Tips on self catering at your rental villa
You will probably need to think about what you will want to buy if you are not planning on eating out too often and for breakfasts. The two best supermarkets are Publix and Walmart and are very comparably priced. American food is often packed in boxe...
Viewed 629 times since 16 April 2009.
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Choosing a villa for your holiday
When you are faced with a website with hundreds of choices of villas, how on earth do you choose one. First, think of your party dynamics. How many people and their ages. How many beds do you need in total, how many bedrooms and then how many...
Viewed 688 times since 18 April 2009.
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Other things to do in Orlando besides theme parks
Theme parks are what holidays in Orlando are all about. However, some who visit regularly may be a little tired of theme parks. So what else is there to do. Plenty! There is a place quite near to the Disney area called Winter Garden and this ...
Viewed 788 times since 18 April 2009.
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The Orlando Experience - not just theme parks
Apart from the most amazing theme parks in the world, what else does Orlando have to offer? Well of course further afield there are the everglades in Miami, Miami itself, The Kennedy Space Center, fabulous beaches on both the East and West coast and ...
Viewed 544 times since 29 July 2009.
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A day out in Winter Park
For a change to the theme parks and the hustle and bustle of the centre of Orlando, why not treat yourself to a day out at Winter Park. This is described by the locals as being “Little England”. This is because it looks like an English country town, ...
Viewed 311 times since 30 January 2011.
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Eating out in Florida
If you are staying in a villa, you will need to think about your meals as they are all self catering. A lot of Mums (and of course Dads – sorry) will want to take it easy and not have to worry about cooking at the villa. You could just have s...
Viewed 682 times since 16 April 2009.
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Spoiling yourself on holiday – Ice Cream
One of the great traditions of being on holiday is, in a word, ICE CREAM! (OK so that’s two words but you know what I mean). This tradition is no better found than in Florida. Apart from the usual Haagan Daaz and the Disney character ice creams there...
Viewed 420 times since 28 November 2010.
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Eating at Epcot (6)
For dinner in The World Showcase, your world is your oyster. Each one of the “countries” represented has their own restaurant which serves high quality meals. You will need to book these at the start of the day or you will probably not get a table fo...
Viewed 22 times since 21 December 2010.
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Eating Out in Orlando
Food and drink is very much cheaper than in Europe when you are looking at the non fine dining end of the range. A steak house or restaurant will charge $11-$24 for an main course, but it is usually big enough to share or take half away with you. Wit...
Viewed 105 times since 26 August 2011.
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Explore The Magic Kingdom – a guide to the attractions
Although everybody will probably want to see The Magic Kingdom in Disney World it is doubtful it would suit older adults unless they are accompanying their Grandchildren. Likewise, there are some attractions that have special appeal only to a...
Viewed 597 times since 24 April 2009.
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Disneys not just for children
Disney World is not just for children. In fact when we go in November there are very few children about. Deciding what to do and see at the theme parks is obviously very different for adults. The rides I would recommend for adults at the Magi...
Viewed 596 times since 17 June 2009.
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Florida Wildlife
If you have been to Orlando more than once you may feel like doing something completely different from visiting all the theme parks. Are you interested in wildlife? If so, Florida has an abundance of exotic wildlife much of which you will be ...
Viewed 627 times since 17 June 2009.
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Decorated Homes at Christmas
When it comes to Christmas decorations, nobody does it better than our American cousins. But it is the way they decorate their houses at Christmas time that makes the festive season so special. This task takes place usually on the weekend af...
Viewed 620 times since 2 December 2010.
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Is Florida still a good deal? Oh, Yes!
There has been a lot of talk lately concerning “Is Florida getting too expensive since the start of the recession”. Well where hasn’t”. Yes of course prices have increased but then they have every where, no more so than here in the UK. I find it hard...
Viewed 212 times since 23 December 2010.
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Beauty in the parks.
In our hurry to rush around the theme parks, trying to get everything done in one day, we often miss out on the beauty in the parks. Being very lucky owners of a villa in Orlando, all our holidays are spent in Florida so there is never any rush and w...
Viewed 238 times since 23 December 2010.
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Speed of the creation of Orlando.
Once upon a time, as all good stories start, there were the Everglades. Slowly but surely some real estate was built and small communities grew up.
Nothing much changed for a very long time until one day a man called Walt Disney decided tha...
Viewed 217 times since 31 January 2011.
