[angel222]

I am hoping I'm posting in the right place...I'm a new Villager (one week) and already am getting a visit from the kids and grands for a week.....Is there anywhere to go to get discount tickets for Disney, SeaWorld, etc. My grands are 2 and 5 years old - any suggestions you could give me would be greatly appreciated as to where to take them and how to show my daughter and son-in-law TV and all it has to offer. I also have not bought a golf cart yet so I was wondering about renting a 4 seater for a few days to really give them a "feel" for TV mode of traveling - any help for this would also be great....Thanks!

[Ooper]

Welcome to The Villages... You are not going to find much of a discount on theme park tickets. I would check with the AAA near the KFC on Rt.441. That's where we buy our tickets. Word of caution, personal opinion... the 5 yo might enjoy them but the 2 yo is pretty young to realize what is going on. Give Jim Followell a call for the cart rental, 259-7525, he is great. Rented from him numerous times... has 2-seater and 4-seaters. There is a small park for the kids over near Lake Sumter Landing. As far as your daughter and son-in-law... take the trolley tour and the boat tour at LSL. Plus, check out what is going on at the Squares and around TV. Have a great time.

[angel222]

Thanks for the help....can you give me closer directions to the park near LSL? I know the kids are young but I'm just excited that they're coming so soon...I wasn't sure if my kids who live in PA and NC would visit as they said they would and don't you know it - they had to prove me wrong right away..ha, ha!

[Dayton]

Actually, the playground at the elementary school is a lot nicer than the LSL playground. You can get in after school hours.

Also, take them to feed the ducks at Spanish Springs, Uncle Donald's farm, Austin Horse Park, go to the Polo Field and let them run wild.

There is plenty to do to keep them busy for a week!

[SteveFromNY]

I have a 3 year old and a 2 year old grandaughter. They both enjoyed Disney. They don't enjoy the same things a 10 year old enjoys, but there are a number of activities in the Magic Kingdom like playgrounds (Mickey's Toon Town & Winnie the Pooh Hundred Acre Woods to name 2), the carousel, Dumbo ride, Alladin's magic carpet, the characters and the parades to name a few.
Good news is the 2 year old is free (until 3 years old anyway).
The best way to buy tickets is in quantity. Unfortunately, they are not transferrable (they actually keep your fingerprint in their system). The more days you buy, the less expensive it is per day.
One day, one park costs around $75. If you buy 10 days, with Park Hopper Feature and No Expiration (2 added cost options) you pay around $400, but the cost for using the parks is now $40 per day. Between single day and 10 they have many options. And don;t quote me on the exact prices as they can change and my memory is far from perfect. Check with Disney to be sure.
Remember, they'll be back for another visit so consider it an investment! That's what I did.

[SUNNYMARYANN]

When buying tickets to DisneyWorld for multiple days be sure to have them explain the length of time you have to make use of the tickets. Some do not have an unlimited length of time to be used. Or at least they didnt last year when I tried to use two unused days from a previous years visit. As a Florida resident you can get the Florida Resident Annual pass that is good for 365 days a year.
Children of all ages love Animal Kingdom and the Lion King show captivates even the two year olds. Be there early enough to get a front row seat and the kids may be chosen to participate in the show.
Retired (and active duty military) are able to purchase discounted tickets at the Shades of Green resort owned by the US Military located across the road from the Polynisian.
There is also the Peter Pan club for a night of movies and snacks babysitting while mom and dad have fun in the evening. I have also used Disney's sitter service for grands when visiting and was very pleased.
I love the park hopper passes because I can do Disney Studios in one day and then take in another park or Epcot for a second night of Illuminations.

I wish they had not closed Pleasure Island because I loved the Adventurers Club.
Can I go with you?

[Halle]

Wanted to let all my fellow Military Members Active Duty and Retired know about this special offer from Disney World.

Click the link for information on the Free Five Day Pass.

http://www.shadesofgreen.org/5DAY.htm

We are both retired Navy and we plan on taking Disney World up on this great offer. We love the Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center and it has been many many years since we last visited.

[Indy-Guy]

May I suggest Silver Springs in Ocala about a 30-40 min. drive from The Villages. We have grandchildren about the same age and I felt that Silver Springs was great for that age 3-5. Easier drive, less money and we felt that they enjoyed it as well a Disney. We felt that they will enjoy Disney at a little later age.

If you go to Silver Springs you will go back! Check out web site below.

http://www.silversprings.com/

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Indy-Guy

May I suggest Silver Springs in Ocala about a 30-40 min. drive from The Villages. We have grandchildren about the same age and I felt that Silver Springs was great for that age 3-5. Easier drive, less money and we felt that they enjoyed it as well a Disney. We felt that they will enjoy Disney at a little later age.

If you go to Silver Springs you will go back! Check out web site below.

http://www.silversprings.com/

Stop at the motel's nearby....they sometimes have discount coupons for Silver Springs. Once had some for 50% off.

[golfnut]

I agree with Indy, Silver Springs is a very nice park and is much closer, cheaper and the younger children will have plenty to keep them busy, don't forget to go on the glass bottom boats, check their website in Indy's comment above as it has several special offers that will save you $$$....GN

[swrinfla]

angel222:

Everyone's giving you suggestions and advice for The Attractions (that's what Orlandoans call Disney World, Universal Studios, etc.), but they ignored your question about the park near Lake Sumter Landing!

It's at the west side of Canal Street, between Old Camp Road and Stillwater Trail, just across from where Sonny's BBQ will open soon.

Pretty small facility, but the kids will probably have fun there!

SWR

[Prizmz]

Welcome to The Villages!

There is useful information at ==> mousebuzz.com

The Kennedy Space Center is a very worthwhile trip.

[Prizmz]

Save Kennedy for when the little ones are older, but it is a great place for you.

[thegreenerside]

When you purchase tickets to the Orlando Parks make sure you let them know you are a Florida Resident (proof of residency req.) and they offer cheaper tickets.

[angel222]

Thanks for all the info....everyone is so helpful - I'm so glad I chose to be a Villager!! I better get my Florida license before they come or I can't prove I'm a Florida resident for the discounts...this should be another adventure but I know I'll find people here that know where to go and how to do it. Thanks again all!!