Orlando - What car to rent ? And what should we do?

[Teigas]

Hello

Me and my father and a friend are going to Orlando from 1.may to 9.may.
We have found a place to stay that looks nice, good space for the money: http://www.floridaysresortorlando.com/

We are now thinking about what car to rent, we are landing at sandford international airport, and want to rent the car there, it seems to be the easy way ? They have several firms represented at sandford, like avis, alamo, budget etc. I have looked at Alamo and they seem to have ok prices, any one have any experience with them? Or with any other firm represented at sandford: http://www.orlandosanfordairport.com/rental.asp

Also I am a little lost in what car to rent, because most of them are US models, not cars that we use in Norway. I am told not to rent a convertible because of the heat, but rather get a car with Aircondition. Have looked a little on the Cadillac DTS ? How is it to drive and how is the comfort? Or should we go with a suv instead? Any tips her? Did read once that it was popular to rob tourists in rental cars, should we be concerned?

Last question: What do in Orlando area ? Is a trip down to Miami worth it ? Or is it overrated?
At least thinking about seaworld, universal, Epcot or disney not decided yet, kennedy space center, see a little of the east or west coast beaches? And do a little shopping. Any good outleets to recomend?

[FlashRedGLS1.8T]

Is a trip down to Miami worth it?

No

Or is it overrated?

Yes

Since you are there that's a good week to visit Disney/Universal/Sea World/etc.

[GeoffD]

You only have 3 people and you're unlikely to be driving long distances. Any intermediate/mid-sized car will do. They all have air conditioning. I think it's nutty throwing away money on a premium rental car that is going to sit in a parking lot 23 hours per day.

I rent Hertz intermediates for business travel 20+ times per year. None of them are particularly engaging to drive. I dislike the Toyota Corolla and always exchange it for a different car. The Chevrolet Cruz is what I end up with most often and it's fine for 3 people with a 6'3"/190cm driver.

[BetterByDesign]

Miami beaches are about a 3 hr drive from Orlando. Not sure what you mean by is it worth it but if you are OK with the drivetime Miami itself is worth it and very different from Orlando. I think a week in Orlando is too much of the same thing and if you are coming from Norway, Miami is worth it and very nice. Dont worry about what to do in Orlando or Miami - things are pretty self explanatory once you arrive.

By "outleets" I assume you mean shopping is everywhere including Orlando, but again if you are from Norway most of it will probably be junk, unless you are just shopping for fun.

If you want to drive the coast - Miami beach right up to West Palm beach is a very nice easy drive. Not all of it is on the coast - you may want to bring or ask the rental co for a GPS.

Dont worry or spend too much on the rental car and models. They are all automatic have aircondition and pretty much drive the same. They are unmarked, but everyone still knows its a rental. As long as you stay in the tourist areas you are 99% fine.

[Teigas]

You only have 3 people and you're unlikely to be driving long distances. Any intermediate/mid-sized car will do. They all have air conditioning. I think it's nutty throwing away money on a premium rental car that is going to sit in a parking lot 23 hours per day.

I rent Hertz intermediates for business travel 20+ times per year. None of them are particularly engaging to drive. I dislike the Toyota Corolla and always exchange it for a different car. The Chevrolet Cruz is what I end up with most often and it's fine for 3 people with a 6'3"/190cm driver.

The price difference are so low splited on three people. So i think we will just go premium

[Teigas]

Miami beaches are about a 3 hr drive from Orlando. Not sure what you mean by is it worth it but if you are OK with the drivetime Miami itself is worth it and very different from Orlando. I think a week in Orlando is too much of the same thing and if you are coming from Norway, Miami is worth it and very nice. Dont worry about what to do in Orlando or Miami - things are pretty self explanatory once you arrive.

By "outleets" I assume you mean shopping is everywhere including Orlando, but again if you are from Norway most of it will probably be junk, unless you are just shopping for fun.

If you want to drive the coast - Miami beach right up to West Palm beach is a very nice easy drive. Not all of it is on the coast - you may want to bring or ask the rental co for a GPS.

