1st timer questions??

[logley]

Hi,

Just got back from holiday and starting to plan my next one...Florida. I've never been before and would like to ask 2 questions, which have probably been asked before, so sorry in advance.

1. When is the best time to go, for it not been too hot, and not too busy (The parks mainly). Currently looking at early May, or early October, any ideas suggestions, by the way planning to go for 3 weeks?

2. With this being my first trip, which is best, car hire, or using public transport/shuttle busses. Going for 3 weeks, mainly doing all the parks, maybe one day at Daytona Beach. What worries me is being dropped at the airport, given a car, and told there you go, with me having to find the hotel. Any opinions/experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Lee.

[LiesaAnna]

Read well in the forum!!
you can book most things through the forum links above, you dont want a hotel go for a villa, they are gorgeaus and work out cheaper!
read up about the hurricanes in aug sept and october, so maybe miss that time of year
delve into everything on this web site you will find everything you could possibly want to know, flights, villas, parks, car hire[msnwink]

[amy]

We like it in March and November, It is still hot but the humidity is lower.

One of the cheapest place for car hire, you will find a link at the top of this page.[msnsmile]

Have you not thought of the benefits a villa as to offer over a hotel room?
Driving is not a problem over there everything is well signed and also all the owner send out detailed driving instructions to their guests.[msnsmile2]

[LiesaAnna]

we like December best at the moment, been there once in dec, going again in 43 days, my hubby found driving over there much easier then he thought, just scared of getting lost,
have alook at the villas and there prices they are lovely, and so much more room then a stuffy hotel room, and of course most have pools with heating,oooooohhhhhh roll on 6 weeks (shouldnt say that really as its christmas 9 days after we get back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![beer]

[linsan]

As Liesa says use this forum - most questions have been asked so if you use the search facility at the top of the page to help you find the relevant threads. We find that the period after Easter is good - it's not too hot and the parks are relatively quiet and the queues for the popular rides aren't too long or use the fast passes. Before this year, we've had several good holidays in late September, early October and found it fine although it can get a little humid. Just avoid the school holidays including half terms and American holidays e.g. thanksgiving etc. and it's usually relatively quiet.

Again like Liesa says - book a villa. The space and freedom it gives you can't be beaten plus the luxury of your own pool and possibly spa. You have the space to lounge around and do whatever you want when you want.

[gromit]

Hi Lee
I'm sure you will get lots of opinions on this. Spring or Autumn are both good as you are likely to get warm weather without the afternoon rains often seen in summer. If you are going to the Parks trying to avoid obvious things like Half-Term in October and US public holidays will help. I once went in Feb a few years ago and had the Magic Kingdom pretty much to ourselves - it is great being able to get off a ride go straight back round and get on it again!

I would definitely recommend a car hire. It is not expensive (relatively) for rentals in Florida and like all of America it is very much geared to having your own car. Some villa resorts and hotels do offer a shuttle bus to the Parks, but if there are a few of you can work out expensive. Be careful of Fly/Drive packages as they often do not include the insurance you need, which is often more than renting the car, and can give you a nasty surprise at the rental desks. The car rental site www.uscarhire.co.uk affiliated to this forum is very competitive and what we use. Driving in Florida isn't difficult and you can get tips from the website. Driving directions are easy to get too from the internet and most owners like us provide directions to their villa or the Parks etc.

Hope this helps.

[Lynne S]

As the lady in the hat say's, this forum is great for all the info you could need for a great holiday.
Villa's, flights and carhire etc.......
We love May and went this year in May half-term, weather is great and the parks not to busy.
We have to go in Dec to close on our new villa, will let you know what it's like when we get back.

Enjoy all the planing

[LiesaAnna]

yeh and so will we...........................

[ujpest doza]

This year we went in mid May and it was a little hotter than we anticipated and quite busy. No rain though, which is good as when we have been in June and September/October it has always rained at some point sometimes every day.

Previous visit had been in March 2002. Apart from one freakishly cold day (12C!!!) the weather was loveley, hot but not too humid and the parks were pretty quiet apart from the Canadian Spring Breakers.
No rain whatsoever.

I believe March and April are the 2 dryest months of the year if you check the weather stats.

March is best for me!

[Lynnes]

Hi
we usually go in may or October but quite frankly any time is great in Florida. As all the others say you can book most thing via this site. I personally would opt for a villa and hire car as the freedom is then unlimited. Don't worry about driving from the airport as your villa owner will send you very good directions.

Have a good time planning you holiday - and a GREAT time having it.