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Carhire3000's guide to getting the most from your Florida holiday
Car hire Orlando, Florida
Tips Magic Kingdom Animal Kingdom Hollywood Studios Epcot Car hire Florida

Animal Kingdom

This is the largest of the parks due to the space required for the real animals that you can see here.  This aspect means that each visit is likely to be slightly different – you never know exactly what you may spot at any given time on the safari or nature trails.  We got particularly close to the rhinos on this visit!

Passing through the main entrance to Animal Kingdom, you will come to the “Oasis”.  Whilst many visitors rush through this area in their hurry to get to the rides, it is worth spending a moment or two here, particularly if you are visiting with small children – look out for the giant anteater and brightly coloured macaws.

Continuing into the park, you will be faced by a large and instantly recognisable landmark – the “Tree of Life”. See how many animals you can spot carved around its trunk and explore the surrounding gardens for more wildlife. The popular “It’s Tough to be a Bug” show can also be found here, housed in the roots of the tree.  This is a very enjoyable 3D show and well worth seeing but, although there is no age or height requirement, smaller children may be a little frightened by the creepy crawly moments.  Our 4 year old was a little worried going into the dark theatre but enjoyed the show – his particular favourite was the “stink bug”!

From here there are bridges into the different “lands” - “Dinoland USA”, “Asia”, “Africa” and “Camp Minnie-Mickey”.

The most popular attractions (which attract the largest queues and which are worth “fast-passing” if you can) are as follows:

In Dinoland:

“Dinosaur” - a thrilling ride back through time to save an Iguanadon, dodging meteors and carnivores along the way – bear in mind that there is a minimum height requirement and younger children may find the experience frightening.
“TriceraTop Spin” – popular with younger children, this small ride can attract long queues as the day progresses and is not available for “Fast Pass”.

In Asia:

“Expedition Everest” - without a doubt the Park’s newest and most popular ride.  It is best to prioritise and obtain a “Fast Pass” early.  To be sure of a slot, I’d advise you to ride first thing in the morning.
“Kali River Rapids” - a fairly short ride where you should be prepared to get extremely wet – waterproof ponchos advised!  And be aware that the rest rooms here get extremely busy as everyone uses them to change and dry off!

Animal Kingdom

In Africa:

“Kilimanjaro Safaris” – popular with all ages

Camp Minnie-Mickey

“The Festival of the Lion King” – don’t miss this musical show and make sure you arrive early to get a good seat.  As well as being highly enjoyable for all ages, the cool theatre can be a welcome respite on a hot day.

If you are visiting with younger children, make sure you don’t miss “Finding Nemo – the Musical”.  This is an enjoyable stage show which appeals to younger guests.  Close by in “Dinoland USA” is the “Ticeratops Spin” and the “Boneyard” playground (as well as numerous slides and climbing nets, children can dig up a mammoth).  Whilst you wait for your “Fast Pass” slot on the “Kilimanjaro Safari”, take the train to “Rafiki’s Planet Watch” for an outdoor discovery trail and petting zoo.  Children will also enjoy spotting the animals along the “Pangani Forest Exploration Trail” and “Maharajah Jungle Trek”.

Bear in mind that some attractions may close earlier than others at certain times of the year – wildlife attractions such as the “Kilimanjaro Safaris” and the “Affection Section” of Rafiki’s Planet Watch close before dusk.

There are regular character greetings at designated spots around the park with favourites such as Pocahontas, the Jungle Cubs and Rafiki.  Visitors can queue to have their photo taken or get an autograph - the queues tend to get longer as passers-by begin to realise who is present.

“Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade” is a lively and interactive musical affair which takes place every afternoon around 16h, winding its way from the African section, around Discovery Island and then back to Africa along the outskirts of Asia.  Visitors begin to stake their claim to the best viewing spots early.

There are a number of enjoyable shows, the most popular of which is probably the “Festival of the Lion King” and you should aim to be there early to get a good seat.  Visitors queue in a designated section outside the theatre (with little shade) but, once inside, it is a bit of a free-for-all to select a seat amongst the rows of benches which are staggered around a central stage. 

There are also regular performances of “Finding Nemo – The Musical”, “Flights of Wonder” and, popular with little girls, “Pocahontas and her forest friends”.  It is best to check the show guide on arrival as there may be gaps between performances for lunch and during the parade.

