Orlando/Disneyworld Thread (Part 3)

Budget_mum

JonStubberfield wrote: »

If you book through an independent travel agent, they can offer you the Thompson flights at the same prices - sometimes less, and if you go to an independent travel agent that specialises in Florida they will have their own nett rates with the best car hire companies... Dollar, Alamo, Budget the main 3 in my opinion.

What size car would you like? The smallest car for a two week duration is £266 for the insurance with Thomson... Alamo for example have rates from £228 for the smallest option.

I've booked independently many times before I just found that the website hid the costs effectively preventing you from doing any sort of price comparison :mad:

JillD_2

Hi there
We are considering taking the children to Orlando, mainly for Disney, Easter 2011.
We want to go for 3 weeks so we can do loads of parks but also have lots of chilled days off so its a holiday and not an endurance event.
I've started to skim this thread but now my brain is starting to hurt.
So I thought I would post my list of questions (partly to gather my thoughts) but also to see if any of you kind souls can help

1. Kids will be 7, 6, and 3 at time of travel. Is 3 too young to really enjoy it ? Will it just all be too much for her ?
2. Is that age combo going to be a problem to find stuff they all want to do ?
3. First Choice have quoted £5700 for flights, accommodation for 3 weeks and car hire inc insurance. Am I right in assuming by booking the separate bits ourselves we can get this waaaaaay down ?
4. We want to hire a villa, any recommendations for a sepcific villa or a site to go through ?
5. Any particular locations good/not good for mainly Disney ?
6. Travel agent recommended Sanford Airport as opposed to Orlando - is this right ?
7. How do the waterparks work with wee ones (specifically the 3 year old) - too much for them ?

Think thats all for now! So much to think about! But all very exciting

TIA
Jill

JonStubberfield

JillD wrote: »

Hi there
We are considering taking the children to Orlando, mainly for Disney, Easter 2011.
We want to go for 3 weeks so we can do loads of parks but also have lots of chilled days off so its a holiday and not an endurance event.
I've started to skim this thread but now my brain is starting to hurt.
So I thought I would post my list of questions (partly to gather my thoughts) but also to see if any of you kind souls can help

1. Kids will be 7, 6, and 3 at time of travel. Is 3 too young to really enjoy it ? Will it just all be too much for her ?
2. Is that age combo going to be a problem to find stuff they all want to do ?
3. First Choice have quoted £5700 for flights, accommodation for 3 weeks and car hire inc insurance. Am I right in assuming by booking the separate bits ourselves we can get this waaaaaay down ?
4. We want to hire a villa, any recommendations for a sepcific villa or a site to go through ?
5. Any particular locations good/not good for mainly Disney ?
6. Travel agent recommended Sanford Airport as opposed to Orlando - is this right ?
7. How do the waterparks work with wee ones (specifically the 3 year old) - too much for them ?

Think thats all for now! So much to think about! But all very exciting

TIA
Jill

There is plenty for all ages to do, there may be activities that the toddler may be more excited about than the 6 and 7 year old but there are plenty of activities for families. I actually think that the age combo will be perfect.

By shopping around you will get that price down! I would recommend getting a rough idea of what you want then speak with an independent travel agent to search the top suppliers to get you the best discounts.

For direct flights, car hire with full insurance and a 3 or 4 bedroom villa with pool I would expect your price to be £4464 - although this is having just checked one supplier to gauge a rough price. If you fly indirect it'll be even cheaper but I don't know if it'll be worth it with 3 young children.

I'd recommend finding a villa on the I27 which is west of Disney. High grove and Weston Hills are good because they are near the junction which takes you to Disney and they have communal facilities such as club house and a large pool in the centre of the community.

Orlando International is a larger airport, I have never visited Sanford because the flights are often more expensive so can't offer advice, in my opinion, Orlando International is absolutely fine... it's just an airport. There are some airports in the States that are notoriously bad, Orlando International was not one of them for me.

I hope that helps.

Jem8472

I have just booked a villa for 2011! :-) exciting will be my second time going to Orlando. My first time was this year on honeymoon.

I will be going with my wife and the outlaws, and I am probably going to do most of the planning, looking forward to it already!!

