Orlando Guide - CAT TIPS
Alternatives to 12 and 15 seater rental vehicles
On all roads heading to the famous Disney Arch Entrance, and indeed, throughout the central Orlando/Kissimmee area, you will see large 15 and 12 seater minivans packed with extended families or groups of friends. Whilst this can be a cost effective and fun way to travel around it may not offer the f...
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Food and Drink in Florida.
After the parks and the sunshine (and maybe the shopping) one of the things that people enjoy most about a Florida holiday is the food.
The restaurants are very reasonable and usually have a large menu that will please all members of the family.
Chains feel reassuring to most holid...
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Top Tips to make the most of your holiday!
We have been coming to Florida for over 30 years now, and over the years you learn to understand how to squeeze every last bit of enjoyment out of your vacation. First, start your planning early - decide which is the best time for you to go- of course, if you have children, your options are limited....
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Suggestions for Christmas Presents
One of our favourite ways of spending Christmas (apart from staying at our beautiful villa! ) is to go on a Caribbean cruise. As our villa is normally booked for the Christmas and New Year period, we have often gone on a cruise whilst it is occupied.
However, transporting Christmas prese...
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*Where to go, what to do and where to eat'
Central Florida is a delightful place to vacation as most of the World knows.
Much can be read from many different forums and sources about places to go, things to see and where to eat out to name but a few.
My short article is a personal view after many years of home ownership, ...
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Discount Vouchers
For extra offers and deals why not subscribe to Groupon USA for Orlando (you can unsubscribe after your time in Orlando). A lot of vouchers have good future expire dates, so you can buy now and use when you go.
They have a good mixture of deals for activities, shopping, food and drink, b...
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Rules when visiting Florida
There are many rules and regulations in Florida that are ready to catch out the first time tourist. It is as well to know about these or you could at best get a ticking off from a local sheriff or at worst get yourself arrested.
One of the ones that catch out a lot of young visitors is t...
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What currency to take to Florida
When you are preparing to leave on your holiday from the UK, what do you do about currency? I expect most of you will say Travellers Cheques. Well, yes they are fine, but you have to pay commission to purchase them and if you buy too many, you have to pay again to sell them back to the bank or from ...
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A Rainy Day in Orlando pt 1
Orlando and rain are synonymous in the summer months, but mostly it will be a short , sharp shower in the late afternoon to ease the increasing heat and humidity. Often, within minutes, the sun is out and cracking the pavements again. It is rare to get whole days of rain, but sometimes this happens ...
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ARainy Day in Orlando pt 2
If theme parks in the rain do not float your boat- pardon the pun- there is always that great fallback shopping! As they say ' When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping' , and thats an experience not to be missed in Orando!
The big shopping malls such as The Florida Mall and The Mal...
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The best month to visit Florida.
I am often asked what time of year is the best to visit Florida. Well, I decided I would discuss it with you and see if we can get a consensus.
Let us go through the months one by one
JANUARY So nice to get away from the U. K. winter and get some sun. Also, if you have had a b...
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Is two weeks enough?
I would guess that the average holiday spent in Florida is around 2 weeks. That is what people from the U. K. most typically take, with those from the United States settling for just one week or sometimes even less. Of course, our American cousins get less than the half the holiday allowance given t...
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Which Ticket?
Tickets which ones?
Having just spent a number of days visiting the 4 Disney parks it makes one realise how carefully you should consider which combination of tickets one should buy.
The obvious decision is to use one ticket for each park and this will work well in the busier...
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Where is the best place to stay in Orlando.
This is a question that came up on the Orlando Villas forum recently. It caused a bit of a stir as every body feels that their area is the best. But, the honest answer to that is they ALL are the best, depending on what your requirements are.
Some people specify they will be spending all...
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Keeping Cool at Walt Disney World
Everyone loves to take a summer vacation, and one of the best places to visit is the theme park capital of the world, in Orlando, Florida.
