FLORIDA

[Lord Tyrion]

We were there 4 years ago, and again 18 months ago. Epcot has gotten horribly expensive. 4 years ago we could eat and drink our way around the world (only made it halfway before we ran out of steam lol) 18 months ago we just couldn't afford it.
Agree on magic Kingdom and Kennedy space center. Always worth checking the launch schedule before you go. We got to watch a space X Falcon go up and the booster come back down... well worth the price of the holiday on it's own!

Oh, and we always do villas. Much cheaper and far more relaxing.. plus you have your own pool and privacy as well.

Totally agree on your last sentence. The villas there are relatively cheap, huge, well kept and an escape from the madness. We stayed in one of many villa groups around Champions Gate and would recommend the area to anyone.

In terms of cost, we have been twice and probably the same years as you. Don't underestimate the impact of the exchange rate. Like you, we noticed a big difference in costs between our first visit and second visit but when we looked back through our records we reckon the biggest difference is the exchange rate. The EU referendum was in 2016 and that had a major impact on the pound.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

I agree on the exchange rate. My youngest has just got back from a 5 day break in New York (I know it’s not Florida) and she couldn’t believe how expensive everything was (when you change it back in your head) compared to our last trip to Florida a few years back.

 

[davemc1]

When are you going mate?

 

[Midnight]

When are you going mate?

Not 100% cert yet but more than likely Easterish 2021mate.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Not 100% cert yet but more than likely Easterish 2021mate.

Great time to go. Weather is ideal then.

 

[williamalex1]

Not been for 15 years or so, but back then most and restaurants and bars around International Drive, had magazines just laying about that had all sorts of discount coupons inside.
We went Flydrive only no pre booked accommodation.
At the first hotel as we tried to book into the lovely receptionist advised us to go to a nearby restaurant and look for the magazine discount vouchers, can't recall exact amount but it was massive for hotel and parks too.
Back then it was recommended a minimum 10% gratuity [ TIP ] shudder to think what it is now.
Food was tremendous , so take stretchy elasticated lightweight clothing lol.

 

[KenL]

All I have to say is don't go ANYWHERE with performing animals - please.

 

[davemc1]

Not 100% cert yet but more than likely Easterish 2021mate.

2021 is 50 years since the magic kingdom opened. Crowds and prices are expected to go through the roof. Loads of new rides and attractions opening tho on the plus side.

Not sure if you’re a big YouTube watcher, but there’s loads of channel’s dedicated to the parks. I’ve gone from a golf blog bore whore to a Florida one ?

 

[Hacker Khan]

Not 100% cert yet but more than likely Easterish 2021mate.

As I mentioned before I'd slightly disagree with Tyrion in that we've been twice at Easter time now and we've said we'd never go back then. May be we were unlucky but there were loads of US spring breakers where we stayed pumping out music till all hours and generally being obnoxious, the roads were pretty jammed getting to the parks out of the accommodation complexes and the parks themselves were very very busy. I contrast that with this year when we went to California in October and went to Universal in LA and it was a far more pleasant experience in that you could get on the rides much easier. Some of this may be because the LA one is less busy than the Florida one anyway, but it was way way more enjoyable.

I think where the Easter bank holidays falls and where your kids school holidays fall may impact it a bit regards the number of UK visitors, plus I am lucky as my daughters school has 2 weeks off in October half term, but our last Easter trip has put us off that time of year a lot.

But totally agree with others regards costs and exchange rates, it is no longer cheap in any way (I remember the days of 2 to 1 exchange rate), and once you eat out and add the compulsory tip that seem to increase every time I go it does mount up. This led us to just focus on one or two parks last time and get our moneys worth by going back 2 or 3 days as they usually do a buy one day get another day free deal, rather than shelling out to visit lots of parks for just one day as that is cripplingly expensive now.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

HK, I meant in terms of weather. It is spot on then. Based on the ages of the kids going the OP is tied to school holidays so you are looking at Easter, May/June and then August. We have done Easter and August and August we will never do again. Much busier, too hot, too humid, storms most afternoons albeit short ones.

The game changer for you, HK, is getting 2 weeks in October. That was never an option for us.

If you can avoid school holidays, UK or US then you really win but I don't think that option is open on this occasion.

 

[clubchamp98]

Just pay the school fine ,it will save you a fortune.
Go ask the head teacher the policy on this not all schools are strict .
They can even have some work emailed to them.
Not ideal but a good compromise.
You won’t know unless you ask,

 

[Hacker Khan]

Just pay the school fine ,it will save you a fortune.
Go ask the head teacher the policy on this not all schools are strict .
They can even have some work emailed to them.
Not ideal but a good compromise.
You won’t know unless you ask,

As a chair of governors I know that you will more than likely find that unless it is an exceptional circumstance (and cheaper holidays specifically do not qualify) then you will be fined. A day or so away and you may get away with it, over a week in Florida and you more than likely won't. Of course you can decide that the fine it worth it and that's the parents call.

 

[Lazkir]

We normally go last week in April/first week in May.
This is because it's just after their schools spring break, so it's a very quiet time in the parks, never really had a problem with the queues.
Double check the dates though as I tend to leave all that stuff to the wife

 

[Midnight]

Cheers all for the advice and info.

Out of interest how much do you think it would be for a 3 bed villa, in golf community with pool and stuff in Easter?

Any sites that you would suggest when looking for villas.

Cheers

Midnight...

 

[chellie]

There are villas advertised on The Dibb. Do check out the advice given here https://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=1115162

 

[Midnight]

Thanks, I registered on that site but clicked in the wrong area for villas, will follow what you sent. ????

 

[Old Skier]

Don't know if Virgin and BA do it for the boys in blue but @Wolf should ring both company's as they do Forces discounts on flights and holidays to anywhere

 

[chellie]

Thanks, I registered on that site but clicked in the wrong area for villas, will follow what you sent. ????

There is a request forum or you can contact owners direct. HTH

 

[Wolf]

Don't know if Virgin and BA do it for the boys in blue but @Wolf should ring both company's as they do Forces discounts on flights and holidays to anywhere

Good shout that I'll give that a look into once Christmas is out of the way