Orlando

If you’re new to the area, planning a trip to Orlando Florida is exciting yet daunting at the same time. A quick search on Google will bring up what seems like an infinite number of trips, tours and ticket combinations not to mention the myriad of accommodation and hotel packages and options.

Pebbles & Sands is here to help so don’t worry! We have first hand experience of visiting Orlando and we’d love the opportunity to discuss what holiday packages and ticket options will work best for you and your family.

As a Hays franchisee, we have all the options you’re ever likely to need.

Before you contact us to talk about your holiday in Orlando, you may want to consider the following questions to help start the planning and to get the best out of your holiday.

• • • Where and what am I going to eat in Orlando? If you want to go down the self-catering route, then be prepared to travel to a supermarket such as Walmart. Unlike the UK, there are very few handy local stores in Orlando which you can walk to. The ones that do exist are not worth the walk! Unless you’re staying along the International Drive area, eating out will normally mean a car journey. If you choose to eat at Universal, then our view is that it’s better to eat at Universal City Walk rather than in the actual theme parks. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, then Orlando can be challenging but not impossible.
      .
      
    • How will you get around Orlando? Public transport is fairly limited in Orlando with the i-Hop bus service running along International Drive the only convenient service set up for holiday makers. If you are staying in a central location, then you may find Uber a good and inexpensive way of getting around and can avoid hiring a car. Many hotels offer free buses to Disney or Universal. Some of these services are better than others! The bus service operated by Universal hotels is excellent.
      .
    • What Orlando accommodation type would you prefer? We have a range of accommodation options from Florida bungalows with private pools and residences to classic motel style accommodation. Choosing a private villa will normally mean you’ll be located outside the main tourist hub of International Drive so you will probably need to look at hiring a car.  If you prefer a hotel then we have a range of locations and prices to offer.
      .
    • Which location in Orlando is best to stay? This is a big part of the holiday which we’d like to spend time discussing to make sure we get it right. You might be Disney freaks so just want to spend all your time in a Disney hotel. Or you may prefer to be closer to a range of other attractions such as Universal or Sea World in which case the International Drive area is a good option. Staying in some of the Universal or Disney hotels will give you early park access.
      .
    • Which Orlando attractions are you most interested in? There is more to Orlando than just Disney and Universal. Not everyone who visits Orlando wants to go to Disney for example. It’s not compulsory even though you might feel pressured to think it! You might find that taking a 2-week pass to Universal plus a few other excursions is enough for a 2-week visit. It’s important to get the right balance.
      .
    • How fast a pace do you want your Orlando holiday? Visiting theme parks and other attractions can be tiring, particularly if you have younger children. We’d recommend building in some rest days around the hotel pool in between your visits to attractions. Don’t try and squeeze in too many things. It’s important to relax and enjoy your holiday too!
      .
    • What time of year do you want to visit Orlando? Florida can get very hot and humid in the summer months (May to September). If you’re uncomfortable in the heat, then coming in winter may be a better option.
      .
    • How long do you want to come to Orlando for? The length of your stay will naturally determine how many of the attractions you’ll be able to enjoy. For example, we’d recommend at least a 2 week holiday if you want to experience both Disney and Universal.
      .
    • Should I consider a twin centre Orlando holiday? Absolutely! This is a great option if you’re looking to do both Disney and Universal and want to stay close to both and reduce travel times. Or you may want to divide your holiday between the theme parks and attractions of Orlando and a different part of Florida such as Tampa Bay or Fort Lauderdale. The choices are vast but we can help narrow things down.
      .
      
    • Is it warm enough in winter to use the Water Parks? In a word yes, we have visited Orlando at Christmas and enjoyed a day out at Universal Volcano Bay on New Year’s Eve before experiencing the fireworks at City Walk. During winter, some days will be warmer than others so it’s best to check the forecast and plan your days accordingly.