Florida is located in the south east part of the United States of America. With its subtropical climate it is known as the sunshine state and as such is an extremely popular holiday destination for visitors. Florida`s main source of industry comes from tourism and its agriculture of oranges, tomatoes and grapefruit and its largest city is Jacksonville.
There is little that Florida does not offer as a holiday destination. For the family there is a vast array of attractions including the world famous Walt Disney World resort in Orlando with attractions such as Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Lake Buena Vista and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Other attractions include Florida Aquarium which was voted Florida`s best Aquarium. Another attraction is the Miccosukee Indian village where visitors can enjoy craftwork such as patchwork, doll making, beadwork and even alligator demonstrations.
Visitors traveling from the UK to Florida can be sure to have plenty to see and do whilst touring the area. There are many popular destinations in Florida to visit including Orlando, Miami, Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, Florida Keys and many others so it would be practical to consider hiring a car for a hassle free vacation. Once arriving in Florida there are many companies that offer car hire and this is a popular option for many people and families. It is relatively stress-free traveling, facilitates daily planned excursions during the holiday and allows destinations which are further afield to be more accessible.
Some pointers and ideas for low cost and trouble free journey: to avoid any disappointments, booking as far in advance as possible will keep the cost low and secure a place on the required flight. This would be especially relevant if the travel had to take place on a particular date and an alternative was not an option. Another way to keep the cost down is to pick up any last minute deals if the travel date is flexible. The airport sometimes has standby tickets available for flights which are often considerably discounted. Searching for any late deals online can often result in picking up a bargain. Flying at `unsociable` times will also keep the cost low and passengers can also obtain some good savings when airlines present promotional flights.
Another important factor to remember before embarking on a holiday is to seek out the best exchange rate deals available. A key point is to use a credit card that offers the best deal. Some credit cards do charge a fee on every transaction that takes place abroad in addition to an already extortionate exchange rate. Another point is to not be tempted to exchange money at the airport as the exchange rates are very high as a matter of course. Try also not to use debit cards abroad as they incur a charge every time they are used.
Florida has long been a holiday destination that visitors have enjoyed year after year and as a result there are many flights available including cheap flights from the U.K to the resort. The flight itself takes approximately nine hours and there are scheduled flights from London, Manchester and Glasgow and charters from most UK airports. Flights are readily available through a variety of travel consultants and companies.
When you are planning your next vacation to sunny Florida, one of the most important factors to base your decision on is a convenient location.
All our villas are in Central Florida with easy access to Orlando and the Disney Theme Parks, Universal, Busch Gardens, Miami, Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach, and many other attractions in the area. The area also boasts a vast range of world class Golf Courses.
Whether you choose to rent the villa for you and your family, or a party of golfers or like-minded Theme Park enthusiasts, you’ll find the atmosphere to be one that is comforting and enjoyable while you soak up the year-round Florida sun.
Please note that we are able to get attractive discounts on tickets for the following attractions and shows and sometimes these are well below the prices you can obtain on the gates and with no queues to join in the Florida sunshine. Just pick the places you want to go, and email us for prices. Your tickets can be waiting for you on your arrival at your villa.
Just look at what this area has to offer...
Disney World - You and your family can enjoy the adventure offered here and our villas are within 6 miles of the gates. Not just for kids, Disney World offers many attractions, including Disney-Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM), Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Downtown Disney, where you can experience nightlife like no other. Don't forget the firework displays held every evening.
Sea World - What is a trip to Florida without visiting Sea World? Whether you choose the thrill of the rides offered in this park or prefer the spectacular shows that feature some of the most amazing creatures of the deep, you’ll find Sea World is a great place for you and your family to spend the day.
Universal Studios - If it is excitement, entertainment, and fine dining you’re looking for, you’ll find it at the Universal Orlando Resort. With Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Universal City Walk, you and your family will experience some of the best rides, go behind the scenes of movie-making, and shop at some of the best places in Florida, ending the day with a great choice of nightclubs and bars, all within this one location.
Gatorland - Gatorland will allow you and your family to experience the alligator close up. Beginning when you walk through the alligator mouth entrance, this experience will provide you and your family with fun-filled memories.
Wet N Wild - Here you’ll find out why this water park is rated the best by Aquatics International, when you and your family visit. With a variety of slides and water activities for both children and adults, you and your family will find it an exciting adventure.
Cocoa Beach - Offering hours of entertainment to the visitor, Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando, only an hour’s drive away from your villa and is a perfect place to enjoy both recreation and leisure. Whether you simply wish to relax on the beach or do some shopping, you’ll find everything you need at Cocoa.
Kennedy Space Center - Just over an hour away from your villa, you’ll find the Kennedy Space Center an amazing place to visit. Whether you are looking to enjoy the exhibits or indulge yourself in some astronaut ice-cream, a visit here will offer you and your family a glimpse of history and the future. Why not give your family the experience of a lifetime and book your holiday to coincide with a rocket or shuttle launch?
