New to visiting Florida and need help !

[j2140b]

Hi there

If there is anyone out there that could give me some advice on visiting the Disney parks I would be really grateful. Our children aged 5, 6 and 7 would love it and we would like to take them next year. My problem is I don't know the best way to do it, when is the best time to go (not too hot !) where's the best place to stay, what's the best way to buy park tickets, is it cheaper in a villa or a hotel package. Anyone that's done this with small children that can offer any advice I would be very happy my head's about to explode with all the info I'm gathering from the internet, but I'm not really getting anywhere !!!!!!!

Many thanks JULES

[Albert the Frog]

First things first-Welcome!
IMO A villa would be better because you will need down days,space to relax and facilities to keep the kids entertained-mine loved being able to go in the pool or just chill out watching the telly or playing in the games room-we found that we never relax as much in a hotel room.
August is hot-we prefer May we are fortunate because we get 2 weeks at Whit.
Having searched around I would recommend this site for tickets,villas and car-you will need a car.
If you search around these forums you will find a shed load of suggestions as to itineraries but one thing I would say is build in some "do nothing" days or you will need another holiday at the end of it-you won't be able to do everything so I wouldn't try.
Magic Kingdom at least once is a must-beyond that the world is your oyster and I have no doubt that you will be inundated with suggestions.
Enjoy the planning-I would get my flights first, then search the villas on here,then car and tickets-If next May is too soon or expensive try October=If you are restricted to Summer hols I would go for the end of August as US schools are back.
Enjoy and don't be overwhelmed the people on here are very helpful=ps I am not a villa owner just a user

[Lyn]

This site is the best place to look for advice it is full of people ready to advice. You may find that a hotel package holiday with young children could work out cheaper but a villa would offer the extra space, one hotel room with 3 young children would become a little cramped, I found this with 2 children. Villas, car hire and Park tickets can all be purchased via this site and the I can vouch for the park tickets and car hire being excellant value. I have never used a villa from this site as there are none on this site that are in the area that I like, but there are lots to choose from. As for when to go if you don't mind taking your children out of school then April to June or September, October time are not too hot and should be really nice. Good look with your planning and ask away for help.

[j2140b]

Oh thanks so much. Great advice. I think a villa does sound like the best option, especially as having 3 children more often than not means 2 rooms in a hotel (can be expensive).

I think we will probably take kids out of school and aim to go during October which will give us a good long time to save up !!!!!

Thanks again.

Jules

[gpullan]

Hi Jules. I have sent you a direct message. We went in October last year. If you need any help you now have my email address.

[kitch50]

Hi Jules

Welcome to the forum, we have been using a particular villa from this site for a number of years, previous to this we had been on a package holiday to Orlando and I wouldn't stay in hotel anymore if you paid me. Staying in a villa gives you so much more freedom especially with small children, we started renting the villa when my children were 7, 4 and just under a year they are now 17, 14 and 9 and enjoy down time in the villa just as much as going to the parks etc, also buying your park tickets from this site is also very convenient and a lot cheaper than other sites. We always go in October when it isn't so hot and the parks are not quite so busy. My only piece of advice would be don't try and cram everything into 2 weeks, you will need some down time especially with very young children and enjoy the wonder that is Disney, Seaworld, Universal the list goes on[msncool][clap][msnsmile2] at your children's pace. Just don't visit any of the parks on a weekend they are packed full of locals, although Disney especially the Magic Kingdom is packed all the time, I always find Disney very claustrophobic but that is just my opinion.

Anyway, hope this has been of some help.

[ncmurray]

Hi Jules,

Welcome to the forum. You will have a great time planning your holiday, and you will get really good advice from all the members on here.

I have to agree with all that has been said above, especially the advice about getting a villa. It really does make a difference when you have children. Even if it is a bit more expensive, it can end up saving you money in the long run, as you don't have to buy every meal that you have, and you can have chill out days by the pool.

October is a really lovely time to visit. Weather is perfect, and the parks are not too full.

Giving the age of your children, you might like to only visit Disney and some water parks on this visit, and save Universal for your second visit[msnsmile] Universal is fantastic, but trying to do too many parks on one visit to Florida will leave you all tired out. If you changed your mind while you are there, you can always buy tickets from this site, and they will deliver to your villa the next morning, or you can collect from their offices just of the 192.

As already said, the car hire and park tickets from this site are the best I have yet found, and to be honest, you won't even need to look around at other sites. The price and service from Roger and Martin is great. Just read all the testimonials on the forum!

I am really envious of you! I would love to be planning my first trip again....

Have a great time, and don't hesitate to ask any question you might have.

Nuala

[lafifille]

Same advice from me, no matter how much I'd like standing out [msnwink]: get a villa! You'll enjoy the space, the pool, the quiet at any time of the day. That's a very important point, and what really made the difference for us: you can come back to the villa for a nap in the middle of the day, you won't be bothered by the people in the next romm, as you could be in a hotel. Having a real kitchen at your disposal is a plus, specially with young children.
It worked out cheaper for us to rent a 3 bedrooms villa than a reasonably comfortable hotel room, and the experience doesn't compare (even with that extra night at the Hyatt at MCO [msnwink]).

I'll also advise to plan "slower" days between days at the parks, which can be really exhausting. As much as I love Universal, I agree with Nuala and it would come a a third choice after the Disney parks and Seaworld. Unless you're going for a month of course, then you can do all the parks .

For us too car hire and park tickets purchase from this site have gone without a glitch, Roger and Martin (and staff) are quick to answer any enquiry and do their best to accomodate their customers.

We recommend picnic at Blue Springs National Park: lots of wildlife (maybe some manatees!) and a great day out for the whole family.

Have a great time!