first timer, please be gentle!

[ruthless333]

After finding this site, whilst searching for help and advice for visiting Florida, I must say how interesting and informative I have found it - and on quite a few occasions quite amusing. I have enjoyed all the amusing 'in-house' interaction.......... Anyway after having my fix for the last few weeks, decided it was time to try to join in and ask for some advice. Finally after talking about it, intend to visit Florida early 2005, taking in Orlando, Fort Myers (SORRY,amended,should be Fort Lauderdale) and Daytona Beach. 2 adults plus 1 child (13 years) plus if I can convince her, my mother, early 60's (worried about her arthritis and all the walking!).

Anyway, my help request is this:
Considering Feb through to April 2005 give or take, want to avoid america hols if possible, but not essential. Any suggestions regarding weather or best month to travel.
Want to do 'Disney' plus other touristy attractions, any advice on which tickets to get - AP look good but unsure of chances of coming again within 12 month window (although if boss knows I have used his internet on occasion, could be job hunting whilst there!) Also happy to split Orlando into two visits as holiday could be for nearly 3 weeks.
Would like to push the boat out regarding flights, is it worth paying extra for things like Premium Econ etc., or hope to be upgraded? Would rather not gamble - wide seats and leg room paramount. Have read mixed reports on few airlines, it is all a lottery? (Had considered Virgin) Finally regarding flights, should I be looking to book now or wait, are there any deals to be had by waiting until further along in year? Have also considered SanFord Airport after reading posts on this site and its ease of use etc.
ANYWAY, after my epic novel of requests (!) I wait to hear from someone,anyone,hopefully!! MANY THANKS IN ANTICIPATION.........

[blott]

Hi Ruthless333

Welcome to the forum! Now, with a user name like that, you want us to be gentle? [msnwink]

You'll find some advice on already about the weather, school holidays, etc and the 'best' time to go. Personally, I think any time's a good time to go to Florida! Seriously though, if you want to avoid the February half term and US spring break plus Easter, then it has to be mid - late April 2005 with the bonus being that the weather will be warmer by then too!

My Mum's 82 and has arthritis and she just loves Florida! I think your mother might find her arthritis might be a bit better over there because of the warmth and general lack of damp and cold as in the UK at that time. If she really can't manage walking, you can rent wheelchairs very easily either in the theme parks or for delivery to wherever you're staying.

If you want to go to a beach area too, then if you have three weeks available, I'd suggest two weeks in Orlando and one at the beach.

Schedule flights aren't normally released until at least 330 days before the return date so you have a bit of time to wait yet. I'd get on in the meantime with getting your accommodation booked - if you're first in the flights queue, you shouldn't have a problem getting them for the right dates, particularly if you go after Easter period. If you want to fly to Sanford, normally only charter airlines use this airport.

Never been Premium Economy or anything expensive like that! American Airlines is a good one with the biggest seat pitch in economy but this will be a two leg flight with a change of plane somewhere in the US. Not necessarily a bad thing as you get a chance to stretch your legs, etc at the airport but it does take slightly longer to arrive. The only airlines which do direct flights from the UK to Orlando International airport are Virgin and British Airways (if you're departing from Heathrow or Gatwick).

Have a search around the forum for recommendations about passes, etc and then try out the link for these at the top of each forum page when you've sorted out which places you want to visit.

Any questions - just ask! Now, that wasn't too bad was it? [msnwink]

[ruthless333]

Tanks Blott for replying........ I have been watching and waiting (bit like waiting for Father Christmas to leave presents!!) and hoping someone would answer my query.

You suggest 2 weeks in Orlando, would you not split them up? or am I making more work for myself? Also had considered stop over flights, but wasn't sure whether to go for as short a journey as possible, or make the stop over a day out in itself.....

THANKS.
(and PS., don't anybody try to tell me there is no Father Christmas!)

[blott]

Crumbs, I typed as quick as I could... [msnsmile2]

Usually, first time visitors have no idea of how much there is to see in the way of theme parks, etc in the area and generally then try to cram everything they possibly can into a week - it can't be done (well, not without needing another holiday afterwards to get over it!). Just thought that a two week schedule in the Orlando area might allow you some rest days (like by that private pool if you rent a villa!) and a bit of breathing space to see something other than theme parks. I mean, there's other important stuff like shopping, etc too you know... That's why I suggested a two week/one week split.

Stopovers. Well, these can be as little as two hours or as long as you care to make them! Most airlines have their 'hub' US airports in different places, depending on which airline you choose so most of the eastern or northern USA is your oyster really. If you do an internet search on flights from UK to Orlando (code MCO) for some dates this year, you'll be able to easily find out the options for changes or stopovers.

My general advice would be to book your accommodation first and then look at your flight options as homes get booked up early and the flights haven't been released yet so you have a bit more time to look around at options for those.

[ruthless333]

Many thanks once again Blott. Initially we were doing 1 week Orlando with 3 days in Daytona and 3 days in Fort Lauderdale (not Myers as I typed earlier, duhhhhhhhh., lets hope I'm not doing the driving!!)but we have the chance of an extra week, so will probably look at combining them together.

Also, can I ask some more... daughter would love to swim with dolphins - any suggestions, believe you need to book super duper early?! And seen as we are going to Daytona, any Rally Driving for us adults?! plus take in some Sporting events - any suggested sites to find out timetables/seasons etc?.,

[neilandkay]

Premium economy is very hard to get upgraded into. They are unlikely to upgrade whole families so if that is a must for you, then I would book it in advance.

[ruthless333]

Thanks for the advice, NeilandKay.
Any other suggestions regarding airlines and whether to book early, ie ASAP or wait till later on in year, would be welcomed.

Would like to be able to afford 'space' and prem.econ. seems to get mentioned as the affordable option. I belive Virgin do 'club orlando' any info on this, or similar,would be welcomed.

(Although Virgin do not fly to SanFord which I believe is a nice airport and quick to get through, and accessible for our destination. We would probably fly from Manchester.)

Partner hates flying, but after a few short flights, 2.5 and 4.5 hours, he is becoming more accepting - so wanted to try to make this one to America a bit special......... (me and daughter love flying although our ears still struggle on descending!)

Thanks to everybody so far who has taken the time to reply....... I will eventually think about signing off and going to cook some tea, honest!!!![msnwink]

[Ray&Sarah]

We usually fly premium economy with Virgin when we go to Orlando. We flew from Manchester at Christmas. Must say we preferred premium economy from Gatwick, probably because the planes are newer! Don't think we would pay the added up-grade to Club Orlando, didn't seem that much in it (only available from Manchester anyway). Have flown loads of times with virgin and have never had any real issues with them.
We're sure you will have a wonderful time and the weather in Apr/May is great as its warm without the rainy season showers.
We always take Sarah's parents with us and they love Orlando as much as we do. Wouldn't be a holiday without them now![msnwink]

[andrewmckay5]

Ruth,
i have sent you a PM.
andrew

[ruthless333]

Thanks Hayter for the information!

Andrew I have PM'd you back.

Once again, thanks to everyone for all the information. Reading all this information is just mind blowing....... goodness knows how I will manage once I am over there!!!!, - your advice so far has been invaluable and this is just for the planning........

OOooops [msncry]is that tea I can smell???!!!!!!!! Wonder if the take away's open.....[msnembarrased]