do some shopping.
We have hopefully balanced some rest time with doing lots of fun things. I have a feeling we will miss Disney, but can't wait to try some different stuff.