Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
15
Tips
Weather Wise
It's not uncommon for the skies to open up on Orlando, even when the day
begins with the sun ablaze. Florida is well known for its afternoon downpours,
so don't be too concerned—storms don't usually last too long. Most people
simply run for temporary cover, and then resume their activities when the rain
slows to a drizzle or stops altogether. It is wise, however, to bring along some
type of rain gear, as storms can spring up rather quickly. A small fold-up
umbrella can protect you until you can get to shelter. If you forget your gear,
rain ponchos can be purchased throughout the parks for about $6 for a child-
size poncho, or $8 for an adult size. The child-size poncho also happens to
cover the average stroller quite well, protecting camera equipment and souve-
nirs—not to mention the child sitting inside it.
Don't let a rainy afternoon spoil your fun. Crowds are dramatically thinner on
these days, and there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy, particularly at
Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Universal Studios Florida, where many
of the attractions are actually indoors. The flip side, of course, is that many of
the outdoor rides and attractions at Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld are tem-
porarily closed during downpours and lightning storms.
2
Drive—will give you a headache. The
December holidays and summer, when
out-of-state visitors take advantage of
school breaks and many locals bring their
families to the parks (the latter also flock
to the parks during Florida resident dis-
count months, which usually fall in May
and Nov) can also prove a challenge.
Packed parking lots are the norm during
the week before and after Christmas, and
the summer brings with it oppressive heat
and humidity.
Seriously consider pulling your kids out of
school
for a few days around an off-season
weekend to avoid the long lines. (You may
be able to keep them in their schools' good
graces by asking teachers to let them write
a report on an educational element of
the vacation. Epcot, SeaWorld, and the
Orlando Museum of Science offer the
most in the way of educational exhibits.)
Even during these periods, though, the
number of international visitors guaran-
tees you won't be alone.
One other time-related hazard: For
several weeks in May and September, you
will find yourself in the midst of the
dreaded “love bug” season in Central
Florida. These small fly-like insects emerge
twice a year, get into practically every-
thing, and like nothing more than to com-
mit suicide on your car windshield, leaving
a messy splatter. They don't bite, but they
are a serious nuisance. If you can avoid
them, I highly recommend it.
Note:
If you're taking advantage of a
land/cruise package (see “Disney Cruise
Packages,” later in this chapter), make sure
you take into account hurricane season,
which generally runs from around June 1
to November 30 (when the majority of
Central Florida's afternoon downpours
tend to occur). Inland, the worst is usually
only sheets of rain and enough wind to
wipe the smile right off your face. That
said, the summer of 2004 (when three
hurricanes passed through the area) was a
noticeable reminder that the worst can