Dont worry or spend too much on the rental car and models. They are all automatic have aircondition and pretty much drive the same. They are unmarked, but everyone still knows its a rental. As long as you stay in the tourist areas you are 99% fine.

Thanks for the advice By shopping I mean clothing shoes , shirts , jeans and stuff like that. That kinda things are not cheap in Norway compared to the states. Thinking about http://www.premiumoutlets.com/centers/index.asp places like this? Are they cheap? Or is the outlets just a sales trick?

[BetterByDesign]

Thanks for the advice By shopping I mean clothing shoes , shirts , jeans and stuff like that. That kinda things are not cheap in Norway compared to the states. Thinking about http://www.premiumoutlets.com/centers/index.asp places like this? Are they cheap? Or is the outlets just a sales trick?

No it is not a trick, yes it will be cheaper than Norway - Orlando has at least 1-2 and I am sure you will have fun. Of course there are luggage shops as well in case you need an extra suitcase.

You will likely see more of these outlets throughout Florida but most of them are the same stores; I would not go to more than 1-2 as you can end up spending a lot of time on these places, unless that is what you want to do

[Mariella79]

Seaworld in Orlando is freaking amazing! I highly recommend it!!!!

Also, if you're a Disney fan, you might as well check out DisneyWorld ... that's pretty cool too!

[Teigas]

Thanks for the tip We will visit seaworld .. Are thinking about disney also, but think maybe epcot is better ???

[DSG-TDI]

If you're going to Orlando, you might as well come down to Miami. It's a totally different vibe from Orlando which is more geared toward family-type activities.

It's only a 2-3 hour drive and if you're going to Florida, might as well make the drive down south. The Lincoln Road area in South Miami is very nice and has a lot of nice restaurants and shops and is a good place to people watch.

For beaches, Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne is your best bet if you want to lay out on a nice sandy beach. It's ranked the tenth best beach in the country in Dr. Beach's (lol ) annual ranking list.

For shopping, go check out the Sawgrass Mills Mall in Fort Lauderdale. This place is HUGE and has all the shopping you'll possibly want to do. Make sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes when you go; you'll be doing a lot of walking.

As far as car rental, convertible Mustangs are very popular down here. The weather is really nice for them right now; high 70s to low to mid 80s with tons of sunshine. Humidity isn't that high yet, so having the top down while driving on the highways will be nice.

Hope you have fun, PM me if you want some more details.

[Teigas]

If you're going to Orlando, you might as well come down to Miami. It's a totally different vibe from Orlando which is more geared toward family-type activities.

It's only a 2-3 hour drive and if you're going to Florida, might as well make the drive down south. The Lincoln Road area in South Miami is very nice and has a lot of nice restaurants and shops and is a good place to people watch.

For beaches, Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne is your best bet if you want to lay out on a nice sandy beach. It's ranked the tenth best beach in the country in Dr. Beach's (lol ) annual ranking list.

For shopping, go check out the Sawgrass Mills Mall in Fort Lauderdale. This place is HUGE and has all the shopping you'll possibly want to do. Make sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes when you go; you'll be doing a lot of walking.

As far as car rental, convertible Mustangs are very popular down here. The weather is really nice for them right now; high 70s to low to mid 80s with tons of sunshine. Humidity isn't that high yet, so having the top down while driving on the highways will be nice.

Hope you have fun, PM me if you want some more details.

Thanks for giving us detailed information

I am not sure we are going to go down to miami this time since we only are staying from 1 - 9 may. Must see how much time we get.

We have planned to see sea world, the universal park, Kennedy space center , see slash live at hard rock orlando live, check out disney or epcot, what would you recommend bettween disney land and epcot ?

For shopping we where thinking about http://www.premiumoutlets.com/centers/index.asp , is it better to drive down to fourt louderdale?

For a car we where thinking about renting a car that could fit suitcases and had AC, I have cancer and should not be exsposed to much for direct sun, so we will try to avoid convertible
Where thinking about renting an caddilac dts or somthing like that? Is that an okey car to rent?

