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Keeping busy running fancy dress hire and accessories (www.classiccostumesonline.co. uk).
Member since:15.10.2002
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I've lost count how many times I have been to Orlando. The last time I had a very sarcastic US customs official who commented that I spend more time there than some of the residents. True, this was the third visit in 6 months, and the last Visa was still current! Whenever I go to the US I try and blend in with the locals, and see a bit of the real US. Many people I meet even when I tell them I'm English they ask how long I've lived there. Don't I wish!
So this is my guide to planning your dream vacation in the sun, while not getting ripped off etc etc. I'll try and entertain you with some of my experiences as we go along, too. Enjoy.
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO GET THERE? Well I've been various ways - in luxury with Virgin, with my knees cramped up on a tiny charter flight, you name it. You're likely to have a budget which will determine the best way for you to go. If money's no object, go first class and I'll come along as your personal guide! :oP
But seriously, this is a major consideration. If it's your "first time" you may want to go with a package deal rather than going it alone and booking your own thing. If something goes wrong, you can always fall back on tour reps at the resort to sort out your problems (not always a guarantee, though!). If you are a more experienced traveller you'll probably find a much better deal booking separately (the cheapest flight I ever booked, without car hire was £69 - the problem was I had to fly out the following morning!).
Lunn Poly, Thomson et al will always try and sell you holidays from their own companies first. If you're not careful they can talk you into booking a completely different package from the one you had your heart set on. One company I have had consistent good service from is Travelcity Direct. They are a tour operator themselves, so will put together a package to suit you. Yes, you can sometimes book hotels and cars yourselves but tour operators can sometimes get better discounts on your behalf, so it's worth a phone call. Travelcity Direct also have a centre based in Orlando, about 5 minutes away from Disney/International Drive, in case you have any problems with your holiday.
WHERE TO STAY? HOTEL OR HOUSE? Most hotels in the US are pretty standard. I have arrived at only one hotel and refused to stay there because it was unclean. Most are classed 3-star, and the room will be arranged the same whether you're paying $40 or $140 a night. Prices will vary from night to night, as well - pay a lot of attention if you're doing a fly-drive. Have a think how much time you'll be spending at the hotel. In Orlando you'll spend most time out at attractions, so you won't really take much advantage of a gym or spa, although it may be useful if it's not too costly. All hotels have at least one pool, for those lazy days in between exhausting yourself in theme parks! Other facilities that are useful are on-site shops. They can be a little pricey - I tend to stock up at the local supermarket or minimart - but are useful for those late night snacks you can't be bothered to drive out for!
Most hotels will have some sort of restaurant. Certainly on International Drive you'll be spoilt for choice locally! Not all hotel restaurants are great - I've had mixed experiences, but they're probably a good thing to look for if you're a non-driving vacationer.
Alternatively, you may choose a private house. If you have a friend prepared to loan you one cheaply, great, but otherwise check what you're getting exactly. If a house says "sleeps 6-8" work out how many actual beds there are and if this is sufficient for your party. A 6-berth house is usually one double room, one twin and a pull out sofa or Z-bed or two. If there are three couples going, this isn't going to be enough. Consider also the privacy element - if some of you are having to sleep in the lounge how much sleep will they really get? This can be a good option for families. I haven't any children, but I'm not sure I'd want to sleep in the same room for 2 or more weeks!
LOCATION Get a good map of the area, either from the Internet, W H Smith, or the Virgin brochure is usually quite accurate. This will give you some idea of how far everything is away from one another. The main areas you'll see covered in the Orlando brochures are:
International Drive: The most popular area to stay in Orlando, and its increasing in the number of hotels and timeshares that are there. If you're not hiring a car (see my section on car hire later) this is a pretty good place to stay. There is a bus service called the "I Drive" that runs regular buses up and down it. Don't be fooled that its a short road by the maps - it is a few miles long from end to end! International Drive is mostly hotels, shops and restaurants. There is a saying that
there are enough restaurants that you could eat at a different one every night for a year, but I've never worked out how true that is - they are opening up all the time! Most hotels provide free or cheap transportation to the main attractions. The prices vary - most are of the Quality or Comfort Inn style, although the north of International Drive is very close to Universal City, so be prepared to pay a little more there.
