USA First-timers Tips
Discussion
Me, Mrs O, and mini O are going to Disney in Orlando this year, at the end of August. None of us have been to the US before, and so if there’s any tips, tricks, and good-to-knows they’ll be hugely appreciated.
I’ve done all of the important stuff: passports, travel insurance etc, but is there anything I should know about the US, and/or Florida in particular… how on Earth does ‘turn right on red’ work?!
We’ve got a hire car, and may well choose one of the days to have a local wander, to have a decent meal or similar - but is it not advisable for tourists to wander too far, that sort of thing is useful info and I don’t want us finding out the hard way
Thanks all, bring on the summer!
I’ve done all of the important stuff: passports, travel insurance etc, but is there anything I should know about the US, and/or Florida in particular… how on Earth does ‘turn right on red’ work?!
We’ve got a hire car, and may well choose one of the days to have a local wander, to have a decent meal or similar - but is it not advisable for tourists to wander too far, that sort of thing is useful info and I don’t want us finding out the hard way
Thanks all, bring on the summer!
Go to Touringplans.com - order the book from Amazon - get a proper login to the website (it always used to be based on a certain word on a particular page in the book) - then follow their guidance for planning park visits - both which park on which day and what order to do the rides in.
It worked brilliantly for us when we went.
Regarding the rest of it - nothing to worry about at all.
It worked brilliantly for us when we went.
Regarding the rest of it - nothing to worry about at all.
Seconded on get the Touring Plans book.
Orlando, and the parks especially, needs a plan, especially if you are there when the US is on a school break - eg different parks open early on different days, and the night shows are well worth doing. You will want to do 2 – 3 big parks then a day at a water park or something. They will usually do pass outs for the car parks if you want to go back to base in the middle of the day, which we did about half the time.
The Brit Guide to Disney is worth a look as well
Disney & Universal park apps are well worth getting – and the in park photography (free I think but that might have been our ticket level) is delivered to your app account by wifi quicker than you can walk away from the photographer
Florida is exceptionally wet in August, I’ve never seen anything like it. You can get ponchos there. Its also very hot (obvs) so take refillable bottles.
Book ahead for eating in the parks where you can – its uncheap but then an Orlando holiday is uncheap anyway
Cars & Driving – first, treat turn right on red as a give way and you’ll be ok. Hire Cars don’t come with Sat Nav as standard but Waze works just fine. Just remember that everyone has guns so do not road rage. If stopped by the cops keep your hands where they can be seen at all times. IME in the tourist areas lane discipline is the only real problem.
NASA - if you can get to a launch then do so, but it will be the busiest place you go to and there are no services once you get in the entry queue...
Orlando, and the parks especially, needs a plan, especially if you are there when the US is on a school break - eg different parks open early on different days, and the night shows are well worth doing. You will want to do 2 – 3 big parks then a day at a water park or something. They will usually do pass outs for the car parks if you want to go back to base in the middle of the day, which we did about half the time.
The Brit Guide to Disney is worth a look as well
Disney & Universal park apps are well worth getting – and the in park photography (free I think but that might have been our ticket level) is delivered to your app account by wifi quicker than you can walk away from the photographer
Florida is exceptionally wet in August, I’ve never seen anything like it. You can get ponchos there. Its also very hot (obvs) so take refillable bottles.
Book ahead for eating in the parks where you can – its uncheap but then an Orlando holiday is uncheap anyway
Cars & Driving – first, treat turn right on red as a give way and you’ll be ok. Hire Cars don’t come with Sat Nav as standard but Waze works just fine. Just remember that everyone has guns so do not road rage. If stopped by the cops keep your hands where they can be seen at all times. IME in the tourist areas lane discipline is the only real problem.
NASA - if you can get to a launch then do so, but it will be the busiest place you go to and there are no services once you get in the entry queue...
Haven't been since 1993, but do remember tips were expected everywhere (well they were in LA), so worth keeping an amount of small notes handy just for tips: Hotel staff etc.