How are the beaches in for example daytona beach?

How is the climate when we are planning the trip? The worst heat havent started?

[recognized1]

what would you recommend bettween disney land and epcot ?

I recommend the Magic Kingdom over EPCOT. Unless you plan on drinking alcohol then I say EPCOT.

For shopping we where thinking about http://www.premiumoutlets.com/centers/index.asp , is it better to drive down to fourt louderdale?

They are the same everywhere.

Where thinking about renting an caddilac dts or somthing like that? Is that an okey car to rent?

The CTS is a nice car but I would save money to spend on other things and just get a Ford Taurus or Chrysler 300M.

How are the beaches in for example daytona beach?

The west coast beaches are nicer than the east coast. For example, Clearwater beach. If you stay in the east coast, Daytona is cool because you can drive on it but I prefer New Smyrna because it's less crowded.

How is the climate when we are planning the trip? The worst heat havent started?

Expect it to be in the nineties and humid. Summer starts early in Florida.

[Teigas]

I recommend the Magic Kingdom over EPCOT. Unless you plan on drinking alcohol then I say EPCOT.

Heard Epcot had more simulators and stuff like that? Or am i Wrong?

They are the same everywhere.


The CTS is a nice car but I would save money to spend on other things and just get a Ford Taurus or Chrysler 300M.

The price is splitted on 3 persons, so it really doesnt matter if we pay a little extra, for a good car.


The west coast beaches are nicer than the east coast. For example, Clearwater beach. If you stay in the east coast, Daytona is cool because you can drive on it but I prefer New Smyrna because it's less crowded.


Expect it to be in the nineties and humid. Summer starts early in Florida.

Thanks for your information

How is the rules on clothing shoes? Say feks on the live concert with slash in hard rock live center? Or if we want to go to a resturant? Or to check out a club? In Norway you can go in any shoes and cloths you want. But how is it in the US? Can i where some DC skate shoes? Or do i have to bring something more fancy ?

[DSG-TDI]

Thanks for giving us detailed information

No problem.

I am not sure we are going to go down to miami this time since we only are staying from 1 - 9 may. Must see how much time we get.

We have planned to see sea world, the universal park, Kennedy space center , see slash live at hard rock orlando live, check out disney or epcot, what would you recommend bettween disney land and epcot ?

Seaworld is just an awesome place, Universal Studios Park is actually two parks: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. It's a really fun place if you like roller coaster rides. I actually prefer Disney over Epcot, but you can get a two park day pass if you want to go see both. So you arrive on May 1st? Too bad, on April 30, there will be a rocket launch at the Kennedy Space Center! I saw a space shuttle launch from Titusville, the town across the island where they launch all the rockets, and it was an awesome experience.

For shopping we where thinking about http://www.premiumoutlets.com/centers/index.asp , is it better to drive down to fourt louderdale?

Never really shopped in Orlando, but if you're just planning on spending most of your time in Central Florida, it's not worth it to drive south two plus hours just to go shopping.

For a car we where thinking about renting a car that could fit suitcases and had AC, I have cancer and should not be exsposed to much for direct sun, so we will try to avoid convertible Where thinking about renting an caddilac dts or somthing like that? Is that an okey car to rent?

The DTS is a pretty big, and comfortable car, so yes.

How are the beaches in for example daytona beach?

Cocoa Beach is very nice and it's in the same general area as Kennedy Space Center (a bit south). The sand is more white powder than the hard, grainy yellow sand we have in South Florida.

How is the climate when we are planning the trip? The worst heat havent started?

It's quite nice at the moment. Right now it's 77 degrees F and it's forecast to get to a high of 81 which is a fantastic Florida day. The humidity doesn't get bad until the summertime, which you won't have to worry about.

[DSG-TDI]

Thanks for your information

How is the rules on clothing shoes? Say feks on the live concert with slash in hard rock live center? Or if we want to go to a resturant? Or to check out a club? In Norway you can go in any shoes and cloths you want. But how is it in the US? Can i where some DC skate shoes? Or do i have to bring something more fancy ?

