Please find below some direct links for the main shopping malls and also for some of the best evening shows. We have made some suggestions
for other activities which can add to the overall fun.
As before all links will open a new window.
We hope that you will also take the time to have a quick look at our tips at the base of the page, as they are aimed
at helping you ensure that you get the most out of your holiday experience.
We adore holidaying in Florida and we hope that you enjoy it just as much.
Shopping
Orlando has some of the best shopping outlets around and gives you a huge choice at fantastic prices, you really
can find that you fill an extra suitcase with all your bargains - but don't worry if it's too much, you can
always book our villa for next year and come again.
As well as the areas below there is a new development just down the road from Solana Sunshine Villa - Posner Park features stores from Target, Best Buy, JC Penney, Belks, Books a Million, Dick's Sporting Goods, Michaels & more...
The Florida Mall
The Loop
Orlando Premium Outlets
Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
The Mall At Millenia
Pointe Orlando
Walmart
Shows
Orlando has some excellent evening shows and if you can manage it we would recommend that you try to fit in one of
these. In addition to those with direct links you might like to try the Cirque du Soleil which is based at Downtown Disney, or the
Makahiki Luau which takes place at Seaworld but does not require you to pay for full Seaworld entrance.
Pirates Dinner Adventure
Medieval Times
Arabian Nights
Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows
Everything else
We have tried to come up with some other options which may help help you to make sure that you get plenty of variety,
and that everyone gets to do something that they want to. However if you feel that we have missed something, please
drop us a quick e-mail so that we can add to this list.
Some have links but not all - here are our suggestions:
- Mini Golf - There are some amazing mini golf courses around. Try Disney's Fantasia Gardens next to the Swan Hotel;
Winter-Summerland which is near the entrance to Blizzard Beach; Pirates Cove has 2 courses situated on I-Drive at Lake Buena Vista;
Tiki Island Golf is also on I-Drive; River Adventure is opposite Medieval Times on Highway 192; Bonanza Miniature Golf
is next to the Magic Mining Co on Highway 192. These courses are imaginative, testing and a great deal of fun.
- Horse Riding - take some lessons or go trail riding;
Horse World Riding Stables
- For more evening entertainment have a walk around Downtown Disney which includes the Pleasure Island, or try Disney's
BoardWalk Resort where you will often find some street entertainment.
- Dining out - the list could be several pages long as Orlando provides a wealth of lovely and unique dining experiences,
our personal favourite is the Rainforest Cafe which is found in Downtown Disney.
- Please don't forget the fireworks displays laid on by most of the theme parks - it is highly recommended that you see
at least one during your stay.
Finally we have promised some tips to help you get the most out of your holiday - as before, please feel free to e-mail us with any
additional tips you think we should include here:
- Please remember to take your driving licence with you as you will need it to pick up your car.
- Visiting theme parks involves a lot of walking so remember to take comfortable footwear, good socks and plasters/pads
to help out with blisters.
- Dont forget to carry sun-cream with you as the sun can catch even on cloudy days.
- Consider dressing your children with swimwear under their clothes for days at the parks - you will often find squirt fountains
which the kids will want to play in, and this way you don't have to worry about letting them.
- On the subject of water, expect to get very wet on most of the water rides - we strongly recommend that you take a change
of clothes with you (if you don't want to carry them around then you can rent a locker near the front entrance), even a spare
pair of underwear will be appreciated after a soaking in some of the parks.
- As an alternative, don't be afraid to wear a poncho on the water rides - it is worth keeping one with you anyway
particularly in the summer when there can be some sharp downpours before the sun reappears.
- Don't forget to make use of the Fastpass system in Disney. This
allows you to come back later to the main rides and join a much shorter queue to get onto the ride. Universal do something similar called Universal Express, but unfortunately you
have to pay for this whereas the Disney Fastpass is free.
- Tipping is a way of life in America and many people are taxed on their prospective tips regardless of whether
they get them. It is normal to tip at around 15% - 20% particularly in bars, restaurants and in taxis.
- For spending it is adviseable to take US Dollar travellers cheques - these are spent just like cash but are safer. You
do not need to change them into cash at a Bank, in fact you will get some strange looks if you try.
- If you use a disabled badge in the UK, then take it with you as it is also recognised at the major parks, however you will need a temporary Florida disabled badge outside of the parks.
- As most of the theme parks provide many water fountains, it is worth taking a small bottle with you to refill
regularly - this ensures that you drink plenty of water.
- Make sure you have a great holiday and please give us any feedback.
Shopping, Shows and other ideas