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Seasons in Florida
It has long been assumed that Florida is one long summer, but that is no longer true. Although it is a tropical region (remember it is not very far from the Caribbean and only a short boat trip from Hawaii and The Bahamas) it has gone through quite a...
Viewed 72 times since 15 December 2011.
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Visit Kennedy Space Center
No trip to Florida should end without a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. When you are so close it would be criminal not to visit the most historic place in America – from where all the Space Missions leave. It is situated about 60 minutes drive fro...
Viewed 566 times since 17 June 2009.
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Old Town Kissimmee (8)
Old Town Kissimmee A rather unusual place to visit whilst in Orlando is Old Town in Kissimmee. It was originally built to represent what Florida was like back in the old days. It is mainly one street of old style shops se...
Viewed 675 times since 28 July 2009.
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Theme park alternatives
Downtown Orlando.
Not many people realise it but just twenty minutes from the tourist area of the theme parks, is Downtown Orlando. It is a vibrant and bustling area which has some of the best bars and restaurants around, plus some beautifu...
Viewed 257 times since 31 January 2011.
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Apart from the theme parks
Apart from the theme parks, why else would you go to Orlando. One of my favourite reasons is the wide and varied choice of restaurants offering everything from cheap burgers to high class fine dining and everything in between. It is possible to stay ...
Viewed 371 times since 12 February 2011.
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Try a day at the beach for a change
If you would like to try something different from theme parks while you are in Florida, why not try a day at the coast. There are many areas to choose from and all about one and a half hours drive from Orlando. As someone once said, “There is more to...
Viewed 129 times since 7 August 2011.
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Pleasure Island Downtown Disney
Walt Disney World are taking the Downtown Disney experience to the next level.
They are doing this through enhancements to existing Downtown Disney locations. Extraordinary new shopping, dining and other experiences including a completely re-im...
Viewed 107 times since 4 November 2011.
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The Everglades
If you are not in Florida for the theme parks then you could do a lot worse than travel down towards Miami and spend a day in the Everglades. This natural unspoilt part of Florida is as it was all over before residential housing and Walt Disney World...
Viewed 260 times since 23 December 2010.
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West Coast Beaches
While all the fun of the theme parks is what most of you go to Orlando for, do remember to take breaks in between the days or you will be exhausted. At the height of the season you could arrive at a park when it opens at 7am and not leave until it cl...
Viewed 393 times since 2 February 2011.
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Celebration – a good afternoon out
The town of Celebration (on Highway 192 near the Disney turn off) was built originally as Walt Disney’s ideal of a modern suburb. It is supposed to be kept as litter free and clean as it is possible to get and all the homeowners have strict rules to ...
Viewed 101 times since 15 November 2011.
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Advice on Theme Parks
Advice from an expert (me!) on theme parks I have been going to Orlando for 30 years now, have owned a villa for 10 years and still have not grown tired of theme parks. I love ‘em! Therefore I feel very qualified to advise you on how to appro...
Viewed 787 times since 20 March 2009.
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Planning your trip to Orlando
We all like to plan for our holidays, but planning a trip to Disneyworld is slightly more involved. If this is your first trip to Disney you will need to plan your days out whilst in Florida and not just for the journey. Unlike your normal ho...
Viewed 646 times since 27 March 2009.
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The Best (and worst) Rides in the Theme Parks
Of course I can only comment on the rides I have done myself, but after 30 years of visiting Disney parks, I have done most. However I have never done the thrill seeker rides that turn you inside out and upside down. Having said that, ...
Viewed 735 times since 3 April 2009.
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Shows not to be missed at the Theme Parks
You may think fireworks are just for children and when you have seen one display you have seen them all. Trust me – this does not apply to the fireworks at Epcot. I hear so many returning visitors saying “Oh we didn’t bother to stay for the fireworks...
Viewed 675 times since 8 April 2009.
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'Must See'in the Theme Parks
Things not to be missed at the theme parks The fireworks at Epcot. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is a fireworks and laser light show at Epcot and can be seen from all around the lagoon in the World Showcase but canny exper...
Viewed 1377 times since 14 April 2009.
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First time driving in Florida
If you are apprehensive about driving in Florida for the first time, here are a few pieces of information that I think may help. Always carry your drivers licence in the car with you as this is the law in Florida and keep your rental papers i...
Viewed 709 times since 15 April 2009.
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What to pack for your villa holiday
A holiday in a villa is slightly different to one in a hotel. When you have a holiday in a self catering villa as opposed to a hotel, you will need to think differently. Your first stop will be to the supermarket to stock up on staples at lea...