Click here for the schedule of upcoming launches: http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html
Busch Gardens - If you and your family enjoy roller coaster rides, Busch Gardens is the place to visit. Just an hour away, you’ll find the largest and fastest roller coaster in the South. Families from all over will get the excitement they crave at Busch Gardens.
World of Orchids, 250 Old Lake Wilson Road, Kissimmee. (407) 396-1887
Featuring thousands of blooms in an enclosed tropical rainforest, World of Orchids is actually a working greenhouse shipping orchids and other plants nationwide. A greenhouse covers nearly an acre, and in this controlled warm, humid air some 1,000 orchids are displayed in a natural jungle setting, with streams, waterfalls, and squawking parrots. World of Orchids also has a 1,000-foot-long boardwalk meandering off into nearby wetlands. Admission is free.
Bok Tower, 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, Florida (863) 676 1408
The Bok tower was built for Mr. Edward William Bok around the 1920’s. It is surrounded by magnificent tranquil gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jnr., the son of the landscape designer of Central Park, New York. The perfect place for a picnic for those who wish for a day of more leisurely pursuits.
Arabian Nights - Enjoy a delicious Prime Rib Banquet in the wonderful Palace of Horses as you watch a tale of romance and intrigue unfold as you dine.
Makahiki Luau - A Polynesian evening complete with authentic costumes and Pacific Islands cuisine will make this a night to remember.
Capone's - A great show and dinner. Comedy, cabaret and lots of audience participation. If you want to feel like a gangster or a gangster's moll go here and check out the other 'families'. Just keep an eye out for the taxman....
Medieval Times - As the name suggests you will be carried back in time to witness a tournament of games, jousting and hand to hand combat for the entertainment of King Alphonso the Magnificent and his guests. You will be treated as noble Lord's and Ladies as you dine on a Royal four course Medieval feast.
Murder Watch Mystery - Visit one of the two shows held on Saturday nights where you solve the murder mystery whilst dining on an unlimited buffet in a supper club atmosphere akin to New York or Las Vegas. If you prove to be the Super Sleuth of the evening you will be handsomely rewarded with the coveted prize of the Murder Watch watch.
Pirates Dinner Adventure - Swashbuckling action as you become the hostage of a band of pirates who think nothing of plundering, pillaging and robbing. Lot's of audience participation, lots of good food, and more importantly, lots of great fun!!
Sleuth's - Accept an invitation to Gerald Keenan's 80th Birthday Party where during the festivities Mr. Keenan is murdered. It is up to you to discover who did the dastardly deed and prizes are awarded to those who solve the crime.
The Shopping Experience - Discover the advantages of shopping in all the up market shops & the discount outlet malls that other cities may have to offer without the disadvantage of weather problems, parking, and expensive hotels.
Just to give you an idea - there are eleven major malls and outlet centers in the Orlando area where you can find everything from 75% discounts on designer goods to up market shopping at the Mall at Millenia where you can mingle with the fashionable residents of the area whilst you shop in major stores such as Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus and Macy's in luxurious surroundings. In addition to that there are outlet stores selling everything from trainers to major brand electronics at massive reductions; and four major flea markets that between them have 3000 vendors with merchandise offering savings of up to 75%.
Why not get a party of friends together and come over on a shopping trip? Shop 'til you drop - drop at your private villa pool with a well-deserved cocktail after a hard day's shopping that is. Call us now for special deals.
The Alternative Holiday - However you wish to spend your time on your holiday, we can arrange a trip for you. Some of Florida’s best kept secrets are the alternatives available for those who want to experience something off the beaten track.
Swim with Dolphins. Why not try the 2 day Swim with the Dolphins Trip? This is a once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy a picturesque ride to Key Largo where you will check into the beautiful Bayside Resort complete with a private beach. A bountiful evening meal will be served on the Beach. The whole Dolphin expericence takes place in the natural ocean and will be either the afternoon of your arrival or the morning after arrival. A flotation device will be provided and is mandatory. The swim is approximately 1 1/2 hours and involves educational briefing and the history of the Dolphins you will be with. While in the water you can expect Dolphin kisses and handshakes as well as other interactions from these marvalous creatures. Day two begins with continental breakfast and Everglades Adventure wtih an AirBoat ride. See an alligator and snake handling demostration. You will also visit Miami's Bayside shopping area before returning to Orlando. See our Discount Attraction Tickets section for good savings on this trip. Even those who don't want to swim can come with you on our 'no swim' deal. That way the whole family can share the experience.
Other alternatives include:
Find more information here:
Orlando Weekly What's On Calendar
If you have any ideas of your own just ask us for details when booking your holiday of a lifetime.
And, if that's not enough...
When you and your family stay with us, you will be able to enjoy scenic paths and see nature at its best. In this idyllic setting, you’ll find your villa to be close to tropical landscapes, orange groves, protected conservation areas and many golf courses. As these amazing vacation rentals are so close to Disney and so many other attractions, it will allow you and your family to truly customize your family vacation.