Topic Wiki

Orlando Overview
Orlando is a magical place that's not too far from home and cheap to get to with miles. Obviously, Disney, Universal and SeaWorld are the main attractions, but there are other things to do as well. The theme parks are not just for families with kids; a couple can have an absolute blast as well!

Trip Reports:
@Yehuda's trip to Universal - Quick TR Summary, Detailed TR = 4 parts Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Getting there and getting around:

How long should I go for?
The length of your trip will likely be based on the number of parks you want to go to. Don't rush your day - give yourself a full day per park, walk around slowly, get engrossed in the magical worlds that are Disney and Universal, and wait on long lines all day :P . Some will say that you can do parks in less than a day, which may be true for certain ones, so then do a park and a night activity; don't squeeze in 2 parks in 1 day because you finished 1 park at 3PM.

Air:
MCO is Orlando's airport. You can fly directly from all New York airports. Flying business from NY will have just marginally better seats/service for double the price. The only useful benefit is getting more free checked bags, so if may be worth sending 1 person in your family in J so they can bring an extra bag. As of 1/15, Uber was not allowed at MCO due to an airport fee dispute, so the 2 ways to get an Uber are 1) Take a random hotel shuttle to a hotel and then call an Uber from there (suggested by @Uber on Twitter, but join the ethical discussion of using a shuttle if you're not staying at that hotel) and 2) Move the pin on your Uber map to a road outside the airport so that you can officially request a ride. Once a driver responds, call him and tell him you're actually in MCO and see if he'll agree to pick you up anyway. Below are the direct flight options with one-way Saver prices in Y/J.

HPN:
B6 - miles vary based on the dollar cost of the flight

EWR:
UA - 12.5K/25K
B6 - miles vary based on the dollar cost of the flight
WN - New non-stop flights beginning March 2016 - miles vary based on the dollar cost of the flight but if you're flying with your +1 and you have the Companion Pass, this can be your cheapest way to MCO

LGA:
DL - 12.5K/25K
B6 - miles vary based on the dollar cost of the flight

JFK:
AA/US - 12.5K/25K with AA miles | 7.5K/15K with BA miles
DL - 12.5K/25K
B6 - miles vary based on the dollar cost of the flight

ISP:
WN - miles vary based on the dollar cost of the flight but if you're flying with your +1 and you have the Companion Pass, this can be your cheapest way to MCO

Car:
A car is not absolutely necessary in Orlando, but it will definitely make things easier for you so you can be on your own schedule. Keep in mind, you'll have to pay parking fees at the parks each day. Many hotels have complimentary shuttles to the airport or the parks and some might even have both. If your hotel only has a parks shuttle, you can probably get a cab for the airport trips for cheaper than renting a car. If Minyan and going to the Kosher restaurants are on your radar, then you will likely need a car, although there are hotels that are both near those sites and have shuttles to the parks. See where your hotel is and decide if you need a car.


Where to stay:

Basically, your options are to stay at a hotel in the 10-15 minute range from the parks, at an official Disney or Universal Resort, or renting a private home in the greater Orlando area.

Here are some places that are discussed in this thread:

NameAreaMore InfoComments
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Comfort Inn & Suites Universal Convention Center10-20 minutes from parksWebsiteNot the fanciest, but being a Choice property means there's a BRG possibility. Free shuttle to Universal and SeaWorld. 5 minute walk to Kosher Gourmet restaurant/grocery and 20 minute walk to Chabad.
HotelDisney ResortWebsiteSPG category X; X/night
HotelUniversal ResortWebsiteSPG category X; X/night
"Get your own place"Greater Orlando AreaAirBNB, VRBO, HomeAway, Florida Sandanavian/ Vacation Pool HomesRenting a private home can be great for a family. You'll get more for your money over a hotel - a couple of bedrooms, living/dining rooms, and a full kitchen. There will usually be a pool, and if you look hard enough, you can find one that's enclosed for privacy. The downside is that they're usually not too close to the parks, which means you'll definitely need a car and have to pay for parking at the parks.


What to do:

Theme Parks:

With some searching you might find a travel/tourist website (like Musement) that may have a sale that you can use towards the tickets. For Universal Studios, the cheapest place to buy would be from Chabad of South Orlando or Orlando Torah Academy . Tickets are only sold for the upcoming "season". So in December, you'll be able to buy tickets for January break, but not for Pesach, and in the summer, you likely won't yet be able to get for the upcoming January.

Disney ParksComments
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Hollywood StudiosFormerly MGM Studios.
Animal Kingdom

All Disney parks have airline style food at specific cafes. Not very good but at least it's a hot meal without leaving the park. You can see the list of cafes on Chabad's site here.

Universal ParksComments
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
StudiosThe first of the 2 parks built, so it has some of the more classic rides like E.T. and The Mummy, while also featuring plenty of newer rides like Shrek, Minions, and Transformers. There are 1 or 2 roller coasters, and the rest of the rides are more like shows/3D/4D rides. Home to Harry Potter: Diagon Alley. If you have a park-to-park ticket, you can ride the Hogwarts Express train to connect to the HP World in Islands of Adventure. Only Kosher snacks are available here, no real food. As of 1/15, the mix for ButterBeer had a hechsher, but the topping did not, and they won't serve you without it. For a TR on the park, see here.
Islands of AdventureFeaturing rides like Jurassic Park and The Hulk, this park also has 1-2 roller coasters, while the rest of the rides are more of the show/3D/4D variety. Home to Harry Potter: Hogsmeade. If you have a park-to-park ticket, you can ride the Hogwarts Express train to connect to the HP World in Studios. Only Kosher snacks are available here, no real food. As of 1/15, the mix for ButterBeer had a hechsher, but the topping did not, and they won't serve you without it. For a TR on the park, see here.

Other ParksComments
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SeaWorldA very family friendly park, less packed than Disney and Universal. Cheap annual passes as well as combo discounts for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens (which is in Tampa, 1hr away).
LegoLandLocated in Winter Haven, the park is a bit of a distance from the Greater Orlando area - approx. 45- 55 min away from other Orlando parks. LegoLand has an amusement park as well as a water park. If you look online it looks like the 2 are often not open on the same day. Each park costs about as much as the Disney/Universal parks (~$80) and can be greatly enjoyed by children, but can be underwhelming for adults. All rides are "kiddie" rides, some don't even allow adults on. The park is missing the magic of Disney/Universal, but may be much emptier than those parks, so that's a plus. The life-size Lego statues around the park are cool, but their water damage shows that LegoLand just doesn't get the "magic" necessary for an Orlando park. Kids will love the mini coasters and rides, something they might not be able to experience too much in Universal and parts of Disney.
See here for cheaper tickets (~$100 total for 1 adult and 1 child ticket)


Other Attractions & Activities

NameMore InfoComments
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WonderworksWebsite
Fun SpotWebsite
Titanic The ExperienceWebsiteGeared towards older kids / adults
Ripley's Believe it or notWebsite
Disney QuestWebsite
Cirque De SoleilWebsite
Orlando Science CenterWebsite
Kennedy Space Center - Visitor's ComplexWebsiteTour NASA's KSC. Now features Space Shuttle Atlantis.
Skeleton MuseumWebsite
Event & Family Photography - Chavi Photo Website


Shuls:

NameMore InfoComments
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Chabad of South OrlandoWebsiteDaily Minyanim - Shachris @ 8:00AM and 9:30AM on Shabbos. Mincha/Maariv is 10 minutes before Shkia, which can be difficult to make if you're spending the day in a park. During very peak seasons, they'll have an extra Maariv later at night.
Orlando Torah AcademyWebsiteLocal day school that has Shacharis @ 8:30AM Monday - Friday during the school year (but not week of the 27th - they're on Yeshiva break vacation. (2024) Orlando Torah Academy runs KosherOrlando.org, which organizes and opens shuls in the resorts during busy times; check out the website to signup and find out more about the various minyanim
Orlando Torah CenterWebsiteShachris @ 6:30AM weekdays, 8:00AM, Sunday 8:AM, 7:15AM (Hashkama) and 9:00AM Shabbos (Nusach Ashkenaz) as well as a separate Eidut Hamizrach at 9:AM. Mincha/Maariv is 1:30, and before/after Shkiah, which can be difficult to make if you're spending the day in a park. There's also a nightly 10PM Maariv

Food:

For Kosher food inside the theme parks, see the comments section of the specific park above.

NameMore InfoComments
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Kosher GourmetWebsiteA classic deli with slightly pricey/reasonable prices, unlimited fountain soda refills, and mostly-friendly service. You may be able to find discounted gift cards at GreatKosherDeals.com. Next to the restaurant is also a Kosher grocery. The restaurant will give you a bag to go shopping with and you'll bring your purchases back to the restaurant to pay. Mostly (only?) non-perishables sold here. (Certified by the RCF)
Kosher GrillWebsiteReview from shiframeir - Got takeout from here (place was packed and crazy for Yeshiva week), and the food was actually very good though understandably not cheap. Shwarma on baguette was great - even though they threw in this cabbage salad that scared me, it actually went great with the shwarma. Burgers were thick with flavor and decent shoe string fries. Caesar salad with chicken was what it is everywhere but with a real flame grilled piece of chicken. Stir fry wasn't fantastic, but is a nice alternative option on the menu that we enjoyed. Chili wings didn't really have much sauce flavor, but maybe they're better when you don't take it to go.
Review from yeki89 (when this store was a food truck called Kosher on Wheels) - Falafel & fries was very good with large portions and fair prices.
(Certified by the RCF)
Kosher EateryWebsite Dairy and Meat Kosher Restaurant (Certified by the RCF)
Erin McKenna's BakeryWebsitePareve and Gluten Free. Oat products are not Pas Yisroel. Ice Cream is NOT certified Kosher. (Certified by Florida K/Rabbi Sholom Dubov)
Catering by Motti / Motti's BistroWebsiteTakeout food available for Shabbos. Bistro restaurant only open during Yeshiva week
Winn DixieStore LocatorLocated on Apopka Vineland (yes, that's a street name), this supermarket carries Cholov Yisroel milk and many other Kosher products.

« Last edited by sprint on January 12, 2024, 12:06:49 PM »

Author Topic: Orlando Master Thread  (Read 499792 times)

Offline avadah

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2012
  • Posts: 2516
  • Total likes: 38
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #400 on: December 29, 2014, 01:54:00 PM »
Are Disney hotel on Priceline name your own price?

#wishfulthinking

Offline Ergel

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 12818
  • Total likes: 905
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #401 on: December 31, 2014, 03:33:12 PM »
Anyone know of any hosts near a shul? From VRBO seems like all the chabads are in the wrong areas
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Offline aarony

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jan 2010
  • Posts: 530
  • Total likes: 31
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #402 on: December 31, 2014, 03:38:37 PM »
When are you going? I am planning on being there the 30rh of jan.  For now I booked the west gate palace.

Offline Ergel

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 12818
  • Total likes: 905
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #403 on: December 31, 2014, 03:44:36 PM »
Dunno if I'm going. Looking for somewhere on the east coast that will be warm in February that has a house with a pool for cheap. Shul is not a deal breaker, but if there is a shul around I'd like to be near it.
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Offline jack12

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2008
  • Posts: 1139
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 8
    • View Profile
  • Programs: National Emerald Club Executive Elite, Hertz #1 Club Gold Presidents Circle, Sixt Platinum
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #404 on: January 04, 2015, 02:21:39 PM »

Offline greatdeals

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 1747
  • Total likes: 10
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 27
    • View Profile
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #405 on: January 04, 2015, 02:53:02 PM »
which is the best credit card for disney tickets?

Offline sprint

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Apr 2010
  • Posts: 427
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #406 on: January 04, 2015, 03:32:13 PM »
which is the best credit card for disney tickets?

There is no cc that will help significantly (maybe the disney cc?), but they can be had for significantly cheaper than from disney or even any online resellers..

Offline jack12

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2008
  • Posts: 1139
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 8
    • View Profile
  • Programs: National Emerald Club Executive Elite, Hertz #1 Club Gold Presidents Circle, Sixt Platinum
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #407 on: January 04, 2015, 07:25:44 PM »
I know the rav hamachshir of the Lower East Side Restaurant. He is there almost every day checking out the kitchen. There is a mashgiach temidi there. The owner of the restaurant is a frum, shomer shabbos yid.

Offline greatdeals

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 1747
  • Total likes: 10
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 27
    • View Profile
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #408 on: January 04, 2015, 09:43:13 PM »
Quote
There is no cc that will help significantly (maybe the disney cc?), but they can be had for significantly cheaper than from disney or even any online resellers..

which cc will get me the most points for buying disney tickets?

Offline Marco Polo

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 13121
  • Total likes: 49
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 104
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #409 on: January 04, 2015, 09:58:14 PM »
which is the best credit card for disney tickets?
May be worthwhile to look on Craigslist.

I was able to get tickets for Seaworld at $40 a piece and the seller met me at the park and only collected money once i got it. If using Craigslist, beware of scammers.

Quaerite et Invenietis.

Offline 12HRS

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Posts: 5108
  • Total likes: 575
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #410 on: January 05, 2015, 05:34:51 PM »
Or talk to people from the Jewish community there.

Offline Marco Polo

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 13121
  • Total likes: 49
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 104
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #411 on: January 05, 2015, 06:40:21 PM »
Or talk to people from the Jewish community there.
They will probably send you to Chabad.
Quaerite et Invenietis.

Offline 12HRS

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Posts: 5108
  • Total likes: 575
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #412 on: January 05, 2015, 08:13:52 PM »
They will probably send you to Chabad.

Isn't that part of the community? There is also a shul http://www.orlandojewishinfo.com

Offline Marco Polo

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 13121
  • Total likes: 49
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 104
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #413 on: January 06, 2015, 08:48:00 AM »
Isn't that part of the community? There is also a shul http://www.orlandojewishinfo.com
It is, and Chabad has a "discounted" rate, albeit minimal.
Quaerite et Invenietis.

Offline greatdeals

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 1747
  • Total likes: 10
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 27
    • View Profile
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #414 on: January 06, 2015, 10:22:31 AM »
so which credit card will get me the most points for disney tickets?

Offline dealfinder85

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Feb 2013
  • Posts: 3544
  • Total likes: 9
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
    • View Profile
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #415 on: January 06, 2015, 10:24:05 AM »
um...
There is no cc that will help significantly (maybe the disney cc?), but they can be had for significantly cheaper than from disney or even any online resellers..

Offline Marco Polo

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 13121
  • Total likes: 49
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 104
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #416 on: January 06, 2015, 10:24:19 AM »
so which credit card will get me the most points for disney tickets?
Not sure any have a specific category for it, but use Ink to buy VGC at staples and then pay with those. 5x and you can get a $20 rebate now when spending over $300 on VGC's.
Quaerite et Invenietis.

Offline BBPAPA

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jan 2014
  • Posts: 311
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 8
    • View Profile
  • Location: NEW YORK
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #417 on: January 06, 2015, 10:34:57 AM »
FYI-posting here since we're talking about orlando
I'll repost in car rental section

Dollar rental
use promo code 248

1 wk minivan rental in orlando 1/20-1/27
$144.12/wk+taxes=$201.32

YMMV for other dates
1/21-1/28 rates drop to $138/wk + taxes=$188.38

Anyone see lower minivan rates for orlando?
« Last Edit: January 06, 2015, 11:34:32 AM by BBPAPA »

Offline bx1000

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Oct 2012
  • Posts: 21
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #418 on: January 06, 2015, 04:22:47 PM »
Does anyone have recent experience with the kosher selection at Winn-Dixie at 11957 S. Apopka Vineland Rd.? Per the Chabad website, there are two Winn-Dixie stores with kosher depts. The other one (in Fern Park) has a Facebook page and you can clearly see they have a very well stocked kosher section, but that location is much further away from Disney. Is the store on Apopka Vineland Rd. similar, or is the selection much smaller? Thanks.

Offline yehudae

  • Dansdeals Bronze Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Jan 2014
  • Posts: 34
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: booklyn
Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #419 on: January 08, 2015, 01:15:06 PM »
has anyone stayed at a nice villa with pool that they recommend which can be found on vrbo.com?