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

pepperjulie

We go to Florida most Xmas's.
We always book through teletext holidays. Price your holiday through Expedia or someone similar then drive them down. Works for us everytime. Last year did the whole Florida coastline. Had 4 days in Key west and fell in love with the place so are going back again this year. Booked last week through a teletext add. Managed to get seats on a charter flight for £330 each from Manchester to Sanford. Just have a couple of days on I-drive so the daughter can fill her suitcase. (we only take undies and the neccessary stuff, the rest we buy while we are there. We always go with 2 empty cases and one half full!). Will drive down to the Keys and have 8 days there. Got a bargain villa - private- from trawling the net. $1500 all in for 8 days - which is very good for the Keys. Could have had a houseboat for $1400 plus a Christmas tree thrown in for good measure but was too far away from where we wanted to be. Thought we would have a job as a lot of places are now fully booked.Will drive back to Orlando and have another couple of days there before flying back. Should get some good deals in the post Christmas sales, we usually do! As a point of interest we do take our credit card for a lot of the purchases but always take our debit cards when we want cash. We have never bothered taking the dollars (other than those left over from the previous year) as sometimes we get a better rate just using the cards.
Just counting down the months now.!!!!
:j

Backbiter

Just got back today from Florida. 10 days in Orlando (Fairfield Inn off I-Drive - very good), 5 park flex ticket, 5 days in Marco Island (Hilton - also very good). Weather excellent - hardly any rain, which is unusual for August.
We took $ travellers cheques - commission free, better rate than cash, and you can use them like cash everywhere. Once in a while you might get asked for ID, but a photo driving licence is fine. Used credit card for buying clothes and petrol, so not looking forward to next statement.

ac24

im going next week...

is it never cloudy in florida??? dont think i can cope with that kind of sun heat everyday

jordylass

Yes it is cloudy, I was there in July and it was pretty overcast all the time, with rain most afternoons, that is typical for Florida summer, in fact they haven't had as much rain as usual.
That doesn't affect the heat tho it was still high 80's low 90's all the time. The only relief is that everywhere indoors has AC.

terrierlady

Having large party of grand children to cater for where/which are the cheap diners one hears about, we will be around the emerald isle development area.

dlb

Hiya all, can i first say Florida changes your life forever!!!
Need to go back ASAP!!

I spent hours on the Dibb site before our visit last Sept, and it was a good job i did, we didnt miss out on anything we wanted to do!!
Planned like a military op!! Knew times of every parade, show, and made all adr before we left.

Planning is the key with a disney based trip, find out the times, opening hours, ect then make a itinary around that.

I had a printed day by day paln with me befoe we left stuck to it mostly, and it really paid of, saw all the show parades, eat everywhere we wanted to and had one AMAZING HOLIDAY!!.

Any one wanting any info or tips let me know

jordylass

terrierlady wrote:

Having large party of grand children to cater for where/which are the cheap diners one hears about, we will be around the emerald isle development area.

Almost everywhere is cheap to eat compared to here, the easiest with children are the buffet's no waiting for service, although you may queue for a table, depending on the time of year, and Sunday's are always busy. They are Sizzler, Golden Corrall, and another I can't remember the name of, and pushing th boat out a bit, Boston Lobser Feast (as much lobster as you like).
Golden Corrall is the one we usuallyuse, BLF is a bit pricey, but not for a lobster treat once duriing your holiday.
Look out for booklets with discount coupons you should be able to get 10% off lunch/dinner and 50c off adult breakfast at Golden Corrall and free drinks at the Boston lobster Feast.
Walk in the exit at Golden Corrall and pick up a few booklets on your first trip. Soft drinks are free refill, tap water is free.
Rule of thumb for tipping at a buffet is 1 dollar for each person, so 5 of you eat leave a $5 tip.

wendytiggermad

Just came accross this site i hope it will be usefull to someone, 8 of us are going to Orlando in September yipppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :j http://www.wdisneyw.com/forums/index.php

dlb

Try https://www.thedibb.co.uk It stands for Disney Information Bulletin Board, or other wise know as disney with a british attitude!

Excellent site, very useful for planning visits.

terrierlady

with car hire can we still produce the old style driving licence or must it be the new plastic type with a photograph?