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Orlando Holidays 2024/2025
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2024/2025 Orlando Holidays Guide
For those who love the theme parks in Florida, holidays to Orlando are perfect for 2024 or 2025. Enjoy the warm weather, a private villa and days upon days of fun-filled family time across the numerous theme parks here.
From the magical streets of Walt Disney World to the excitement of Universal Studios, there really is something for everyone and can be educational too, with futuristic worlds at Epcot, the wildlife at Animal Kingdom or the Kennedy Space Center out on the east coast. And there are plenty of tour operators to choose from, including Virgin Holidays, TUI, Disney Holidays and many more, so let us help you find the perfect Orlando package holiday.
Popular Hotels In Orlando
Getting To, From And Around Orlando
Many of the top airlines fly direct from the UK to Orlando International Airport (MCO) including British Airways, TUI and Virgin Atlantic flights. During peak holiday season, they often add on charter flights once or twice a week to cater for the increase in demand to Florida. Direct is the best option but sometimes, especially during high season like Christmas and school holidays, it can be cheaper to fly indirect via other US airports like New York JFK or Atlanta. Flights to Orlando from the UK take around 9 hours 30 mins.
Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)
When booking a package holiday with TUI, you might find that your flights to Orlando actually land at Melbourne Orlando International Airport (airport code MLB). This is different from Orlando International Airport (airport code MCO). One of the main reasons TUI Airways fly here is because of cost. Melbourne is actually right out on the east coast of Florida, about 110km from Orlando city centre. The cost to fly here is much cheaper, meaning they can pass on those cheaper flights to you. Melbourne Orlando Airport is also a much quieter airport, making it much nicer to travel through (and often much quicker because there are no security or passport control queues).
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tampa airport is another option worth looking at when you're looking to keep your holiday to Orlando as cheap as possible, especially during the school holidays. Although it's a 90 minute drive from Disney and Universal, the airport can be less busy and have cheaper flight options too.
Getting Around
Once you've arrived in Orlando, one of the best ways to get around is by car. Many of the attractions are spread out in this part of Florida, so if you're staying in Kissimmee, and want to visit areas like Disney and International Drive, car hire can be very affordable and can often be included within the cost of your package.
Where To Stay In Orlando
There are loads of accommodation options from downtown Orlando hotels to Lake Buena Vista Villas and it can seem like a minefield to work out where to stay, so here's our handy guide. For budget friendly options take a look at Rosen Inn hotels or villas around Kissimmee and Davenport.
International Drive
If you want to be close to a lot of the action, International Drive contains all you need. A short drive to the Universal Orlando Resort, a range of hotel accommodation, plus plenty of restaurants and shopping make this area a very popular area. It can also come at a cost too. Being so close to everything, you'll find that Orlando holiday prices here can be higher than that of other areas. Check out our 10 best hotels on International Drive, Orlando
Lake Buena Vista
Further south you'll find the area of Lake Buena Vista and close to where the Disney parks are, along with Disney's resort hotels. It's a bit more spread out here but you'll still be able to enjoy shopping and dining at Disney Springs. Again holiday costs can be a bit higher here due to the proximity of Walt Disney World Resort and Epcot.
Walt Disney World Resort
The perfect Disney World holidays are to actually stay within Walt Disney World Resort. There are a range of hotels here, from budget accommodation like Disney's Pop Century Resort and Art Of Animation Resort, to the deluxe resort hotels like Disney's Polynesian Village Resort to the truly magical Animal Kingdom Lodge. These can cost more but being on the doorstep of the Magic Kingdom can make it all worthwhile.
Universal Orlando Resort
Located across the I-4 Expressway from Florida Center and the Premium Outlets, Universal Orlando Resort is another exciting area to stay. Popular hotels within the resort area include Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Endless Summer Resort and the Hard Rock Hotel. Staying at a resort hotel will get you complimentary transport to Universal Studios Florida, as well as select early park admission.
Kissimmee
Many families choose to stay in Kissimmee, a town south of Orlando airport where you'll find a lot of holiday villas around Orlando, with holiday complexes, perfect for a 2 week holiday. Being a further drive from the parks, package prices can be much cheaper here, giving you lots of space in your holiday home. There are lots of restaurant options dotted around here too for when you don't fancy cooking. The drive from Kissimmee to Disney can take around 25-30 minutes by car.
Davenport
For those on a budget, or who want to explore more of Florida, Davenport can be a great option. Located a 30 minute drive south of the Disney parks, Davenport offers lots of self catering Florida villas, many in gated communities and with their own private pool. 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom villas are ideal for larger families or groups, with even 5 or 6 bed homes available for multiple families on holiday together.
