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

jonnno

:beer: Thanks for the advice apcorbett
So what do you recommend I do regarding my flights? Take the indirect more expensive option or take a chance and wait for the cheaper direct version?
Also, can you book just flights with First Choice?

apcorbett

I tend to keep a regular eye out for both options. I've just booked six adults on American for the end of October this year, via Miami, for £330 for each adult including taxes - this is the best price I've paid for three years!

Just to put that into context - one week later and the price is £50 higher... Good timing methinks!

jasonrat

hi anyone tried timeshare options in orlando? this case you can stay cheaply but must go to seminars? are these an alternative? thx

Col_in_LB

jonnno wrote:

Also, can you book just flights with First Choice?

Yeah First Choice Airways do allow flight only booking. All scheduled carriers (AFAIK) will let you book your seat number until approx 60% of the flight is prebooked then they close it off to allow on the day allocation at checkin. Not many charters allow you to book specific seat numbers - think it's only Thomsonfly & Thomas Cook Airlines, but there's bound to be someone who will add to that list!! All of them will let you (pay to) book seats together, extra legroom & premium cabin seating. Last time I went I travelled First Choice Star Class Premier and I have to say I reckon it surpassed Virgin's Premium Economy. And went miles beyond BA's World Traveller Plus. But then to get BA you would have to fly via Gatwick.

As a villa owner I have to agree with previous remarks regarding them being the best option - I've stayed in hotels & in villas, and I will never go back to a hotel, even if I sell my own place I will still rent one from someone else. It's all about that extra personal space, your own pool, having a kitchen to make stuff just when you want not having to wait on room service or any of that malarky. And yes this is comparing a villa only 10-15 minute drive from the parks to an onsite hotel where you can stroll to the parks - I'd still go for a villa!

As for Orlando Int'l (MCO) -v- Sanford (SFB).....well that's a personal choice thing I seem to think. Some people love MCO and diss SFB to the hills, and others (me inc.) are sold on SFB and can't figure the hassles of MCO. Maybe I've had 3 rubbishy experiences at MCO and 1 great at SFB, but until a rubbish one at SFB I won't be changing - until I start burning my Virgin FF miles to fly Upper some day!!

Hope this helps.

cheers
Col

gizmos

jasonrat wrote:

hi anyone tried timeshare options in orlando? this case you can stay cheaply but must go to seminars? are these an alternative? thx

I've a timeshare in Orlando and can provide you with details of the resort and what offers they have available to UK residents. PM only for details. It should take three hours but I have heard they try to get you to do more - just walk after three hours though. Not been to one myself

chrismoney_3

Fifteen02 Limited anyone used very good price's for car hire

steviesrightfoot

jonnno

we`re doing something similar
going next feb 07 for 3 weeks
got villa with pool for 1100
speaking to people who`ve done this a lot will get tickets for the parks when out there
wallmart etc sell them for good prices at that time of year as quiet

got problems for our flights 2 adults, 1 13yr old, 1 11yr old and 7 yr old
getting prices up to 2500
get the impression booking that far ahead is not the best thing , may just keep a weekly check on prices till something looks good, perhaps book something like 6 mths ahead
the car prices all seem fairly similar will book with whoever we do our flights with

can someone explain the differance between these 2 airports
Orlando Int'l (MCO) -v- Sanford (SFB).....

apcorbett

We've found that the best time to book the flights is around 9/10 months before travel, this tends to be when they release the flights.

My personal fave is American Airlines, but it is up to your personal preference.

MCO v Sanford - Orlando International (MCO) is the bigger airport, and has more facilities, but also if you are flying direct can give a headache with immigration - especially if you've landed just behind a couple of Virgin jumbo's! However, I've personally never had a problem, as I tend to fly indirect, and time it to avoid the peaks....

I've never tried to buy tickets at Walmart - I've always bought tickets before we go, so that there are no surprises, and no price hikes..

Cardew

steviesrightfoot wrote:

jonnno


can someone explain the differance between these 2 airports
Orlando Int'l (MCO) -v- Sanford (SFB).....

Orlando is, as explained above, the main airport.

Sanford is situated about 20 miles north of MCO, although an easy drive along a (toll) freeway.

It is a much smaller airport and caters for all of the charter flights from Europe. The problem is that nearly all the charters from Europe arrive fairly close together in the afternoon, and tend to leave together late afternoon.(by close together I mean a few hours). The Immigration/baggage handling/car rental facilities are not as big as MCO and IMO you can run into far more delays if you land behind a couple of Jumbos.

jasonrat

hi can anyone explain the deal or anyone with experience on getting free tickets for the attractions in orlando. to be honest i dont think we would mind spending a couple of hours at some presentation if it could save us a few hundren dollars
thx