Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

berrya1

As outlined I am looking at having a 2 week break in Sep 2010 with 1 week in Orlando & 1 week in Clearwater.

I have 2 main questions:

Do people recommend going for a package holiday (is this possible for split destinations) or tailor making the holiday?

Secondly, given the above, I would prefer to fly BA or Virgin, however, they are not usually the cheapest. How can I get best value for money with these airlines... is there anyway I could additionally benefit? I.e. getting a Virgin credit card. I get bogged down in all the T&Cs of these things so am not sure.

I don't intend to book until quite late i.e. July, August (unless advised otherwise), so would like to do as much prework to get me in a good position as possible.

Look forward to your advice.

Thanks.

Anthony

disney_cjd

berrya1 wrote: »

As outlined I am looking at having a 2 week break in Sep 2010 with 1 week in Orlando & 1 week in Clearwater.

I have 2 main questions:

Do people recommend going for a package holiday (is this possible for split destinations) or tailor making the holiday?

Secondly, given the above, I would prefer to fly BA or Virgin, however, they are not usually the cheapest. How can I get best value for money with these airlines... is there anyway I could additionally benefit? I.e. getting a Virgin credit card. I get bogged down in all the T&Cs of these things so am not sure.

I don't intend to book until quite late i.e. July, August (unless advised otherwise), so would like to do as much prework to get me in a good position as possible.

Look forward to your advice.

Thanks.

Anthony

I would say DIY for sure. Its normally cheaper and of course far more flexible

I would also say go BA. That way you could fly into Orlando (MCO) and leave from Tampa (TPA) which you can not do with Virgin and they are nearly always on time where Virgin are not.

But so much comes down to budge. What sort of hotel do you want to stay at? Some good ones in Clearwater would be the Hilton on the Beach or Marriot Sand Key

In Orlando there are sooooo many. Disney ones range from the Pop century to the Polyneasian so from 70 bucks a night to 400!

berrya1

disney_cjd wrote: »

I would say DIY for sure. Its normally cheaper and of course far more flexible

I would also say go BA. That way you could fly into Orlando (MCO) and leave from Tampa (TPA) which you can not do with Virgin and they are nearly always on time where Virgin are not.

But so much comes down to budge. What sort of hotel do you want to stay at? Some good ones in Clearwater would be the Hilton on the Beach or Marriot Sand Key

In Orlando there are sooooo many. Disney ones range from the Pop century to the Polyneasian so from 70 bucks a night to 400!

Budget I would say is £1,000pp for hotels & flights. Im wanting flights for less than 400 if possible. The hotel in ORlando im not fussed about and cheap as chips is fine. The hotel in Clearwater I do want to be quite nice and something like the hilton is what I have been looking at.


Given a DIY holiday as opposed to Package may be best... do you think booking now or around July/August time would be best?

Cheers

disney_cjd

berrya1 wrote: »

Budget I would say is £1,000pp for hotels & flights. Im wanting flights for less than 400 if possible. The hotel in ORlando im not fussed about and cheap as chips is fine. The hotel in Clearwater I do want to be quite nice and something like the hilton is what I have been looking at.


Given a DIY holiday as opposed to Package may be best... do you think booking now or around July/August time would be best?

Cheers

For oraldno then look at the Super 8 motel onteh 192 - you can get this for around 40 bucks a night!!! It is though "Cheap as chips" but perfectly fine.

For flights, you do not say how many people etc. 400 quid for one could be OK but you are more likely to be 500 quid each to be honest remember that APD has just gone up! have a look around the https://www.ba.com website and https://www.virginatlantic.com site and also try travelsupermarket.co.uk etc and see what the prices are.

As to when to book. my only advice there is book when you can afford the price offered!

Cheers

jeanniebeanie_2

Kenny_Powers wrote: »

The cheapest (or one of) hotels in Orlando/Kissimmee is the Howard Johnson Maingate East. Perfect location, near to loads of restaurants and Old Town.

I appreciate there are many different ways to 'do' Orlando and paradise to one person can be holiday from hell to another, but imo Old Town lost its charm years ago and is now as seedy and tacky as it gets in Florida!

(Already ducking from the flak, but it IS my opinion!):rotfl:

anguilla

berrya1 wrote: »

Budget I would say is £1,000pp for hotels & flights. Im wanting flights for less than 400 if possible. The hotel in ORlando im not fussed about and cheap as chips is fine. The hotel in Clearwater I do want to be quite nice and something like the hilton is what I have been looking at.


Given a DIY holiday as opposed to Package may be best... do you think booking now or around July/August time would be best?

Cheers

You could always choose to go with Priceline for the hotel - some great deals - a friend of mine got Hyatt for less than $40 per night

merlinormartin

Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista currently have a Semi Suite room, which includes a microwave, fridge and coffee maker for £18per night ( extra £6 gets you breakfast for 2)

Direct Holiday Villas currently have Villa's in Winsdsor Hills for £275 (inc pool heat)

jeanniebeanie_2

Kenny_Powers wrote: »

It is tacky - But its not Blackpool tacky. Saturday nights are great with the drive through car show - Kids love it.

Beer is cheap enough and its across the road from the HOJO or my favourite steak house in Orlando - Logans.

Yeah, I have to give you that :beer:. Took my parents to Florida for their first time last year and made the mistake of going to Old Town during a weekday - we made a pretty quick exit! Must try that Logans though! Didn't get to any steakhouses this time- had a veggie with us!

bluenose1

berrya1 wrote: »

Given a DIY holiday as opposed to Package may be best... do you think booking now or around July/August time would be best?

Cheers

We got a really good deal through Charter Travel. I got their contact details off the Dibb and loads of people on there have used them.

Would definitely book as soon as possible.

jeanniebeanie_2

Ok. not strictly on topic, but next April planning a 10 day road trip followed by a week in Orlando.

Done south lots (Keys, Barrier Islands etc) and loved it.

Love St Augustine, especialy all the live music, but not a lot nearby, so............

Start St Augustine then tour panhandle coming back via Cedar Key? or

Start st Augustine and carry on through Georgia and South Carolina and take a look at Charleston and Savannah?

Anyone done this?