Disneyland Florida Oct 2020
Discussion
Having only just booked next years August holiday, the wife has suggested we do Disneyland in October 2020. Our thrill seeking daughter will be 9 at the time.
Plan to fly from Manchester and do 2 weeks, though not all at Disneyland!
What is the best way to do Disney? Book with one of the travel agents or DIY? Stay in a hotel or rent somewhere?
Any tips of where to stay would be gratefully received, along with other places to see/do whilst over there.
Plan to fly from Manchester and do 2 weeks, though not all at Disneyland!
What is the best way to do Disney? Book with one of the travel agents or DIY? Stay in a hotel or rent somewhere?
Any tips of where to stay would be gratefully received, along with other places to see/do whilst over there.
Have a alook on The Dibb
Primarily Disney centric - but does cover all the other Parks. People put up planned itineraries etc flights/On or off park Accom/Meal plan/car hire etc) And people cirtique tehm/make recomendations.
Suggest you read through some of these to get an idea of what you may want to do.
We did Universal Studios October (after 11+ exams) As Harry potter was the main draw for us. Scarily that was 5 years ago as daughter is about to sit her mock GCSE's ...... We stayed on Universal Studioes park as you get early access.
I'd recommend Virgin Holidays for ease.
Just be sitting down when you see how much you will be spending ....
Primarily Disney centric - but does cover all the other Parks. People put up planned itineraries etc flights/On or off park Accom/Meal plan/car hire etc) And people cirtique tehm/make recomendations.
Suggest you read through some of these to get an idea of what you may want to do.
We did Universal Studios October (after 11+ exams) As Harry potter was the main draw for us. Scarily that was 5 years ago as daughter is about to sit her mock GCSE's ...... We stayed on Universal Studioes park as you get early access.
I'd recommend Virgin Holidays for ease.
Just be sitting down when you see how much you will be spending ....
hab1966 said:
Having only just booked next years August holiday, the wife has suggested we do Disneyland in October 2020. Our thrill seeking daughter will be 9 at the time.
Plan to fly from Manchester and do 2 weeks, though not all at Disneyland!
What is the best way to do Disney? Book with one of the travel agents or DIY? Stay in a hotel or rent somewhere?
Any tips of where to stay would be gratefully received, along with other places to see/do whilst over there.
##Plan to fly from Manchester and do 2 weeks, though not all at Disneyland!
What is the best way to do Disney? Book with one of the travel agents or DIY? Stay in a hotel or rent somewhere?
Any tips of where to stay would be gratefully received, along with other places to see/do whilst over there.
You going in school holidays or will you take her out? That will have a huge affect on your budget.
I would go DIY and allow 10 days to two weeks. A week isn't very much by the time you take flights into account.
I would book the flights well in advance. Think they open up bookings at 11 months to go. Virgin are good for Orlando. Don't use Flight Centre. They made a right mess of our flight booking.
Book a hire car from the airport. Don't be tempted by paying the cheapest rate and going off site. We used Avis (I think) last time and they were very good. No pushey sales tactic at the deeeesk unlike Fox on a our trip in 2013.
Don't think I am a super regular visitor. Been to Orlando four times and last visit was in 2016 with our then 20 month old. He was too young, buts thats another story and I don't regret going. Prior to that it was 2013,
Budget £400 per person for the disney pass and then another £250 per person for universal. The new Volcano Bay water park looks to be amazing. Disney Water Parks were brilliant fun. We had a good day there.
I would go villa over hotel as I like the privacy of own pool and lots of rooms. Check out Homeaway.co.uk or even Ebay.
Starting watching DFB Food Guide on YouTube. She is excellent and the videos are very informative. I don't plan to go back for another four years, but I still like watching the videos. TheTimTrecker is also quite good and easy to watch
Might be worth investing in a Virgin Atlantic Credit card. You might spend enough to get a free seat, but be prepared to jump through some air miles hoops to get the free seat.