Summertime, as you would expect in a tropical climate, can be very hot but don’t let this put you off visiting. There are plenty of ways to combat th...
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Florida's Natural Visitor Center
Approximately forty miles away from Disney, heading south down the U. S. Highway 27, is the city of Lake Wales, home of the Florida' s Natural Orange factory. This company was founded in 1933 as a cooperative of grower/owners and now boasts over one thousand members with 50, 000 acres of citrus in p...
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A Few Do’s And Don’t’s On Your Trip To Florida
It may be obvious but there are lot things you can and can not take or do in Florida. First of all we all now know the restrictions for security of things you can not take onto the aeroplane but not every one is aware of the restrictions that you can not take into the USA. For example some foods. An...
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Hints for First Time British Visitors
Once you have booked your flights and villa you need to make sure that you will be able to travel and so you will need to sort out your visa. Most holiday makers will probably travel on the visa waiver scheme and will need to apply for an ESTA, however, if you have ever been arrested or refused entr...
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How to save holiday money on food.
We are living through difficult time; we really are. But you still need your holiday; right? And if you are going away you want to go to Florida.
So how can you cover the cost painlessly? Here are a few ideas.
Forego your daily Starbucks; this can save around £1000a year. Als...
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Saving money for your holiday: clothes and gifts.
So you have already saved a mint on food and have a healthy amount in the piggy bank. Now here are some more ideas.
Commit to whole year of not buying any clothes (but still get new things to wear) How can that be done?
Well, it is quite easy; get all your friends and work ma...
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Saving money for your Florida holiday: Entertainement.
You have to have some days out and a little entertainment in your life so how are we going to cut costs here.
Buy a family National Trust pass; this gives you entry to hundreds of homes and gardens that incudes free parking. Take a packed lunch; their cafes are notoriously expensive and ...
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Medical Treatment
So, you and the family have made the decision to go to Florida, perhaps for an once-in-a-lifetime holiday or perhaps the lure of the State entices you more frequently.
The excitement within the family builds as the great day of departure arrives. The flight is taken - perhaps it was long...
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Christmas in Orlando - A wonderful Treat.
The first thing you will notice about Christmas in Orlando is when you arrive at the airport, the enormous Christmas tree decorated in beautiful colours and lights. This is a sign of what is to come. Every where you go you will see decorations the like of which you will never have seen unless you ha...
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Why choose Florida for your Vacation Part one
When I first started out writing this guide I thought it would be a tough assignment but once I had got started I managed to get it finished in double quick time as there are so many reasons to vacation in Florida
Weather
Let’s face it especially for us Brits it has to be the weather! ...
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Orlando in November
A lot of villa owners choose November to visit Orlando for many reasons so if I tempt you, you will have to book early (No owner can resist a booking! )
First, the weather. The humidity has gone and the days are beautiful and sunny. The evenings can be cold though – I have woken up to fro...
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The right age for Disney
I am often asked what is the perfect age to take a child to Disney World. This is a very difficult question to answer. A great deal will depend on the child and how they view the world. For example: a very nervous, clingy child may be terrified of seeing the characters they relate to on the televisi...
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Packing for your Holiday
I must admit that when you stay at a villa it is so much easier to pack for your holiday. All villas will be equipped with a washing machine, tumble drier ironing board and iron so there is no need to take loads of clothes. However my daughter does not seem to grasp this concept!
Make su...
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Making the most of Bok.
Bok Gardens makes a wonderful day out during your Orlando vacation and makes a good contrast to the hurly burly of the theme parks.
Bok Gardens was Edward Boks gift to the American people who he credited with his success. Edward was an immigrant who rose from being a humble office boy to...
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Things to do if it rains in Orlando
What to do on a rainy day in Orlando? A good question. If it is in the height of the summer then you will probably get a short sharp shower at some time in the day. As long as you remember to bring a shower mac (or you can buy ponchos in all the theme parks) you will be fine. The weather is so hot y...