Lake Buena Vista: If you've ever seen any Disney movies you'll recognise the name. Lake Buena Vista is where Disney is, and comes under two areas. There's the area marked Downtown Disney. Although the hotels are Sheraton etc the land is officially Disney property. These are very pricey naturally, as they are within walking distance of Downtown Disney (previously known as the Village) and free transportation around Walt Disney World. The other part of Lake Buena Vista is quite literally over the road, a 30-60 second drive away, and you'll find a slightly cheaper range of hotels there. I often stay at the Comfort Inn, as you can get some real bargains, although be aware you are close to I-4 the main road running through Orlando, and it can get pretty noisy if you're not used to it!
Kissimmee: Kissimmee is to the South and South-East of Disney. If you're looking at hotels here, watch their proximity to other attractions. The actual town is actually about 20 miles away from Disney itself, although the hotel prices will be a lot cheaper. There is a fast road that will take you into WDW but be prepared you're gonna do a lot of driving if you stay down here! This is also where a lot of the private houses are located.
Downtown Orlando / Winter Gardens: If you're going for the attractions don't even think about staying here. It's often the first choice a lot of independent travel agents will give you, because it's a lot cheaper than staying near the attractions. Downtown Orlando is a good 30-40 minutes drive away from the rest of the tourist attractions.
Disney: Pretty much the most expensive option. However, it's worth it if all you're going for is Disney, Disney, Disney. Your accommodation will include entry to the parks and use of all the transportation. You may also on selected days get entry to some of the parks an hour earlier than non-Disney guests. This depends on where you're staying. There is plenty of choice for food, shopping etc, but be warned that you will pay through the nose, so to speak.
Now you've worked out what kind of accommodation and whereabouts you're staying, you're on your way to booking the trip?
WHAT FLIGHT? Charter or scheduled? What does that even mean? Well the larger companies like Virgin, American Airlines, British Airways to name a few, run their own scheduled airline. What that means is that the plane will fly according to its timetable whether it has 1 passenger or a full load. In real terms, there are very few bargains to be had on scheduled flights, unless you turn up and wait. They do generally however have more room, and if you are interested in upgrading to a Premium or Upper Class/First Class seat this is how you'll have to fly.
Most companies that fly to Orlando are charter airlines, like Britannia. These will try and fill the plane, and if you are offered last minute deals it will usually be on one of these flights. They are not always THAT cramped, though it won't be first class accommodation. Most transatlantic flights these days are comfortable for an average sized passenger. If you are large or tall though you may have some problems. One tip for if you have long legs is to get to check-in early and ask for a seat with extra legroom which will be at one of the doorways. These cannot be booked in advance as they can only be given to physically fit passengers (for safety / evacuation reasons). Be warned that the arm rests don?t always move in these seats as the lap tables are often integrated - it depends on the airline.
Orlando has two airports, and this may also be a consideration when booking your holiday. Orlando International is the closest to the tourist attractions and is where all the scheduled flights go. There are quite a few shops there for last minute souvenirs, and its only a 10 minute drive or so up to International Drive hotels on the fast toll road. The other one, Orlando Sanford International, is an ex-forces base and is used by many of the charters as well as locals for their flying lessons! It's actually a nice scenic drive, but is a good 40+ minutes drive from the attractions as its north of Downtown Orlando, and you'll have more local traffic to contend with when you step off the plane.
Even if you have booked a car, you don't always have to drive it straight away. Some companies provide a transfer to the hotel first, but this is rare. I'm comfortable with driving in the US, and its a lot more relaxed than in the UK! However, if you're unsure you may want to consider flying into the International Airport so you're only a short hop from the hotel the first night!
TO DRIVE OR NOT TO DRIVE? To me, going to the US without hiring a car has never been an option. One of my friends went (unfortunately it was her honeymoon) and they didn't like it because without a car they were limited on where they could go. I have already mentioned the I-drive and transportation to the parks. If you are intending to stay in Disney for the whole two weeks, you really won't need one. However, to be one of the natives, many of the attractions and places are either inaccessible without a car, or you will find yourself spending a lot of money on coach trips to go shopping. The choice is entirely yours though!