Once again, dining opportunities are plentiful throughout the park from table service restaurants to McDonalds.  Enjoy a character breakfast with Mickey and his friends at the” Tusker House Restaurant” but be sure to book ahead as this is a popular choice.  There is also a Rainforest Café here, at the entrance to the park, with tropical fish, animatronics and simulated tropical rainstorms to distract and entertain young diners.

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Hollywood Studios

Previously known as Disney-MGM Studios, this is the smallest of the parks with plenty of shows designed to show you behind the scenes of the movie business.  There are big thrills for older visitors in the shape of the “Aerosmith Rollercoaster” and the “Tower of Terror” as well as nostalgic looks back to classic movies.  In recent years Disney has also increased its attractions here for younger guests with “Playhouse Disney – live on stage”, the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” and the “Jedi Training Academy”.

The layout is slightly different to the previous theme parks with no distinct “lands” as such and passing through the entrance, you are almost going backstage with props and film sets scattered around the park. 

Directly infront of you is a large theatre housing the “Great Movie Ride” and the steps here host a number of shows and appearances throughout the day.  To your left is Echo Lake, leading to the hugely popular “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular” and “Star Tours” and beyond is a huge grandstand for viewing the stunt spectacular – currently “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show”.  To the left is Animation Courtyard which will be of particular interest to younger visitors.  Carrying on, down Sunset Boulevard are the large thrill rides and a large theatre showing Broadway-style Beauty and the Beast.  Beyond that is the location of the evening spectacular “Fantasmic!”

Hollywood Studios

The most popular attractions (which attract the largest queues and which are worth “fast-passing” if you can) are as follows:

The “Rock ‘n’ Roll Coaster starring Aerosmith” - the newest and probably most popular of the park’s attractions - if you want to ride this, you are best arriving early to avoid the worst of the queues.

The “Twilight Zone Tower of Terror” - if you can get over your fear at the thought of a 13 storey drop, this is a thrilling ride, offering a fantastic (if brief!) view over the park from the very top.

“Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular” - a 30 minute show recreating some of the action scenes from the first film.  To get a seat, you need to be here at least 45 minutes before showtime.

“Star Tours” – a thrilling ride through space in a flight simulator.  This is an enjoyable experience for all ages, whether you are a Star Wars fan or not, but if you suffer from motion sickness, this is probably not the ride for you.  Outside you can get a photo of yourself with the large Atat or sitting on a Speeder and there are regular “Jedi Training sessions” for younger guests.

“Voyage of the Little Mermaid” – a fairly short musical show in an atmospheric “under the sea” theatre which has proved extremely popular with younger guests.

If you are travelling with younger children, then the interactive “Playhouse Disney” show should prove popular featuring favourite Disney characters from shows such as Little Einsteins and Jojo’s Circus.  The “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” playground is also a good choice, although it can get mighty crowded at times.  Here youngsters can climb aboard an ant, dodge the water sprayer and climb through giant funghi. Parents should be aware that some of the slides have multiple exits and, when it gets busy, it can be difficult to keep track of your youngsters.  The play area only has one entrance/exit so we found a lot of parents standing here, just in case anyone got lost.

There are regular character greetings at designated spots around the park with favourites such as the Power Rangers, Kim Possible and Toy Story characters. 

The “Block Party Bash” is a new interactive parade featuring popular characters from Pixar films and High School Musical.  There are also a number of musical and interactive experiences which take place around the park – dance along to your favourite tunes from “Grease” or march along with the toy soldiers from “Toy Story”.

“Fantasmic” takes place every evening and the lasers and special effects make a truly magical show which should not be missed.  There is limited seating though, so make sure you arrive in plenty of time – seating begins 90 minutes before the show.

As well as the outlets selling fast food, there are a number of unique dining experiences where it is worth making a reservation.  Travel back to the 50’s at the “Prime Time Café” for family favourites and home cooking in an old fashioned kitchen setting.  There are crayons for all and “parental” supervision in the form of your server – make sure you eat your greens though or she may not let you have dessert!  Alternatively, eat in your own “car” whilst watching old movie clips at the “Sci-Fi Dine in Theater Restaurant” – the kids may be so engrossed that you can sneak a spoonful of their milkshake.

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