Archive

Posts Tagged ‘walt disney’

Florida Family Vacation – Things To Do In Orlando

July 19th, 2009 No comments
by John Iseda

Despite how busy Orlando is, it is not the biggest city in Florida, not even the second, but the sixth largest, situated in an area called Central Florida. Orlando boasts very pleasant weather and some of the greatest theme parks in the world. There are plenty of things to do in Orlando, especially when you are on a family vacation.

Tourism is one of the city’s biggest income sources. A number of people who enter the area annually is estimated at stunning 52 million. In order to meet the requirements for the family vacation capital of the USA, Orlando is constantly developing at a rapid pace.

When thinking of Orlando, there’s one place that immediately comes to mind. Walt Disney World is one of the main reasons for the city’s popularity. Apart from its world famous theme parks, Disney World now offers a lot more lodging possibilities than it used to not so long ago.

Sea World is another very popular theme park and although there are only a couple of rides there, it really doesn’t matter as a family will find plenty of entertainment from all the sea creatures there including shows from dolphins and killer whales which should not be missed. However, many other shows are constantly going on where it is possible to get really close to sea creatures and you might find it hard to fit all the shows in with just one visit.

While Disney is a major attraction in Orlando, the Universal theme parks are also well worth a visit and so is the now famous Titanic Exhibition, located along International Drive. Be prepared to be moved by the fascinating and sometimes eerie tour.

However, if you are not a big theme park fan, the Arabian Nights show might be the thing for you. It features sixty trained horses and provides great entertainment for the entire family.

When it comes to hotels, you can easily find something suited for your budget in Orlando. There’s plenty to choose from; from cheaper options to luxury hotels, usually beautifully situated, with excellent sports facilities.

As you can clearly see, Orlando does have a lot to offer for everyone. The Disney World, while amazing, is definitely not the only attraction of this great city. If you decide to spend your family vacation in Orlando, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable time.

About the Author:

How To Decide On Orlando Holiday Villas Or Hotels

April 17th, 2009 No comments

So you’re thinking of booking Orlando holiday villas but can’t decide whether they are better than hotels for your vacation package. In the Disney area there are hundreds of both sorts of accommodation to choose from so which best suits your plans and budget? What are the pros and cons of each option?

The best known hotels are the resort hotels in Disney World and these may be your best option if you have a small group or if you intend to use almost all of your vacation in Orlando out and about in Walt Disney’s theme parks. Check out the vacation package deals that give you park passes as part of the total cost and compare this to your expenses if you had to buy tickets separately. Factor in the benefits of free transportation (although some local hotels offer free shuttle buses) and extended park hours (if applicable) and this could be the best option for your budget.

One cost to factor into your planning is the car expense. If you plan to fly down to Florida and stay at a hotel offering park transportation, you may not need to hire a car. Even if you’re driving down so you have no car hire cost, you can still avoid parking and gas charges if the hotel can provide you with the transportation you need.

Some families prefer to stay in a hotel so that the children can find playmates when playing at the hotel pool. For some parents this takes the pressure off having to keep the kids amused all the time and it often helps stop the squabbling between siblings if there is someone else to play with. Many of the hotels often have other activities like video games or pool tables or ping pong which help to stop the kids getting bored.

To conclude the examination of hotels, also factor in the quality and security benefits you get. Security: you can pay by credit card and take comfort from the protection that the card company provides if anything goes wrong. Quality: leading hotel chains promote their brand by standardizing the style, size and extras that they supply across the board.

How does this compare with an Orlando holiday villa?

One big advantage in using an Orlando holiday villa is the cost benefit if your family or group is large. The majority of vacation home owners or management companies price their homes independently of the party size. So a 5 bedroom 4 bathroom home that sleeps up to 12 people could be far more economical than the equivalent number of hotel rooms. In addition, children sleep in their own bedrooms, leaving parents to get a good night’s sleep in private just as they do in their own home.

And wouldn’t you like to have some sort of eating-in facility while you’re on vacation so that you’re not forced to go to the fast food place or family diner whenever you want to eat or drink? Orlando holiday villas come complete with some level of dining area and a fully equipped kitchen so you can enjoy a snack or even a formal meal whenever you wish.

Orlando holiday villas also offer more in the way of laid-back relaxation. When you want a little time away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, your own private screened pool is a great way to chill out, complete with towels and pool toys on hand when required. Tire the family out by encouraging them to use the games room that enthusiastic vacation rental home owners have built – pool and foosball tables, ping pong and darts are just some of what’s available. And keep them entertained when they’re ready to watch the multiple TVs and DVD players many homes now include.

So make your own choice – what’s most attractive to you, hotel rooms or Orlando holiday villas?

About the Author: