Planning our holiday

[ally29uk2000]

Hi
Saw these forums while browsing and i thought this could be a good place to begin our holiday.
Why??? You may ask.
Its just that reading these forums,people on here seem to know so much about disney,florida etc....so to me you are better people to ask rather than travel agents,who just sell the holidays.
What im after is a holiday for 6 of us,my parents,my boyfriend,2 children who will be 10 and 12 years old and myself.We arnt planning on coming untill the year 2007 (sooner if we can).But we know we are going to have to put a lot of planning into this,but we are looking at the moment to find if its cheaper to book a private villa,flights seperate or go through a travel agent.Ive found some brilliant villas,but the flights seem very pricy,£500+ per adult £300+ per child,this is where id like you to come in to help me,has anyone travelled from the uk(doesnt matter which airport)to orlando(think thats where i need to go).could you point me in the right direction for flights,also i need to find out exactly what you get with these hopper passes etc,i.e my dream has always been to visit sea-world.my boyfriends wants a couple of days in wet n wild,then there animal kingdom,so we want to choose the best passes for us.We would also like to do some scubba diving while we are over in america,but ive not been able to find any info on this as yet.Ive seen the swim with dolphin trips.
Think you have an idea of why im asking,you seem to be the people who know.
Also car hire,2 of us will be driving,we know we'll need a 7 seater.
Best places to eat out etc,we know this will be out of this world,but we cant just turn up and hope for the best.
Any web-site addresses to look at,will be greatly appriciated.

Thanks Ally

[fiona]

Hi Ally

I think you'll find that it will be cheaper for you to rent a villa direct from a villa owner. Before you say I would say that wouldn't I, have a look at some brochures from the travel agents, we priced some villas at the weekend just out of interest. And it was £1100 per person for 10 people to stay in a 4 bedroomed villa (there was a supplement if 8 people stayed and that was the minimum number). I think you'll find even after paying the flights and a villa it will work out much cheaper. Plus you get to see the actual villa you will be staying. And of course, we all go out so many times a year we can offer lots of advice.

If you are able to go off-peak you will find flights at very good prices. Alternatively you can book with someone like British Airways about 11 months prior to departure at very reasonable prices. For example we paid about £300 per person to travel at Christmas for 1999 and 2001. We have 2 teenage daughters so they are classed as adults.

Hopper passes are very good value and you can buy them either through Keith Prowse here or over in Kissimmee. We buy ours from Pat at Ticketman (I'll try and post her webpage later), and have done so since 1995. When we just used to come on holiday she used to buy back any unused tickets if we didn't have time to do everything - Kennedy Space Center or Busch Gardens for example.

Hope this has been of some help, I'm sure others will offer good advice.

Fiona

[steph_goodrum]

Hi Ally
This is just the sort of reason the owners set up this forum in the first place, both for homeowners to exchange information and to be able to help holidaymakers get the best value for money.
As Fiona said you will almost always get better value by making your own package, car hire as an example is usually one where tour operators make quite a bit of money, they usually include the smallest size car "free" in your package then charge a lot to upgrade and for insurance.
Depending on their birthday, if you can travel before the elder child is 12, you will save money, as once they reach 12 (even if they have their birthday out there) you will be charged adult flight price for him/her.
As Fiona pointed out if you can travel away from the high seasons (it sometimes means only travelling a day or two in the school term) to take advantage. For example we are flying out with Virgin (Gatwick - Orlando)on Dec 18th with Virgin at around £300 each (myself, husband and 16 yr old daughter), meaning she will miss 2 days of school, if we were to travel the 20th the price is nearer £550 each.
When you buy travel insurance, which is absolutely essential, buy an annual policy to cover the family, it will work out much cheaper than paying for a 2 week policy, AA, Boots, Tesco, Argos etc all offer these.
The park tickets vary depending on offers at the time www.seaworld.com has a good special offer on where it is $49.95 for a pass which is valid until Dec. 30th for unlimited admission, but you have to buy it before 30th April. I know this will be of no use to you but it gives you an idea of what may be available if you look closer to the time. www.uescape.com cover Universal Studios and www.disney.com (guess what they cover?)
Disney hopper passes have no expiry date on them, so you could for instance buy your passes this year, to spread the cost of your holiday, (or buy a couple a year, knowing they will still be valid when you go in 2007). You can buy them in any Disney store (if you buy them at the gate you will have to pay sales tax on them).
Book your accommodation as early as you can and you will often benefit from the current years prices, (we will take bookings up to 2004 at this years prices), airlines will only let you book 330 days in advance.
If your time/budget doesn't quite stretch to 3 weeks, you will find even 2 1/2 weeks gives you a bit more time to relax in between parks.
If you ask your villa owner for information in scuba diving etc, we almost always know of somebody who has been before and can advice or find out info for you.
Like most other homeowners, I'm always happy to talk about Florida, so if you've got any more questions you can always e-mail me steph_goodrum@hotmail.com and I'll try and help.
If you want a cheap day out in between there are something like 50 State parks, with a variety of facilities - not theme parks, which usually only cost about $4 PER CARLOAD, so you can get to see a bit of the other side of Florida, which many of us appreciate.