Budget_mum

Sanford is a much quieter airport and a LOT easier for venturing out in your hire car for the first time.

There is also plenty of choice with car hire companies at sanford and it's all a lot more relaxed than the hustle & bustle of Orlando International. As for the 20min drive I am certain that the extra time going through the larger airport would exceed 20mins. Many of the car hire companies bus you offsite at Orlando International as well. Weighing up the pros & cons I'd choose Sanford every time.

Many of the holiday companies offer early check in for your flights in resort as well.

Last year I hired a villa in Cumbrian Lakes which is 5mins off the 192 in Kissimmee and also just 5mins from the 24 hour huge Walmart selling pretty much everythig you could need including "Ribena" and other UK products that are a godsend with fussy kids. Kissimmee is also a lot more relaxed than International drive but still only a short drive from Disney & Universal.

joshieg3011

Hi all,

Going to Orlando next June/July for 3 weeks with friends (4 adults, 4 kids - eldest child is 8). How much spending money would you take for 2 adults and 2 children, ages 8 and 4? (This should not include park tickets, car hire etc as have already been paid).

Thanks

atro1

Hi JillD.Sanford-- its now a very nice small airport. and its friendly whereas MCO there really is very little that can be said that is nice! Except perhaps the decor!
To get three weeks to Sanford I think there is only the TUI group that do three weeks and it will be expensive.
I would say that Sanford is nearer 40 minutes from the 127 but it is still quicker than going to the MCO. Immigration is notoriously slow at MCO. Plenty of car hire firms on airport now at Sanford.
On the TUI group their seating is better than the main/scheduled carriers. But you have to pay for your drinks but the virgin havr become so mean with their free drinks its not making a lot of difference!
For the 3 year old buy yourself a throwaway buggy its much cheaper and easier to use. Bit of harassment getting on and off trams but so its worth it. Plenty of things for the 3 year old but the characters can be a bit scary.
We nowadays try to stay away from IDrive and the 192 these to roads are full off traffic and bloody traffic lights. We like Davenport/Haines City area.It is further away from Disney but its all motorway and often quicker than going along the 192. Its more like America and you actuallty meet some locals, which is quite unknown in Orlando. And Mannys Chop House is a great place to eat.
Both the main water parks [Disney] have kiddie areas very well patrolled by Disney lifeguards who are plentiful, polite and very well trained. I thoroughly dislike Watermania/Wet and Wild. Uncomfortable, long queues etc.

For car rental we have used mainly
https://www.usrentacar.co.uk/ They quiye often have good deals and money off vouchers.
For villas.
http://www.lastminutevillas.net/ or plonk your requirements on the DIBB http://www.thedibb.co.uk/
Decent villa map http://www.orlandovillas.com/Map.aspx
Page 1. off this thread will give you lots off sites to visit.
Please remember these are my personal thoughts on the Disney area. And if you wish to be pedantic Disney is in Kissimmee not |Orlando!!:beer:

atro1

joshieg3011 wrote: »

Hi all,

Going to Orlando next June/July for 3 weeks with friends (4 adults, 4 kids - eldest child is 8). How much spending money would you take for 2 adults and 2 children, ages 8 and 4? (This should not include park tickets, car hire etc as have already been paid).

Thanks

How long is a piece of string!!
Do you plan on visiting the malls. Are you into designer wear! Food you can do for $5. pp per meal and eat very well. Alcohol from Liquor shops is cheap whereas in bars its pricey.
Money, always take too much because you can always bring it back!! The Post Office, or Abbey Zero credit cards are about the best now.
I pay for everything [except tips] by cc. I have a couple of hundred Dollars in my pocket the rest is on the trusty card always pleasant surprise when I come back as I haven't spent as much as I thought!?! As its bank rate and not tourist rate.

Edinburghlass_2

For those new posters who are travel agents with the MSE signature saying they are following the MSE code of conduct really need to read what the code of conduct is.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=497690

This thread is for people who have their own experiences to pass on and not for travel agents to tout for business

LJW_2

Hi I am thinking of going to Orlando in July (around the 12th onwards) never been before where do I start? eg pricing flights, what insurance, infact everything..lol, its for 2 adults and a 15year old. (upto now!)

Any advice would be great

Thanks