12 Top Tips from Florida Holidaymakers Just Like You  

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro when it comes to Orlando theme park holidays, there will always be something new and exciting to discover. One of the best things about the Florida-lovers’ community is that everyone is ready and willing to impart their insider knowledge, tips, and recommendations, ensuring you have the best trip imaginable. 

An esteemed information source for all things Disney is The Dibb - short for The Disney Information Bulletin Board - a forum dedicated especially to Disney and Florida holiday planning. It has its own internal rating system for users, and provides expert advice, support, and news based on the latest developments in Orlando. And the best part? It’s created by holidaymakers, for holidaymakers just like you! 

On that note, we’ve collated some of our favourite tips from well-informed Dibbers to share with you below to inspire and help you when planning your next trip: 
 

Beyond Orlando 

“Enjoy things outside the parks like Winter Garden, Celebration, and Boggy Creek. And for those interested in something a little different, try Bok Tower. It features lovely gardens, nature trail walks, and a fishpond around the tower. Don’t think that Florida is all about the Mouse.” 



“Some of the best airboat and alligator experiences are outside Orlando on the Tamiami Trail between Naples and the outskirts of Miami. Whilst they are ‘no thrills’, you will see many more alligators and get incredibly close to them. Even if you stop your car on the Tamiami and peer into ponds or water culverts either side, you will see alligators.” 
 

Handy Hints 

“Download apps such as ‘Heads Up’ to keep kids and teens entertained in long queues. Be prepared for the heat, walking, and crowds as it’s unlikely you’ll spend whole days in a park without a break. Wear comfy footwear that’s already been broken in.” 



“Don’t try and do everything in two weeks, it’s impossible. Always make sure to have rest days. If you’re on a budget whilst there, make sure you stick to it. Account for everything including meals and souvenirs. Use the sunflower lanyard if you have travellers with special needs, Orlando International Airport staff was great at spotting these and they’ll help ease you through immigration.” 

“Be flexible with your plans; have a rough itinerary but be prepared to make changes. And try not to be glued to your phone the whole time and take time to soak in the sights and sounds.” 

Remember that you can get replacement ponchos if you tear yours. I didn’t know that until someone pointed it out on the Dibb, and I’ve been going since 1988!” 
 

Food & Drink

“Eat breakfast in your self-catering accommodation and pack a picnic for lunch. Take snacks to the parks to keep hunger pangs at bay while queuing and buy bottled water from supermarkets and freeze it. Put two 1-litre bottles of frozen juice up the sides, your sandwich boxes up in the middle with the crisps, and fruit on top.” 

“Dine off-site and seek ‘Happy Hour’ deals at Outback Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze etc. A $5 cocktail can taste far better than a $15 one in the park with a mouse’s ears sticking out of it. You can always return to the park later.”

Theme Parks

“Consider buying a ‘Discovery Cove Ultimate Ticket’ for SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. You get enough food, drinks, and alcohol to last all day and the savings are considerable, plus you can park for 14 days for free.”

My favourite top tip is from Epcot. When everyone heads for the rides at rope drop during the extra Magic Hours in the morning, head to World Showcase. While the shops were not open, I was able to wander round each pavilion with virtually no-one else there and take in all the wonderful things to see. It was an experience I’ll never forget!” 
 

Hotel Plans

To fully utilise a Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific Hotel or Portofino Bay, Universal Unlimited Express Pass, stay in a cheaper hotel near to Universal Orlando Resort for the first night. Have an early breakfast then be at your Universal Hotel by 07:00 by taxi or Uber, dropping your cases at reception. This way, you get two very full days on Unlimited Express for one night in a Universal Resort Hotel. Leave at the end of your second day, having checked out and put your cases in reception to attend early rope drop. At the end of that day, get a taxi to another hotel to pick up your car hire. Then you can park back at Universal before 18:00, when parking becomes free. This means you will have saved money on accommodation, parking, and car hire that you haven’t used.”

“If you’re visiting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, consider a night in the Hampton Hotel, which is right outside the gates. It has free parking, and later in the evening the rides become practically walk-ons!” 

These are just a handful of thousands of expert tips on the Dibb that will help you plan the most epic Florida getaways! 

Our bespoke holidays can be tailored any way you wish, whether it’s securing the best hotel deals, special add-ons, or great-value park admission packages, we’ve got you covered.

Get in touch today let us design your next dream Orlando trip.