Assuming you want to hire a car, read the usual small print. You have to be 21 to hire a car in Orlando, although you will have to pay an extra daily premium if the driver is under 25. Car hire is relatively inexpensive, although its the insurance and extras that racks up the cost. It also depends on what size car you want - you will generally be allocated one based on how many people are in your party.
There are varying types of insurance available, so check them out carefully. The basic and the very minimum you can take out is their version of third party, fire and theft, and doesn't cover damage to your own hire car. Touch wood, I have been lucky and never had a prang, but have a think about the US legal system, and you'll see my thoughts. A quick prang in the back of someone and you might have to fork out for their medical bills, and then it gets messy and very expensive.
More comprehensive kinds of insurance are available from different tour operators. One of the best types of insurance I've had is from Virgin, who charge you a total daily cost which covers you and other drivers comprehensively as well as some little added extras, such as the initial tank of fuel. They offer several options, but make sure you read the small print carefully.
I've done both "pay at the other end" and "pay in advance". Paying in advance is certainly the easier way and you'll get a voucher to show to your car company at the other end. The salesmen at the other end are very slick and will try and sell you all sorts of extras - before you know it you'll be faced with like a $600 bill before you leave the airport! Some examples of extras you may need to consider: how many drivers you need, are any drivers under 25, they'll make you pay for the tank of fuel you drive off with (you return the tank to them as EMPTY as possible! Hehe), do you need a babyseat? The salesman at the other end will often try and sell you an upgrade to the next model. Every time I've been so far I refused to PAY for the upgrade only to be told "oh, erm, we seem to have run out of that model - we'll upgrade you for free!". But I guess you always take the risk on that one. If you want a convertible or minivan you will have to pay for the upgrade.
Generally, of all the times I've been there, I have found Alamo to be cheaper than Dollar (the two main companies that the operators will use, although there are others). Both have convenient depots at the two main airports and will try to help you the best they can. I had a problem with one tour company not mentioned here failing to inform the car rental firm I'd already paid, but Alamo were very good at sorting it out.
Its quite a tricky process, but if you can pay over here in the UK its a lot easier. You may still be required to produce a credit card at the other end in case there is any damage - don't worry this is quite normal. Don't forget to take your driving licence (full UK, naturally), otherwise they won't let you have the car! You will also be expected to produce your licence should you get stopped by the police, so its worth carrying it around with you. If you have a new photo one, you will need both parts of the licence.
HEALTH INSURANCE Don't leave home without it (that, and your credit card!). Medical assistance is available in the states along the lines of the NHS, but if you have a serious problem and are admitted to a hospital you may find yourself liable for all sorts of bills for things and treatments you've never heard of. Its fairly inexpensive, so don't skimp on it.
PASSPORT / VISA Don't forget this. It has to be a full UK 10-year job, and you must have 6 months (last time I checked) remaining on its expiry date, otherwise you'll have to renew before you go. Visas are not usually a problem for UK residents, but check with your travel agent or the US embassy before you go. Visa waiver forms are available for UK residents on the plane, together with a customs declaration you have to fill out and hand in at the other end.
MONEY You'll need spending money, of course. Orlando isn't just a beach holiday - expect to part with a LOT of money while you're there, whether it's on eating, drinking, shopping or entertainment. As a guide, when I go as a couple I take approximately $1000 which doesn't include Disney tickets. A family of four can easily part with $1000 for attractions alone. I know the exchange rate is lousy at the moment, so just shop around - you'd actually be surprised how good the rate at the airport can be! You don't need acres of cash, just a few dollars for tips, tolls etc when you arrive. Take most of it in US Dollar travellers cheques. These are accepted like you'd give a cheque here, and they can be easily replaced if lost. Don't forget the credit card, either!
OK, I think we're just about ready for the off then?
FRUIT DOGS No, I'm being serious, and so is the US Govt. Customs officials walk through the airport with beagles sniffing for fruit in your luggage. They are VERY strict on plants, animals and fruits being brought into the country unofficially. It is an offence to take fruit into the US, and you WILL be fined up to I think $1,000 for it. Unfortunately many airlines provide the children with an apple for their dessert, and I did witness a fruit beagle sniff the child out and her parents being told they would have to pay the fine off their credit card. Don't get caught out by this. Now I've frightened you, onto some of the delights of Orlando before I get writer's cramp or block or something!!
