Help - Tampa/Orlando Vacation

[DaffodilDreams]

We're starting to plan for this year's vacation. We think we want to split the time in Tampa (with dh's parents) and Orlando. We're aiming for the end of Oct.

 

Harry Potter is a must, so we will do that.

 

Other than that, here are some things we're considering:

 

Sea World

 

Busch Gardens

 

Florida Aquarium

 

If you had to choose, which one of the above three would you spend your time and money on? Keep in mind, dd loves, loves, loves animals - the more exotic the animal, the better. This trip will incorporate her bday, so we want it to be something she'll really enjoy. She is not at all interested in Disney - unless maybe Animal Kingdom if it's really worth the money.

 

Also, how much time is needed to really enjoy both Harry Potter World and any of these other options?

 

Any other gem in either city that you think is a must do/see? (We have spent quite a bit of time in Tampa, but we're always on St. Pete Beach. I know there's a lot we've yet to experience.)

 

Thanks!

[Jennifer in MI]

We are doing this exact same vacation in August/September! (Well, we're tacking on a couple days of Disney magic at the end of ours!) Seriously - the things you listed are the same things we're planning to do! I'd be interested in more!

[DaffodilDreams]

We are doing this exact same vacation in August/September! (Well, we're tacking on a couple days of Disney magic at the end of ours!) Seriously - the things you listed are the same things we're planning to do! I'd be interested in more!

 

: ) Brilliant minds . . . : )

[ErinE]

We just got back from an Orlando/Tampa trip.

 

Without equivocation, of the three you listed, you should go to SeaWorld. The number of exhibits and the quality of the park made it the highlight of our trip. My kids loved SeaWorld and still talk about it months later. And we visited:

 

Sea World

Magic Kingdom

LegoLand

Busch Gardens

Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)

 

Busch Gardens was fun, but even though we went during the offseason, it was crowded and the park serves alcohol. I wasn't thrilled about getting on a roller coaster where riders might have imbibed a bit too much. My children enjoyed the MOSI section for kids, but most of the exhibits in the rest of the museum were broken. Legoland has lots of exhibits built of Legos but I wasn't overly impressed with the rides.

[learningmama]

Out of the three, I would choose Sea World. Busch Gardens coming in second and Florida Aquarium third. You can see the aquarium in a few hours; they do have a nice splash park outside.

 

Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa is very nice. Most rides are included in the price and they have a good selection of animals you don't always see in other zoos.

 

As a tourist, I would bypass MOSI in Tampa. We live in the area and have a pass, but not worth full price if I were just passing through.

 

There is always Dinosaur World too!

[Mimmy]

I second Lowry Park Zoo. Wonderful and less expensive than some of the other options.

[katilac]

One day is plenty for Islands of Adventure. Harry Potter World is very cool but quite small, and even with big crowds in that section (in January!!), we had plenty of time for the rest of the park, even with two sit-down meals. The only thing we skipped in HPW was Ollivander's Wand Show, which is a very short show with a very long wait.

 

The shops are a big, BIG part of HPW. There are only 3 rides - you will be finished *very* quickly if you don't shop. They sometimes have extras during peak seasons, like the Hogwarts choir singing, but there was none of this while we were there, even tho' HPW was packed.

 

If you do like to shop, there is tons of fun stuff to browse through. If you are easily overwhelmed, look at the online shop ahead of time - it doesn't feature everything, but it helps give you an idea of what you might want. My kids loved all the shops, but probably spent the most money at Honeyduke's, lol. I will say that all of the candy was really good, and the staff was helpful about describing stuff Americans have never heard of. The other caveat is that the shops are overly realistic for my taste, in the sense of being small, cramped, and quickly crowded. People with even a touch of claustrophobia will suffer.

 

Foodwise, we were really disappointed in The Three Broomsticks; you would think an "English" restaurant could manage decent fish & chips. This was like the stuff you buy in the frozen food section . . . the CHEAP stuff, lol. The food, service, and theming was *much* better at Mythos, and of course a mythology based restaurant is right up the WTM alley! Most of the other food is burgers, hot dogs, etc, and none too great for that. Disney definitely wins on food.

 

Seussville is fun and worth a look even for big kids; the train-type ride there gives a nice view of the park. There are several big rollercoasters, and only the bravest should attempt The Hulk.

 

Other stuff: We like Animal Kingdom, but I wouldn't pay single day pricing to go. There are plenty of other "animal" choices in both cities. She might enjoy one of the gator places, especially if you don't have a lot of gators where you live.

 

I don't know the specifics, but Orlando (and probably Tampa as well) has a multi-day, multi-attraction ticket you can buy. I'm pretty sure Universal and Sea World are both included. You can probably find it on the city's web site.