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More Ideas For What To Do If It Rains In Orlando.
If it is really wet, you could head down to Pointe Orlando, park under cover in their multi story car park then visit the 20+ Imax Cinema for an amazing experience in movie watching. There is also the Upside Down House, which is well worth a visit and great fun. The Wonderworks is also a great place...
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A Holiday in Orlando
A holiday in Orlando is not just about the theme parks, but they are great! The whole atmosphere of excitement that you see in the faces of the children about to meet Mickey Mouse for the very first time is unbelievable. The whole thing is just so spectacular and so well done down to the very last d...
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How Driving in Florida differs from the UK
Driving in Florida is very different from the UK. The speed limit is very strictly adhered to and they have many ways of catching speeding motorists, non of which you will spot so do be careful. Mostly they use helicopters to watch out for speeding and the first you will know if it is when a police ...
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What should I take?
What should I take?
First, you must now have completed an ESTA visa form on-line or at a travel agents to be able to gain entry into the USA. You will need one for each member of the family and they now cost $59 each.
Driving to your accommodation, you will pass toll booths s...
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Safety in pools and water parks
In your villa you will most likely have a pool. If it is private then there will be nobody to look after you so do be careful. All rental accommodations have to have, either alarmed doors and windows leading to the pool area or gates and fencing round the pool by law.
Here are a few simp...
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Safety First
Safety in Florida is a matter of common sense and a few basic rules.
Make sure you have adequate insurance, if the worst happens and you fall ill or have an accident whilst you are on holiday, it will be very expensive to be in hospital anywhere in America.
If you have a mild...
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Car hire and Driving in Florida
Car hire and driving in Florida
Car hire really is a must when visiting Orlando, although you can get around with buses and other transport it is very limiting.
If you are having a car always make sure you have got your Uk driving licence (both parts) and a Visa Both are necessary...
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What to Pack in your Hand Luggage
We are off to our villa shortly and my mind has had to focus on what and where to pack for the holidays.
First priority has to be what to put in hand luggage. Some airlines are getting quite tough on the weight limit of hand luggage we are flying with Virgin and their weight limit is 6 k...
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Staying All Day at a Park
When you get to Florida lots of families want to maximise the time spent at Parks – you can always sleep when you get home!
I must admit when the girls were small we did not stay out all day at the Parks because they just became very tired and irritable. You only have to go to Magic King...
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Breakfast in your villa
Breafast in your vacation villa; what could be nicer than the first meal of the day by the pool? And where else could you take breakfast in your jammies (or bikini after a refreshing swim?
First of all, your preparations will start the day before (unless someone in your group is not anly...
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Packing for your holiday!
I want to talk about packing for your vacation. You have got your flights, bought your theme park tickets, booked your villa and finally there are only days to go before you depart.
Now this sounds obvious, but make a list. Think of what you will be doing and the appropriate clothes for ...
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A late night snack from Publix Supermarket
The uneventful flight from the UK into Orlando International airport is finally over. I am now on my merry way proceeding south along the SR417 also known as Central Florida Greenway this is my favorite route, easy to navigate and within half an hour of comfortable driving I arrive at my destination...
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A Day at the Parks
A day at the Parks can be very exhausting and you need to plan it well to make the most of your time.
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I think the first tip is to make sure you get there early. Children on holiday seem to have the capacity that they do not have on school days – they get up early and are very happy!
When to go to Orlando
We have been to our villa in every month of the year and are often asked when the best time to go is. I know many guests are restricted to school holidays but thought I would just give an overview.
January - If you are there immediately after Christmas you can take advantage of the end o...
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Last Day of the Holidays (3)
Many visitors from the United Kingdom to Orlando have an early/late evening flight home. As we often travel with Virgin Atlantic we usually go to Downtown Disney and at the Virgin check in we check in our baggage and receive our boarding cards. The cost for this at time of writing this article is $1...
