How much for Florida

talktalktobt

What are you wanting to do in Florida? If you are wanting to go to the Theme Parks that is a holiday in itself. If you are planning to see the Everglades and see the state that is another thing entirely.

If your number one attraction is Disney I would recommend looking at a Disney resort as you would be entitled to Extra Magic Hours - which is very helpful with skipping big queues for the major rides. Disney also has 'The Dining Plan', which although not fantastic value , it does help budget your stay as you pay for all your food up front.

If you are thinking about travelling around Florida, or want to save on accommodation you can camp (or even hire an RV). Hiring a car is generally cheaper to do yourself than through a travel company - just remember that tax and carges are seldom included in prices. Camping is great in Florida as there are tons of camp sites, and you can just buy your gear from target or wal*mart when you get there.

If this is a once in a lifetime holiday you may want to split the trip. Many travel agents do 'cruise and stay' holidays. 3, 4 or seven day cruises from Port Canaveral or Miami when included with a stay in Florida can work out at exceptional value.

What I would say is that the best of Florida is what you see on the TV. After having lived and worked there Florida is... well.... interesting away from the tourist trail.

If you can, I would recommend going in February time. It is cooler and lest touristy.

I am getting the vibe from you that you are after a special holiday. If this is the case, work out what you want to do and see and work from there. It is likely that you will need a few £k's so it might be worth choosing a date in a year-or-two and start saving now. I always think the best part of a holiday is ooking forward to it and the memories after it!

duchy

I think the post above illustrates the vast difference between living and holidaying in Florida. It throws up some alternative viewpoints good and bad.

I don't believe staying on Disney property is automatically the best option. Yes you have fantastic access to all the Disney parks -but staying on-site is very expensive for everything- staying literally just off site (10 mins drive) at somewhere like LBV will not only be much cheaper but also have direct access to many cheaper eating options.
I love staying at Disney if all I'm doing is Disney but a trip to include Universal and the other parks too makes it an expensive stay. (Although I admit on location alone the Beach Club is my absolutely favourite place to stay)

As there are three of you a villa may be a bit pricey but to get a bit more space look at places like Holmewood Suites which are basically one bedroom apartments -rather than the bog standard American hotel room with two double beds. One of the things I really liked about staying in this kind of place (apart from more room to spread) was the ability to get home after a "hard day" at the parks -and be able to order delivery -not just pizza but even places like TGIs deliver and "eat at home" when you've not even got the energy to pop out for a quick bite. These places have proper equipped kitchens with china etc so it isn't like balancing a takeaway on your bed in a hotel room.

If you've never done the Florida parks before -personally I wouldn't bother trying to fit in other places too as there's enough in Orlando alone to keep you busy for three weeks even without pool days off.

If you've not discovered it yet take a look at https://www.thedibb.co.uk -there's lots of very detailed trip reports there which will give you a good idea of what you can do and see .