The Big Apple and The Mouse

[Nickydooda]

Well, following a big of good luck we decided to take the kids on a last big holiday before Child #1 heads of to uni and the big bad world.

We consists of DH (50), me (46), DS (18) and DD (13).

This is our third Orlando visit but the first time as a four as we took Granny with us the first time and a friend and her kids the second time. We couldn't agree where to go this time, DH wanted to do New York and I wanted to go to Florida again so we decided to go the full hog and do both. DH's holidays are allocated to him so we were restricted to set dates and I wanted to be back in Inverness on the 18th August so that DD has a day at home before the school goes back on 20th.

Our trip starts on 31st July with a KLM flight from Inverness to Amsterdam, Delta flight Amsterdam to New York (JFK) and 4 nights at the New York Sheraton Times Square. Then La Guardia to Orlando (MCO) and 13 nights at the Lake Buena Vista Village Resort and Spa with a hire car. We've stayed here before, 2009 on our first visit with Granny We had a 3 bed apartment then but this time we've opted for a 2 bed one. 17th August we leave Orlando from MCO with Delta and fly to Amsterdam with a change at Atlanta then KLM back to Inverness.

I priced it all separate and with several agents before going with Virgin as they were coming in very reasonable taking into consideration that we were booking reasonably short notice compared to when we have gone previously, booking a year in advance.

So far DH seems laid back about the whole thing thinking we can rock up and just do whatever we plan to do without the planning stage lol. DS is researching to see what he wants to do in New York and Orlando and DD is crying every 10 minutes cause she is scared to fly to New York and doesn't want to go on holiday at all

At the moment we have only got Disney tickets organised through Virgin as they were the cheapest I could find at £375 for 14 nights with free Memory Maker. I'm looking at things we've not done before and things we want to do again in Orlando which is fun. Also I have a health issue - severe IBS which I am stressing about. I've had it for years but the older I get the worse it's getting and it is getting harder and harder to manage - as long as I know where the toilets are I'm good.

New York is harder. everyone has their own idea of what they want to do and trying to find tickets and fit everything in is just a nightmare. Our hotel looks good and is fairly central. We'll probably split up and the boys can do their thing and we can do ours, meeting up for meals and a catch up but that will probably change - several times

I'm not sure how much of the trip I'll blog but we'll go with the flow and see how things pan out (no IBS puns there were intended )

Nicola

[debojahh]

We did a similar trip in October. I found it hard to plan NYC in general but with 4 of you I can see there being more issues!

Great to have a central hotel too

[Sofiamouse]

Sounds like an amazing trip! My sisters doing the same , flying out this Friday for her 40th.

My hubby is from NYC, so we are lucky to go a lot.
Definitely plan NYC as you don’t want to be miss sights and have to go back on yourself for example if your doing the 9/11 memorial the same day plan to do either the Staten Island ferry( goes pass Statue of Liberty, and great to see Manhattan from the water) or a tour board ride, as these go from lower Manhattan.
You and your daughter could good afternoon tea at The Plaza ( hotel from home alone) and the guys could try to catch a sports game?

So much to do, brilliant city and then Disney ! Lucky you xx

[Goldia]

We did 4 nights NYC and 10 nights Orlando a couple of summers ago. We also stayed in the Sheraton Times Square. It was a great base for us. Close to central park and easy to use the subway to get around. If you want to go up the statue of liberty you will have to book in advance as the tickets sell out. There are lots of city explorer pass tickets, we had one which was a 3 attraction pass and we used it for Top of the rock, empire state and the Ride. This was brilliant, totally recommend the Ride!

We had a brilliant time in NYC loads to do, lots of tasty food (but a bit more pricey than orlando). Have fun on your trip.

[Nickydooda]

Thanks everyone - some great tips and ideas there - my head is spinning with everything everyone wants to do and trying to find the best ticket options. ALl DH can think of where he wants to eat

I now have one character breakfast booked at Crystal Palace for the day after we arrive at Orlando and the fast track car hire booked.

Yay, go me