Vacations, Disneyland Orlando and more

Orlando vacation background

Diane and I travelled with both our girls, aged 10 and 8. We spent 15 days in Orlando, mostly at the Disney parks, at the end of December 2007 and the first 6 days of January 08. All the parks were deocorated for Christmas and it was uplifting and festive. The wait times for rides were not ridiculous in the first few days ( before Xmas ) but were very long between Xmas and New Year, and for the few days in Jan. We went to all the Disney parks, to Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, to Seaworld and to Wet & Wild.
We did not stay in a Disney hotel. For cheaper than a Disney value resort, we stayed in a 4* hotel in the middle of International Drive. We had a breakfast buffet every morning, ate one meal at the park (we sometimes brought our own snacks to eat throughout the day) and ate dinner either in International Drive or at the dinner buffet back at the Hotel.

Possible downers, from a plus size viewpoint.

The first big downer we found was queues. Queues for everything, from admission, to rides, to toilets, to dining. On really busy days we were lucky to fit in 4 rides and a show. Credit to Disney, their fast-pass system is as fair way as is possible of ensuring that you at least get your favourite ride. Universal's Express-pass we thought of as a complete rip-off. - pay $75 to get in, and then have to pay $40 more or watch 'rich-kids' pass you out. We though that Express-pass got totally disproportionate priority.
We found Disney expensive, especially for food. On crowded days, even in Epcot where there are quite a lot of good restaurants, we found it almost impossible to get into anything other than fast-food after 5pm unless you pre-booked. Both Universal parks were much better in this respect. Seaworld hasn't the same dining facilities and usually shuts earlier.
Seaworld has just a few 'hills' but has many attractions with travellators and wheelchair access. Universal's, Disney's and Seaworld's pathways and roadways are wide, but on very crowded days progress was slow for scooter users. The only exception to this was Disney's animal kingdom, where roadways and paths are narrower.
Universal's parks didn't seem to have enough seats and benches to rest at.
The only other downer is that getting to Disney's parks, from anywhere other than a resort hotel, takes so long. A taxi from mid International Drive to Disney Central takes 40 minutes. The public bus takes well over an hour. From Disney Central to the parks takes from 10 to 25 minutes more.

Plus Size Vacation Plusses

From a 'Plus Size Friendly' point of view, we found Disney as a whole exceptional. Staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Here Disney scored over all other parks.
Transportation was also wonderful from a mobility viewpoint. Orlando has knealing buses with lifts for scooters and wheelchairs, decent sized bus seats. Disney's parks had scooters for hire, and wide, flat pathways. Most theatres had wheelchair accommodation.
The day time parades and the evening parades in Disney are amazing - better than Universal's. Magic Kingdom's fireworks are brilliant, Epcot's exceptional. We definintely feel the parks are for both adults and children.
Another huge plus is that there are no mosquitos, however they've managed to eliminate them.

Our recommendations

Definitely Orlando is very plus size friendly - go there. If you can, avoid weekends, public holidays and times when schoolkids are on holidays, and your visit will be much more enjoyable, as you will be able to do and see much more. If you are going to stay late at any Disney Park, reserve your evening meal in advance. Also, PLAN AHEAD - if you don't you will leave feeling that there was so much more you could have done, but missed. If you are going to Disney get there early - it may allow you get 2 or more fast pass tickets for popular rides. Lastly, buy your park tickets on the net before you get there. If you are staying for several days, buy a multi-day ticket to match the length of your stay. You will save money by doing this.
We will too, God willing, before we go back there later this year.

FREEDOM PARADISE - A Size Friendly Vacation Club
Riviera Maya - CANCUN, MEXICO

Washington Post: "Here you can feel free and breathe on the beach. That’s the magic of the place!" (guest comment)
USA Today: "The first vacation spot of its kind"
Newsweek: "This beachfront playground has everything a real holidaymaker could want"
Good Morning America: "Everything was just perfect there!" (guest comment)
CNN: "Everybody fits here, it’s marvelous!"(guest comment)
Fox News: "The dream of a worry-free vacation has become a reality"
Star Telegram: "One-size hospitality: guests of all sizes are welcome"

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