Hi,

My girlfriend and I are from South Africa, and I really dont know anything about the cost of things in the USA. we will be arriving 9th Jan 2012, and departing the 25th an 2012. I have a few questions if anyone can please help me.

1. I have got accomodation at a place called the Magic Castle Inn & Suites, on the irlo Bronson highway... Are there frequent shuttles from there to the disney theme parks and the universal theme parks??

2. I have already paid for the flights, accomodation, and theme park tickets, and I have a budget of around $2000, i have also set aside $700 for other things, like a trip to Kennedy Space centre, ripleys and wonderworks. So my question is, will $2000 be enough for food and souvineers and car hire?

3. I am still deciding whether or not to hire a car, I'm 24 so the car hire almost doubles because of my age, it goes up by $425, which is quite drastic on my budget. Is there any cheaper method for getting around or where can i find a car hire company that does not have such a high levy for under 25 aged drivers??

4. What times do the theme parks open in general, and are we allowed to go for extra magic hours even if we are not staying on disney propetry?

5. Do alot of the big rides at the theme parks close at that time of the year?

6. I have heard there is a marathon in Jan, we are planning to go to the disney parks from the 10th Jan to the 15th Jan, will the marathon be on at those times, and if it is, how will it affect the parks and visitors??

7. How is the weather at that time of the year, and does it rain alot??

8. Some people say a trip to the florida keys is really good, but I cant find much info on it. Is it worth a day to ride out to there, and what is there to do and see at the keys??

9. Are there still alot of shows and parades at the theme parks that time of year, like the christmas parade at magic kingdom?

10. What is the cost of a day at the kennedy space centre, with the tour bus included?

11. What is the cost of the Astomaut training at KSC, and is it worth it? Does the training program take up the whole day, or can it be done the same day that we want to tour KSC?

Sorry about all the questions, but i really appreciate the help!!!!!! Thanks again