Babblin Boo

Edited by - steph_goodrum on 18/03/2002 12:01:04

Edited by - steph_goodrum on 18/03/2002 12:29:43

[orlandobabe]

Hi Ally
and welcome to the site. I think you might be the first non -villa owner to actually make a post-although we have had other people looking.
As you can see by looking at some of the villas advertised on the front page we all have lovely villas and are all responsible owners who just want nice guests to have a wonderful time in our beautiful homes.

I think you are very sensible putting a lot of thought and planning into your holiday. Many people consider coming to Orlando as the holiday of a lifetime and that they want to get it right. There is so much to see and do and a lot of it needs quite an input of cash so it is a good idea to prepare well in advance for your holiday so that it goes like a dream.

There was a family from my home town for example who had no idea how much Disney passes were-and spent their fortnight in the hotel pool as they just could not afford to go there with their children. They also had no idea just how vast the Orlando/Kissimmee area was -and of course had not allowed for a car in their budget-so they were pretty much marooned at their hotel and in the surrounding area. Not quite a holiday of a lifetime!

5 years time-is quite a long time away to give you an idea of prices-but I think if you work on about £550 for flights-less for children-unless you fly charter and then the children pay the same price as an adult-about £500 per week for your car -maybe £650 a week for your villa-and about £280 for a 10 day (adult) Disney pass. Just to give you a rough idea. Then add on meals, drinks, etc.

A lot of money I know-but this is the biggest playground in the world and when the day is done-coming back to your own villa and relaxing in the pool with a nice cool drink makes it even more special.

Just fire away with any more questions you need to ask-one of us will only be too happy to oblige with the answer.

Orlandobabe

[ally29uk2000]

Hi
Thanks for your great help.
I picked up a few brochures today from local travel agents and yes i realise we can do it a lot cheaper.
Just want to get something right,the hopper passes are valid for life??/so if you went on holiday again you can use them each time,no matter how many times you go???
Ive been in touch with some-one about a villa,hes been great,answering a lot of my questions,hes sending me out a brochure.
I think it will be well before 2007 when we do come,as i know i cant wait.Could well be next year,if i start planning now.

Any more ideas,help is greatly appriciated.

Thanks Ally

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

The Disney hopper passes are for life. My wife had one left over from a trip in 1990 and when we went in 2000 she just swapped it for a newer version at Disney's Guest Services.

John & Sarah Rooke
Orlando Villas

[steph_goodrum]

Just to clarify Ally, the hopper passes are valid for life up to the maximum no. of days on your pass i.e. 5 days or 7 days BUT NOT the 10 day World Hopper passes, these only last for a limited time (think it's 14 days from 1st use -I'll check exact no of days.) With the 5 day hopper plus passes you get a choice of 2 options (Water Park/Pleasure Island not sure about Disney Quest) and with the 7 day you get 4 options.

Babblin Boo

[Carla]

Hi Ally

You've already been given some great advice. I would just like to add that you shouldn't forget Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. They also have 2, 3 etc. day tickets which never run out (providing you haven't already used all of your days.) These two parks are great, particularly for the older children.

If you buy a "fly-drive" eg: flight and car hire, you will be given a "free" car. THERE IS NO SUCH THING as a FREE CAR. You pay more for the compulsory car insurances than you would if you had hired the car directly from another source. That is how many airlines etc. make extra money. When you are ready to book, I am sure that between us we will be able to give you enough places to shop around for the best deals on both flights and cars. You already know where to come to shop for your villa!

You also need to know that at peak holiday seasons it is not always very easy to get a 7 seater, as these are one of the most popular size vehicles. Don't let them upgrade you to a 12 seater unless you enjoy driving a lorry around!!

Also, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will probably get "hooked" on Florida and when you come back from your first trip you will already be talking about when you will go on your second trip!!!

Enjoy the holiday planning process. For me, that is just as much a part of my holiday as actually going to Florida. Get yourselves a rough itinerary of what you want to do and where you want to go each day. If you don't, then you will find that you will probably waste some of your precious time in Florida. You can always change your minds, but if you don't have a day to day itinerary, as "first-timers", then you could very easily get side-tracked by an attraction that really isn't worth visiting on your first trip. Try to also plan for at least a couple of "rest and relaxation" days by the pool as well. You will need it!!! It is very hard work having so much fun!



Edited by - Margot on 18/03/2002 19:02:32

[ally29uk2000]

Hi
Thanks,i may even be looking at staying for 3 weeks,as i know we will probally want to go back to places and also do our own thing.rest days from all that walking about as i know theres so much to do and see.(dont know if my parents will fancy 3 weeks of partying with my kids).
I went to eurodisney a couple of years ago,they did character breakfasts,i presume the same theme is available??That was funny.

Thanks Ally

[fiona]

Hi Ally

You can get character meals at some of the hotels as well as meals in the parks.

If your children are fans of Winnie the Pooh (as my youngest is) I can't recommend enough the Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom.

Winnie the Pooh and friends (Tigger, Piglet and Eyeore) come round to say hello, sign autographs and have their picture taken. It's a fabulous setting and well worth the money. Food is good for the kids, and the servers usually look after you very well. If you're there for a special day it's totally magical. And nobody does this sort of thing better than Disney

You need to book this sort of thing in advance, but Guest Services at either Downtown Disney or any of the parks, or even phoning them once you're there will do.

Fiona

[esprit]

Another thing to consider, Ally, is the time of the year to pick. The traditional times of Xmas and the August school holidays are not necessarily the best time to go. They are the most expensive times of the year as regards flights and villa rentals but they are crowded and the the weather is not always that good. August is often wet and very hot and humid which makes if difficult for first timers to walk around the parks and Xmas can be cold ( yes I said cold, it has been for the last three years).

Easter is a good time but often expensive and tends to book up early. If you can add one week off school onto a one week school holiday, February half term, October half term and May Spring Bank holiday are good choices. Weather warm but not too warm, not too crowded, prices lower. You are still allowed by law to take 10 days off school per year for annual holidays. I know a lot of schools are not mad on this nowadays which the school league tables but if it is on just one occasion and for a once in a lifetime holiday????

And dont try and do everything in the one holiday as you will just wear yourselves out. It will still all be there the next time you come ( and there will be a next time!!)

Julie Carty

[ally29uk2000]

Hi
We would be looking at either Beginning of May or September,whats the weather like then??i dont mind if my kids miss a bit of school,that bits fine.I was looking at prices,obviously we wouldnt go when its to cold,as wed like the sunshine.

Thanks Ally

[carole7007]

We have been over in April/May and the weather was FAB.

We have been at Christmas about 6 years ago, and the weather was fine only one night were you needed a jacket, but have heard other reports of it being cold. We must have just struck lucky.
Not been in September yet, but friends have said September and October are good times to go.

Carole & Keith

[blott]

We've been to Florida at both times. The weather is usually great in May (warm but not too warm) and also in September (although there is likely to be slightly more rain in September, it only lasts a short while).

Blott

[steph_goodrum]

Ally
We have been in February, August, October and New Year and found October to be the best by far, both February and the New Year when we have gone have turned out to be extremely cold as soon as the sun goes down in the late afternoon. New Year everybody was walking round Disney with socks on their hands as they couldn't buy gloves and it was that cold. August we find is really too hot at times of the day, especially for walking round the parks,and although it is refreshing you do get a pattern of late afternoon rainshowers (thunderstorms quite often as the heat has built up so much). In September/October we have found the temperature comfortable enough that shorts/t-shirts are fine without having to avoid the showers, April/May are also recommended by many people as good times to go.

Babblin Boo

[esprit]

May is just lovely. If you are going in September, the end ( Sept into Oct) is better than the beginning which is still quite humid. September is also still in the hurricane season.

Julie Carty

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

Hi Ally

Well I'm so impressed with the advanced planning. I never know what I'm doing on a day to day basis let alone 5 years hence!

As other members have said it is great to have you aboard.

With regard to Orlandobabe's posting I think there is a typo...I'm sure she meant £500 per fortnight for the car hire not £500 per week. Anyway, as it states eleswhere on the Forums, luggage space is limited in US vehicles but then again you will not need to take loads of clothes, there are washers and dryers in all the villas, and T shirt shorts and swim stuff is about it. Towels are also provided as are hair dryers etc etc. However, if like us you enjoy a good shop you may want to take an extra zip out bag for all your purchases. Afterall you won't mind a bit of a tight squeeze on the way to the airport after the holiday of a lifetme. Don't blow your luggage allowance though I think excess baggage charges could be quite steep.

