Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

disney_cjd

FloFlo wrote: »

I hadn't heard of the birthday fastpass.

Yep its one of the three options.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=WDWCelebrationFAQsPage

As a Brit you do not need to register. Its not like a completely reusable fast pass but its good if you are going like first three weeks in Aug. For me though, I will take the 75 bucks

doogle_chick

Hi - I'm hoping with all your collective knowledge that someone might be able to steer me in the right direction.

OH has agreed we can go to Orlando next year and I have been trying to research the options but there is so much to try and take in!!

We will be travelling towards the end of May 2010 for 2 weeks - myself and hubby and two kids (6 and11). We've never been before (and this is actually our first holiday outside Europe!) and want to make the most of everything available without giving ourselves a heart attack.

I had originally planned to book with Virgin holidays as we have clubcard vouchers worth £1500 in cash to put towards the cost. However I also have a work colleague who owns an apartment near Disney which would be available for about £1000. The trouble is, if we book with Virgin, I need to book by Monday before they limit the amount of vouchers you can use so I don't have long to make a decision.

We'd like somewhere that has facilities for the kids ie swimming pool, play area etc but not somewhere that is going to be "keep you up all night" noisy. We want to be close enough to the action to avoid spending too long driving and also to be able to have a bit of a break from theme parks if it all gets too much.

So, does anyone have any recommendations or any "first time guides" that might help me decide what to do? Even better, if anyone has booked any of the places through Virgin are there any recommendations? In terms of budget, I'd say probably no more than £3k for flights and accommodation although if we can spend less than that it would mean we can treat ourselves more once we are out there.

Sorry for the long post but I am just sooooo confused and need some straight talking!
TIA

ailuro2

We booked our villa in Orlando - 4 beds, own pool, on a nice resort etc, for under £1000 fort wo weeks at Christmas - your colleague isn't doing you much of a favour in my opinion - I'd go with the Tesco vouchers and keep the cash for spending when I'm there, if you think the Virgin price is good, that is!

disney_cjd

I think I have to agree on the price your friend is charging. May is not really a prime time so the prices should be good. And unless you are in Formosa Gardens, Emerlad Island or Indian Creek (and even then you are 20 mins from a Disney car park) you are going to have to travel to the parks.

if you have the clubcard vouchers use thsoe. Also look at ooking via quidco.com or with a Virgin credit card if you have one to get the best option,

The Disney hotels are great but then you are in the magic all of the time, take a look at palces like the Marriotts in Little Lake Bryan, or Cypress Point Resort or Comfort Inn LBV etc.

HTH
C

Fiver29

Just checking in from not so sunny Orlando. The weather isn't the best at the moment, hot but apart from one day, since Sunday there's been loads of cloud and tons of rain.

The queues at the Universal Parks, Seaworld and Wet and Wild have been very short, the longest queue has been 20mins. The park attendants said that's because the US schools went back this week

atro1

Dooglechick. £1000 for a fortnight in an apartment, in May! Thats around what I pay for a month in a villa! Must be a special apartment.As its your first visit I would suggest going with Virgin Holidays and save your money.Sadly most hotels in the book seem to be rooms for four. Can you book flight only with Virgin using your vouchers you will certainly get better value.
The hotels will be great that Craig recommends the kids will have company around the pool. Remembering that although having a villa is great you meet very few people! Around the pool and reception area's you meet and greet and get all the new ideas.
And you never know you might meet an American in the hotels!!
If you can book a fly drive do that then come on here for advice on places to stay! Simples yes!!:rotfl:
Oh and May is a lovely time to go!!

FloFlo

disney_cjd wrote: »

Yep its one of the three options.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=WDWCelebrationFAQsPage

As a Brit you do not need to register. Its not like a completely reusable fast pass but its good if you are going like first three weeks in Aug. For me though, I will take the 75 bucks

Lol I would take the fast pass and ride Toy Story Mania 6 times back to back - it had just opened when we were there last and although we managed a few rides queues for it were:eek:

I know its not a popular concept with some but I'd pay more if they had a FOTL pass like when you stay in a Universal hotel.

LucyLocket

doogle_chick wrote: »

The trouble is, if we book with Virgin, I need to book by Monday before they limit the amount of vouchers you can use so I don't have long to make a decision.

TIA

Hi doogle chick I'm pretty sure the limit will be £700 per passenger so you'd be allowed up to £2,800 for your family of 4 I think and the constraints won't be a problem to you.So i think you may have more time than you thought ?
I've booked Florida using tesco vouchers a few times now. If you indicate what precise dates you want ( are SATS or half term an issue? ) preferred departure airport and also whether you strongly want Virgin or would consider Cosmos I can help you try to sort out something good :-)

cherryJ

Hi
I'm planning to get some sort of combination ticket (but not sure what yet....)
I leave next Friday for a 3 month trip & will be in Orlando around mid October.

I don't think I've got enough time to decide what ticket I want & order it online, get it sent to my house before I leave.

Can you buy these tickets anywhere in USA or are they only online deals?

Thanks for any tips you can offer

Apologies if this has been answered elsewhere, I've searched but can't find anything

jackieblack

doogle_chick wrote: »

I had originally planned to book with Virgin holidays as we have clubcard vouchers worth £1500 in cash to put towards the cost. However I also have a work colleague who owns an apartment near Disney which would be available for about £1000. The trouble is, if we book with Virgin, I need to book by Monday before they limit the amount of vouchers you can use so I don't have long to make a decision.
TIA

The limit is £700 per person, so no need to rush into anything!

We've been twice with Virgin - I would really recommend the Fairfield Inn at the Marriott Village in LBV. We stayed there last trip and would definitely go back. The location is great, it's clean and comfortable, staff are friendly and helpful and there's a free breakfast buffet every morning which saves $$$. The are 3 Marriott hotels inside a gated 'village' and you can use the facilities of all 3 hotels as well.