Moorgate Villa
Self Catering Vacation Rental, Davenport, Florida

Where to go for information

The first port of call for anyone going to Orlando should be the excellent Visitor Center.CLICK HERE to go to their website where you can get a useful information pack sent direct. It contains a guide to what's available, maps and the Orlando Magicard which gets you discounts in lots of places. They also sell reduced price attraction tickets.


VITAL TRAVEL CHANGES FOR USA VISITORS

From January 12th 2009 - I94W Green Forms usually completed on the plane for visa free travel were due to be phased out. The service is to be replaced with an on line application that should be completed as soon as you book your flights, but no later than 72 hours prior to your departure. For emergency or short notice travel contact the US Embassy for advice. This link will take you to the US Embassy page which explains who needs to apply and has a direct link to the application form. This is a requirement of Homeland Security.
Footnote: You may still be asked to fill in the green waiver form on the plane but it is uncertain when this will cease - still fill in the ESTA form - it is valid for 2 years from date of acceptance.
Latest news - There is likely to be a hadling charge made by the US from Septemebr or October onwards so get your ESTA form filled in now.
Web site https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Where do I get tickets and flights?

There are lots of airlines both scheduled and charter that fly into both Orlando International and Sanford and you can usually get the day you want. We do advise that bookings for the school holidays are made as soon as possible, especially if there are a lot of you, to avoid disappointment. Try all the websites, including the price checking ones. If you are prepared to fly indirectly and not at weekends you can save a lot of money. Often you get a better deal if you book your car hire at the same time. We usually go for the all inclusive package which includes a tank of fuel and extra drivers. We used to include a GPS satellite sytem to save arguments as well, but now we just take our own system with us with the US maps on SD card.HANDY HINT - if you do not have a GPS system (Sat nav) that includes the US - why not buy one when you are there - they are available from Walmart at very low prices$99 upwards- less than you would pay to hire them . If you are going back to Florida you can keep it or sell it on E-bay to someone who is. DO NOT be bullied into any extras you do not want at the airport. Their job is to sell you extras - and they are on commission - but if you have alrrady decided what you want why pay more?
Try lots of places including the traditional travel agents - they will often price match the internet if you have proof at the time of booking and you should get a bargain. More money to spend in the USA!

Photo courtesy of Orlando CVB

Theme parks and attractions

The one that everyone has heard of is Walt Disney World. Apart from the Magic Kingdom , make time to visit Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney Hollywood Studios. Add in the water parks Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon and you may not have time for much else. To view the details of the parks including the water parks and the shops and restaurants of Downtown Disney CLICK HERE

Sea world is the most popular marine-life park in the world and has close encounters with all the animals and spectacular shows as well. To find out about how to spend the day with the animals and all other details CLICK HERE
The new water park by Sea World - Aquatica mean that some of the water shoot rides actually go through large lagoons filled with playful dolphins. CLICK HERE

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is operated by the same company as Sea World and has recently undergone a complete transformation to provide a a mixture of roller coaster rides and a safari park with over 2000 exotic animals. To find out more CLICK HERE

Right in the heart of Orlando is Wet 'N Wild a dedicated water park which can provide hours of fun for all the family. For information CLICK HERE

This is just a brief outline of some of the most famous parks and attractions but there are lots more. Get your holiday planning pack and you will get all the details there.