Florida Vacation

[Yuri.Popov]

Originally Posted by cru jones

if the watch will keep you from having fun, don't wear it or bring it. Focus on the vacation.

agree!!!!

[Hpozzuoli]

AirBnB is your friend. Unless the hotel is on par with a W or Mandarin I would rather rent a house. Having kids makes it even better with a yard and separate bedrooms.

[denrusso]

Originally Posted by Stuxnet

You are a brave man to spend 2 weeks in a DW hotel and a further 2 weeks in Orlando. Especially in June.

I recommend the Four Season after you are done with the DW Hotel. In fact, avoid the Disney properties and just spend the 4 weeks at the Four Seasons. Actually, you don't need 2 whole weeks at DW and another 2 weeks in the area. Spend 7 - 9 days in Orlando doing the theme park stuff and then go to Cape Cod or some place more pleasant. Or even a short trip to St. Barths. Because you will need a vacation after the "Disney Experience".

This


Thanks,
dr

[Hodog16]

We have annual passes and just were at WDW last weekend and the first weekend in April. I currently only have my 116610LV so it always goes with me. Only issue is having to wash off the sunscreen residue with hand soap after a long day. Never am concerned about it being stolen or having dings. I'd only bring one watch as it'll be safer on your wrist then sitting in a room or safe.

I saw many Apple watches but not a single other Rolex. When I have seen them it's always been either a DJ or SS sport model.

[fskywalker]

Take the 16610, but not because it's old, rather because it rules!

[Timomsu]

I'm from Orlando. I do not spend much time out by the attractions, but here would be my suggestions. After you are done at DW, spend a night or two at one of the hotels at Universal (there is a decent night life scene there so you might appreciate not having to drive). If you don't stay on site, use Uber to where ever you are staying.

If you like coasters, go to Busch Gardens for a day. It is on the East side of Tampa, so it is an easy drive (to the extent you can have an easy drive on I-4).

A great beach that is significantly closer to Orlando is New Smyrna Beach (on the Atlantic side). The gulf side is very nice as well, but getting over there is more like a 2 hour drive, not 1 hour.

As for shopping, there is plenty off I-drive and Lake Buena Vista. The Premium Outlets get a lot of traffic. Mall at Millenia is our nicest mall (with an AD too boot).

If you have time, go to downtown Winter Park for a day of shopping and dining (on Park Ave). A nice nearby hotel to that location is the Alfond Inn or the Park Plaza Hotel.

[braty]

Wow. So many recommendations, ideas, suggestions. And each one is better than the next.

I'll be staying at the Polynesian Resort for 2 weeks. I hear a lot of folks suggesting I stay off property. I understand that off DW property hotels are nicer and better priced . After those 2 weeks, I have 2 more weeks to spare, out of which I'll dedicate 7 days to Universal, Sea World, Gatorland etc. And then I have 7 more days at hand.

The only things I see as advantages of staying at a DW property is being able to come back for a nap every afternoon( in Oman, siesta is a way of life), having an immersive Disney feel to the 2 weeks, proximity to the monorail and in 2 weeks, I can have days off from the parks and unwind by the pool with my kindle. Being on a vacation, getting up at 6 AM - 7AM to get to the parks, negates the purpose of being on a vacation. I intend to take it slow. Why rush when all you have is time and the will to go on no matter if my feet yell "you are not gonna make it"!!!

Being from Oman, heat is not going to be a problem. Infact I know I will enjoy those mid afternoon showers that Florida sometimes has.

As far as apple watch goes, I have grown to like it and for the battery issues, I will be travelling with this:
http://www.amazon.com/Smatree-SmaShe...ilpage_o01_s00

I like notifications :)

Yes, I agree with some folks about wearing the DSSD. But my heart ALSO pines for the 116718 LN. Guess I'll stick with the latter. Or wait..maybe the DSSD..oh well! I'll see how I feel an hour before my flight to Orlando :) My 16523 (Steel Gold Daytona, black dial) and 18238 (YG day date) are going to have stay home.

Thanks for suggesting so many places to visit, window shop and stay. I would like to hear more about places I can travel within a post DW 2 week time bracket so I can plan as per.

Oh one more thing, I plan on using www.shelovestodolaundry.com for my washing and cleaning of clothes. Any remarks on that?

[braty]

Funny you should mention Key West. I have just started reading Wood's Relic by Steven Becker.

