Advice on First trip to Disneyland Florida

oliel

Hi there

Am plannng on taking kids to disneyland next year - 2012 (kids aged 4 and 8). Want to go for 3 weeks, visit all the parks, felt perhaps stay in a private villa and hire a car as plan to go to clearwater too. Am travelling from scotland and plan to go in october. Can anyone recommend best way to go about getting best prices for food, flights car hire, villa and eating also park entry tickets. Have looked on here a few times want to get best prices but dont really know where to start - going round in circles.

Does it work out cheaper to stay in villa and book everything else seperately than going through a travel co?

Seems a bit of a minefield to try and compare all the different prices. Also is it cheaper to book way in advance or nearer visit? Really im trying to get an idea of how much in total its going to cost me so i can start budgeting.
Thanks:):)

jackieblack

Firstly, it is Walt Disney World in Florida (Disneyland is in California)

There is a massive thread with loads of great info and advice here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1820085

For info on park entry tickets look here http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-disney-florida-theme-parks

Westin

Great ages to take the kids! They will love it.

I would recommend a direct flight from Glasgow to Orlando with children of that age. If you are planning to travel over half term you really should book early as that Autumn holiday always seems to get busy and flights are at a premium and prices quickly rise. That said, for three weeks you might get away with avoiding some of the rush to those people taking 7, 10, 14 nights and work your travel dates out with more flexibility.

The early 2012 preview type brochures tend to come out late February (2011) for May to October of the following year (2012). The full 1st edition brochures from end of April 2011. You will often find some good package deal prices if you book from the early preview brochures.

For a package I'd look at Virgin (direct from GLA) or Thomson or Travel City Direct.

If just wanting to book flights you will have to wait until about 330 days out when schedule airlines release seats.

Whilst I always think a house is a good option I wonder with kids of your age group whether you might be better off in a self catering apartment complex. The kids may enjoy the larger pools (water slides etc) and often will meet other kids to play with on those non-theme park days. The Lake Buena Vista Resort and Spa (two bedroom apartments) in the Virgin Holidays brochure might be worth looking at.

If you really want to splash out then perhaps stay on site at a Disney World Resort Hotel. They are more expensive than staying away from the park but might be worth considering if your kids are big Disney fans. Equally stay at a Universal hotel if they are into Harry Potter.

You could always book 14 days in Orlando and 7 days in Clearwater or another beach area. Or - any combination you like, 5 days on site at Disney, 9 days somewhere else in Orlando and the remaining time on the beach.

I wouldn't worry about the park tickets yet unless booking with a tour operator who has a particular deal on at the time. For example if you stay at a Disney hotel and purchase your park tickets at the time of booking some operators will offer a free Disney dinning plan which includes most of your meals.

johnnyroper

Personally I would book separate I have got a condo that sleeps 6 for 2 weeks this sept for $900us.
Booked flights separate last June by using virgin hols flydrive only option as they were giving 10% discount at time us I got extra 5% for being frequent club member.

I would book the flights as soon as the brochure is released if using virgin as prices rise very quick as availability drops.that way you can get flight before the general release by virgin Atlantic.Then take time to look for accommodation.
This is where I booked looks like a good location with nice pool area and clubhouse.
http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p84476