Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

johnnyroper

r.mac wrote: »

My husband is really keen to go to Orlando for a holiday - he's never been, although I've been 4 times over the last 20yrs or so. We have a 16month old daughter and while I appreciate she'll have no 'memories' if we go this year, or next, we would be going as much for the adults as for her and I know that she will love the buzz, colurs and sights of Disney even at this age! We are currently debating going in October 2010 or March 2011. The plus of October is that she'll still be under 2, the plus for March is that she'll be a bit older.

I know October is a quiet time at disney and a lovely temperate for us so I'm keen on that idea. I thought about week in a villa or SC apartment somewhere on the coast around clearwater or sarasota and about 4-7 days in Orlando doing the most young child-friendly parks, malls and soaking in the atmosphere.

Can anyone give me some guidance on the best time of year to go (we aren't fixed to dates and can be super flexible) and how much is going to be accessible/participatory/fun for an 2year old?

I'm also wondering about the best companies to book through, and whether its worth us staying at a disney resort hotel at all? Or would a house/sc apart be best on both locations?

basically any help/comment is appreciated!

i went in march this year my daughter was 23 months old at the time and she loved it,infact she still asks to go back to mickey's house.due to her size she could not go on everything but there was still plenty to occupy her.as for the weather while i was there mid march for 14 nights there was 2 days of rain the rest was a nice temp around mid 20's,which was ideal for all that walking round parks.
it was busy due to spring break in US but do some research and avoid them weeks.
total cost with virgin stopping on i-drive including flights and fully insured hire car was £2500 approx.
you need to weigh up if it is worth paying the extra for disney hotel and not paying the $14 a day parking,i know they do a dining plan but does it work out any cheaper than eating elsewhere because i will say walt disney do know how to charge.
in october i know your daughter will be under 2 but i would recommend paying for seat on plane,this is what i did could not imagine 8 hours or so with her on my lap.
what sort of budget you got and how many people going? these details determine what accomodation would be best suited

johnnyroper

blue_monkey wrote: »

Great stuff, glad that was of use then. 15%, lucky you!! That certainly helps as you'll get 15% off the price of the tickets you buy too, that is an absolute bargain!!

well after checking prices again it seems they are still gradually rising in price on all the websites i tried,must be as a result of the volcanic ash the other month and trying to get some money back???

anyway it worked out cheaper to book the flydrive and with the 15% discount and the virgin holidays voucher i got as compo earlier in year average cost per person is £558 for flight,fully insured intermediate car and vroom access.
but having said that i will not be checking prices anymore before i go just in case they start coming down in price,that would really pi$$ me off.

blue_monkey_2

Glad you got it sorted johnny, this is what happened to us the prices were going up and up and up so we took the bull by the horns and just booked them. As I say, I checked this week and they were up to 2k per ticket so they must have sold in ecomomy out so I am pleased I went for it when I did. They never seem to have anything on sale unless you can fly within the week which is not much good for us.

r.mac_2

johnnyroper wrote: »

i went in march this year my daughter was 23 months old at the time and she loved it,infact she still asks to go back to mickey's house.due to her size she could not go on everything but there was still plenty to occupy her.as for the weather while i was there mid march for 14 nights there was 2 days of rain the rest was a nice temp around mid 20's,which was ideal for all that walking round parks.
it was busy due to spring break in US but do some research and avoid them weeks.
total cost with virgin stopping on i-drive including flights and fully insured hire car was £2500 approx.
you need to weigh up if it is worth paying the extra for disney hotel and not paying the $14 a day parking,i know they do a dining plan but does it work out any cheaper than eating elsewhere because i will say walt disney do know how to charge.
in october i know your daughter will be under 2 but i would recommend paying for seat on plane,this is what i did could not imagine 8 hours or so with her on my lap.
what sort of budget you got and how many people going? these details determine what accomodation would be best suited

there would be the three of us going - me, hubby and daughter. Budget is flexible, although we are thinking approx £3k for flights and accommodation and car hire. My instinct is not to bother with a disney hotel, but not sure what I would be missing out on! I think on balance that an apartment for the orlando part would suit us best.

Thanks for your thoughts and experiences with your LO. If we go it wouldn't only be for disney, that would just be a small part of the holiday, but an exciting part! Lots to think about and research - thanks again.

johnnyroper

r.mac wrote: »

there would be the three of us going - me, hubby and daughter. Budget is flexible, although we are thinking approx £3k for flights and accommodation and car hire. My instinct is not to bother with a disney hotel, but not sure what I would be missing out on! I think on balance that an apartment for the orlando part would suit us best.

Thanks for your thoughts and experiences with your LO. If we go it wouldn't only be for disney, that would just be a small part of the holiday, but an exciting part! Lots to think about and research - thanks again.

Have a search for villas and condos in Orlando I have booked to go here
http://www.bahama-bay.co.uk/default.aspx sept next year .
Got good deal just over £600 for 2 weeks
that way you could have more money for spends and your second location accomodation.

mintster

johnnyroper wrote: »

Have a search for villas and condos in Orlando I have booked to go here
http://www.bahama-bay.co.uk/default.aspx sept next year .
Got good deal just over £600 for 2 weeks
that way you could have more money for spends and your second location accomodation.

Di you get a quote from them as their rates are a fair bit above what you have paid?

johnnyroper

mintster wrote: »

Di you get a quote from them as their rates are a fair bit above what you have paid?

i went to the owner direct,next year prices not available on site for when i wanted to go so i emailed them adn that is the price i got back from them.

here is the link to exact property i have booked with the contact email address on the page.
http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/usa/F1351.htm

blue_monkey_2

Just a quick note, I've picked up 'Essential Orlando' AA pocket guide from Poundland today for, er, £1. It has loads of stuff in there, includes a map of bus links and things to do. Also includes details of free stuff. I thought it might be worth a mention.

r.mac_2

thanks Johnny - that looks like the kind of thing I was thinking about. I'll show hubby and see what he makes of it all!

markeymark

weve just booked up for 3 weeks next year from manchester, 2 adults and 2 kids just 3 quid under £2500, thought it was a great price