Despite the advice that I've given above my husband is convinced I take to much... and although I'm loathed to state it publically as he is addicted to these forums he is right. I barely use one third of the clothes that I have packed for myself or the children.

Enjoy the planning...

Sarah

John & Sarah Rooke
Orlando Villas

[ally29uk2000]

Thanks,some-one sent me a brochure today with very good prices for car hire,very good flight prices,ticket prices were a little more than i have seen,but the savings on flights would pay for half of a ticket.
So im keeping my fingers crossed we will be out visiting well before 2007,id say that will probally be our 2nd trip,if all goes well.

Thanks guys and gals,all info is welcomed.

Ally

[orlandobabe]

Hi Ally
I hope that you do get there before 2007-it is tooooooo long to wait!

We are going in May and beginning of October-two really fantastic times to go and I find it hard to wait the 5 weeks or so it is to go until our first trip of 2002-and we were only there at Xmas!

Best of luck!

Orlandobabe

[tinkerbell]

Hi Ally,

I don't have a villa in Florida (yet!), but I am absolutely fanatical about the place! I went my first time in 1992, and have just been for my 6th time in Feb!!! My parents have just bought a villa out there, so we went to see it, but of course ended up HAVING to go to some theme parks!!!

My advice to you would be to defintely go for three weeks, mostly as you are wanting to go scuba diving, which I would reccomend a trip to the Florida Keys for (not sure about prices though). Our first trip was with myself, my two younger brothers, my parents, and my grandparents, and two weeks was not long enough!

You'll have an excellent time with all this planning you're doing, and I'm sure that all this advice will keep flowing!

We have been there in November 3 times, once in September/early oct 1 time in August and once in Feb. My fave time to go is November, as the crowds are at their lowest (avoid Thanksgiving week!), and the weather is a great mix of sun and amazing thunderstorms! The rain comes, but ten minutes later its dry and sunny again as if it never rained! And Disney woudnt be Disney without those yellow Poncho's!!!

Anyway, Good luck and keep planning the sooner the better is my top tip!

[paul]

i want your opinions/help on two things...

1. Space Centre...there is a launch scheduled for when i am there (31st May)..i dont want to trek over to the coast twice so would you recommend watching the launch (times,location tips would be useful please) or would you recommend actually going to the centre for the tour on another day?

2. where do you buy your themepark tickets...i noted a previous reply suggesting people but the sites were not listed...there is alot of companies selling tickets on the net...id like a cheap and reliable agent!

thanks

paul

[orlandobabe]

Paul have you read the thread on Space Shuttle launches that I started on things to do outside of Disney.

Having never been around the space centre I cannot comment-but if you want to see the shuttle a good viewing point is at Titusville on the Indian River. The Holiday Inn is right opposite the launchpad and you can watch from the back of it.
If you don't have tickets for the centre-you will probably be sent there anyway.
Whatever you do go early -like 3-4 hours early. The crowds are horrendous and you could be stuck in a queue for a long long time like we were.

Orlandobabe

[steph_goodrum]

Paul
www.ksc.nasa.gov will give you up to date launch schedules and also has the best viewing points. We went last august and got pass to watch it from Cape Canaveral, but post Sept 11th I don't know what the arrangements are, as to get there we went through the Air Force Base and i shouldn't imagine that will be allowed now. Definitely a sight worth seeing if you can, we saw a launch a couple of years ago from Jetty park and although it was spectacular, it wasn't the same as seeing the shuttle on the launch pad before it went.

Babblin Boo

[chris]

In reply to your questions:
1. I've not yet done the space centre but hear it is best to watch a launch from along the coast as the actual sightseeing bits get very booked up and busy - I dont know from experience.
It's always better to visit attractions on less popular days.

2. We bought our tickets on the net at www.floridaorlandotickets.net.
Their free pickup centre is on the 192 opposite the road to Splendid China and they were very helpful. It was the cheapest we'd found. If you fly airtours they have a price guarantee on tickets in the plane but a very limited range of options. Beware cheap Disney hoppers which are NOT everlasting eg 7 day for the price of 5 day.

Chris

[steph_goodrum]

Like the Avatar Chris<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> Who's going to be Mikey?

Babblin Boo

[ian]

If you are going to Orlando for the first time try and avoid the US Spring Break week - Disney, and all the other parks, restaurants, etc can get very busy with long waits for the rides. The atmosphere can be great, but for your first time visit you do want to do as much as possible.
Ian