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Take the 16610, but not because it's old, rather because it rules!

+1

My 16610 just handled a great week of sand and sun in Turks and Caicos, certainly can handle some kiddie rides in Orlando.

[DandyAnt]

I'd wear the Sub or DSSD personally.
We're going in August. I'll take BLNR as a bit flashier or Smurf (if I have one by then).

Staying at JW Marriott Grande Lakes - anyone stayed there? Any good?

Will visit Miami for a few days too, any recommendations? 🤔


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[Lordofrolex]

i would keep the 116718 at home. I would take your daily wearer on this trip. This is a family friendly style trip that probably going to be very active so the sub is a safe bet or the deep-sea. If your bring your apple watch with you then i probably would leave the other watches at home and just wear that the whole time. Don't have an apple watch but see you having a hard time choosing between the apple watch and your rolexes when you know youll be banging them around on the rides and stuff.

[braty]

Originally Posted by DandyAnt

I'd wear the Sub or DSSD personally.
We're going in August. I'll take BLNR as a bit flashier or Smurf (if I have one by then).

Staying at JW Marriott Grande Lakes - anyone stayed there? Any good?

Will visit Miami for a few days too, any recommendations? 🤔


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The JW Grande Lakes was one of the hotels my agent suggested. I believe is good.

[braty]

Or walk around like this?

[Danny83]

DSSD no Apple watch the places you are going are extremely safe

[Timomsu]

Originally Posted by DandyAnt

I'd wear the Sub or DSSD personally.
We're going in August. I'll take BLNR as a bit flashier or Smurf (if I have one by then).

Staying at JW Marriott Grande Lakes - anyone stayed there? Any good?

Will visit Miami for a few days too, any recommendations? 🤔


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

JW Marriott is a really nice resort. There is not much around it though so you will likely need to rent a car (or take Uber) to get to places.

[Bulliondesk]

4 weeks in Orlando? Yikes. I couldn't last more than 2 days at the theme parks. Its so exhausting dealing with the crowds.. lines.. tourists etc. Good luck! FYI.. it shouldn't take more than 3-5 days to do ALL the Orlando attractions. What the hell are you going to do for the other 3-3.5 weeks?

[ernie2]

I never take my apple watch on trips because the sucka needs to be charged every night. DW and orlando is safe, as long as you are not wearing a rose gold skydweller, no one will pay you any mind. Also, hotel safes are not safe at all.

In orlando, visit David SW

[RobJordan]

Contrary to what the travel industry would want you to think, Orlando/Kissimmee isn't the safest area in Florida. I think its fine to wear a Rolex inside the parks but wouldn't feel too comfortable wearing one outside. Apple Watch is fine, but I would leave my higher end timepieces at home for this trip.

[RMC12]

I took my BLNR when I went to Orlando a couple of years ago. Then met David SW and came home with my Smurf!! Will be taking that when we go again in a couple of weeks.

Have been told I am not allowed to see David again though!

[speedolex]

Nothing says "Florida by the pool" more than a Submariner.

And advice from someone very experienced on the subject:

Disney World you only need 4 days to cover it all, 5 if you take advantage of the watercraft on the Seven Seas Lagoon for a day.

Universal is a day. Sea World is half a day.

If I were you I would cut Orlando to a single 7 day week and spend the rest of the time down in the Keys or the Bahamas or Jamaica or Puerto Rico or Mexico or a Disney Cruise hitting the Caribbean. You are going to be bored out of your mind the second week.

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by Bulliondesk

4 weeks in Orlando? Yikes. I couldn't last more than 2 days at the theme parks. Its so exhausting dealing with the crowds.. lines.. tourists etc. Good luck! FYI.. it shouldn't take more than 3-5 days to do ALL the Orlando attractions. What the hell are you going to do for the other 3-3.5 weeks?

+1

I just said the same exact thing. Even if he hits every ride in every theme park at Disney and Universal and then takes advantage of Disney's watercraft on the lakes and perhaps night festivities at Fort Wilderness, he's still got 3 weeks to kill.

If I were him I'd book a Disney Cruise for one of the weeks and hit up an all inclusive in Turks & Caicos or Jamaica with the Beaches chain. He's going to be bored silly by Week 2, makes no sense to go through with this plan.

