Having purchased our home in the sunshine state, and visiting a couple of times a year for our vacations, we have compiled a few hints and tips for the first time visitor. There is no 'rocket science' here - just a few ideas to help make the holiday experience. These thoughts are primarily for visitors from the United Kingdom.
Where To Stay
A villa or a hotel? A villa offers so much more space and luxury, and for families or groups will work out cheaper than a very basic motel room. But I guess you wouldn't be looking at this website if you didn't already realise that!
How To Get There
Flights are available from many UK airports - check out the Orlando Villas website, who can put you in touch with a specialist travel agent to get the best deals. Ask about reserving your seats in advance - many airlines offer this service for little or no charge. Also check your luggage allowance, to see if it will allow you to bring back all the Florida bargains (remember that your villa will have washing facilities, so no need to pack too many clothes)
Car Hire
A car is pretty much essential for any Florida holiday, wherever you stay. It is relatively cheap, especially when arranged in the UK (cheaper deals on offer on American websites may not include insurance - absolutely essential). When deciding on the size of car, do consider how much luggage you are taking (and bringing back) - many cars do not have large boots (or trunks).
Visiting the parks
One of the main reasons for a Florida holiday is the theme park attractions. We recommend not trying to cram everything in - you will end up exhausted and in need of a holiday. Keep some time for relaxing by your own private pool. There is so much to see and do it is just not possible to do everything in a single holiday - so leave some things for your next visit.
Travel Insurance
The cost of health care is very high in the USA - so a good travel insurance policy is essential.
DVD and Video Bargains
Great prices on films - but check that they can be played at home, as different formats may not be compatible.
Restaurants
Try them - the choice is excellent. A buffet breakfast is recommended before a theme park visit - it will keep you going until the evening.
Sunburn
A word of warning - even when there is a bit of cloud about, the sun's rays are still very strong. Use a strong factor sunblock, particularly early on during your holiday.
Jetlag
Jetlag can make you feel tired during the first few evenings - try to adapt to local time as quickly as possible. One affect is that you will wake up early on your first few days - why not visit a theme park where an early start is recommended, such as The Animal Kingdom (the animals are at their most active early in the day).
Where To Stay
A villa or a hotel? A villa offers so much more space and luxury, and for families or groups will work out cheaper than a very basic motel room. But I guess you wouldn't be looking at this website if you didn't already realise that!
How To Get There
Flights are available from many UK airports - check out the Orlando Villas website, who can put you in touch with a specialist travel agent to get the best deals. Ask about reserving your seats in advance - many airlines offer this service for little or no charge. Also check your luggage allowance, to see if it will allow you to bring back all the Florida bargains (remember that your villa will have washing facilities, so no need to pack too many clothes)
Car Hire
A car is pretty much essential for any Florida holiday, wherever you stay. It is relatively cheap, especially when arranged in the UK (cheaper deals on offer on American websites may not include insurance - absolutely essential). When deciding on the size of car, do consider how much luggage you are taking (and bringing back) - many cars do not have large boots (or trunks).
Visiting the parks
One of the main reasons for a Florida holiday is the theme park attractions. We recommend not trying to cram everything in - you will end up exhausted and in need of a holiday. Keep some time for relaxing by your own private pool. There is so much to see and do it is just not possible to do everything in a single holiday - so leave some things for your next visit.
Travel Insurance
The cost of health care is very high in the USA - so a good travel insurance policy is essential.
DVD and Video Bargains
Great prices on films - but check that they can be played at home, as different formats may not be compatible.
Restaurants
Try them - the choice is excellent. A buffet breakfast is recommended before a theme park visit - it will keep you going until the evening.
Sunburn
A word of warning - even when there is a bit of cloud about, the sun's rays are still very strong. Use a strong factor sunblock, particularly early on during your holiday.
Jetlag
Jetlag can make you feel tired during the first few evenings - try to adapt to local time as quickly as possible. One affect is that you will wake up early on your first few days - why not visit a theme park where an early start is recommended, such as The Animal Kingdom (the animals are at their most active early in the day).