Local advice from a local
by raveylin
Some things I've noticed that need to be commented on:
1. Do not be surprised if you're driving along at the speed limit and someone blows past you going 10-15 mph faster. It's customary for locals to drive that fast on pretty much every road. If you're on the freeways, do not drive in the left lane and go the speed limit, you will provoke the ire of everyone behind you.
2. If you're going to valet your car at one of the attractions, malls, etc. tip the valet. That $5-10 parking fee is company expenses/profit. Valets are paid a low hourly wage and they survive mostly on tips. Definitely tip up front, they are full of advice, knowledge, and will answer any questions you have if you treat them decently. Fail to tip them or be rude and the service level drops abruptly.
3. If you're eating at a restaurant, anything less than a 20% for good service is considered cheap.
4. Women wear bras here. Consider it "Do as the Romans do".
5. Greet anyone in the service industry in English first, and then ask if they speak another language. Automatically assuming that everyone speaks your language will anger them and they might not try to help you after that.
visit Disney World, I was not...
by greebo
visit Disney World, I was not keen on the Magic Kingdom this is more for those with Children but Epcot was wonderful. Epcot is divided into science areas and cultural areas representing many countries, we didnt get time to visit all the countries represented but the Norwegian area which was one of the most popular was extremely good and the log ride is great fun and well worth the long wait.
The animal kingdom was interesting, as I tend to have a great love of animals however, when I was there, it was just being built. So I didnt get to go on any of the ride and I especially wanted to go on the white water ride.
My first trip to Florida was a...
by Randall_Burt
My first trip to Florida was a Just decide and go. Leaving in alot of snow we decided to change the snow tires and put regular tires on the car either in The Carolinas or Georgia. When ya leave in a snow storm as soon as you get to great weather you gota wash the Car. I laughed at the new Cars being shipped to The South. They always say they havent seen salt but they are plastered with salt on their way to their final destination.
Fast Pass
by cjg1
FASTPASS is Disney's answer to long lines. It is essentially a "virtual" queuing system. Just insert your park pass into the FASTPASS machine and obtain your ticket with a time to return to ride the attraction. It's a good way to save time by not waiting in incredibly long lines especially during peak visiting hours in the parks.
1 Case
by mikeraw
On your outward journey try to take as little as possible re clothes, as when you start looking around the shops in the Sunshine State you will find clothes are good quality and cheap, you can pick up an extra case in the Flea Markets for about $8 to $12 to bring home the extra clothes. Suggest 3 Changes of clothes per person.
Buy a good pair of training shoes when you arrive, they are cheap Toiletries sufficient for first few days If you are carrying Camcorder Etc, be prepared when going through customs in Florida to be asked to turn it on, its a security thing
Shamu swirls
Patty and Shelley
Kevin hits the jackpot at the arcade!
SheiKra, Busch Gardens Africa
