American specialists or TCD

[major]

Hi,
Wonder if anyone can help.

We have had a quote from TCD for £5091 for 9 of us, flying for Manchester, 12 seater van with all insurance, staying at 5 bedroom villa in Calabay Parc.

I have now got a cheaper quote from American specialists for £4677. Flying with Thomas Cook from a local airport ( as opposed to a 4 hr drive away) . The van hire + insurance included. The villa is a 4bedroomed, AOA "guaranteed in disney area".

However, I haven't heard of the company before (got the name from teletext) we haven't travelled with Thomas Cook before and don't know what they offer (service/seat pitch/seatback tv etc) and not sure if AOA is ok if they guarantee the disney area.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

With thanks
Linda

 

[AlanUK]

Sorry I can't help but I'll give you a bump in case someone comes along who can

 

[Miffy2003]

I would go with the cheaper flight from the local airport - even if the plane is not as "good" (and it may be the same as the TCD one, I don't know), not having the 4 hour drive home when jetlagged would be priceless for me


Fact hat it is cheaper would be a bonus as well

I have not used the company personally though.

 

[jns]

Have you priced flight only or fly drive from your local airport
and then book your villa yourself , then you know what you get

 

[major]

Thanks for the replies. it seems a good idea booking the flights seperately but, as I have never done this before thought it might be a bit scary . Would I be able to find a 4bed villa for £698 and a 12 seater van for £478 (which includes the insurance) which is the price we have been quoted. If so, any recommedations on finding villa/van would be great.

Lastly,has anyone travelled to Orlando with Thomas Cook and if so what were they like.

Thanks
Linda x

 

[Spook]

Hope this doesn't confuse things more for you but we booked via Kenwood Travel. Flying Virgin at end of July and it was cheaper than booking with another independent company flying indirect. Their freephone no. is 08000 112211 and they were extremely helpful.

Jan

 

[major]

Hi,
I have already had a quote form Kenwood and they worked out £1300 more expensive than florida-specialists (www.flights2orlando.com).

I am sooo confused . I want the best deal but don't want to end up in a villa that isn't v.nice. This will be our 1st villa hol and i'm really looking forward to it and don't want to be disappointed by booking the wrong holiday.

Cheers
Linda x

 

[Spook]

Hi Linda - I know how stressful it is - we were going round and round in circles. Hope you are able to make a decision soon

Jan

 

[brer rabbit 28]

have you got the brits guide to orlando? Simon gives loads of advice on flight and villa companies.I find his book invaluable and i wouldn't book anything without reading his take on it first.

 

[major]

Hi,
Thanks for all the replys...i don't know what I would do with out these boards.
Yeah, i have got Simon's book, it's the 2003 edition and brilliant... but,do you think I need to buy the current one???
Thanks
Linda x

 

[Miffy2003]

I have the 2003 & 2006 versions and there are lots of change and updates in the 2006 one to be honest. I would buy a new one but then I am a Holiday Guide junkie, so my opinion may not be the best

I would always prefer to book my own villa and end up with exactly what I wanted, rather than ending up with one which might be not in the location I wanted (and have the exact amenities I want)

 

[Netty]

American specialists have been around for a while, so i wouldnt worry about booking them! try looking on the thomas cook website for info, sorry i cant help, we havent flown with TC.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Personally whilst I am sure most villas issued by the travel companies will be very nice, I would rather choose where I stay.
There are some developments where you could be 20-25 minutes away from the attractions, I think it's best to find a nice - preferably fairly new home -close to supermarkets/restaurants, Disney and the I4.

Why don't you just book your fly-drive package with TCD and then your villa seperate? If you need any advice on where to stay I would be glad to offer my opinions on many of the developments.

Another vote for buying the latest copy of Simon's book.

 

[brer rabbit 28]

i would definately buy the 2006 book.I would also stick with his recommendations,that way you don't have to worry about things going wrong.

 

[NeilDrum]

We have just booked for January 2007 with Thomas Cook Signature.
For a Virgin Flight and 14 nights accommodation, we have paid £501.00 each!!

We got a £500.00 discount for staying on International Drive. Check out their website.

Just got to book a car now, which is working out about £200.00 so for everything we are looking at approx £600.00 each.

TCD who we have always flown with wanted £2000+ for the same deal!

Hope this helps.

Claire