Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

paddyposh

Went this year for 2 weeks (Universal Blvard) and loved it!!!

We aren't going next year, going Italy and New York instead as the OH didn't want to BUT talking her or trying to into going in 2014 instead

Not many places are doing them yet though, I have seen travel city direct so far. When do Virgin start doing theirs? Want to book it early as possible so have as long as possible to pay it.

Looking at 2 weeks again hopefully, although may have to settle for half way and do 10 days.

Loved it though, Universal Studios and IoA my favs by far, but very close with Seaworld, Aquatica, Wet n Wild and Busch Gardens too!

toadhall

As a first timer I am planning August/Sept 2014 to the parks etc, I need to have a rough idea of how much to take, save up for paying for the whole trip for 4 adults (2 of them older teens) and 1 child for 2 weeks.
Is it best to diy with a villa and flights and tickets or do the whole Disney resort thing. There is so much info on the threads I'm struggling to take it all in.
Thanks for a point in the right direction.

vivatifosi

toadhall wrote: »

As a first timer I am planning August/Sept 2014 to the parks etc, I need to have a rough idea of how much to take, save up for paying for the whole trip for 4 adults (2 of them older teens) and 1 child for 2 weeks.
Is it best to diy with a villa and flights and tickets or do the whole Disney resort thing. There is so much info on the threads I'm struggling to take it all in.
Thanks for a point in the right direction.

For me there are three main considerations when choosing between Disney and a villa.

1) Cost. If money is no object, then Disney enables you to be on property and be immersed in the whole experience.

2) Space. If it's important that you have a lot of space, to cook, veg out or not to share bedrooms, then Villas are the way forward. You'll probably also get your own washing facilities and possibly your own pool.

3) Amount of Disney that you actually want to do. There are other things going on in Central Florida. If you're going for two weeks but only want to spend some of the time at the parks, possibly with a visit to the east coast (for Kennedy Space Centre etc), or to the west coast (for say Clearwater/St Petes/Tampa), then you may want to just have a decent hotel or a villa, or possibly do a two centre holiday, based for one week in say Disneyworld and a second in a villa or condo near the coast.

I'd also say in terms of theming etc, there are also lovely hotels at Universal Studios. Plus as a major tourist destination, there are very many good hotels that aren't in Disney but close enough. Bear in mind though, that staying at Disney (or Universal) allows free transport to those destinations or - if you take your own car - parking while there. You will need to pay if you stay "off property" and if you stay at a high end resort, such as the Hilton Bonnet Creek Parkway, you may need to pay to park there too. This can run as much as $20-30 per day extra on park visit days, so worth considering.

I can't advise on overall costs as my circumstances are very different (no kids, DVC members, annual pass holders, DH works for an airline)...

JustWonderful

toadhall wrote: »

As a first timer I am planning August/Sept 2014 to the parks etc, I need to have a rough idea of how much to take, save up for paying for the whole trip for 4 adults (2 of them older teens) and 1 child for 2 weeks.
Is it best to diy with a villa and flights and tickets or do the whole Disney resort thing. There is so much info on the threads I'm struggling to take it all in.
Thanks for a point in the right direction.

I would urge you to go to Universal as well as Disney if you have older teens.

Disney is fantastic for under 10's but not a great deal to do for teenagers.

meer53

JustWonderful wrote: »

I would urge you to go to Universal as well as Disney if you have older teens.

Disney is fantastic for under 10's but not a great deal to do for teenagers.

I second this, Universal is much better than Disney for older kids. Magic Kingdom is great though, and not to be missed.

vivatifosi

A question for the other DVC members. Any idea why Disney advertises rooms in DVC resorts further out than we can reserve as members, even in our home resorts? I can book DVC at OKW with Disney on a paid basis now for next December, even though I would have to wait until February next year to do that on points. I wonder if that has any impact on availability of inventory when we book.

KarenG

vivatifosi wrote: »

A question for the other DVC members. Any idea why Disney advertises rooms in DVC resorts further out than we can reserve as members, even in our home resorts? I can book DVC at OKW with Disney on a paid basis now for next December, even though I would have to wait until February next year to do that on points. I wonder if that has any impact on availability of inventory when we book.

No, definitely not. The two sets of inventory are completely separate. There is a portion (??? 15%??) that is held back from members and kept separate - I'm really vague on the details but may be something to do with FL timeshare law. Anyway, the two are fully separate.

vivatifosi

KarenG wrote: »

No, definitely not. The two sets of inventory are completely separate. There is a portion (??? 15%??) that is held back from members and kept separate - I'm really vague on the details but may be something to do with FL timeshare law. Anyway, the two are fully separate.

Thanks Karen. I was hoping that was the case but was surprised it could be booked so far out. I could of course have asked my Vacation Guide, but it's easier and nicer to ask on here:o.

mumibear

Hi am looking to book a villa for 2 weeks in july next year can anyone recommend an estate in orlando with a good clubhouse on the estate - somewhere with a gym would be good?

meer53

mumibear wrote: »

Hi am looking to book a villa for 2 weeks in july next year can anyone recommend an estate in orlando with a good clubhouse on the estate - somewhere with a gym would be good?

We always book ours with https://www.floridabees.co.uk, stayed at lots of different ones, all good, but never needed one with a clubhouse or gym. A pool, jacuzzi and a fridge full of ice cold beer is all thats needed after doing the parks or shopping. (Plus a takeaway menu !)

Call Sue at Floridabees, she knows which developments have clubhouses and gyms.