Orlando Travel Forum

Hello,
I will be heading to Orlando the last week of May with 5 other friends, ages 21-22. We're staying at the Summer Bay Resort which is very close to Disney and offers free shuttles. We are a little bit concerned about other sites though, such as golf courses and nightlife which may not be as accessible without a car. Cars are an extra $25 / day if you aren't 25!

Does Orlando have affordable cabs that will be available on short notice? Or a good bus system? We figured splitting cabs 5 ways wouldn't be so bad, but we are also aware that 5 people don't fit in regular cabs. Will calling cabs slow us down significantly?

Also, although we will go to a Disney park or two, we would also like to incorporate some drinks and nightlife into our vacation without offending the families. We aren't the clubbing type, but like to go out and have a good time. What kind of entertainment would you suggest, preferably somewhat near the Disney area?

Thanks!

As far as entertainment, there's Downtown Disney which might be accessible by the shuttle you mention:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney/

Perhaps you can plan your week so that you only rent a car for 2-3 days.

I think Universal has a clubby area too but don't recall what it's called.

Can't help with the golf - maybe you can do this on a day you have a car.

Don't know where you're coming from, but make sure you can find a supermarket - http://www.publix.com/ ... do the store locator thing and enter the zip of wherever you're staying to find the closest one.

Why ... I live here (30 miles N on I-4). I *hate* having to go anywhere near Disney when they have a conference there because resorts and other places gauge people, over charge for conveniences, and I think it's pitiful - so being able to do a run thru the market will make sure you have snacks, water, and whatever handy.

Downtown Disney is a good suggestion. There are some good places for food and drink, and many interesting shops, including one that has the most intricate,humongous creations of LEGOS. There are also street entertainers, live performances in a little outdoors park, a piano bar called Jellyrolls (may have an age limit) The House of Blues, the Cirque Nouba, just browsing in the Virgin record store, and Disney's pleasure island, featuring several types of clubs, including a comedy club (I think the earlier show is more suitable for families)

The Magic Kingdom park is open most nights until at least 11, sometimes later. Epcot and Disney Hollywood close earlier (around 9, I think) and the Animal Kingdom closes @ 7. But, the ESPN sports club stays open later.

There are also many different evening experiences such as dinner theatres, mystery dinners, Medieval Knights dinner, etc. available.

You might also check and see if shuttles are offered to Universal Park and Sea World. Universal also has many evening venues to offer.

I hope you have a great time.

Just a quick note, Disney's Pleasure Island closed on September 28th last year as they are remaking it into a more family friendly environment according to the news reports. Universal's area is called City Walk. You may try International Drive for some other entertainment. A great restaurant for food and drinks on International Drive that we have eaten at seveal times is called Bahama Breeze which had many young people. Here is a link to the International Drive website which also includes nightlife options. http://www.internationaldriveorlando.com/

Like the other poster mentioned you could rent a car for 1 day since you are splitting the cost 5 ways to go golfing. I don't think you would be able to fit 5 sets of clubs into a cab very well.

cabs are ok but they can add up too. bus there is a fairly good bus systems always improving, this is the site

http://www.golynx.com/

lots to do in International drive, and it has a trolley transport system up and down, here is the link
http://www.internationaldriveorlando.com/

and this is one of my old time favorites when in town right on I-Dr now !
http://www.cricketersarmspub.com/cricketers-arms-breaks-ground.htm

this is an old favorite too, and go see Hooters
http://www.pointeorlando.com/

i will be around there in august 09 ::) back to the old stumping ground,and already see some changes Lol!!!

You will have a good time.

Thanks everyone!

hi we have a good friend who we met and is a taxi driver in florida he is very nice and reasonable he drives a 7 seater mini van so you would all fit in .....
his name is LARS "ON TIME " BROWN as you can see by his name reliable too he has his own website now so just put his name into google an e-mail him an he will be more than happy to help good luck it is fab ...