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Behind the Scenes at Busch Gardens
If you ever have the chance I recommend you try some of the Behind the Scenes tours that are on offer at Busch Gardens. You will find that these are real hands-on experiences like preparing food for animals, feeding them, cleaning up after them, helping with the training as well as sometimes eating ...
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Rest days between visits to the parks.
Once you have seen how vast the areas of Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios are, you will realise that you are going to be on your feet for HOURS. Walking around seeing things, standing in queues waiting to go on the rides all take their toll on your feet. Children especially will ge...
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Getting the best out of your holiday in Orlando.
There are many ideas that will make your holiday in Orlando really special and the holiday of a lifetime.
If you can manage it, book a premium economy seats or seats with extra leg room, it makes quite a difference.
Book the best villa you can afford.
Plan your packing carefu...
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Getting the best out of your holiday – part 2
In the theme parks there are many ways of getting the best out of them.
Take advantage of the Fast Pass tickets at the theme parks to avoid too much queuing. Eat lunch out of the usual times as the restaurants are over flowing between twelve and two. This time period is good for going on t...
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Holiday on a budget - part 1
Some people have the ready cash to enjoy a holiday in Orlando any time they wish, but for most people it is the holiday of a lifetime that they have saved for over a long period of time.
It is possible to holiday on a budget and still have a wonderful time as long as you do not scrimp on t...
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Holiday on a budget - part 2
So where else can you save money without feeling like you are doing with out?
One of the easiest ways is on eating out. In Orlando you can eat some of the very best food at very cheap establishments. For example, a really good steak with all the trimmings (more in fact than you could pos...
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What to expect of your Orlando holiday.
For first time travellers to Orlando who want to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World and all the other attractions, it may be a completely unknown experience.
For instance, I am often asked by guests wishing to book my villa, “Do I need a car”. The answer to that is a res...
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Time Saving Travel Tips
Some good planning in advance can save a lot of time when on holiday in Orlando. This is a holiday where time management will enable you to see everything.
If you need a cot or high chair at your villa, make sure you have ordered this and have asked for your pool to be heated if you requir...
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Tips to Save Money on your Disney Holiday
Florida and the magic of the Theme Parks brings visitors back year after year. I thought I would put some money saving tips I have learnt over the years in this guide. I have also written “Money Saving Tips for Planning your Holiday” as another guide.
Collect all the free magazines vouch...
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Celebrating Christmas in Florida – Part 1
We love to celebrate Christmas in our beautiful villa in Orlando, when it is not occupied by our lucky guests, and we do not miss any of the traditional aspects of a British Christmas. Although Christmas customs and traditions vary across America, the one common tradition is that it is a time for fa...
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Celebrating Christmas in Florida – Part 2 Giving and Making
Our many trips to our villa at Christmas have always been enjoyable, and we have delighted in the similarities as well as the differences of celebrating this festive season in another country, similar though it may seem to our own.
Of course, giving is an important element of Christmas b...
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Money Saving Tips for Planning your Vacation
When we first visited Orlando we had a package holiday that included a charter flight and stay at a hotel. I must admit for first time visitors this is a great way initially of getting to know Florida and Disney. However after this until we bought our own villa we arranged our own flights and booked...
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Using your Fastpass at Disney World, Orlando, Florida
We love visiting the parks whenever we stay in our beautiful villa in Orlando, but at peak times there will undoubtedly be longer queues at the Disney parks for the most popular rides. Of course, the last thing you want to do when on holiday is waste a lot of time waiting in line, but, happily, Disn...
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Christmas in Orlando
Orlando is a magical place at any time of year but never more so than at Christmas.
If you go to Universal Studios do not miss Macy’s Holiday parade which takes place from early December until January. This is one of the world’s most famous parades and it features fantastic balloons and ...
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Easy Tips for Visiting Parks
Every time we visit the Parks I seem to think of a tip I must remember for our next visit to Orlando.