Worth checking when you pick your car up if you can get an upgrade too. We went from a cramped Ford to a fantastic V8 Caddie for very little.
Enjoy yourselves.
Worth checking when you pick your car up if you can get an upgrade too. We went from a cramped Ford to a fantastic V8 Caddie for very little.
Enjoy yourselves.
OGR4M said:
I’ve done all of the important stuff: passports, travel insurance etc
You have quite probably covered this in your 'etc', but just for certainty, don't forget your ESTAhttps://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta
PurpleTurtle said:
OGR4M said:
I’ve done all of the important stuff: passports, travel insurance etc
You have quite probably covered this in your 'etc', but just for certainty, don't forget your ESTAhttps://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta
Don't worry about the driving, it's a doddle. Signage is generally excellent and the roads are big. One thing it took us ages to work out is that on freeways, the exit numbers are not sequential but are distance from the start of the road. So exit 20 is 10 miles from exit 10, even if there are no other exits in between. This is really useful and logical and I wish we did the same over here. Turn right on red is also really easy - if it's not allowed there will be signs on the junction so just assume you can do it unless it says otherwise.
The comment about tips is really important. It's expected and you will get s
tty service and snide remarks if you forget. If you're sitting at the bar then a dollar per drink is expected and don't expect to get served quickly if you don't do it.
The comment about tips is really important. It's expected and you will get s
tty service and snide remarks if you forget. If you're sitting at the bar then a dollar per drink is expected and don't expect to get served quickly if you don't do it.You can turn right at a red light IF no traffic is coming (look left and for oncoming cars turning to their left) but not if there's signage to say NO RIGHT TURN ON RED (rare).
At the car hire desk you'll be asked if you want an upgrade. Don't feel forced into it. You'll be tired and vulnerable to this.
BUT... what I've done a few times (at Alamo Sanford only) when escorted to the car is ask the guide, not the desk staff, if there's any upgrade available. Last time (2019) she asked what I'd like and said I could have a 4x4 Chevy for no extra cost over an I4. Don't bank on it. This happened 2018 also. Remember to have your driving license and a credit card at the car hire desk. Some rental co's also want a DVLA driver record code - valid 21 days. Do to DVLA for this, it's free.
Take it easy leaving the airport in your car. Adjust everything before setting off. Everyone keep calm. Driving is easy in Florida compared to here, but it's your first time.
We've been 22 times to Florida. Drive were you want (perhaps not Jacksonville or Miami) and you'll feel safe. Don't look like tourists though, difficult for Brits, especially identifiable in convertibles, with bright red heads. Try a road trip down the West Coast, we love that side. Don't forget Busch Gardens in Tampa if you like the rides. DO go to Islands of Adventure and the Harry Potter ride. If you go to SeaWorld you must see the mime artist at the sea lion show - get there at least 30mins before it starts.
In August you may find it rains, every day, late afternoon. Be prepared. It's warm rain though!
Pick up coupon books for dining. Most places have coupons. When shopping (we buy most of our clothes from Hilfiger) ask for coupons. These may be dated for later use so go early in the holiday.
For cheap meals go to Cicis - all you can eat Pizza (coupon); Five Guys (UK version is not a patch on the original); Golden Corral buffet (coupon) for disgustingly large choice of everything you shouldn't eat. For better dining we like Longhorn; Outback; Bahama Breeze.
Gas stations are usually pre-pay. Park at pump, go into kiosk and ask for "$30 on pump 7" or pay at pump. Watch out for Toll roads, there are a few big ones, and remember to come off at each toll station to pay, unless you have an (expensive) windscreen pass - something else you may be sold at the hire car desk.
Most importantly, do what you fancy doing: parks (take a day off after a park day), shopping, beach, road trips, it's all great so stay relaxed and enjoy the holiday of a lifetime. Watch out though... like us you may just get hooked! We're off again later this month.
At the car hire desk you'll be asked if you want an upgrade. Don't feel forced into it. You'll be tired and vulnerable to this.