There are some good Orlando threads on here, so do a search. There are even a few Orlando residents who post here.
Make the trip to the Kennedy Space Centre. Its a fantastic and the polar opposite to Disney. St Petes Beach is also nice and chilled out for a few days.
Sure there is other stuff, but there is a wealth of resource out there to help plan your trip.
This is what we have done in the past,
- fly with Virgin (if going at Spring Bank, look at Glasgow too).
- book cheapest Virgin hire car as part of the flight and then upgrade to something more American at the Alamo desk in the airport
- book a villa so we can do our own thing and not be too far from the parks (Rolling Hills, Formosa Gardens is a good spot)
- be flexible! This is not a 9-5 holiday. The parks stay open (very) late at night so vary your days. So many people leave the parks at 5-6pm, but you can have a lazy day around the pool, or crazy golf (or whatever) and then go in for the evening. Likewise if the weather is iffy during the day but good for the evening.
- work out the tickets. Look at https://www.americanattractions.co.uk and https://www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk/ (I believe they are owned by the same people)
- work out the fast passes!
- think of a budget and double it.
- have a great time.
- fly with Virgin (if going at Spring Bank, look at Glasgow too).
- book cheapest Virgin hire car as part of the flight and then upgrade to something more American at the Alamo desk in the airport
- book a villa so we can do our own thing and not be too far from the parks (Rolling Hills, Formosa Gardens is a good spot)
- be flexible! This is not a 9-5 holiday. The parks stay open (very) late at night so vary your days. So many people leave the parks at 5-6pm, but you can have a lazy day around the pool, or crazy golf (or whatever) and then go in for the evening. Likewise if the weather is iffy during the day but good for the evening.
- work out the tickets. Look at https://www.americanattractions.co.uk and https://www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk/ (I believe they are owned by the same people)
- work out the fast passes!
- think of a budget and double it.
- have a great time.
Disneyland is in LA, where I happen to be an ‘honorary citizen’ 
Florida has Walt Disney World with the Magic Kingdom being the equivalent park to Disneyland
Disney properties are best located but very costly. Good compromise is one of the associate hotels at Lake Burns Vista. There are busses to and from the parks from these hotels if you don’t fancy the $20 a day parking at the parks.
Absolute minimum is 2 days at MK, -1 day each at Disney Studios, Epcot and AK. Plus 2 days at Universal / IoA. Then whatever else takes your fancy.
October is a good time to go as the lines are shorter, plus Disney will be done up for Halloween. It closes early some nights for Mickeys Halloween party (have to pay extra, but free sweeties) worth it as the park is quieter. Plus universal have the horror nights. VERY busy so need to buy priority passes if you want to get in to the scary houses - but too scary for young kids.
Florida has Walt Disney World with the Magic Kingdom being the equivalent park to Disneyland
Disney properties are best located but very costly. Good compromise is one of the associate hotels at Lake Burns Vista. There are busses to and from the parks from these hotels if you don’t fancy the $20 a day parking at the parks.
Absolute minimum is 2 days at MK, -1 day each at Disney Studios, Epcot and AK. Plus 2 days at Universal / IoA. Then whatever else takes your fancy.
October is a good time to go as the lines are shorter, plus Disney will be done up for Halloween. It closes early some nights for Mickeys Halloween party (have to pay extra, but free sweeties) worth it as the park is quieter. Plus universal have the horror nights. VERY busy so need to buy priority passes if you want to get in to the scary houses - but too scary for young kids.
I've been 4 times now and found our Virgin flight when we used them to be awful.
Actually went for a B.A package this year - car and flight and it worked out more cost-effective and much nicer.
Car was with Avis and was fine - exactly what it said on the tin. I have used Alamo in the past and also had a good experience, they also let you choose which car you want.
Property, I recommend a villa having done 2 years in one versus 2 years in hotels. It's just easier, saves you eating out EVERY day, gives you somewhere private and comfortable to chill out, there's loads of choice and they're cost-effective.
