Florida Virgin... Help needed!!!

[Spritefm]

Hi, We have never been to Florida before but are looking to visit in April 2005. There are just the 2 of us going and we aren't loaded so we wanted some advice on good but reasonably priced accomodation as well as information on getting into the Parks. I would be grateful if anyone can give us any advice

Thanks

Jenny and Graham

[Nostromo]

THIS site can help with almost all your requirements. As for flights, I used CHARTER TRAVEL as recommended by Roger Parry who runs parts of this site and we got an excellent package through Virgin. They do car hire at very competetive rates too. If you really want to see most of the Orlando attractions, I suggest you allow 3 weeks. For that kind of stay, by far the most economical is a vacation home (villa), a lot of which are owned by Brit members of this site. I am sure some of them will soon notice your thread and reply, but to get actual quotes, you have to use the 'Orlando Villas' link at the top left of this page and state your requirements. Just becoming a member of this site will soon get you all the Park info you need and by April 2005 you'll be an 'expert' yourself.

[sarahjk]

Hiya Jenny and Graham

I would agree with Nostromo about the villas but not if there is just 2 of you it is not as cheap as a hotel if there are only 2 the space in a villa cant compare and the fact that you have a pool and most if not all the comforts of home but I think they are better for larger groups and family's unless you can persuade some friends to go and share the price of the villa with you then you get a bargain personally I woulod not go back to a hotel but like I said for a family it works out the best price and accomadation Have a look at prices on lots of different sites first Charter are great and we have used them ourselves as well but if you have a bit of flexibility maybe a late deal might work out best

Hope this helps

Sarah

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

Come to us for car hire - www.uscarhire.co.uk - we are a lot cheaper than the company mentioned above [msnsmile2]

[hamptonlakes]

First welcome to the forum, you will find loads and loads of information on florida here

As you are travelling on a budget you maybe better to avoid Easter time as this will be expensive, my honest opinion is villas all the way i love staying my villa compered with a hotel room because you have the freedom and luxury without being stuck in one room but thats just my opinon anyway[msnsmile2]

I would recommend the links above for flightd and car hire because you will find these rates very hard to beat.

What are you planning on doing ?

I normally spend 9/10 days doing the parks etc a day or 2 chilling out and relaxing and a bit of shopping the day before we are due to fly home because i promise you will spend all you holiday spends if you go shopping in the first week of you holiday.

If we can be of any further help let us know[msnsmile2]

[orlandobabe]

After my daughter's wedding she wanted the second week of our holiday naturally somewhere on their own.

They settled on a condo. It was a 10 minute walk from our villa. Probably not as cheap as a hotel room- but not as expensive as a family villa-but ideal for two people.

[Spritefm]

thanks everyone for your advice. are there any websites that you know of for renting apartments or condo's rather than villa's? also when is the best time of year to go?
Graham and Jenny

[Nostromo]

The best time of the year depends on what you're looking for. To me, Late April (at least a week AFTER Easter) and early May are good because of the combination of good weather (not too hot and very little rain) and moderate crowds. Likewise in October. I find the summer months too hot and crowded with long queues for big rides and attractions. Sudden tropical showers are also a factor in summer. Having said that, the parks stay open late in summer, giving you more flexibility.

[LesleyB]

Regarding time of year, we really like October (you should avoid the October half term dates though, as flight prices go up) as we have in the past had brilliant weather (in the 80's), no humidity (no mosquitos) and it is not so busy.

Lesley

[huckleberry house]

Hi Sprite

Have you had a look on the sites above to get an idea of Villa prices,you may get a pleasant surprise about prices especially if you have the flexibility to travel out of the main season avoiding the humidity and the crowds into the bargain.Many condos are about the same price as a small villa but without the luxury of a private pool.Staying in a villa can help to reduce overall spending costs as it is easy to stay in and eat/drink in a home whereas a hotel room is often okay for sleeping but not so good for just lounging around.Meaning you go out more and spend more on meals etc.

Lesley