Everyone here wears sandals everywhere. You'll be fine just as long as you're not barefoot. Obviously if you go to a fancy restaurant, you'll want to wear appropriate clothes.

[Teigas]

I recommend the Magic Kingdom over EPCOT. Unless you plan on drinking alcohol then I say EPCOT.


They are the same everywhere.


The CTS is a nice car but I would save money to spend on other things and just get a Ford Taurus or Chrysler 300M.


The west coast beaches are nicer than the east coast. For example, Clearwater beach. If you stay in the east coast, Daytona is cool because you can drive on it but I prefer New Smyrna because it's less crowded.


Expect it to be in the nineties and humid. Summer starts early in Florida.

No problem.





Seaworld is just an awesome place, Universal Studios Park is actually two parks: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. It's a really fun place if you like roller coaster rides. I actually prefer Disney over Epcot, but you can get a two park day pass if you want to go see both. So you arrive on May 1st? Too bad, on April 30, there will be a rocket launch at the Kennedy Space Center! I saw a space shuttle launch from Titusville, the town across the island where they launch all the rockets, and it was an awesome experience.



Never really shopped in Orlando, but if you're just planning on spending most of your time in Central Florida, it's not worth it to drive south two plus hours just to go shopping.



The DTS is a pretty big, and comfortable car, so yes.



Cocoa Beach is very nice and it's in the same general area as Kennedy Space Center (a bit south). The sand is more white powder than the hard, grainy yellow sand we have in South Florida.



It's quite nice at the moment. Right now it's 77 degrees F and it's forecast to get to a high of 81 which is a fantastic Florida day. The humidity doesn't get bad until the summertime, which you won't have to worry about.

Once again thanks

Ahh , hope the launch gets delayed a day or two

What is to see at epcot ? Heard they got lots of simulators and stuff? Or am i Wrong?

[FlashRedGLS1.8T]

I recommend the Magic Kingdom over EPCOT. Unless you plan on drinking alcohol then I say EPCOT.

A buddy of mine told me this...good news!

[Teigas]

Thanks for the tips from everybody If someone have more tips , keep them coming

[Teigas]

Hello.

I see that its a launch 5,may. http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/ev...0-661d50114ec1

How is it possible to see it ? Can you buy tickets ? Or do you just watch from a nearby city?

[recognized1]

Hello.

I see that its a launch 5,may. http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/ev...0-661d50114ec1

How is it possible to see it ? Can you buy tickets ? Or do you just watch from a nearby city?

If it launches on time. Most launches never take off on the original day planned. It has been a long time since i been to the visitors complex but I am sure they have some nice views of the launch pad. However, Jetty Park in Port Canaveral also provides great views. You just have to pay for parking.

[Teigas]

If it launches on time. Most launches never take off on the original day planned. It has been a long time since i been to the visitors complex but I am sure they have some nice views of the launch pad. However, Jetty Park in Port Canaveral also provides great views. You just have to pay for parking.

Is there a place to check or to call to get information if the launche will happen that day? or do you just have to show up and stand and wait , and hope it launches ? hehe

[recognized1]

Is there a place to check or to call to get information if the launche will happen that day? or do you just have to show up and stand and wait , and hope it launches ? hehe

You can use the website that you found the launch info to check on the status.

http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/ev...0-661d50114ec1

[Teigas]

You can use the website that you found the launch info to check on the status.

http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/ev...0-661d50114ec1

Thanks , see that the launche planned 29.04 has changed.

How much is expected to give in tips ? When out eating? etc? Where and when to tips?
In Norway they don`t have a culture for tips. We just pay the asking price.

Any other tips to what to do and what to see? Bring them on

[Orzel Bialy]

No



Yes

Since you are there that's a good week to visit Disney/Universal/Sea World/etc.

And the places you listed aren't overrated? Miami has EVERYTHING! Stop by the Everglades and do a boat tour, checkout alligator land, South Beach, Coconut Grove for some shopping, authentic Cuban food Check out a Marlins game at their brand new beautiful stadium, the options are endless