BUYING ATTRACTION TICKETS There are 3 main ways to obtain attraction tickets: 1. Buy from your rep. They can often obtain discounts (although not from Disney) and you can purchase all your tickets on the first day you're there. Disadvantage is you'll have to try and think up front of where you want to go. They will show you a presentation film, but it doesn't always give you a lot of time to decide, particularly if there are a few of you! 2. At the gate. This is an option if you decide to go somewhere you're just passing. However, be prepared to queue, particularly at some of the more popular attractions. 3. Timeshare sales. All the local publications / free guides telling you where you can go will have adverts for cheap tickets. These usually involve you sitting through a timeshare presentation. I've never done this, as I don't think I could say "no", but it's down to you. I have heard of people making spectacular savings, but also of people receiving tickets that were worthless when presented on the gate.
THE ATTRACTIONS: DISNEY Well, what can I say about Disney? It's great! However, it can be VERY tiring especially now with the four parks (Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios, EPCOT Center and Animal Kingdom). There are a number of ticket options you can purchase (see website for current prices). They depend on whether you are going to be "park hopping", ie using their transportation. You will have to pay for parking at Disney (currently $7 a day) unless you are a resident of one of their hotels or an annual season ticket holder. Once you've paid that, you can drive to another Disney park and park for free if you show them your ticket.
Which brings me to the annual ticket. For three years running I had an annual pass to Disney. If you are intending to go twice within a 12 month period it works out cheaper than buying two separate passes. There are other discounts and benefits you get too, including free parking, discounts on certain events. It doesn't matter that you live in the UK, either! It's worth considering as its UNLIMITED ACCESS. If you want to, you can visit Disney every day of your holiday for a couple of hours. You're not restricted to a certain number of days you can visit. If you're planning to stay at a Disney hotel, don't forget your admission is usually included (double-check your brochure).
So what's the best thing to do in Disney? Really, it's up to the individual as to his/her preferences. I know I have my favourite rides and places to eat. While the rides are free, don't forget that all the extras such as food and merchandise can be quite pricey. One thing to watch out if you are staying at a Disney park is their pack-up-and-go service, where you can buy things and have them sent up to your room/hotel. You can sorely underestimate how much stuff you've bought if you're not having to lug it around the park with you!
My favourite attractions within Disney are (in no particular order): Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Honey I Shrunk The Audience, Test Track, Muppets 3D and the Norwegian ride in Epcot. Perhaps when I have more time I'll sit and write a more comprehensive op on Disney's attractions (the hundreds there must be by now!)
UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS / ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE Used to be Universal Studios and has branched out to this second theme park. The studios still have the old favourites there - Jaws, ET, Back to the Future etc. I love this park to bits, especially Terminator 2! Islands of Adventure has branched out a bit more into the cartoon/fantasy realm, including the Cat in the Hat, Popeye, Spiderman etc, and contains a few more "hairy" rides than the Studios. This was an amusing and fun day out, but as I'm not a great one for the hairy rides, I prefer the Studios.
There is also the Universal Citywalk which is a number of bars, cafes and such on the walk up to the Studios and Islands entrance. This is where you'll find the Hard Rock Café, and is a popular place to go in the evening.
As per Disney, I had an annual pass to Universal Studios. This will give you not only free parking, but discounts on merchandise and food throughout the park. Latest prices and details are on their site, and you can subscribe to their newsletter for latest information on events.
KING HENRY'S FEAST/WILD BILL'S Just two examples of the numerous dinner shows that you can go to. Some tour operators sell the tickets, others may give you free tickets but you pay for the "tip". This is different from normal tipping, in that you don't leave your tip for your waitress but pay at the cash desk in advance. Its usually around $6 a person, but when you see how much you get to eat its worth it. The entertainment is very good, including how much the waitresses manage to carry around on their trays! It always includes unlimited wine, beer or soft drinks, served in pitchers so don't expect the latest draught export!
