1st ever trip-any tips???

[kitcat1]

Hi All,

After having talked about it since 1997 we have finally booked our flights and are off in April 07 for 17 days. We are busily reading the orlando guide for brits book to decide on what tickets to buy. Our kids are 17 and 14 so are fancying trying some top thrill rides and experiencing the water parks too.
We are also trawling the net looking for a no frills, 3 bed villa with pool, nice and close to the attractions. So, if anyone can give us any tips or advice that would be great. We booked our flight with Virgin and got some great prices (299 each), flying from Manchester, are they ok, any advice there?? I hear you can pre-book your seats, is this worth doing? We live in France so have to fly into Manchester the day before so are looking for a BB or hotel nice and close to the airport, can anyone recommend anything.

Thanks in advice for your help.

Cath

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi and welcome,

Virgin in my opinion are great, very experienced at long haul flights to Orlando, they are a good choice.
You can pre-book seats yes.

As for villas, I think Kissimmee (just outside Orlando) is in an ideal location where you will be close to everything - I presume you are renting a car?

These sites are all very good:

www.vr360homes.co.uk
www.villas2000.com
www.holiday-rentals.com

You probably need to research and decide which parks you must visit and book your tickets accordingly, for top thrill rides Universal's Island's Of Adventure park is probably the tops - but ALL the parks are good and different in many ways.

The best tip (there are many and no doubt you will get lots of responses) for a 1st timer is not to try and cram too much in, WDW and Orlando in general is massive and in all of the parks you will walk miles.
Taking things at a slower pace will hopefully mean you will appreciate it all the more.

The weather in April is ideal for touring Florida.

 

[UKDEB]

Hi Cath

Just wanted to say "Hi, and welcome". With 10 years in the planning, you'll be wanting to make it a good one. My advice is to post lots of questions here and then, once you arrive at WDW, to make the most of every second and take time to stop and take it all in.

 

[lizbro]

i would also recommend looking a relatively new site for villas but there are legit-a local travel agents - called www.morefloridavillas.com as the prices for when we want to go are really good although we have to get a 4 bed for location!but theres no under occupancy charge for getting a 4 bed

 

[kitcat1]

I was also thinking that perhaps a self catering condo would work as we will be out most of the time, perhaps it would be cheaper than a villa???? Any thoughts??? Thanks, Cath

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I was also thinking that perhaps a self catering condo would work as we will be out most of the time, perhaps it would be cheaper than a villa???? Any thoughts??? Thanks, Cath

I think it would be cheaper yes, never rented one ourselves but I am sure apartments/condo's could be an option but cannot recommend any websites, I am sure if you just search on the internet you would find some.

I guess it comes down to cost as you say, naturally you would not probably have the same amount of room and possibly not a private pool either.

 

[AndRu]

As Johnny said, if you're after thrill rides then Islands of Adventure has to be visited. Hulk, Spiderman, Dr Doom, Jurassic Park and Duelling Dragons are superb rides. When you factor in 2 great water rides (Popeye and Dudley DoRight), the Poseidon(sp?) show, the themeing and other attractions it will suit those of an adventurous nature perfectly. If you get time, also think about a trip to Busch Gardens as this has some great coasters in Montu, Kumba, Shriek Ra plus others.

Planning, whilst it doesn't have to be with millitary precision, is very important. Get the books, read the websites and post questions on here for a variety of responses to get a balanced view of what to expect. It will help if you have some idea of what to expect before you get to Orlando so that you don't waste time doing things that aren't of interest to you. For example, as you've specified wanting thrill rides, don't plan to spend a lot of time at Epcot. However, if you want to spend a day in a Disney park with only a couple of exciting rides (Mission Space / Test Track) then visit Epcot. As for the water parks, I prefer Typhoon Lagoon. It has a good mix of relaxing areas with some great slides - and a chance to swim with fish in very cold water.

No trip to Orlando would complete without a trip to the Magic Kingdom. Although it hasn't got major thrill rides (Space Mountain is a bit tame), the experience of the park as whole is something not to be missed.

Have fun planning!