[Headshrinker]

Originally Posted by polaris72

If you get bored in Orlando, hop on I-4 West and within an hour, you will be in Tampa (Tampa International Mall) or go to Bradenton/Sarasota area. You will get to enjoy white sands (Siesta Key Beach, St. Armand's Circle). Mayor's is the Rolex AD here.

Keep your Apple Watch at home, you might forget to charge it while in FL. Lots of Rolexes on the west coast, take any of yours to meet their cousins.

I have a home in Sarasota, it is actually on LongBoat Key. It is a wonderful area with many cultural adventures. Another Poster mentioned Saint Armand's Circle; while there are many cool shops there, I agree, they can be rude. Once my wife had to corner a sales woman and ask her if she, did indeed, work there. Otherwise, a beautiful area.

[RMC12]

Originally Posted by speedolex

Nothing says "Florida by the pool" more than a Submariner.

And advice from someone very experienced on the subject:

Disney World you only need 4 days to cover it all, 5 if you take advantage of the watercraft on the Seven Seas Lagoon for a day.

Universal is a day. Sea World is half a day.

If I were you I would cut Orlando to a single 7 day week and spend the rest of the time down in the Keys or the Bahamas or Jamaica or Puerto Rico or Mexico or a Disney Cruise hitting the Caribbean. You are going to be bored out of your mind the second week.

Sorry but I have to disagree with this. 4 Days is not enough to cover ALL of Disney if this is your one chance to do it. There are 4 theme parks and two water parks for a start not to mention all the other stuff like character breakfasts, fireworks in the evening, Disney Market Place etc. If you went hell for leather, stayed in the parks from opening until closing and never stopped to have a swim or relax and turned it into a living hell of a holiday you MAY get it done but I am guessing this is not what the OP wants.

That said a month is probably too long just for Orlando. 7-10 days on the Gulf Coast or in the Keys would be a nice way to wind down.

[braty]

Originally Posted by speedolex

Nothing says "Florida by the pool" more than a Submariner.

And advice from someone very experienced on the subject:

Disney World you only need 4 days to cover it all, 5 if you take advantage of the watercraft on the Seven Seas Lagoon for a day.

Universal is a day. Sea World is half a day.

If I were you I would cut Orlando to a single 7 day week and spend the rest of the time down in the Keys or the Bahamas or Jamaica or Puerto Rico or Mexico or a Disney Cruise hitting the Caribbean. You are going to be bored out of your mind the second week.

Even if we are late risers and don't intend to head to the parks at 7 AM? I presumed 14 days at Disney would be good so we can pace it rather than rush out every morning. Plus, we can have days off in the middle and relax by the pool and read.

I am seriously reconsidering my 14 days stay at DW alone, but please do take this into consideration that since I'm flying from Oman, and would like to take it easy, would it still be too much?

AFTER the 2 weeks at Disney, maybe a week more to cover Sae world, Lego Land, Universal, Gatorland, malls. Erm...so I still have a 7 more days to kill. *thinks thinks thinks*

[braty]

Originally Posted by RMC12

Sorry but I have to disagree with this. 4 Days is not enough to cover ALL of Disney if this is your one chance to do it. There are 4 theme parks and two water parks for a start not to mention all the other stuff like character breakfasts, fireworks in the evening, Disney Market Place etc. If you went hell for leather, stayed in the parks from opening until closing and never stopped to have a swim or relax and turned it into a living hell of a holiday you MAY get it done but I am guessing this is not what the OP wants.

That said a month is probably too long just for Orlando. 7-10 days on the Gulf Coast or in the Keys would be a nice way to wind down.

That sounds like a fair thing. As you mentioned, I intend on taking things slow and relaxed and not go for "hell for leather" :) Some of you guys are lucky to be able to do Disney every year, not me. I mean I can, BUT it's a long flight from home hehe...so I figured, let's do this nice and easy and make a pleasant trip out of it. What say guys?