Viewed 708 times since 17 April 2009.
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Getting the best out of the theme parks
There is an art to doing the theme parks and getting the most enjoyment out of them. First, shoes! It is essential you wear the most comfortable shoes you possess as you will be on your feet for most of the day. High heels are a complete no, ...
Viewed 731 times since 17 April 2009.
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How to get the best out of your holiday in Florida
Just knowing a few little tricks will help you get the best you can out of your holiday in Florida. Here are my top ten tips. If you are under 25 or indeed if you just look under 30, always carry photo ID on you. This applies especially i...
Viewed 697 times since 17 April 2009.
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Do’s and don’t’s when selecting what to do in Orlando
With a limited time and so much to do in Orlando it would be helpful to have some idea what each attraction is all about. Different age groups will want different things to do. For example if all you want to do is lie on a beach and relax for 2 weeks...
Viewed 790 times since 23 April 2009.
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Christmas in Orlando? Why you should book now
You may think this is a funny subject to address now, just when the summer is about to start, but if you are thinking of going to Orlando for Christmas, now is the time to book. Havn’t decided yet? Here are just a few of the reasons why you s...
Viewed 643 times since 24 April 2009.
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Safety in the Florida Sunshine
If you have never been anywhere other than Europe for your holiday you will need to treat the Florida sunshine very differently. It is exactly like the tropics and sunburn can be very dangerous not just painful. Too often, a day in the Florid...
Viewed 590 times since 17 June 2009.
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Best Time to visit Florida
When to visit Florida is very often determined by your childrens school holidays, however if that is not an issue then these tips should help you pick the best time to visit. To avoid the crowds on your Florida holiday, beware of peak seasons...
Viewed 1081 times since 17 June 2009.
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How to get the best out of your Orlando holiday.
There is so much to do in the Orlando area that you will need to do a bit of planning to make sure you see all the best bits and what all the various members of your family want to do. If you just arrive and think “Now what”? you may be a bit overwhe...
Viewed 545 times since 28 July 2009.
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Can you still get bargains shopping in Orlando?
Can you still get bargains shopping in Orlando? Yes you can. Even with the dollar rate as low as 1. 35 it is still possible to get some good bargains shopping in America. Mainly it is the brand names that offer the best bargains. For ...
Viewed 817 times since 18 March 2009.
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Florida Mall - A Shopping Extravaganza
If, like me, you are a shopaholic, then one of the best places to visit whilst in Orlando is the Florida Mall. This is the best mall for normal shopping. If you want serious designer shopping with shops like Dior, Burberry and Chanel or stores like N...
Viewed 371 times since 10 January 2011.
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Tips for driving in Florida
You have just arrived in Florida for your holiday and you are about to collect your rental car. Here are just a few tips to make sure everything goes smoothly. When you go to your allocated car, check for any damage and report it to the compa...
Viewed 695 times since 9 April 2009.
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The laws for driving in Florida
The laws on the roads in America are sometimes different from the Uk and differ from state to state so it is as well to be warned about them. These are the rules for Florida and may not apply in other states. First the maximum limit is 60 and...
Viewed 639 times since 11 April 2009.
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New Visa Regulations for entering the USA
If you have travelled to the United States of America before, you will be familiar with the green cards that the aircrew used to hand out to you before landing in the United States and with which you were able to enter the country after passing throu...
Viewed 706 times since 22 April 2009.
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Best and Worst Rides at Universal Studios
When time is tight it is sometimes worth knowing which rides are worth queuing up for and which are not. This can depend a lot on the ages of your party obviously. Some rides all ages will enjoy, some are only for older children and adults an...
Viewed 1076 times since 17 April 2009.
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The Forgotten Universal Studios.
With all the excitement over the new Harry Potter feature at Universal’s Island of Adventure, it may be easy to forget all the great rides there are at the Universal Studios. I should suspect a great many people head straight for Harry Potter when th...
Viewed 278 times since 2 February 2011.
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Time Saving Travel Tips
Some good planning in advance can save a lot of time when on holiday in Orlando. This is a holiday where time management will enable you to see everything.
If you need a cot or high chair at your villa, make sure you have ordered this and h...
Viewed 319 times since 20 January 2011.
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Getting the best out of your holiday in Orlando.
There are many ideas that will make your holiday in Orlando really special and the holiday of a lifetime.