If you going to visit a Park more than once in a year investigate buying an Annual Pass. I am not sure if non residents can do this for the Disney/Universal Parks but they can definitely...
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Sanford v Orlando International Airports
As a regular traveller to Orlando and having used both Orlando International (McCoy or MCO) and Orlando Sanford (SFB) I can honestly say that for me, Sanford, although further out from Orlando and the attractions, is a far superior airport experience, at least when I have used it.
It see...
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Choosing Flights from the UK to Orlando
The age of cheap flights sadly seems to have passed; however, you still have some options to consider when planning your dream holiday to Orlando.
Orlando is served by two airports, Orlando International, and Orlando Sanford. The scheduled flights go into International and the charter fl...
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Winter Breaks in Florida
I am as mystified as the majority of people on the subject of Global Warming, but one thing I do know is that the further north you live in America, the colder it gets.
It follows then that to recharge the batteries in the warm sunshine, a visit to the south is the obvious solution. And it d...
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Top Rollercoaster and Rides - Florida
Since I last wrote my guide to the Rollercoasters and rides of Florida (back in 2005) there has been a lot of development and the inclusion of some World beating rollercoasters. What really impresses me with Florida is the way they re-invest a lot of the park fees to build new rides. And boy has the...
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Visiting Florida with Disabilities
Visiting Florida with Disabilities
When visiting Florida the disabled do seem to be looked after, whether it is mobility, or visual disabilities help is available in all the parks.
In every show there is a separate area for disabled people, and their friend/family and carers
I...
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which month for the best weather?
People often ask me when the best time of Year is to visit Florida. Due to the perfect weather and climate throughout the Year, Florida is one of the Worlds best all Year round destination. Florida has on average over 280 days of sunshine per Year and in the winter months can be warm and dry. Viewed 9995 times
Useful Tips for Visiting Florida
Florida seems to have it all – endless beaches, warm seas, year-round sunshine and world-acclaimed theme parks offering days of family fun. When you scratch beneath the surface, Florida has even more to offer. Natural Florida can be experienced on the Everglades, one of the natural wonders of the wo...
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Asking for a discount
Discounting a villa price at customer request
First of all we should note the increase of this recent phenomenon where potential renters offer either their budget or request a discount, it seems that what potential renters do not think about is that owners who keep their houses to a high stan...
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Visiting Florida for the first time
Visiting Florida for the first time can seem quite daunting.
There are many choices of accommodation to start with there are hotels and villas for rent.
On this site all the villas are verified so you know when you book one of these villas you are in safe hands, you book with the ow...
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Tips for using the Theme Parks
There are quite a few tips that will help you get the best out of each of the theme parks. Here are just a few that I know of (I’m sure other people will know even more).
When you are booking your tickets, book and pay for them in advance on our Orlando Villas Park Tickets site, use this lin...
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Why Owners Charge What They Do
Seven years ago we bought a villa in Florida. Wow we thought, us, villa owners, can’t be bad.
Then we started to advertise and rent out our piece of heaven. At first we had no idea what to charge so we looked at websites and picked a figure quite near the bottom rate of what other owners wer...
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Do you have to be a child to enjoy Orlando Part 1
Do you have to be a child to enjoy Orlando? Absolutely not. You do not even have to be a child to enjoy Disney World and all it’s parks. First, let me dispel some of the myths about Disney World. It is not Alton Towers only Bigger – not by a long way!
There are many rides and shows in Disney...
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Do you have to be a child to enjoy Orlando part 2
Do you have to be a child to enjoy Orlando? ? Absolutely not. You do not even have to be a child to enjoy Disney World and all its parks. But for now let me tell you about some of the other parks that are just as much fun for adults as they are for children.
Universal Studios: all the grown ...
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Do you have to be a child to enjoy Orlando part 3
Do you have to be a child to enjoy Orlando? Absolutely not. There other theme parks to enjoy as well as some other exciting activities for grown ups looking for something different.