After 2 weeks at DW, a few more days doing the "rest of the attractions", I still have an extra week. Bahamas come highly recommended. So do the Keys. *thinks thinks thinks*

[jeffgo888]

Ok, I lived in Miami for awhile and then Daytona Beach, plus the SPace Coast area. Here are my suggestions:

1). do NOT spend SO much time on the theme parks. You will MISS out on the beauty Florida has to offer, mainly the beaches. Yes, do DW and Univ and Epcot Plus Seaworld, but if I were you, I would go to the following beaches:
a). TAMPA beaches: Spectacular, white sand, blue beaches. Superb weather. 1.5 hr drive from ORL.
b). Daytona Beach/New Smryna: 1.5 hr drive. New Smyrna is a small town ( I used to live near there, dont ask). Beaches are great BUT shark sightings are little bad. Its actually one of top 5 shark accidents in the world. Just be careful.
c). the KEYS/Miami: 4 to 5 hr drive: In my opinion, this is a MUST do. The keys in itself is a very nice, relaxed area, with great snorkelling.

and OH yea, don't scrimp, DSSD all the way!..:)
b

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by braty

Even if we are late risers and don't intend to head to the parks at 7 AM? I presumed 14 days at Disney would be good so we can pace it rather than rush out every morning. Plus, we can have days off in the middle and relax by the pool and read.

I am seriously reconsidering my 14 days stay at DW alone, but please do take this into consideration that since I'm flying from Oman, and would like to take it easy, would it still be too much?

AFTER the 2 weeks at Disney, maybe a week more to cover Sae world, Lego Land, Universal, Gatorland, malls. Erm...so I still have a 7 more days to kill. *thinks thinks thinks*

The problem with Disney World these days is that there aren't enough good rides. And the really good ones are booked in advance with Disney's FastPass feature so you can't go on them multiple times without a long wait. And as far as waking up early, you better get used to that because the Extra Magic hours at the crack of dawn are one of the only ways to beat the crowds to the good rides, it's a benefit to park hotel guests. We were just down there in February and you pay like $120 per person for an EPCOT ticket and there are two rides worth doing and long waits and long walks and it's exhausting. Then another $120 per person to go to Hollywood Studios and they have only one ride worth experiencing. And there are no half day park tickets. It's crazy expensive to do just a few hours a day at one of the Disney parks. Point is it's not what you think it is, pick a theme park, there simply aren't enough rides. If you wanted to make it a really long stay at Disney, this is the maximum amount of time you'd want at each park:

Magic Kingdom (2 days)
EPCOT (1 day)
Animal Kingdom (1/2 day)
Hollywood Studios (1/2 day)
Water Parks or Boating (1/2 day)

Point is, that's 5 days right there. You want to be more leisurely, fine, take it up to 7 days. But you do not, under any circumstances, need more than 7 days 6 nights exploring the sum total of Disney World. And Universal or Sea World are just poorer version of Disney, very small, very expensive.

Now, if you want to view your stay as getting in some important relaxation time, that's cool, I think that's great, but there are better places to go than Disney for that, especially the Polynesian which doesn't have the best pool. Atlantis in the Bahamas for one. Beaches at Negril Jamaica or Turks & Caicos for another. These places have no theme parks, they are 100% about relaxation and leisure time, massive pools, massive water parks, snorkeling, diving, boat excursions, fantastic food. All are short flights from Orlando.

If I were you I'd change the vacation, do half the time in Orlando at Disney as planned and then book the other half at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Half the time hustle at the theme parks, half the time being pampered at a luxury resort that's all about relaxation. I've done both multiple times, you need to trust me on this one.

IMPORTANT: Especially with a 6 year old son! I just read that. He can't go on half the rides in the parks that are worth going on, at his age he will only appreciate Magic Kingdom with its large assortment of rides for kids his age/height. A 6 year old will not get the full Disney experience in Hollywood Studios or EPCOT, they're practically worthless to him. You need to Google "Beaches Turks & Caicos" and book half your vacation there, now more than ever. Beaches Turks & Caicos is an all-inclusive and it has a kids camp at no charge where your 6 year old can spend the day with other 6 year olds in Sesame Street branded activities while you and your wife can get some alone time on the nicest beach in the world, fantastic food, etc. It's expensive, but Beaches will be cheaper than Disney with all the theme park tickets and food you're facing. Please trust me on this one. I have 4 kids, been to Disney World 10x or more, you are in Orlando way too long for no reason when there is a different experience that is better for your wife and son than this. By Week 3 you will be going out of your mind with regret and boredom.....you need to change the last two weeks to a different destination right now.