[Mama Geek]

If your dd loves animals you might consider an airboat ride through the swamps. There are places all over Florida where you can go for a few hours.

[DaffodilDreams]

Thanks for all the advice, feedback, and additional ideas! You ladies are great!

[DaffodilDreams]

If your dd loves animals you might consider an airboat ride through the swamps. There are places all over Florida where you can go for a few hours.

 

That sounds fun! We may have to check into that.

[DaffodilDreams]

My inlaws are in the Tampa area.

 

Besides what you listed, I enjoy the Salvadore Dali museum... http://thedali.org/

 

... as well as the Museum of Science and Industry. http://www.mosi.org/

 

Dh and I went to the Dali museum before the big renovation. We'd love to go again.

[DaffodilDreams]

One day is plenty for Islands of Adventure. Harry Potter World is very cool but quite small, and even with big crowds in that section (in January!!), we had plenty of time for the rest of the park, even with two sit-down meals. The only thing we skipped in HPW was Ollivander's Wand Show, which is a very short show with a very long wait.

 

The shops are a big, BIG part of HPW. There are only 3 rides - you will be finished *very* quickly if you don't shop. They sometimes have extras during peak seasons, like the Hogwarts choir singing, but there was none of this while we were there, even tho' HPW was packed.

 

If you do like to shop, there is tons of fun stuff to browse through. If you are easily overwhelmed, look at the online shop ahead of time - it doesn't feature everything, but it helps give you an idea of what you might want. My kids loved all the shops, but probably spent the most money at Honeyduke's, lol. I will say that all of the candy was really good, and the staff was helpful about describing stuff Americans have never heard of. The other caveat is that the shops are overly realistic for my taste, in the sense of being small, cramped, and quickly crowded. People with even a touch of claustrophobia will suffer.

 

Foodwise, we were really disappointed in The Three Broomsticks; you would think an "English" restaurant could manage decent fish & chips. This was like the stuff you buy in the frozen food section . . . the CHEAP stuff, lol. The food, service, and theming was *much* better at Mythos, and of course a mythology based restaurant is right up the WTM alley! Most of the other food is burgers, hot dogs, etc, and none too great for that. Disney definitely wins on food.

 

Seussville is fun and worth a look even for big kids; the train-type ride there gives a nice view of the park. There are several big rollercoasters, and only the bravest should attempt The Hulk.

 

Other stuff: We like Animal Kingdom, but I wouldn't pay single day pricing to go. There are plenty of other "animal" choices in both cities. She might enjoy one of the gator places, especially if you don't have a lot of gators where you live.

 

I don't know the specifics, but Orlando (and probably Tampa as well) has a multi-day, multi-attraction ticket you can buy. I'm pretty sure Universal and Sea World are both included. You can probably find it on the city's web site.

 

Thank you! This helps so much with planning our time in Orlando. Tampa will be home base for most of the week. I read your post to dh and dd. Dd is excited about the mythology area and Seussville. She's involved in a Seuss theatre workshop right now, so the excitement level is high. : ) Is Seussville part of Islands of Adventure?

 

Neither dh nor dd can ride rides due to motion sickness issues, so we're really just going to Harry Potter World so we can say we've been to Hogwarts. Like your kids, dd is very much looking forward to Honeydukes.

 

If we can find a decent pkg deal, I think we'll tack on Sea World, too.

 

Other than that, we've decided on Lowry Park Zoo rather than Busch Gardens or Animal Kingdom. We can get in free with our local zoo membership, and it sounds like it would provide the animal experience we're hoping for w/o paying for big ticket amusement park rides that we can't even enjoy.

[Starr]

Yes, Suessville is in IOA. And those rides are fun for everyone!

 

Be sure you walk through Hogwarts even if you don't take the ride. Often there is a shorter line. It has many, many interesting, fun things to look at in the castle. If you walk behind Honeydukes you can hear the house elves in the kitchen basement. Ds likes to eat (sharing meals works well) or have a pumpkin fizz and enjoy being in the Three Broomsticks or Hogshead. I rather like the frozen butterbeer. You can buy a drink in a large mug for a souvenir and refills are a dollar for soda anywhere in the park. Have a great time!

[kroe1]

If your child wants the most magical animal themed birthday ever, then here is my recommended lineup:

 

Discovery Cove. Do trainer for a day. Swim with dolphins, play with birds, and spend some time floating on the lazy river. It is across the street from SeaWorld and is an up close and personal experience with aquatic and exotic animals.

 

Animal Kingdom. Do one of the backstage tours. You will be amazed at all the animals as well as the ingenuity of the Disney Imagineers putting the park together. A must see for any animal lover.