There is the Kennedy Space Centre. This is a wonderfully educational experience if you have even just the slig...
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Pre Plan Your trip
Planning your trip to Florida, if you have never been before, can be a bit of a concern. Apart from the obvious sun clothes and swimsuits do remember to pack some very comfortable shoes – you will be doing a great deal of walking. Also, don’t be tempted to take “dressy” outfits for the evening as Fl...
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International Drive
When we first visited International Drive in the late 80s we thought it was just a road full of hotels/motels, how wrong we were.
It is impossible to list the many many things there are to do when you visit IDrive (as it is known locally) but I will try and list a few of them here.
T...
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US Gas/Petrol stations and filling your car
Generally when you collect your car from your nominated car rental company – book through the car rental section of Orlando Villas for the very best deals, you will drive away with a full tank of petrol/gas.
The American ‘gallon’ is 0. 83 of an Imperial Gallon – only 16 fl oz to the pint – t...
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Beat the Heat
The winter months can be wonderfully warm and is a perfect time to visit Florida. However, if you visit during the hot summer months, there are many things you can do to help keep cool in the summer heat.
Take a break.
It' s a great way to cool down so head back to your villa for a c...
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Five Things You Must See, Do and Eat at Disney
Wishes Nighttime Spectacular
The crowds gather, the lights dim and Jiminy Cricket starts his narration telling us how dreams really do come true. Tinkerbell flies in front of the castle and the eagerly awaited show in the sky burst into action. The fireworks are truly amazing and magical for ...
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Making the Most of Disneys Fast Pass
Disney realised that time management to get around the parks was vital to helping guests see as much as they could during their visit and the Fast Pass system seems to be the answer.
The computerised virtual queuing system allows guests to pre-book a time slot thus avoiding waiting in lo...
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Flying with Monarch from Manchester to Sanford
Flying with Monarch from Manchester to Sanford
We had heard lots of horror stories about Monarch, food bad, delays, old aircraft, bad on board service, etc etc, but when we were pricing up for our annual working holiday at our villa, we were stunned by the increase in not only Virgin prices, ...
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Medical Care on a Cruise Ship
The last thing we ever want to contemplate when on holiday is needing medical attention, but unfortunately, the reality is that, from time to time, most of us will need to seek medical care. However, being on a cruise ship is probably one of the best places to be if you have a routine medical proble...
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Preparing for your holiday in Florida
A few tips to ensure you will have an easy journey to your holiday to Florida.
First, you must now have completed an ESTA visa form on-line or at a travel agents to be able to gain entry into the USA.
If you are taking up a rental car and driving to your accommodation, you will pass ...
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Things to do in Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs Aquarium is located in Dodecaneses Boulevard and is open from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. daily except sunday when they open at a slightly later hour.
Here you can see sharks, tarpon and the jew fish which is an endangered species. Try to schedule your visit for feeding times when a d...
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Advice for taking small children and babies to Orlando.
First, I would always suggest a villa rather than a hotel. Most have cribs, strollers and high chairs and you have so much more freedom than in a hotel room. For example, baby can be put down to sleep in his/her own room while you can have the freedom to enjoy the evening by the pool in the garden o...
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Safety on holiday
Safety in Orlando
No one wants their holiday ruined by an accident that can be avoided if care is taken. Here are some things that might seem obvious but not always.
First, children. Children in cars in Florida must have a child seat and be strapped in at all times. Unlike cars in the...
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Tips for the Disney Area
Hints and tips in the Disney area.
To save on parking at the Walt Disney world parks why not park your car at Downtown Disney, outside Planet Hollywood. Then catch the Disney transport to the park of your choice . It is as quick as parking at the Parks then taking transport from the car to th...
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General Tips For Theme Parks
Some tips to help you get the most out of your day at the Theme Parks.
Where possible buy your tickets before you go to the parks, you will probably get them a bit cheaper but more importantly save time queuing at the Ticketing Booths.