BUT... what I've done a few times (at Alamo Sanford only) when escorted to the car is ask the guide, not the desk staff, if there's any upgrade available. Last time (2019) she asked what I'd like and said I could have a 4x4 Chevy for no extra cost over an I4. Don't bank on it. This happened 2018 also. Remember to have your driving license and a credit card at the car hire desk. Some rental co's also want a DVLA driver record code - valid 21 days. Do to DVLA for this, it's free.
Take it easy leaving the airport in your car. Adjust everything before setting off. Everyone keep calm. Driving is easy in Florida compared to here, but it's your first time.
We've been 22 times to Florida. Drive were you want (perhaps not Jacksonville or Miami) and you'll feel safe. Don't look like tourists though, difficult for Brits, especially identifiable in convertibles, with bright red heads. Try a road trip down the West Coast, we love that side. Don't forget Busch Gardens in Tampa if you like the rides. DO go to Islands of Adventure and the Harry Potter ride. If you go to SeaWorld you must see the mime artist at the sea lion show - get there at least 30mins before it starts.
In August you may find it rains, every day, late afternoon. Be prepared. It's warm rain though!
Pick up coupon books for dining. Most places have coupons. When shopping (we buy most of our clothes from Hilfiger) ask for coupons. These may be dated for later use so go early in the holiday.
For cheap meals go to Cicis - all you can eat Pizza (coupon); Five Guys (UK version is not a patch on the original); Golden Corral buffet (coupon) for disgustingly large choice of everything you shouldn't eat. For better dining we like Longhorn; Outback; Bahama Breeze.
Gas stations are usually pre-pay. Park at pump, go into kiosk and ask for "$30 on pump 7" or pay at pump. Watch out for Toll roads, there are a few big ones, and remember to come off at each toll station to pay, unless you have an (expensive) windscreen pass - something else you may be sold at the hire car desk.
Most importantly, do what you fancy doing: parks (take a day off after a park day), shopping, beach, road trips, it's all great so stay relaxed and enjoy the holiday of a lifetime. Watch out though... like us you may just get hooked! We're off again later this month.
Excellent info, thanks everyone!
ESTA is done, I didn’t realise at first we needed visas for a holiday, and obviously didn’t realise that the ESTA existed for such a purpose - cue my panic as I thought the three of us needed a visit to the embassy for a full visa each…
We’ve booked through a package place - Ocean I believe, SWMBO has sorted that part! - and the hire car we’ve been allocated is some lunchbox, so an upgrade may be on the cards.
We hedged our bets and are only going for 7 days, well aware that isn’t nearly enough to see/do everything in the parks. According to a busy-ness ‘heat map’ the last week of August is the quietest, all relative of course, but I’ve never been out of Europe and it’s little ‘un’s first trip abroad, so we thought 10/14 days would be a bit much, famous last words…
ESTA is done, I didn’t realise at first we needed visas for a holiday, and obviously didn’t realise that the ESTA existed for such a purpose - cue my panic as I thought the three of us needed a visit to the embassy for a full visa each…
We’ve booked through a package place - Ocean I believe, SWMBO has sorted that part! - and the hire car we’ve been allocated is some lunchbox, so an upgrade may be on the cards.
We hedged our bets and are only going for 7 days, well aware that isn’t nearly enough to see/do everything in the parks. According to a busy-ness ‘heat map’ the last week of August is the quietest, all relative of course, but I’ve never been out of Europe and it’s little ‘un’s first trip abroad, so we thought 10/14 days would be a bit much, famous last words…
I've spent a lot of time over Haines City way over the years. Some great suggestions already such as carrying notes for tips.
In terms of driving, it's pretty easy as they don't really do roundabouts so it's straight roads mostly. Most of the hire cars are auto so you don't have to worry about changing gear with the wrong hand. Be aware you can be overtaken on the left and the right. Don't assume if you're in the middle lane that you can just pull in. Oh and if you see a stop sign, you have to physically stop then go even if you're only going slow and there's nothing coming. If the law are about, they will pull you over. If that happens, don't get out the car like you would here. Just sit and await instructions. They'll probably draw their guns if you get out.
