xmas in florida

[coopers14]

hello everyone, Just new to this very good site,I need loads of help ,going to Orlando 15/12/07 for 5days 2days Miami and then cruising ,I am taking mum 85 daughter 15 and havent done it before .Any tips on hotel Orlando we like it nice,plan to do at least 2 parks but which ones suitable given ages,not animal kingdom they dont fancy that,also best car hire and where do I hire from because I will need to drop off in Miami before taking ship,need an hotel there as well any tips.When you are new you just dont know what to expect or where to eat ,we like to eat healthy ,dont know which resurants to pick in the parks .Will love to do night parades and shop .We are all quite fit ,but dont want to over kill it ,hope to get some ideas from all you guys,[sporty]

[KarenScott]

Welcome to the Orlando Villas Forum, you will find plenty of information on here to help you plan your trip.
If you look at the links above you may find that a vacation home may suit your party better than a hotel, take a look. Also for car hire, take a look at the above links, very competitive too.

Happy searching and have a brilliant time in Florida.

Karen

[ShirleyD]

Hi Elaine, welcome to the forum Now if you want nice accommodation, you just have to stay in a villa!!! Your own pool, with maybe a spa and loads of space. You will find owners who will rent for 5 nights at this time of year on the links above. There is also a link for car hire. They will do 'oneway' rentals within Florida.

I love MGM, there are some scarey rides for teenagers and some great shows for those who like a slower life

[mfairhurst]

As others have said a villa is a lot more private than staying in a hotel and you get your own pool as well .
Also your mother would enjoy the space and to stay in or go out for meals .
As for you and your daughter you are not far from all the attractions .
MAUREEN
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/1683.aspx

[MTP]

Welcome to the forums - you should find a lot of very useful advice on these forums, albeit we are obviously very pro villa holidays, rather than hotel stays. Given the group that you are travelling in, however, I think that this is an ideal example of where renting a villa comes into its own - all together, but everyone has their space and privacy. For car hire and theme park tickets I also don't think you will find a more competitive price than those quote by the links at the top of this page.

If I was to choose two theme parks for your group I would recommend Magic Kingdom (classic good fun) and Sea World (less hectic, but a lovely atmosphere).

Please feel free to ask more questions and keep us all posted with your planning/thoughts and of course, your trip report!

[Bookworm]

I can only second what the others have said about renting a private villa over a hotel - we are biased, but after our very first stay in a villa three years ago, we would never choose a hotel again, especially as we have a young child. You say you like to eat healthily and in a villa you can prepare exactly the same meals as you would at home - the difference is you can sit and eat them on the poolside[msnsmile2]

With regard to theme parks, our favourites are SeaWorld and MGM Studios. Check out the links on this site for special rates on tickets, and also for excellent car rental. We have used the links here for tickets and car hire and have always been very impressed with the price and the service.

Enjoy your planning!

Joanne

[Susan J]

Welcome!
I have taken elderly parents with me to our villa- and I know they still enjoy theme parks, but they would not enjoy a hotel. At that age, they need to have comfort, relaxation, peace and quiet. Mine enjoyed pottering around the villa, with a fridge full of good food, and a cup of tea when they wanted it - the thought of leaving them on their own in a hotel with maid service, and no drinks to hand would have been awful.
I would suggest a villa with a pool [you know, if it is nice and warm, with no one else in, your Mum may enjoy a dip in the kiddy pool or shallow end] and a view - lake or conservation to provide interest if you were out.
Your Mum would like any of the parks, but I think my Mums faves were Magic Kingdom, MGM, Universal and Epcot -and Sea world, which has lots of sitting down opportunites and shows.

[Nikki D]

Welcome to the forums and like everyone says you can never have a better time in florida than in your own villa. After staying in one it would be a nightmare to go back to a hotel room now.
As for parks I love the layed back parks like MGM and universal. [msnsmile2]

[christhear]

I agree with Sea World as one of the parks for your Mum but I'm not sure about the other. A lot ofit would depend on how lively an 85 year old your Mum is. As its starting to get bust at this time of year another Option could be Cypress Garden. Plenty of rides for your daughter but plenty of other things for your Mum, animals, nice Gardens, shows.
I also agree with everyone else about the car hire link, you will have no problem with one way rentals here.
Also a villa would be a great idea as you are definately going to need more than 1 hotel room.

[Appledore]

I'll second the above comments on the villa.

And would definately include Sea World, plenty of sitting but also a couple of brilliant rides
for you daughter.

Have a wonderful holiday.
Regards Elaine