Write down the location where you parked your ca...
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Distances From Villas on Highway 27
Many people ask how near our villas are to the attractions. As I and many other owners have villas on Highway 27 I thought I would give you some idea of distances to the most popular attractions.
Villas located in Highway 27 are close to many shops, bars and restaurants including, Sante Fe S...
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Keeping safe in the pools and water parks
In your villa you will most likely have a pool. If it is private then there will be nobody to look after you so do be careful. All rental accommodations have to have, either alarmed doors and windows leading to the pool area or gates and fencing round the pool by law. It is also an offence to tamper...
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Keeping Safe in Florida
There are several ways to make sure your holiday in Orlando is happy, successful and above all safe.
First, make sure you have adequate insurance, if the worst happens and you fall ill or have an accident whilst you are on holiday, it will be very expensive to be in hospital anywhere in Amer...
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For Families on a Budget - Disney Marketplace
If you’re looking for a great inexpensive family outing with the children on an off day from the parks, Disney Marketplace is a good choice. The afternoon is the best time to go as it gets very crowded as you get closer to evening. You will find a lot to do amidst the fabulous restaurants and exclus...
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Planning your trip to Florida
Planning your trip to Florida if you have never been before, may at first feel a little daunting. Apart from the obvious sun clothes and swimsuits do remember to pack some very comfortable shoes – you will be doing a great deal of walking. Also, don’t be tempted to take “dressy” outfits for the even...
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Travelling to the USA
When you are planning your trip to the USA make sure you have all the correct details of the baggage allowance, these have recently been changed and are smaller than they were. If you intend to do lots of shopping some airlines allow you to book extra bags online when you check in and this is usuall...
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Things to do in Orlando in cool weather
Having been a regular traveller to Florida for the past 20 years, I find myself in the unusual situation of being here during what is the longest spell of cold weather for many years now. However, if you are planning a visit, then please remember that this is very unusual for it to remain cold for d...
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Cruising for the Disabled Part 7RCI Hearing and Visually Impaired Guests
If you are considering booking a cruise during your stay in Florida, perhaps after an energetic couple of weeks enjoying the parks, but are concerned that you have either a hearing impairment or a visual impairment, then let me put your mind at ease. Royal Caribbean has been introducing measures to ...
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Christmas in Florida
Christmas in Florida is simply magical!
If you are used to a cold Christmas season, the first thing that will appeal to you is the weather! Imagine spending Christmas Day relaxing by the pool in temperatures in the 80s! Sipping champagne in the sun, whilst thinking of those at home around th...
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Orlando Theme parks with small children
We have been travelling to Orlando with our daughter since she was 3 months old.
On her first visit to Magic Kingdom she was 15 months old and not yet walking. She had a wonderful time and enjoyed seeing the shows, parades and all the characters. We had lunch at the Crystal Palace where she ...
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My Favourite Disney Christmas Events
If you are lucky enough to visit Disney in Orlando at Christmastime, then you are in for a real treat. It really is one of my favourite times to visit, and if I had the choice of staying at home in the UK or visiting our beautiful villa in Orlando for Christmas, then there really is no contest – Orl...
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Starting Your Disney Holiday with Baby/Toddler
The whole family has probably been very excited for weeks and cannot wait to start their holiday proper so I am writing this just to highlight procedures when you arrive in Florida. These can be a little stressful because you will have had a long journey and just want to get on with your holiday but...
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Halloween Events – Part 1
If you have never been to Orlando in the Autumn then you will not have experienced the special Halloween events that are put on by many of the parks, throughout September and October. They range from the mild to the positively terrifying – so there is something for everyone.
Seaworld provide...
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Pool safety tips
Here are Some safety hints and tips to make sure that you enjoy yourselves have fun and avoid accidents.
Most Florida homes with private pools will have some security measures in place to safeguard your little children from harm. Most villas have door alarms on the sliding doors leading out ...