If you can manage it, book a premium economy seats or seats with extra leg room, it makes quite a difference.
Book the best vill...
Viewed 287 times since 30 January 2011.
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Getting the best out of your holiday – part 2
In the theme parks there are many ways of getting the best out of them.
Take advantage of the Fast Pass tickets at the theme parks to avoid too much queuing. Eat lunch out of the usual times as the restaurants are over flowing between twelv...
Viewed 307 times since 30 January 2011.
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Holiday on a budget - part 1
Some people have the ready cash to enjoy a holiday in Orlando any time they wish, but for most people it is the holiday of a lifetime that they have saved for over a long period of time.
It is possible to holiday on a budget and still have ...
Viewed 262 times since 30 January 2011.
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Holiday on a budget - part 2
So where else can you save money without feeling like you are doing with out?
One of the easiest ways is on eating out. In Orlando you can eat some of the very best food at very cheap establishments. For example, a really good steak with ...
Viewed 249 times since 30 January 2011.
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Rest days between visits to the parks.
Once you have seen how vast the areas of Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios are, you will realise that you are going to be on your feet for HOURS. Walking around seeing things, standing in queues waiting to go on the rides all take th...
Viewed 398 times since 31 January 2011.
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What should I take?
What should I take?
First, you must now have completed an ESTA visa form on-line or at a travel agents to be able to gain entry into the USA. You will need one for each member of the family and they now cost $59 each.
Driving ...
Viewed 157 times since 7 August 2011.
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How Driving in Florida differs from the UK
Driving in Florida is very different from the UK. The speed limit is very strictly adhered to and they have many ways of catching speeding motorists, non of which you will spot so do be careful. Mostly they use helicopters to watch out for speeding a...
Viewed 138 times since 26 August 2011.
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Orlando in November
A lot of villa owners choose November to visit Orlando for many reasons so if I tempt you, you will have to book early (No owner can resist a booking! )
First, the weather. The humidity has gone and the days are beautiful and sunny. The ev...
Viewed 42 times since 20 December 2011.
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Often Missed Attractions
Some of the often missed attractions at the magic Kingdom in Disney world can be the most entertaining. So often people arrive full of anticipation and head excitedly straight up Main Street, USA and completely miss the Walt Disney World Rail Road. <...
Viewed 318 times since 22 December 2010.
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West Side Downtown Disney
Heading over the bridge from pleasure Island, you will arrive in West Side, the final part of Downtown Disney. This will be changing a great deal during 2012 and already you can see shops being re-developed. But for now there is still so much to see....
Viewed 87 times since 4 November 2011.
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The Electric Parade at Magic Kingdom
The Electric Parade takes place at The Magic Kingdom, Disney World at various times during the year depending on the light levels and during some times of year, normally the less busy months, only on certain nights. The parade starts at the e...
Viewed 271 times since 2 December 2010.
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Its a Small World
I have been going to Disney World for so many years now I should be blasé, but I’m not. I have seen many changes at The Magic Kingdom and I am aware that there are many more to come with the proposed re-vamp of all Walt Disney World’s parks. ...
Viewed 353 times since 21 December 2010.
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The Liberty Square River Boat
The Liberty Square river boat ride is situated in Frontier Land in the Magic Kingdom. You will be faced with an enormous ship that towers up three floors. You will cruise on this authentic three paddle- wheel steam ship through the rivers of America ...
Viewed 249 times since 22 December 2010.
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The Parades - Magic Kingdom
Everyone loves a parade so they say and one of the best is the Parade at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The parade called Celebrate a Dream Come True, takes place generally every morning at 11am and in the afternoon at 3pm but times do vary ...
Viewed 331 times since 23 December 2010.
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Epcot – The Thinking Mans Theme Park
I know many husbands who dread going to Disney World – but they love Epcot. Epcot appeals to all ages and caters for all ages, but it especially appeals to men. All the rides are educational, from little tots in the Living Seas with Nemo and Friends,...
Viewed 83 times since 6 September 2011.
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Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as a fantastic display of how they film stunts using cars and motor bikes in the films. It follows a stunt manager and production crew as they work on a live film set to...
Viewed 294 times since 28 November 2010.
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The Holiday of a villa owner
Just arrived at the airport exhausted as usual. Collect car and head off “home”. That first thrill of arriving and going to our villa never wears off. We stop at Publix on the way to pick up our groceries for the next few days, tea, coffee, milk etc....
Viewed 95 times since 8 November 2011.
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