Top Tips to make the most of your holiday!

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Florida Guide > Hints and Tips

Top Tips to make the most of your holiday!

We have been coming to Florida for over 30 years now, and over the years you learn to understand how to squeeze every last bit of enjoyment out of your vacation. First, start your planning early - decide which is the best time for you to go- of course, if you have children, your options are limited. Consider how hot you like it! If you are not constrained by school breaks then do think of going when it will be less busy - September, November early December and January are all good choices.

Now think about accommodation; for the first few years we booked hotels out of habit and then we discovered private homes and our holidays were lifted onto a new level. Check the link at the top of the page. Another thing to talk about is whether to join up with another family -this can be fun for the children and you can either rent two smaller vacation rentals close together or perhaps the most fun is to rent a large rental villa. The maximum sized property is seven bedrooms which accommodate up to 16 guests so taking grandma and grand dad is not a bad idea either as you have willing baby sitters and they will sure have a ball watching their grandchildren at Disney. Orlandovillas.com has a whole range of villas from three bedrooms up to those large seven bedroomed villas as just mentioned.

Next, book your flight; do not forget that Orlando, Sanford and Tampa are options and you might even wish to consider a flight to Miami and then drive up after a night lay over in an airport hotel. Whether you book a scheduled direct flight or a charter flight will largely depend on your flexibility. Indirect flights are a good option in high season.

Car hire is also best booked through the Orlandovillas.com link and is truly fully inclusive. Their after sales care is also second to none which gives you peace of mind. I have had many occasions to bless rental car specialist Roulla for her help. Some larger parties rent one large 15 seater minibus whilst others book two or three vehicles to offer more flexibility...the choice is yours. If you have always wanted to drive with the roof down in a convertible then now is the chance although remember that the trunk 'boot' space is quite small and think of the shopping and the cases!

Park Tickets will be next on your list. If it your first time you may want to concentrate on the Disney Parks. If you have been before or going for more than 2 weeks then there is a combination parks ticket that works great. At Park-tickets.com they have popular bundles or packages of tickets as well as selling individual park tickets.

It is a good idea to do a little planning first and make a rough schedule. Means you can warn teenagers of an early start the night before!! Take it easy on the first day- you will be a little tired after your long flight (or perhaps drive) and give you time to explore and enjoy your wonderful rental home.

If you must visit a park on day one, might I suggest Animal Kingdom which is not so big and closes earlier.

Finally, you can save a lot of money by eating some meals in and your home will be equipped with stove, fridge, microwave and dishwasher to make this easy. Most stores have cooked chickens and prepared salads to make this a breeze.
And finally, have a great time!

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