If you get to the theme parks early, the general thinking seems to be to walk straight to the back of the park, do the rides and attractions there and then come back. Most people seem to jump on the first rides they see so you will get a quieter time of it, at least at the start of the day.
If you want a slightly more relaxed attraction, we've been to Silver Springs a few times. It might be a bit far for you but the drive is fine. They have glass bottom boats, rocking chairs on the lake, wildlife , kayaking, etc. It's quieter and more chilled than the full on Disney/Universal thing.
In terms of driving, it's pretty easy as they don't really do roundabouts so it's straight roads mostly. Most of the hire cars are auto so you don't have to worry about changing gear with the wrong hand. Be aware you can be overtaken on the left and the right. Don't assume if you're in the middle lane that you can just pull in. Oh and if you see a stop sign, you have to physically stop then go even if you're only going slow and there's nothing coming. If the law are about, they will pull you over. If that happens, don't get out the car like you would here. Just sit and await instructions. They'll probably draw their guns if you get out.
If you get to the theme parks early, the general thinking seems to be to walk straight to the back of the park, do the rides and attractions there and then come back. Most people seem to jump on the first rides they see so you will get a quieter time of it, at least at the start of the day.
If you want a slightly more relaxed attraction, we've been to Silver Springs a few times. It might be a bit far for you but the drive is fine. They have glass bottom boats, rocking chairs on the lake, wildlife , kayaking, etc. It's quieter and more chilled than the full on Disney/Universal thing.
No doubt well intentioned, there is a lot of misleading information here regarding turning right on red.
It is permitted, unless signposted to the contrary, but you must come to a complete stop before doing so - suggesting you treat it as "Give Way" (termed 'Yield' here) will get you a ticket here - although local law enforcement is more likely to give you a talking-to, because the paperwork in dealing with minor traffic infractions by foreign tourists is more trouble than it's worth.
Also bear in mind that at intersections, U-turning traffic has right of way versus a turn on red - as do pedestrians.
There are also some circumstances where you can turn left on red (stopping first), in situations where you are turning with the flow of one-way traffic.
I've lived in Central FL for a long time and have a daughter in local law enforcement. One observation that may also be useful is the number of accidents befalling UK tourists, who get rear-ended at traffic signals. This is because UK drivers are taught to stop at traffic lights that have turned from green to yellow. US drivers tend to anticipate that you will accelerate, rather than brake in this scenario, so be very mindful of what's behind you, and how close they are, when approaching traffic signals.
Additionally, despite being billed as "The Happiest Place on Earth" there are some areas of Orlando that are extremely high-risk and should absolutely be avoided by tourists. They are pretty obvious, just by the environment, but straying into some neighborhoods (admittedly none around the "attractions" and more in the metro Orlando area) can be very dodgy for the unaware.
It is permitted, unless signposted to the contrary, but you must come to a complete stop before doing so - suggesting you treat it as "Give Way" (termed 'Yield' here) will get you a ticket here - although local law enforcement is more likely to give you a talking-to, because the paperwork in dealing with minor traffic infractions by foreign tourists is more trouble than it's worth.
Also bear in mind that at intersections, U-turning traffic has right of way versus a turn on red - as do pedestrians.
There are also some circumstances where you can turn left on red (stopping first), in situations where you are turning with the flow of one-way traffic.
I've lived in Central FL for a long time and have a daughter in local law enforcement. One observation that may also be useful is the number of accidents befalling UK tourists, who get rear-ended at traffic signals. This is because UK drivers are taught to stop at traffic lights that have turned from green to yellow. US drivers tend to anticipate that you will accelerate, rather than brake in this scenario, so be very mindful of what's behind you, and how close they are, when approaching traffic signals.