The Disney resorts I've seen look pretty drab tbh, unless you're paying £££££££
I booked villa via HomeandAway - choose one with good user rating and you'll be fine.
Beware traffic around Orlando - it's a fecking nightmare so consider this for your villa location.
TheDibb is very good.
Actually went for a B.A package this year - car and flight and it worked out more cost-effective and much nicer.
Car was with Avis and was fine - exactly what it said on the tin. I have used Alamo in the past and also had a good experience, they also let you choose which car you want.
Property, I recommend a villa having done 2 years in one versus 2 years in hotels. It's just easier, saves you eating out EVERY day, gives you somewhere private and comfortable to chill out, there's loads of choice and they're cost-effective.
The Disney resorts I've seen look pretty drab tbh, unless you're paying £££££££
I booked villa via HomeandAway - choose one with good user rating and you'll be fine.
Beware traffic around Orlando - it's a fecking nightmare so consider this for your villa location.
TheDibb is very good.
Muzzer79 said:
I've been 4 times now and found our Virgin flight when we used them to be awful.
Actually went for a B.A package this year - car and flight and it worked out more cost-effective and much nicer.
Car was with Avis and was fine - exactly what it said on the tin. I have used Alamo in the past and also had a good experience, they also let you choose which car you want.
Property, I recommend a villa having done 2 years in one versus 2 years in hotels. It's just easier, saves you eating out EVERY day, gives you somewhere private and comfortable to chill out, there's loads of choice and they're cost-effective.
The Disney resorts I've seen look pretty drab tbh, unless you're paying £££££££
I booked villa via HomeandAway - choose one with good user rating and you'll be fine.
Beware traffic around Orlando - it's a fecking nightmare so consider this for your villa location.
TheDibb is very good.
I would agree with all of that. We go at Christmas, doing a few days in a Disney hotel then 10 days in a villa through Home & Away.Actually went for a B.A package this year - car and flight and it worked out more cost-effective and much nicer.
Car was with Avis and was fine - exactly what it said on the tin. I have used Alamo in the past and also had a good experience, they also let you choose which car you want.
Property, I recommend a villa having done 2 years in one versus 2 years in hotels. It's just easier, saves you eating out EVERY day, gives you somewhere private and comfortable to chill out, there's loads of choice and they're cost-effective.
The Disney resorts I've seen look pretty drab tbh, unless you're paying £££££££
I booked villa via HomeandAway - choose one with good user rating and you'll be fine.
Beware traffic around Orlando - it's a fecking nightmare so consider this for your villa location.
TheDibb is very good.
Just done 3 weeks in Orlando middle of August, definitely recommend a villa. Been previously in a hotel and so much better having your own place after long days at the parks. Booked ours with HomeAway and no problems. Stayed in Highgate Park Davenport and it was a great location as avoided the i4 which is always bumped to bumper.
Went with virgin and no problems.
Volcano bay is by far the best water park there, done some of the others but it’s the best one.
Best holiday ever had and can’t wait to go back hopefully in a few years once we’ve paid this one off!
As said previously think of your budget and double it, the cost easily escalates but for me it’s worth the experience.
Went with virgin and no problems.
Volcano bay is by far the best water park there, done some of the others but it’s the best one.
Best holiday ever had and can’t wait to go back hopefully in a few years once we’ve paid this one off!
As said previously think of your budget and double it, the cost easily escalates but for me it’s worth the experience.
I went with the family in July this year and we are looking to go again in 2020 but probably in the Summer when the new Star Wars area is up and running,
Personally, if you are going in one of the peak weeks (and TBH I'm not sure which those are in October) I would stay in one of the Disney hotels simply for the magic hours and fast passes. We would go to the parks in the morning as early as possible in order to keep queue time to a minimum.
We also stayed in the Hard Rock hotel for a few days which also gives their equivalent of fast passes for Universal Studios. If you do stay there, go for a room in the 'Rock Royalty' - not that much extra but worth it.