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Enjoying the pool safely
Most vacation homes have a private pool for the exclusive use of your party. This is one of the reasons homes are so popular. But there are some safety aspects that should be considered as well as the fun ones.
Here are some tips for enjoying your pool safely.
Firstly there should be...
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Driving Tips
When collecting your hire car at the airport make sure you have a full valid driving licence. Without showing your licence you will not be able to hire a car and no refund will be given. Each member that wishes to drive must be present. If you have the new picture driving licence you must also take ...
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Collecting and Returning Your Car to Miami International Airport
When you arrive after an International, or Domestic flight, you will pass through the Baggage Claim area, and exit the main Arrivals area into a very busy thoroughfare.
Unlike Orlando International Airport, there is only one baggage reclaim, so it should not take you too long. A road circles the...
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Inside Miami Airport and the Miami Airport Hotel
Once inside the main terminal building you can walk from one end to the other, passing each of the concourses in turn, and each concourse has its own array of shops and food outlets. It is generally quite busy, but there are areas where you can sit and watch the world go by.
There are plenty...
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Drive Safely - Hints and Tips
As you already know, Americans drive on the 'wrong' side of the road. The times when you are more likely to make a mistake with this are when you are tired, when you first set off in the morning and when you are turning or pulling out of a driveway or garage/gas station. Take special care to concent...
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Speed And Signs
Florida 'Standard ' speed limits
Municipal speed areas = 30mph
Business or Residential Area = 30 mph
Rural Interstate Limited = 70 mph
Limited access highways = 70 mph
All other roads and highways = 55 mph*
School Zones = 20 mph
The 55 mph max s...
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Packing for your vacation
Ok so you have booked the villa, bought the park tickets, and hired the car. Time to pack!!!
If this is your first time staying in a villa you will be pleasantly surprised how little you actually have to take with you. Us Brits tend to pack in order to cover "all eventualities"...
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Tip for Florida with Kids
Having travelled with kids, here are just a few tips we found made our holiday that little more relaxing.
Before you go, buy some Disney Dollars from the Disney Stores and keep giving them as their pocket money – this way they have some money to spend on that huge cuddly toy that every chi...
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Beach Safety
After a few days at the parks, why not take a trip out to Cocoa Beach or the St Pete’s area which are only about an hours drive away. When we can we spend about 3 days at the beach and then go back to the villa, recharges our batteries and it’s a nice rest for all of us. There are some re...
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Sun Safety
You have been dreaming about the holiday for months, you have been at the parks for days so a few days at the beach is a great idea for a chance to relax but remember the sun in Florida is far more powerful than here in the UK so follow some simple rules and you will enjoy your holiday with...
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Pool Safety
When you rent a Florida home, you'll almost certainly get a private pool of your very own to use at the back of the house. Because you're probably not used to having one in your own home, here are some safety hints and tips to make sure that you enjoy yourselves but have no accidents! W...
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Drive Safely
If you are from the UK, as you already know, Americans drive on the 'wrong' side of the road. The times when you are more likely to make a mistake with this are when you are tired, when you first set off in the morning and when you are turning or pulling out of a drivew...
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Taking Older Teenagers To Orlando
Little kids love everything about a Disney holiday. It is just magic for them. But as a mother of kids now 17, 23 and 25 years, I have been through the period with each when they were fed up with Mickey but not quite old enough for Ibiza with 18-30. You reach this period on average ...
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Discounted Tickets & Timeshare Touts
The main parks do not really discount.
You may see special deals when you are in Orlando such as 2nd Day free at Sea World. There are also discount vouchers in the information booklets such as Best Read Orlando and I love Orlando which you can pick up in infor...
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Useful Florida Driving Tips
- Always stay on the RIGHT of the road.
- Florida law requires safety belts for all front passengers, regardless of age. Children 5 years of age and younger MUST be secured in child restraint devices, children 3 years of age and younger MUST be placed in infant carriers or child car s...
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