SEAWORLD My favourite park in Orlando, but I won't dwell on it too much - this op is already way too long! They have lots of attractions, including the famous Shamu and Dolphin shows, but have some lesser known exhibits highlighting their work with rescuing wild animals. Wild Arctic is great fun if you're into polar bears, and on a hot Orlando day the chill of this exhibit is most welcome! Again, I had an annual pass which gives you free parking. It also gives you discounts on merchandise. If you have time while you're there try to take in one or more of the behind-the-scenes tours which show you areas you wouldn't normally see. They are not included in the admission price, although as an annual pass holder I got them free.
COUPONS Coupons are big business in the US, particularly in Orlando. Most shops will have a rack on the way out with Free publications about the area, such as "See Orlando". They are full of adverts of places to go, places to eat and where to shop. Coupons can save you an absolute fortune while shopping or eating - there are lots of 2 for 1 or kids eat free vouchers. Don't be frightened to use them - people expect you to! You'll be surprised just how much you can save just by a little careful coupon management!
DISCOUNT STORES Orlando is one of the world's capital Discount store cities. There are discount stores all over International Drive, such as the Belz Factory Outlet, Reebok etc. Down in Lake Buena Vista you can visit "Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlet" - the VF outlet there has casual clothing at amazing prices. You'll be amazed at the bargains you can pick up in them, although you may have to be a little choosy if you're short of luggage space. I always take a spare or nearly empty suitcase when travelling to Orlando. Take full advantage of any coupons to make it even cheaper!
MALLS AND SUPERMARKETS There are of course normal malls you can visit, although there are more of them in the US than over here. Check out your hotels Yellow Pages for a complete listing. The Florida Mall is the most popular one with tourists as its not that far from the attractions. However, because of it's proximity to the attractions and discount outlets, there are often better bargains to be obtained at other malls.
Altamonte Mall (north of the city) is one of my favourites - it's a sizeable mall with other stores nearby such as Walmart. Remember Walmart who took over Asda? There's not much you will need that you can't find in this store! There's also one on SR192 in Kissimmee about 5-10 minutes drive from Disney.
FOOD AND DRINK Use your coupons! There aren't many places that will do bad food. It's the US, so people speak up if they don't like their food!
Good US restaurants include the Olive Garden, Sizzler, Ponderosa, International House of Pancakes, all of which will provide a good meal for a reasonable price. Sizzler and Ponderosa are best known for their "all you can eat breakfast" which at around $3.99 for an adult plus drinks and tips, and is a good start to the day, so you won't always need lunch!
You have as well the usual takeaways - Pizza Hut, KFC, McDonalds, Burger King. Taco Bell is one of my favourites and I wish it was here in the UK. Wendy's is also a firm American favourite.
If you want to cater yourself, or even just keep some goodies in the hotel room to munch on rest days, there are plenty of supermarkets around. There are "Goodings" on International Drive and at Lake Buena Vista, plus Walmart in Kissimmee. There are lots of minimarts around too. "Eckerd" is a US-style Boots. They sell pharmacy products and medicines, plus are a relatively cheap source of knick-knacks, drinks and nibbles (including alcohol!). For example, you can often pick up a 12-pack of Coke for under $3 (£2, which is what we charge for 6 cans here).
If you are a Costco member in the UK, this membership is WORLDWIDE. Take your Costco card with you as there is a store near the Florida Mall where you can get supplies in even cheaper!
TIPPING You have probably already heard that tipping is a way of life for the restaurant trade. This is true - waiting staff make up most of their wages in tips. However, the general tip for good service still applies - I have refused to tip on more than one occasion because of bad service. And I'm generally easily pleased. Good service will warrant 15%. For an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast you would generally leave around $1 per person.
Well, I've just about exhausted this topic for now. I'm sure I'll be providing more in-depth ops of some of the attractions in due course. Have a nice holiday, and don't forget the postcard! :o)
GREAT, I WILL BE GOING THERE IN TWO WEEKS TIME, GREAT OP
slubberd 17.01.2005 22:05
Geez..how much more informative do you want it to be...just as I'm thinking..'Ohh that's not covered..' here it is. Very helpful and totally decided to go with Travel City now!
timsenga 23.06.2004 16:49
We fly out in 6 weeks and I can't wait. Found out more here thank from the last 2 weeks of constant web searching! We have used Travel City Direct and I agree they are superb.
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