Worth also going to Discovery Cove for the swimming with dolphin experience - my kids loved it.
We also hired an airboat with guide for a morning - very cool seeing alligator nests up close, so I would recommend that too.
Personally, if you are going in one of the peak weeks (and TBH I'm not sure which those are in October) I would stay in one of the Disney hotels simply for the magic hours and fast passes. We would go to the parks in the morning as early as possible in order to keep queue time to a minimum.
We also stayed in the Hard Rock hotel for a few days which also gives their equivalent of fast passes for Universal Studios. If you do stay there, go for a room in the 'Rock Royalty' - not that much extra but worth it.
Worth also going to Discovery Cove for the swimming with dolphin experience - my kids loved it.
We also hired an airboat with guide for a morning - very cool seeing alligator nests up close, so I would recommend that too.
I’ve just been to Disney world in Florida
I can certainly recommend Thomas cook premium class everything was spot on and the food was beaut!
We stayed in a Disney hotel and again it was brilliant and came with the dining included! I’d recommend this as food is quite expensive!
As for the parks we preferred universal and universal ioa! Gator land is ok to kill a few hrs
We’re going back may 2020
I can certainly recommend Thomas cook premium class everything was spot on and the food was beaut!
We stayed in a Disney hotel and again it was brilliant and came with the dining included! I’d recommend this as food is quite expensive!
As for the parks we preferred universal and universal ioa! Gator land is ok to kill a few hrs
We’re going back may 2020
EddieSteadyGo said:
Personally, if you are going in one of the peak weeks (and TBH I'm not sure which those are in October) I would stay in one of the Disney hotels simply for the magic hours and fast passes. We would go to the parks in the morning as early as possible in order to keep queue time to a minimum.
Agree with this. We've been 20+ times and have done all sorts of accommodation but staying on-site really does change the holiday and if it's going to be largely Disney focussed then it make a lot of sense, especially at busy (which is pretty well all the time now) times of the year or when the weather is iffy, as you can pop back and forth easily. You get extended hours at the parks and can book fastpasses earlier. If you get "free" dining included that takes the edge off Disney pricing too.That said, they're really whacking the prices up even without the effect of the currently horrible exchange rate so God knows what the pricing will be like for 2020.
Cost wise, a villa makes sense if there's a load of you going but anything decent and within close range of Disney is pretty expensive - our last few villa stays have been at Windsor Hills, which is about as close as you get.
I've been 3 times and only ever done DIY. I couldn't justify the cost of onsite.
Generally I've (the wife really) booked a fly drive from BA and then sorted our own accommodation.
The first time we stayed at the Hilton Grand vacations sea world. It was nice enough.
The past two times we've stayed at an apartment in Regal oaks, Kissimmee. It's a great location, handy for the parks. The old town is next door with restaurants and bars within walking distance. The club house/restaurant bar and communal pool can give it a hotel feel, but you also have the benefit of your own private villa and hot tub.
I'd recommend taking breaks from the parks. Wild Florida, Clearwater beach and the space centre were all fantastic.
Generally I've (the wife really) booked a fly drive from BA and then sorted our own accommodation.
The first time we stayed at the Hilton Grand vacations sea world. It was nice enough.
The past two times we've stayed at an apartment in Regal oaks, Kissimmee. It's a great location, handy for the parks. The old town is next door with restaurants and bars within walking distance. The club house/restaurant bar and communal pool can give it a hotel feel, but you also have the benefit of your own private villa and hot tub.
I'd recommend taking breaks from the parks. Wild Florida, Clearwater beach and the space centre were all fantastic.
As an example of DIY over a travel agent...