 

Lowery Park Zoo. Plan on renting a bike or taking one of the bus tours. It is not as exciting as Animal Kingdom or Discovery Cove, so you might want to do it first.

 

Anna Marie Island. Find Captain Kim for a little boat ride around Long Boat Key. She will take you back into the bay where the kiddos can wade out and find fish, starfish, live sand dollars, urchins, cucumbers, etc. She also will identify local birds and let you see a few dolphin out in the wild. Rarely, a manatee finds her.

 

MOTE Aquarium. Found on Lido Key, there are two resident Manatee in case you cqnnot find one in the wild.

 

HTH. Tell us about your trip when you get back.

[DaffodilDreams]

If your child wants the most magical animal themed birthday ever, then here is my recommended lineup:

 

Discovery Cove. Do trainer for a day. Swim with dolphins, play with birds, and spend some time floating on the lazy river. It is across the street from SeaWorld and is an up close and personal experience with aquatic and exotic animals.

 

Animal Kingdom. Do one of the backstage tours. You will be amazed at all the animals as well as the ingenuity of the Disney Imagineers putting the park together. A must see for any animal lover.

 

Lowery Park Zoo. Plan on renting a bike or taking one of the bus tours. It is not as exciting as Animal Kingdom or Discovery Cove, so you might want to do it first.

 

Anna Marie Island. Find Captain Kim for a little boat ride around Long Boat Key. She will take you back into the bay where the kiddos can wade out and find fish, starfish, live sand dollars, urchins, cucumbers, etc. She also will identify local birds and let you see a few dolphin out in the wild. Rarely, a manatee finds her.

 

MOTE Aquarium. Found on Lido Key, there are two resident Manatee in case you cqnnot find one in the wild.

 

HTH. Tell us about your trip when you get back.

 

Wow! Dd would love any of these, but the combo would blow her away. Unfortunately, it may also blow my budget away, but I will definitely look into these. Some of them are new to me. THANK YOU! : )

[sparkygirl]

I hands down would recommend discovery cove. There is a non-swim with dolphin option that is well worth the price tag and is comparable to any other park admission.

 

It includes all day inclusive food and drinks, reef swim, lazy river swim, pool, aviary and new attraction that was not open when we were there in October. You can stand and watch the dolphins just are not assigned to a group to swim with them. I hands down would do it! It is the most relaxing experience. There is a surprise in the coral reef enclosure...SHARKS! real huge sharks, they are behind plexyglass but because of the angle you can't tell that at first when you are swimming.

[Kipling]

Well, I'll be a dissenting vote and put Busch Gardens above Sea World. I live between Tampa and Orlando, and have had passes to both parks for years. We have always enjoyed BG more than SW because there is so much to do there. I really feel like every time we go, it's a different experience. Sometimes we go just for the animals, and it's like a zoo day. Sometimes we focus more on the shows - and they're awesome! Sometimes we go for the rides. On the days we try to do a little of everything, we don't get through half the park. BG has a lot of rides that my 6&8 year olds can do as well as younger rides for the littlest one. But I guess rides aren't a big draw for your family. Sea world has great shows, but they don't have as many animal exhibits as BG. They do have a fun kids area, but not as big as Busch Gardens'. I feel like we can go to Seaworld for a day and see it all.

 

Someone mentioned Discovey Cove. I haven't done it, but my Dh has. If you can afford it, it would be a memory to last a lifetime.

 

Lowry Park Zoo is a great zoo. Lots of animals, and a good variety too. It can get pretty crowded, and VERY hot. Do the Africa section early in the day because there is no shade in that section and it can be brutal in the afternoon, especially in August/September. The Central Florida Zoo in Sanford is not worth the time (not that it was mentioned, just thought I'd throw that out there).

 

Islans of Adventure is very cool. You'll have a lot of fun there, especially if she is a Harry Potter and Dr. Seuss fan.

It sounds like you've already ruled out Animal Kingdom, and I would just say I agree with that. In my opinion, it is the weakest of the Disney parks, and it can't compete with Busch Gardens or Lowry Park Zoo for the animal experience.

 

A fun low-cost option in the Orlando area is Kelly Park / Rock Springs in Apopka. Kelly park is a nice park with picnic tables and a playground, but the real fun is that you can rent tubes (from vendors outside the park) and launch yourself at the head of the springs and float down the river. It's very relaxing and fun. When we went, we saw some wildlife along the river, like turtles, birds, and otters.

 

If you like parks, the Hillsborough River State Park is a nice park in the Tampa area. Very shaded, nice trails, a couple of playgrounds, and a hiking trail along the river where you're likely to see an alligator or two (always at a distance). You can also rent canoes to paddle down the river (no swimming).

 

So, those are my thoughts for whatever they're worth.

Hope you all have a great time.