I was interested in the other thread about extensive planning for Disneyworld, but wanted to start another thread because my situation is different. Any advice is most welcome.
I'll be in Orlando in a couple weeks for a conference. The conference hotel is a Disney hotel, although I'll be staying at the Best Western Buena Vista. I built in two extra days of vacation time after the conference ends. My original thought was to just relax around the pool for two days, enjoying much needed warmth and sunshine. However, now I'm thinking I should spring for a day in a Disney theme park. I've never been to Disneyland or Disneyworld so don't know whether this is a good idea or not. The ticket price of just around $100. is catching this frugalista up. Here are my questions.
1. Everyone seems to say to buy tickets earlier online. But I assume you can buy tickets at the gate, right? Are they more expensive? If I do go I'd rather wing it and make the decision based on weather, how I feel, etc.
2. Although I'd like to say I'm a kid at heart, the truth is I'm not if one is talking about having to hug Mickeymouse or go on rides. If one doesn't go on rides or like costumed teenagers, what else is there to do in a theme park? I do like to just walk around and people watch. I do like animals, so I wonder whether to opt for animal kingdom rather than magic kingdom (may have names wrong here). I also like educational things, so perhaps Epcot is appropriate, although it appears to get mixed reviews on line.
3. I need to be frugal with food. I'm picturing the theme parks as one big state fair (?) with vendor booths. Is this correct? If not, are there grocery stores in the area where I can buy stuff for my hotel room to make sandwiches, etc? The room appears to come with fridge, microwave, etc.
4. The hotel is very close to Downtown Disney. Not sure what that is, but perhaps it will satisfy my need to explore versus a theme park?
So I guess the question is, should I pay $100. to walk around in a theme parK if I don't plan on rides or eating expensive meals or have kids? Will I feel odd alone and wish myself back at the hotel pool basking in the sun?
Again, any advice is welcome!
I'll be in Orlando in a couple weeks for a conference. The conference hotel is a Disney hotel, although I'll be staying at the Best Western Buena Vista. I built in two extra days of vacation time after the conference ends. My original thought was to just relax around the pool for two days, enjoying much needed warmth and sunshine. However, now I'm thinking I should spring for a day in a Disney theme park. I've never been to Disneyland or Disneyworld so don't know whether this is a good idea or not. The ticket price of just around $100. is catching this frugalista up. Here are my questions.
1. Everyone seems to say to buy tickets earlier online. But I assume you can buy tickets at the gate, right? Are they more expensive? If I do go I'd rather wing it and make the decision based on weather, how I feel, etc.
2. Although I'd like to say I'm a kid at heart, the truth is I'm not if one is talking about having to hug Mickeymouse or go on rides. If one doesn't go on rides or like costumed teenagers, what else is there to do in a theme park? I do like to just walk around and people watch. I do like animals, so I wonder whether to opt for animal kingdom rather than magic kingdom (may have names wrong here). I also like educational things, so perhaps Epcot is appropriate, although it appears to get mixed reviews on line.
3. I need to be frugal with food. I'm picturing the theme parks as one big state fair (?) with vendor booths. Is this correct? If not, are there grocery stores in the area where I can buy stuff for my hotel room to make sandwiches, etc? The room appears to come with fridge, microwave, etc.
4. The hotel is very close to Downtown Disney. Not sure what that is, but perhaps it will satisfy my need to explore versus a theme park?
So I guess the question is, should I pay $100. to walk around in a theme parK if I don't plan on rides or eating expensive meals or have kids? Will I feel odd alone and wish myself back at the hotel pool basking in the sun?
Again, any advice is welcome!