When is a good time to go to Florida?

Florida has something to offer all year round. Sure there is a peak season during the summer when the kids are off school, but if you can avoid the holidays, do. During the peak season (July- August) the weather is at its hottest and the parks are crowded. Easter (known as 'Spring Break') and Christmas are also very busy. Outside of these times things are a bit quieter. Winter (Nov - Feb) can be cool and even cold, but generally the temperatures still remain above 20C and above 30 is no shock to the locals.

Tip: If you don't have kids go in September/October or April/May, but avoid Easter. If you have kids take a two week break which overlaps with half term - the schools may complain but kids can learn a great deal from a trip overseas and if you are still concerned ask the teacher for some additional homework.

Where else can I stay?

Hotels in the USA are relatively cheap and they have some lovely 'themed' hotels at the Disneyworld resort, for which some good package deals do exist. However, when considering do bear in mind that if you rent a villa you will have a whole house to yourself. If you stay in a hotel you will have a room with two double beds, a bathroom and possibly a kitchenette. Good value in theory but you won't think so when your children wake up at 3.a.m due to jetlag and there is nowhere for them to watch telly! A four bedroom villa can accommodate two families - work out the price per person! You will also have a swimming pool to yourself - invaluable when you return from a hot day tramping round the parks! You can also get away from the Disney experience which is great fun but can be wearing 24/7!!

What do I get for my money?

You will have exclusive use of our 4 bedroom/3 bathroom villa for the specified number of nights. All utility bills are included, unless otherwise quoted. You will have your own pool and use of the community pool, tennis & basketball courts if wanted.

So how much will the whole vacation cost me?

You need to add the cost of our villa (priced for the whole villa, not per person), the cost of each flight, travel insurance, and the cost of car hire (including any necessary insurance). Don't forget to budget for your entrance tickets to Disney.

What extras do you charge for?

We will normally quote a price including sales taxes (12%) and cleaning. Cleaning will be done before your arrival and after your stay. If you want maid service during your visit this will be extra (around $70). Pool heating is extra to the price quoted and is $150 per week. Pool heating is only needed from Nov - March. We can provide a welcome grocery pack. Details are on application and the cost ranges from $10 - $35.

I want to go ahead and book, what do I do next?

Contact us by e-mail or telephone, and we will let you whether your preferred time is available and give you a price. We will ask you to complete a booking form to return with your deposit. You will also need to read our booking conditions. On receipt of your deposit, we will let you know the date we need your balance. On receipt of the balance and signed booking form, we will send you directions to the villa and code for the front door.

What time can I arrive, must I leave?

Check in is after 4.00 pm on the day of arrival and before 11.00 am on the day of departure. Let us know if you need to arrive earlier or leave later. If we do not have anybody arriving or departing on the same day, we will probably be able to accommodate you.

You seem to be booked on your availability calender, can you still help me?

YES! Please let us know - we know other villa owners, some in the same area so we should be able to help you.

What about car hire, flights, insurance?

We can help with all of this, please let us know if you need a package. If you wish to book the villa, we can work out a package for you. Alternatively we can point you in the direction of an agent who can help you with these things.

What deposits do we need to give you and are they returnable?

We will ask for a deposit on booking, usually £100 per week or $150 per week. This is only returnable if you cancel more than 8 weeks prior to departure and we can put another booking into the villa at a similar price. You will need to pay a security deposit on arrival. This is $250 and is returnable at the end of your vacation, assuming that no damage has been done (excluding normal wear and tear).

Do I need a credit card?

We would suggest that you don't travel without one. They are accepted everywhere and are very secure. You may have to use your card as a deposit for a rental car, and this is how your security deposit on the villa will be taken.

What about Shopping?

Shopping is a lot cheaper in Florida, and we will point you in the direction of some good souvenir areas. Tip: Don't buy your souvenirs at Disneyland - you can buy similar stuff for 1/3 of a price at the Flea Market!

Eating?

There are a vast array of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets in Florida. If you let us know your particular tastes, we can point you in the right direction! Tip: Look out for the Boma Lodge (at the Animal Kingdom resort) and the Rain Forest Café (at Downtown Disney and the Animal Kingdom)

So how do we get to Disneyland?

Turn left out of Bridgewater Crossing, left and left again. Turn right onto the I4 at Junction 24A and off again at Junction 25 for the Disneyland experience. 15 minutes from the front door to the gates. Time it! Tip: We have three different routes from our home to Disney. Any traffic problems? Use a different route!

Is it difficult to drive in Florida?

It's actually a lot easier than in the UK. The cars are all automatic (no clutch foot!). The roads are bigger, straighter and less congested than in the UK. In general people drive more slowly and seem to be in less of a rush!

Can I go to the coast for a day?

YES! We are south west of Orlando, so on the right side for Clearwater Beach (arguably the best beach in the world!!). We have done it easily in a day. (A good seven hours on the beach!)