Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

nic73

Jon_Stubberfield wrote: »

If you go to an independent travel agent then they will be able to help you with flights and car hire. One who specialises in Florida would be best.

Flights aren't released until 335 days with most of the airlines - except BA.

But - travel agents are able to pick up outbound seats when they are released instead of having to wait until the inbound seats are released. If you wait and do it your self you'll have to wait until 335 days before you inbound flight - by which time, those who are going for 14 nights will have snapped up many of the outbound seats and consequently the price will be higher.

Contact an agent, they should be able to take passenger names without a deposit, then when the flights are on hold you can pay a deposit or cancel them with no obligation - depends on the agent and how helpful they are though.

Thank you for your help. Do you know any companies at hand that specialise in florida flights???:D

Jon_Stubberfield

nic73 wrote: »

Thank you for your help. Do you know any companies at hand that specialise in florida flights???:D

Unfortunately, since I am a travel agent - I must follow the code of conduct for travel agents which says I may not recommend other travel agents.

r.mac_2

Hello folks - well times has disappeared and we go one month today! I'm very excited, but realised my planning has now to continue in earnest.

So, uhm...., where/what should I start with? lol!

I should add: I have the Brit guide, read it, got all travel stuff dealt with, just Disney park planning and packing to plan really.....

Oh and I hvae thought of a question please. We have virgin flights and I believe we can look at choosing our seats (if I'm not too late). Does anyone know how to do this please? Thanks

betsie

We are flying to Orlando in October with Virgin. Can I ask if anyone has every been upgraded from economy on a Virgin Flight to Orlando? If yes, did you ask at check in and what is the best thing to say to give you the slightest chance.

My friend has just been to Mexico with her OH and 3 kids and they were all upgraded (I think it was Thomas Cook or Thompsons). They all had the seats that laid right back like a bed.

betsie

Sorry, me again. This year we have a free Disney quick service dining plan. We have never had this before. I am not sure how much this is going to save us (we will still have a couple of meals out at Down Town and 2 days at Universal) and how much to adjust my spending money by. We last went 3 1/2 years ago and I think we spent around £1,500 in total.

johnnyroper

r.mac

If you go to the virgin Atlantic website and click on manage flights,you will need the reference/locator number to access it if you booked with virgin Hols get the number off them.

You will need to go in to booking before you go anyway to enter the advanced passenger info details.

struggling-breadwinner

Hi, Apologies if this question has already been asked further up this thread ! We are looking at booking a stay at a Disney Hotel next year and by far the best price is with Walt Disney Holiday Company. I doubt very much I have anything to worry about (!) and I can see there are quite a few perks offered by Disney if you book with them so I wondered if anyone has also booked or travelled with them before and can pass any comments/tips good and bad before I pay the deposit later this week.

Thanks in advance

r.mac_2

Thank you Johnny roper!

r.mac_2

okay - I had an email last night about our Villa accommodation. They have double booked us and we now don't have accommodation for the second week of our holiday

So I am looking for a villa with two bedrooms (2 adults and 1 child who is 2), private pool, close to a beach on the gulf coast. We were going to Isle of Capri, near Marco Island. There isn't much rental there and tbh we weren't going there for any particular reason so looking at anywhere on the gulf coast. We like quiet beaches and just want to relax for a week after the parks in Orlando. We had considered Anna Maria Island but found accommodation for our dates hard to find (tues 11th - 18th - 7nights). What do people think about Sarasota? I like Siesta Key, but haven't seen much availability.

Can anyone offer/help/support/suggestions.

I'm pi&&ed off, but positive as no use crying over spilt milk :-/

Kaz2904

Hi there, I'm after a bit of guidance from you lovely wise people on here . We are going to Florida next year for 14 nights. We can go either Saturday 11th or Sunday 12th August. Would prefer to fly from Bristol but will go to London if necessary.
We have 1 senior (aged 66), 4 adults and 4 children aged 11, 10, 8 and one who will turn 7 whilst we are out there.
We would like a 5 bed villa.
Quite happy to do a fly drive and book accommodation separately but it seems to be the most expensive way of doing things.
Need to have laundry facilities (as my 2 kids and I don't even own enough clothes for 2 weeks!).
Need car hire.
BIL/SIL have been before and are insistant that we need 2 7 seater minivans. They upgraded when they got there last time because they couldn't fit the luggage in the boot. I'm happy to be persuaded otherwise .

So far, I have worked out that I'm looking at £9847 for 5 beds staying at Southern Dunes resort (flying from Bristol- Orlando) , with an additional $14 per person for ESTA (is that what it's called?), plus £1288 to upgrade the car hire to gold insurance, free tank of fuel, free extra named drivers and whistles and bells insurance (with Alamo) for 2 8 seater minvans (they don't have 7 seater's in the brochure).
We will then need to factor in travel insurance for all 9 of us (assume this is cheaper to do separately).
Then any tickets needed.
Then food/spends.
How much do you think this will all come to total? What have I forgotten?
Can I get it any cheaper?
Apreciate any hints/ tips from you regulars!