Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

vivatifosi

Stoffy wrote: »

The last time we went (2010) we priced a car and came to the conclusion that it was simply uneconomical. We looked at paying approx £380 for a 3 week trip, plus petrol, plus the hired Sat Nav plus approx $15 per day to park at each theme park. I think we judged the car to be around about the £650 mark. As I said, for us, it really wasn't worth it!

We hire cars and pay a lot less than that. Clearly it's horses for courses, but its worth pointing out a couple of ways of keeping the charges down.

First, if you are a couple, or a small family staying on Disney property, book an Economy car. I've never, ever, got off a flight from the UK and been given the Economy car I've booked. They've all gone by the time the international flights get in so stay firm when they try and upgrade you at the desk (which they will be hot on because they know they will give you the next car up) .

Most recently I had a Ford Focus (next grade up) but have also had a whole bunch of different models. If you can't fit all your cases in the car with the family, send the family with one adult on the Disney Magical Express (booked in advance) and then load the car up with the remaining cases and meet the family at the resort. Or alternatively book a car for a few days only as you need it. The Disney resort hotels which are Alamo/National NEVER have economy cars - but don't book through the car centre because they do, so you could come unstuck.

Also, if you have a satnav at home, check out the price of the maps for Florida/US as this can work out significantly cheaper than hiring.

If you are taking cars to the parks (where parking is extortionate) work out whether it is worth one of you buying an annual pass so you can get parking free, as well as discounts on merchandise and food.

busterkeye

tori.k where do we start looking for nice cheap villas
we are wanting to goto florida for 28 days next year and would like some advice on where abouts to stay and whats the best way to stay
2 adults and an 11 year old

blue_monkey_2

Hi Viv, hope things are well. When are you going this year? We are off in 11 weeks time.

We got our car from Caronthedrive.com we are getting a LWB Jeep and it's being delievered to our hotel in the evening and collected from BLT after we check in. It's costing a bit more - double checked and it is $433 for 9 days - but there is no faffing around with dropping cars off this way and we do not lose any of our day.

We wanted a convertible but there was no way we was going to get our luggage in.

This company picks you up from the airport by car and your car is waiting for you at your destination, then on the last day you need them and they take you to the airport, the transfers are included in the price. We are going on the DME so do not need these so we got the car cheaper.

northwest1965

busterkeye wrote: »

tori.k where do we start looking for nice cheap villas
we are wanting to goto florida for 28 days next year and would like some advice on where abouts to stay and whats the best way to stay
2 adults and an 11 year old

There are loads of sites out there. You need to research as to what areas you will consider.
This site has a great map and villa rentals
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/villa-search.php

We've just booked ours through
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida

charleion

I am really confused now lol :eek: I Drive or Lake Buena ???

Edinburghlass_2

charleion wrote: »

I am really confused now lol :eek: I Drive or Lake Buena ???

Lake Buena Vista

charleion

Would we be ideally situated for all parks ie. Disney & Universal if we stayed here?

jackieblack

charleion wrote: »

Would we be ideally situated for all parks ie. Disney & Universal if we stayed here?

Yep, far more central than I-drive

We stayed at The Marriott Village at LBV, it was great.

charleion

It looks lovely

jackieblack

We stayed at the Fairfield Inn (breakfast included) but there is also a Courtyard and Springhill Suites, the three are set in a triangular configuration inside a gated entrance and all guests can use the facilities in each of the other hotels as well. There is also a mini-plaza with various shops and eateries and a Golden Corral just the other side of the parking lot.
Central for Disney, Universal and SeaWorld.
We would stay there again.