Additionally, despite being billed as "The Happiest Place on Earth" there are some areas of Orlando that are extremely high-risk and should absolutely be avoided by tourists. They are pretty obvious, just by the environment, but straying into some neighborhoods (admittedly none around the "attractions" and more in the metro Orlando area) can be very dodgy for the unaware.
OGR4M said:
Me, Mrs O, and mini O are going to Disney in Orlando this year, at the end of August. None of us have been to the US before, and so if there’s any tips, tricks, and good-to-knows they’ll be hugely appreciated.
I’ve done all of the important stuff: passports, travel insurance etc, but is there anything I should know about the US, and/or Florida in particular… how on Earth does ‘turn right on red’ work?!
We’ve got a hire car, and may well choose one of the days to have a local wander, to have a decent meal or similar - but is it not advisable for tourists to wander too far, that sort of thing is useful info and I don’t want us finding out the hard way
Thanks all, bring on the summer!
Where are you staying, and how long are you going for? Also how old is mini O?I’ve done all of the important stuff: passports, travel insurance etc, but is there anything I should know about the US, and/or Florida in particular… how on Earth does ‘turn right on red’ work?!
We’ve got a hire car, and may well choose one of the days to have a local wander, to have a decent meal or similar - but is it not advisable for tourists to wander too far, that sort of thing is useful info and I don’t want us finding out the hard way
Thanks all, bring on the summer!
We've been multiple times with our kids, and had very different holidays depending on the age.
Parks are expensive and exhausting so if you're planning to do those aim to have a day off between parks
If you have a hire car then definitely get out and about. For a first timer I would recommend a day trip to Clearwater, and a day trip to Kennedy. If you do Clearwater then take a dolphin trip on the Sea Screamer. My wife and kids love it.
Kissimmee Old Town Car Cruise is a nice afternoon/evening out (can't remember if it's Friday or Saturday!)
Driving is easy. Just learn to keep your left foot away from the pedals. Roads are big and straight and traffic generally flows well. It's like driving on major A roads everywhere. Car parks are huge and spaces are big.
Matt Harper said:
although local law enforcement is more likely to give you a talking-to, because the paperwork in dealing with minor traffic infractions by foreign tourists is more trouble than it's worth.
That does seem to be true, based on my own experience. During my last trip to Florida, I was stopped by highway patrol for going a bit too fast.
Upon presenting my UK driving licence, and hearing my British accent, the officer said something about me being from Europe, and that since we have those kilometres over there, it is easy to mistake mph for km/h.
With that, he gave me words of advice to slow down, and let me go without a ticket.
DJMC said:
Y
For cheap meals go to Cicis - all you can eat Pizza (coupon); Five Guys (UK version is not a patch on the original); Golden Corral buffet (coupon) for disgustingly large choice of everything you shouldn't eat. For better dining we like Longhorn; Outback; Bahama Breeze.
Be aware that "better dining" is a relative term. For cheap meals go to Cicis - all you can eat Pizza (coupon); Five Guys (UK version is not a patch on the original); Golden Corral buffet (coupon) for disgustingly large choice of everything you shouldn't eat. For better dining we like Longhorn; Outback; Bahama Breeze.
We came back from several of our visits craving plain steamed vegetables because there is virtually no veg in the tourist restaurants and that which is there is drowned in butter.
Driving is a piece of urine. Don't worry about it.
98elise said:
Where are you staying, and how long are you going for? Also how old is mini O?
Young ‘un will have just turned 10 when we go - it’s her birthday and Christmas presents for the next 1,000 years!Only 7 nights for us, 10/14 would have been better value - but we didn’t want to be too knackered after the first few days.
We’re staying off-park, there’s a hotel/apartment complex but I’m not too sure where or how far - one of the reasons for the car is in case we miss the shuttle service to/from the parks, although apparently parking isn’t the cheapest.
I’ve sorted the credit card for use over there, so we aren’t carrying ‘tourist’ levels of cash, but as mentioned we’ll need some for tips etc
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