Things To Do In Orlando
Theme Parks & Attractions
It's the theme park capital of the world, so of course, if you've booked a holiday to Orlando, you'll no doubt have plenty of the theme parks on your to do list. When you book, you may find that you can book your park tickets at the same time, often saving you a fortune depending on the tour operator you book with and the offers available at the time, including tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and EPCOT. But it's not just the typical parks on offer. Here you've got the water slides of Blizzard Beach and other water parks for cooling off in the sunshine state, or more educational parks like Animal Kingdom and the Kennedy Space Center.
Shopping
Another great reason to visit Orlando is for the shopping. There are lots of shopping centres and, better still, outlet malls, offering huge discounts off lots of your favourite brands, including premium brands and clothing stores only found in the US. Just keep an eye on your luggage allowance on the return flight home! A trip out to the Florida Mall or Orlando International Premium Outlets are a must for every shopaholic.
Kennedy Space Center
The John F. Kennedy Space Center is another favourite attraction when visiting this part of Florida on a family holiday. It's a good 45-60 minute drive from International Drive out to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, but it's a fascinating place to spend the day, learning about the history of American space travel.
Sports Teams
The USA is well known as the home of American Football and a mecca for basketball fans. When you visit Orlando, make sure to check out who's playing while you're in town. Take a look at Orlando Magic and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Golf
With pretty good weather throughout the year, Orlando makes a great golf holiday destination. Popular courses include Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill, Shingle Creek Golf Club and Reunion Resort, all of which can be combined with accommodation, car hire, and Disney and Universal attraction tickets, as part of a package.
The Beach
Being in central Florida, you're pretty much within 2 hours of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Of Mexico, both of which have some incredible beaches. On a two week trip, head out to places like St Pete's & Clearwater on the west coast or Daytona Beach on the east coast. They are also great places to stay if you're doing a fly drive holiday and staying in different places.
Orlando Weather & When To Go
You might think that the summer is the best time to go to Orlando, but it isn't. Even though this is great for families with kids in school, this is the hottest part of the year, with high humidity in July and August making it prone to sweltering heat and thunderstorms. Winters are warm here and it's easy to see why many American's choose to spend the winter months of December to February here, escape the colder north.
Instead, opt for the late winter, early spring and autumn months when the weather is still warm but not too hot, so spending time outside at the parks is much more enjoyable when you're wandering from ride to ride and getting your photo taken with Mickey Mouse or Goofy! You'll also find the parks can be quieter too.
Whatever time of year you visit, make sure to drink plenty of water. It's amazing when you're so distracted and out in the sunshine, how dehydrated you can get.
Holiday Companies To Orlando
Virgin Holidays
Virgin Holidays are well known for their US holidays, and Florida is no different. They can package up an ATOL protected holiday, including flights, accommodation (hotel or villa), plus park tickets and car hire, meaning you don't have to worry about a thing. They can help advise on the best accommodation options for your group, whether you're a couple looking to enjoy your honeymoon here, or taking a large family for a once in a lifetime trip to see your favourite Disney characters.
TUI
More known for it's European holidays, TUI Holidays also offers family holidays in Orlando, with scheduled and charter flights from across the UK into Orlando International, you can book your hotel or villa, car hire and theme park tickets all in one go. If booking far enough in advance, you can also take advantage of their deposit scheme, paying off the balance of your holiday over a period of months.
Walt Disney Travel Company / Disney Holidays
Did you know, you can book Walt Disney World holidays direct? The Walt Disney Travel Company is a great option if you want an Orlando package holiday with Disney park tickets, accommodation and flights. They have access to all official Disney hotels and often have money saving offers like free dining & drinks, 14-Day Magic Ticket for the price of 7, AND you can pay with a low deposit from as little as £50 per person. What's more, they are ABTA and ATOL protected, offering extra financial protection.
Our Favourite Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Kids Eat Free Card Orlando
Orlando holidays can be notoriously expensive, especially during school holidays, but there are ways to save money. Although you don't get free child places, if you've got kids in your group, you can take advantage of the Kids Eat Free Card. It costs as little as £10 per child under 11 years old, lasts for 90 days and means a child eats free in over 120 family friendly restaurants in the Orlando area. To qualify, an adult meal must be purchased for each free child meal, and each child needs their own card.
Free Things To Do In Orlando
If you're on a budget, there are some great free things to do in Orlando, especially with kids. For Disney themed activities, head to Disney Springs® and Disney's BoardWalk, both of which are wonderful places to spend time. ICON Park® is another really good option, and is hub of shops, restaurants and entertainment, plus The Orlando Eye (although this costs money). And don't forget the outdoors. There are loads of great walking trails, nature reserves and parks in Florida, and where better to enjoy the warm Florida weather than in the outdoors.
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