[braty]

Originally Posted by speedolex

The problem with Disney World these days is that there aren't enough good rides. And the really good ones are booked in advance with Disney's FastPass feature so you can't go on them multiple times without a long wait. And as far as waking up early, you better get used to that because the Extra Magic hours at the crack of dawn are one of the only ways to beat the crowds to the good rides, it's a benefit to park hotel guests. We were just down there in February and you pay like $120 per person for an EPCOT ticket and there are two rides worth doing and long waits and long walks and it's exhausting. Then another $120 per person to go to Hollywood Studios and they have only one ride worth experiencing. And there are no half day park tickets. It's crazy expensive to do just a few hours a day at one of the Disney parks. Point is it's not what you think it is, pick a theme park, there simply aren't enough rides. If you wanted to make it a really long stay at Disney, this is the maximum amount of time you'd want at each park:

Magic Kingdom (2 days)
EPCOT (1 day)
Animal Kingdom (1/2 day)
Hollywood Studios (1/2 day)
Water Parks or Boating (1/2 day)

Point is, that's 5 days right there. You want to be more leisurely, fine, take it up to 7 days. But you do not, under any circumstances, need more than 7 days 6 nights exploring the sum total of Disney World. And Universal or Sea World are just poorer version of Disney, very small, very expensive.

Now, if you want to view your stay as getting in some important relaxation time, that's cool, I think that's great, but there are better places to go than Disney for that, especially the Polynesian which doesn't have the best pool. Atlantis in the Bahamas for one. Beaches at Negril Jamaica or Turks & Caicos for another. These places have no theme parks, they are 100% about relaxation and leisure time, massive pools, massive water parks, snorkeling, diving, boat excursions, fantastic food. All are short flights from Orlando.

If I were you I'd change the vacation, do half the time in Orlando at Disney as planned and then book the other half at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Half the time hustle at the theme parks, half the time being pampered at a luxury resort that's all about relaxation. I've done both multiple times, you need to trust me on this one.

IMPORTANT: Especially with a 6 year old son! I just read that. He can't go on half the rides in the parks that are worth going on, at his age he will only appreciate Magic Kingdom with its large assortment of rides for kids his age/height. A 6 year old will not get the full Disney experience in Hollywood Studios or EPCOT, they're practically worthless to him. You need to Google "Beaches Turks & Caicos" and book half your vacation there, now more than ever. Beaches Turks & Caicos is an all-inclusive and it has a kids camp at no charge where your 6 year old can spend the day with other 6 year olds in Sesame Street branded activities while you and your wife can get some alone time on the nicest beach in the world, fantastic food, etc. It's expensive, but Beaches will be cheaper than Disney with all the theme park tickets and food you're facing. Please trust me on this one. I have 4 kids, been to Disney World 10x or more, you are in Orlando way too long for no reason when there is a different experience that is better for your wife and son than this. By Week 3 you will be going out of your mind with regret and boredom.....you need to change the last two weeks to a different destination right now.

Wow! Thanks. This kinda puts my "what watch to wear" worries on a back burner, and leads to more important issues. So how far is Beaches Turks & Caicos from Orlando DW?

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by braty

Wow! Thanks. This kinda puts my "what watch to wear" worries on a back burner, and leads to more important issues. So how far is Beaches Turks & Caicos from Orlando DW?

Probably a 90 minute flight at most. Not sure if there are direct flights, might be 3 hours if you have to change planes.

Do you have a travel agent or are you booking the trip on your own?

Also...while I think Beaches Turks and Caicos is the best for your price/family, check out these resorts:

Beaches Negril Jamaica (same Sesame Street branding for your son, same activities, might be easier to fly to than it's brother in Turks)

Atlantis Bahamas (short flight, not an all inclusive but very good pools and beaches, no kids camp like the Beaches chain)

Hawks Cay Resort (Florida keys, you can drive there, great pools, relaxing, small but you can explore Key West from there)

Captiva Resort (also in Florida, shorter drive across the state, great pools and beaches, very relaxing, if you golf this is the place)

My advice, check out these locations and move the second half of your vacation to one of them. I've been to them all, they are all Rolex-level accommodations, all are outstanding for different reasons. You'll have a full week or more in Orlando going theme parks, amongst throngs of people, getting yourself tired and stressed with the lines and the crowds then you can either fly or drive to somewhere completely relaxing, very different experience, and get some quiet and peace.

Hope this is helpful.

[Verdi]

Guys, this topic has been a blessing.
Jst to share, after I did some research and read your posts, I decided to give DW 2-3 days and Seaworld 1-2 days.
The rest will be Smyrna and Clearwater beach.
My daughter is 4 yrs old.

I have 9 days to spend in Orlando so out of these 4 will be thematic parks and the rest beach and a bit of shopping!