Help with decision for off-site

[Poohbeck]

It is so nice to be back to the Dis Boards!
We have decided we would like to go to Florida, or anywhere warm, for Feb. break in 2006. I typed in all types of vacation destinations for the time period and Olrando comes up the cheapest from Hartford, CT. We don't want to do Disney because we just did Disney in Nov. 2004. Actually, I'd love to go again, but we want to just get away and go somewhere warm. When we go to Disney, I like to do Disney with no worries about money.

Can anyone give advice on the following trips: The prices range from $1500 - $1700 for 2 adults and 2 children for 6 evenings, airfare included.
Comfort Suites Maingate East
Fantasy World Club Villas
Caribe Royale Resort Suites and Villas
Ventura Resort Rentals

Thanks alot. I've read a bit on some of these establishments, but, was wondering if anyone had more info. There are some other hotels/villas that I have read good reviews on, but they are not coming up in the priced packages I am getting. Also, since we are not doing Disney, will be sad staying at any of these resorts because we are not doing Disney. We have talked about maybe doing SeaWorld (have never done it) and maybe going to the beach one day, but, that's about it.

If anyone has any suggestions, much appreciated! I need to book this trip by tomorow before the rates change.

Thanks again.

[spiceycat]

I would go with a skyauction bid - make a hotel reservation now that you can cancel.

I would get on SouthWest mailing list - now with their $79 internet rate - for all four of you it would be $707.60 to fly to Orlando there and back. that is the total price - I tried in June and Oct - got the same rate.

sometimes when SW first announced their flights - they also offer a great discount - $49 to $59. even with the new gas prices - this should be in $55 to $70 range.

You should be able to get a nice resort using skyauction for $211 to $400.

you would need a rental car. with the magical express that WDW is doing - rental car rates in Orlando have dropped. So you can probably get one for $150 or less.

[Poohbeck]

Thanks for the tips. Iv'e never used sky aution, I just took a peek at it and I can't find anything for Feb. 2006. I quess I need to search a little more. Thanks again.

[spiceycat]

you need to look for Feb, 2006 - in around Nov, 2005.

Southwest just came out with their Oct - so start checking in Sept for the Feb, 2006 rates - they probably won't list them until Oct or Nov - but the good rates go quickly.

if you go on skyauction - get a Sat to Sat flight.

if you want to go with a hotel then try these

www.hotelkingdom.com
www.hotelmartusa.com

however most places don't have their 2006 rates posted - so they can only give you an estimate.

[isla bonita]

It depends on when in Feb. you go. For us it is school vacation and tickets are very high even on Southwest.

[justcantwait]

We're flying on Song from Hartford to Orlando in October, and got a rate of $79 each way. I like the idea of actually having an assigned seat, rather than first come first served on Southwest. I don't know what the rates are like for the time you're going, but it seems you can also book farther in advance on Song than on Southwest. Just something to look at :confused3
Hope it helps!

Kathy

[DebMcDonald]

Also consider flying out of Boston and Providence sometimes different airports have different prices.