Orlando 2016 - need help!

What_to_do_now?

Hi
I'd really appreciate some help/advice for a holiday to Orlando in July 2016.
We are looking to go the 2nd/3rd week in July 2016 to celebrate a special birthday and there will be 2 families (4 adults and 1 child in each) and we wanted to stay in villas near to each other. We also want to be fairly near to disney etc.
Would anybody know the best way to approach this? We are really confused whether to book as a package or does it work out cheaper to book the flights etc seperately? we have looked for flights but these are not available yet - when would be the best time to book these?
Sorry for all the questions - we really want to get something booked soon but don't really know where to start!
Any suggestions or help would be really appreciated

jackieblack

Orlando Thread https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1820085

Also
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/

teffers

Can't help on the details but we went end of June start of July last year.

Be prepared for 35c+ HUMID weather (read raining about 50% of the time).

You could head over to the Disney forums http://www.disboards.com/ for more detailed help.

richardw

I'd pick a different destination for better weather for the celebrations, Orlando would be too hot and sticky.

meer53

richardw wrote: »

I'd pick a different destination for better weather for the celebrations, Orlando would be too hot and sticky.

Everyone is different. We've been to Orlando lots of times, mainly July and August, Yes, it's hot and humid but i would never advise anyone not to go ! We've never had 50% rain either. There are sometimes heavy afternoon showers and in all the times we've been, we've never been rained off anything. To say you'll have 50% rain is a bit of an exaggeration, you can't guarantee the weather !

It doesn't really bother us. The villas all have air conditioning, as do the cars and shops. No problem.

What_to_do_now?

Thank you for the advice and comments. Unfortunately we are tied to school holidays so will have to put up with the Florida temperatures!

meer53

What_to_do_now? wrote: »

Thank you for the advice and comments. Unfortunately we are tied to school holidays so will have to put up with the Florida temperatures!

Me too, but it's never bothered us ! Don't let anyone put you off. You do tend to get heavy showers when it's humid but they don't usually last long. I have had friends who had quite a lot of rain once but it's a risk you take anywhere. We've been 5 times and rain has never spoiled any of our holidays.

ALI1973

https://www.thedibb.co.uk is a great site for information on Orlando.

We have been in August a few times and hoping to go again next year, the weather really isn't that bad, I actually quite like the afternoon downpour

Flight prices can vary a lot, and you can start looking 11 months from your return flight date. If you are prepared to have a stopover there are usually significant saving to be had.

Would you share a villa? or you could consider 2 townhouses, these would be cheaper pw than full villas, and some can be closer to Disneyworld, BUT if you are hiring car, no where is really that far away, and driving over there is a piece of cake.

Also, Disneyworld often have a free dining plan offer on soon, and this maybe worth looking at too.

Happy planning

talktalktobt

You say 'Orlando', but what are you looking for or to do? If it is two families I would recommend a Villa and a hire cars as this will work out to be the most cost effective - particularly during summer holidays.

When looking for flights, search from all airports you can reasonably get to/ from. You can save a good amount by travelling a few hours.

If you are going on holiday to Orlando - I would suggest planning what you will do on each day before you get there. Orlando is not the most exciting place outwith the parks.

If cost is a big thing and you want to make it special, have you considered a week in Orlando and a 3, 4 or 7 night cruise? Companies like Carnival are very affordable, and Disney and Royal Caribbean can be quite memorable although a little more pricey.

It is one of these things, that when you get into mind exactly what you want, start looking/ calling travel agents (being specific, but with leeway) and you might be able to get a good deal.

What_to_do_now?

Thanks for all the comments- you've all been really helpful
We have made a definite decision that we are going to stay in villas (5 in each) and we'll book flights etc separately.
One final question-we are planning on going 2nd week in July 2016, are we best to book the flights when they are first released? Are prices cheaper when the flights are first available?
Thanks again everyone for all your help

Bykerlass

I second https://www.thedibb.co.uk It's a brilliant informative site for all things Orlano orientated. Some very helpful people on there too.