orlando

[bubbles4920]

has anyone been to Celebration in Orlando,Florida? funnily enough we are not going to be doing disney, just want some sunshine at xmas!

[BertiWooster]

All the way to Orlando , and not doing disney ?

Well I never !!!

[jno]

it's famous as an artificial town built to look as if it's an old-style colonial town but actually run by Disney. I've seen it but haven't stayed there. You should be ok for sunshine but actually it's quite possible to get cold snaps at that time of the year, with the orange crop freezing on the trees. This happened to me once on January 1 at Disneyworld - the queues of shivering people lining up to buy Mickey Mouse sweatshirts were longer than the ones for the rides. So I'd take a fleece just in case. To be surer, I'd go further south, to Key West if necessary.

[loonytunes]

I agree with jno. I was in Orlando in January once and they were opening housing shelters for the homeless as it was so cold. I've been to Orlando 28 times now and only been to Disney three times. Once the kids are off your hands, it just isn't the same and it all looks a bit samey after a few trips. We spend our time going to the sales and shops as the bargains are ususaly quite good.

Celebration is a bit twee. I'm told that they do not allow litter and the grass in peoples' gardens sinot allowed to grow longer than a prescribed length. A few days in Orlando is enough then get a cheap cruise off Fort Lauderdale.

[Rosetta]

Would you be willing to consider The Gulf Coast instead of Orlando if you are not wanting the theme parks. There are some lovely resorts, white sugar sand, plenty to do and see.
Though I haven't been in January the weather is likely to be similar to Orlando. When we have been the sea has been beautifully warm, even warm enough to tempt me in. (You would need to check for Jan>)

Many people head for St Peterersburg / Clearwater area, personally I prefer to go farther south as it tends to be a bit less commercialised, eg Venice, or Sarasota if you prefer somewhere larger. The islands off the Gulf coast are also lovely, eg Sanibel and Captiva, Long Boat Key.

Have a great time.