Friends of mine want to visit Florida next year (him Kennedy her the Keys) wife gets an itinerary and price from a travel agent of just shy of £4k not including daily resort charges or internal flight from Orlando-Miami ( I don't know why the agent said it would be better than driving)
I priced them an itinerary taking in both space centre and the keys plus a couple other locations and no internal flight for just over £2k
Friends of mine want to visit Florida next year (him Kennedy her the Keys) wife gets an itinerary and price from a travel agent of just shy of £4k not including daily resort charges or internal flight from Orlando-Miami ( I don't know why the agent said it would be better than driving)
I priced them an itinerary taking in both space centre and the keys plus a couple other locations and no internal flight for just over £2k
Got back 2 weeks ago.
Flew to Miami from Manchester with BA as they do cracking fly-drive deals. Saved over £1,000 on flights after the cost of the minibus for 7 of us.
Stayed at the CLC Regal Oaks in Kissimmee, about £1800 for 2 weeks in a 3bed town house. Perfect location and good facilities.
Flew to Miami from Manchester with BA as they do cracking fly-drive deals. Saved over £1,000 on flights after the cost of the minibus for 7 of us.
Stayed at the CLC Regal Oaks in Kissimmee, about £1800 for 2 weeks in a 3bed town house. Perfect location and good facilities.
Stupeo said:
Got back 2 weeks ago.
Flew to Miami from Manchester with BA as they do cracking fly-drive deals. Saved over £1,000 on flights after the cost of the minibus for 7 of us.
Stayed at the CLC Regal Oaks in Kissimmee, about £1800 for 2 weeks in a 3bed town house. Perfect location and good facilities.
For the money I couldn't fault Regal Oaks. Great facilities and great location. Flew to Miami from Manchester with BA as they do cracking fly-drive deals. Saved over £1,000 on flights after the cost of the minibus for 7 of us.
Stayed at the CLC Regal Oaks in Kissimmee, about £1800 for 2 weeks in a 3bed town house. Perfect location and good facilities.
hab1966 said:
Having only just booked next years August holiday, the wife has suggested we do Disneyland in October 2020. Our thrill seeking daughter will be 9 at the time.
Plan to fly from Manchester and do 2 weeks, though not all at Disneyland!
What is the best way to do Disney? Book with one of the travel agents or DIY? Stay in a hotel or rent somewhere?
Any tips of where to stay would be gratefully received, along with other places to see/do whilst over there.
My advice is. There is far far more to Florida than Disney. Or Orlando. Do consider doing a lot of other things. Plan to fly from Manchester and do 2 weeks, though not all at Disneyland!
What is the best way to do Disney? Book with one of the travel agents or DIY? Stay in a hotel or rent somewhere?
Any tips of where to stay would be gratefully received, along with other places to see/do whilst over there.
300bhp/ton said:
My advice is. There is far far more to Florida than Disney. Or Orlando. Do consider doing a lot of other things.
True. I remember going a few years with with my girlfriend (now wife) and we had a brilliant time in the parks at Orlando, then in Miami, and then diving on the Keys. But for a 9 year old, it's hard to beat Disney.
EddieSteadyGo said:
300bhp/ton said:
My advice is. There is far far more to Florida than Disney. Or Orlando. Do consider doing a lot of other things.
True. I remember going a few years with with my girlfriend (now wife) and we had a brilliant time in the parks at Orlando, then in Miami, and then diving on the Keys. But for a 9 year old, it's hard to beat Disney.
The other thing is that the parks are knackering - they're busy and hot. You're probably not going to want to spend entire days in them.
Our tactic has always been to hit a park early (be there for 'rope-drop', which could be 7AM some days if you're on site), do the head-line rides and then back off a bit and perhaps have brunch, stay another hour or two, then back to the hotel to chill for a bit, get dinner, then back to one of the parks for a couple of hours.
Sheepshanks said:
Our tactic has always been to hit a park early (be there for 'rope-drop', which could be 7AM some days if you're on site), do the head-line rides and then back off a bit and perhaps have brunch, stay another hour or two, then back to the hotel to chill for a bit, get dinner, then back to one of the parks for a couple of hours.
TBH I agree. That is my approach too. I'm there with the kids at rope drop when they have a 0700 magic hour. Then back later before dinner when things are a bit less maniac. Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff