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 499797 times)

Offline yaakovely

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1140 on: October 27, 2019, 06:28:35 PM »
Anyone know where I can get cheap tickets to either Universal or Disney. It doesn't seem like Chabad or Rabbi Orlando have any tickets at this time. They only have during Chol Hamoed ect. I went to Seaworld today and it costed me over $90 a person.

Offline nirc

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1141 on: November 21, 2019, 06:29:53 PM »
Anyone know where I can get cheap tickets to either Universal or Disney. It doesn't seem like Chabad or Rabbi Orlando have any tickets at this time. They only have during Chol Hamoed ect. I went to Seaworld today and it costed me over $90 a person.

+1 looking for mid winter break 2020

Offline nirc

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1142 on: November 22, 2019, 12:41:34 PM »
anyone know of timeshare deals to be had? meaning - sit thru presentation and get discounted hotel and park tickets? I know Hilton Grand Vacations used to, but all expired.

Offline nirc

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1143 on: November 22, 2019, 01:15:56 PM »
1] Since Chabad no longer sells discounted Disney tickets, does anyone have thoughts on Disney's 4 park magic ticket special for $86? It's a ticket allowing 1 admission per day to a park (only enter each park once).

2] thoughts on universal vs Disney or do both (staying for week plus)? Kids ages 7, 14 and 16.


PSA: Chabad will continue to sell Universal though not currently and with an expected discount of 10-20%.
« Last Edit: November 22, 2019, 02:17:52 PM by nirc »

Offline smb2270

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1144 on: November 25, 2019, 10:37:08 AM »
Anyone know of any minyanim for yeshiva week shabbos in orlando?

Offline nirc

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1145 on: November 25, 2019, 10:39:03 AM »
Anyone know of any minyanim for yeshiva week shabbos in orlando?

Chabad, Orlando Torah Center...

Offline nirc

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1146 on: November 26, 2019, 11:03:32 AM »
Anyone know anything about the "morning discovery tour" offered at Westgate Palace that allows for discounted stays?

Offline smb2270

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1147 on: November 26, 2019, 04:11:15 PM »
Chabad, Orlando Torah Center...
Thanks.  Know of any villa (home) rentals nearby?

Offline nirc

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1148 on: December 04, 2019, 12:27:19 PM »
Thanks.  Know of any villa (home) rentals nearby?

quite a few. cheapest can be found on Airbnb/ vrbo. if want "kosher" homes --- https://www.kosherorlandorental.com/ and https://www.floridakoshervillas.com/apartment/or1994-the-banyan-villa-orlando-fl/, with the former requiring a 1 week rental minimum.

Offline smb2270

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1149 on: December 04, 2019, 03:26:29 PM »
Any interest in a minyan at champions gate yeshiva week?

Offline far rockaway

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1150 on: December 08, 2019, 04:19:35 PM »
Looking to gather a minyan at Reunion for Yeshiva week Jan 24/25. I have 6 already.

Offline nirc

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1151 on: December 08, 2019, 07:16:47 PM »
looking for suggestions on how many days to spend in Disney parks on my Orlando trip in January, since only have a max 7 days (including 1/2 day Friday) to do stuff.

thinking about doing the 4 park magic ticket $339 (only allows 1 admission per day for "new" park) OR perhaps getting a 6/7 day regular ticket $427/$434 (non park hopper). my reasoning for the latter, is that it allows me to have more relaxing days in park since no pressure to get everything done on my 1 day.

however I read that some ppl think that park off days are a "must" even if one doesn't spend 12 hrs/ day in the park.

Offline nirc

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1152 on: December 08, 2019, 07:17:24 PM »
Looking to gather a minyan at Reunion for Yeshiva week Jan 24/25. I have 6 already.

possibly, depending on cost per night of staying there.

Offline ChaimBer

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1153 on: December 11, 2019, 09:37:56 AM »
Hi, would anybody know of a Shabbos Minyan in champions gate (or any other development) for shabbos Feb 1st 2020? 

I haven't found any houses in or around the Chabad or Torah center.

Offline smb2270

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1154 on: December 11, 2019, 10:35:13 PM »
Hi, would anybody know of a Shabbos Minyan in champions gate (or any other development) for shabbos Feb 1st 2020? 

I haven't found any houses in or around the Chabad or Torah center.
Check temporary minyanim on godaven. 
https://www.godaven.com/shul-details/22082

We booked a house, so I'll give you my sloppy orlando minyan research for yeshiva week.
hard to get near chabad/torah center.  i checked.  check airbnb for "vistana resort." i saw availability for $85/night.  confirmed minyan! 

https://www.vrbo.com/1812870?adultsCount=2&arrival=2020-01-22&departure=2020-01-29  (40 min walk from shul)
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/23647107?adults=5&check_in=2020-01-22&check_out=2020-01-29&source_impression_id=p3_1575501746_BccJqi6e%2F9R4uHh%2F . (20 min walk from shul)



https://www.vrbo.com/9139020ha?adultsCount=2&noDates=true . (48 minute walk frosheraton where theres minyan)

Offline ltttc

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1155 on: December 12, 2019, 08:46:22 PM »
looking for suggestions on how many days to spend in Disney parks on my Orlando trip in January, since only have a max 7 days (including 1/2 day Friday) to do stuff.

thinking about doing the 4 park magic ticket $339 (only allows 1 admission per day for "new" park) OR perhaps getting a 6/7 day regular ticket $427/$434 (non park hopper). my reasoning for the latter, is that it allows me to have more relaxing days in park since no pressure to get everything done on my 1 day.

however I read that some ppl think that park off days are a "must" even if one doesn't spend 12 hrs/ day in the park.
Depends- What ages??

Offline nirc

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1156 on: December 12, 2019, 08:53:21 PM »
Depends- What ages??

15&14 girls with 6&3 boy.

Offline YYZ Fan

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1157 on: December 13, 2019, 02:41:59 AM »
Any reviews on staying at the Sheraton Vistana Resort in 2 bedroom villa with 4 kids

Room says accommodates to 8 people and how is this hotel for a Shabbos stay?

Thank you in advance

Thinking about going Feb 1 Shabbos weekend.

Offline smb2270

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1158 on: December 13, 2019, 08:17:05 AM »
Any reviews on staying at the Sheraton Vistana Resort in 2 bedroom villa with 4 kids

Room says accommodates to 8 people and how is this hotel for a Shabbos stay?

Thank you in advance

Thinking about going Feb 1 Shabbos weekend.
why don't you email the guy who has a minyan there?  I'm sure he can fill you in.

Offline mb1

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Re: Orlando Master Thread
« Reply #1159 on: December 13, 2019, 12:39:44 PM »
looking for suggestions on how many days to spend in Disney parks on my Orlando trip in January, since only have a max 7 days (including 1/2 day Friday) to do stuff.

thinking about doing the 4 park magic ticket $339 (only allows 1 admission per day for "new" park) OR perhaps getting a 6/7 day regular ticket $427/$434 (non park hopper). my reasoning for the latter, is that it allows me to have more relaxing days in park since no pressure to get everything done on my 1 day.

however I read that some ppl think that park off days are a "must" even if one doesn't spend 12 hrs/ day in the park.
I would go for the 6/7 day ticket.
Option to go to the park just for the evening shows on your "off" days and not be pressured to stay for 12 hours a day will provide more flexibility and make it a much more relaxed week.