Orlando & Florida - Questions & Answers (Part 1) *CLOSED*

furrypig

mariauk wrote:

My friend flies to Orlando on Sunday with my Son and I was wondering if it would be legal to give her my Nationwide CC to use for purchases etc, instead of giving her so much cash. I know the chip and pin system has been in place for a while there, Where do we stand legally as I wouldn`t want her to get in trouble if she used it?

Thanks
Maria

Maria I flew back from my 2 weeks in Florida today and they did not offer chip and pin in any store and I had to sign for every transaction. This was in Orlando, Kissimmee and on the Gulf coast.

I hope they have a great time there is so much to see and do I WANT TO GO BACK NOW!!!

mariauk

furrypig wrote:

Maria I flew back from my 2 weeks in Florida today and they did not offer chip and pin in any store and I had to sign for every transaction. This was in Orlando, Kissimmee and on the Gulf coast.

I hope they have a great time there is so much to see and do I WANT TO GO BACK NOW!!!

Thanks Furrypig, I have just waved him goodbye (he is staying at my friends house as they leave early tomorrow) and I wish I was going to I went to Tucson for a month last year and if I remember rightly, I used my NW cc in Walmart with chip and pin quite a few times. Wish they wouldn`t of accepted it, would have saved me loads,lol He will be staying in Davenport Lakes, lucky thing!

mariauk

peterbaker wrote:

Hi again - For info I just checked the Nationwide ATM cash handling charge - it's gone up to 1.5% like most of the competitors although there is still no 2.75% typical FOREX charge.


On cash withdrawals however, interest (at a no doubt high rate) will be immediately incurred up to the date of the first statement at least.

And I am told that if you put the card into deliberately into credit before spending on it, you might avoid cash withdrawal interest but you are risking the entire amount of the credit balance should the card be lost and used fraudulently.

Hi Peter

I feel sick, my friend was off to the post office yesterday to get some travellers cheques and I told her not to bother and just to use her NW cashpoint card instead. I didn`t realise they had put the charges up. They fly tomorrow at 1.45, what is the best thing to do, Still use her NW card or get TC`s at the airport? Thanks Maria

bj-sailaway

Hi folks, There are so many posts on this section! I don't visit the travel pages normally, however, we are looking at going to Florida for October half term. Now, I don't get out much! So have never travelled this far, only considering for the kids/hubbys sake. Went into Thomson, who said "just booked what you want for someone else, came to £2,100" (flights, car and 7 nights in a villa + passes). When it came to it, somehow my total was more like £3,500! She obviously just wanted to keep me there.

All guidance from you Florida pros would be most welcome! Do I villa, self catering etc. or should I hotel, is eating out that cheap? Should I book a package, or search separately for flights/car/accommodation.

HELP!

jaffa

bj

I would definately pick a villa for your holiday - they are a home form home. Great to come back after a long day at the parks. The kids can have a play in the pool and you can relax before heading out for your evening meal - and yes there are lots of good value places to eat. You can make it as cheap or expensive as you want. Or of course you could order take-out - or dare I say cook (not an option I choose :eek: )

I usually book flights, car and villa seperately.

Anything you need to know just ask - happy to help.

furrypig

I agree with Jaffa.

Just back from 2 weeks in Florida and we stayed in a villa in Orlando (6 bedrooms, pool etc etc £500) and a villa on the gulf coast (very lovely £750).

We booked flights with BA seperately and car hire seperately again.

We had lots of flexibility which is great with kids and ate out at least once a day for the whole 2 weeks, I did cook about 3 times in 2 weeks! With the exchange rate everything is even cheaper out there and we are booking our holiday back there for next year already!!

jaffa

Glad you enjoyed Florida Furrypig.

I just LOVE it - would like to spend a few months a year there - well we have to have a dream don't we

furrypig

It is the third year in a row we have been out for 2 weeks but I much prefer the 'real' florida to the Disney one!! Just my personal opinion, I did love the theme parks especially with 2 young children but I really love the everglades, the beaches, the fresh fish and people further south where it is so less crowded and more relaxing. We will spend 2 weeks on the gulf coast next year, I can't wait!!

I too could spend a few weeks there and be a 'snowbird' like lots of the north north americans!

I can't believe I am back in the snow, never mind.

Where do you like to go Jaffa?

bj-sailaway

Ok, well it will be our first visit, so it is going to have to be the theme parks first time around! Busch gardens and dolphins are high on the kids lists! Anyway, my problem is I gather the area is huge, so, which airport is best to fly into, and which areas should I be looking for a villa in. Some I've found on websites have said 80 miles from Busch gardens! Thanks folks.

Edinburghlass_2

Have a look at the UK Planning board on the Dis Forums here for lots of useful advice and tips.