THE LARGEST PLANNING RESOURCE FOR UK VISITORS TO ORLANDO

All The Info You Need To Make Informed decisions Before You Book Your Dream Orlando Holiday

Booking Your Orlando Holiday

BOOKING

FLIGHTS

ACCOMODATION

NECESSITIES

Each Serves A Purpose

Package Trip Or DIY?

There is no right or wrong way to go about booking your trip. Traditional travel agents offer convenience while booking everything yourself may save you a few pounds.

Don’t book anything before you compare the costs of each though. Generally a package holiday will cost you to make changes. Flight bookings are usually non refundable, especially if you want the cheapest fare, but many accommodation providers now offer cancellation up until a couple days before you travel.

Ask yourself if you are willing to pay for the convenience of a travel agent or are you happy (and organised enough) to sort everything yourself.

Top Tour Operators

Top UK Tour Operators

You will find all big name brand tour operators have operations in Florida. Most holidays are centered in Orlando or Miami but you could also look to do a fly-drive or twin-centre trip. Orlando is just an hour from either coast so if you only want a little theme park action Orlando is the perfect choice.

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Flight Centre

Flight Centre are long haul flight and holiday specialists with a top rating on Trustpilot with 20k+ reviews.

Virgin Holidays

The biggest package tour operator to Orlando. A solid choice for a package

BA Holidays

As well as being the national flag carrier, BA also sell holidays

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TUI Holidays

Package tour giant and one of the only companies here not to use Orlando International.

Kuoni Holidays

British luxury operator has a very robust selection of Orlando properties to choose from

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First Choice

“First Choice” for those wishing to book a holiday to Orlando.

Take Control

Booking Independently

Orlando is one of the most popular transatlantic routes despite a reduction in flights since COVID shut the world down.  You will find multiple daily flights leaving from regional airports as well as the usual main hubs like Gatwick and Heathrow. When booking flights remember one rule, the cheaper the seat the more restrictive the ticket. When comparing costs make sure your final cost includes checked bags and seat reservations if required.

When considering your accomodation remember that staying ‘on-site’ offers convenience at a cost but make sure you know what is and isn’t included. If you are unsure my free planning guide has a rundown of Disney and Universal onsite hotel ‘perks’. If you prefer not to be stuck with one theme park operator, staying offsite will be cheaper and give you more freedom. For information and tips on booking your theme park tickets please see my dedicated ticket offers page.

Top 4 Websites For Comparing Flights

Booking Your Flights

There are numerous sites offering flight comparison tools.  A good starting point is Google FlightsOther notable mentions also go to ExpediaNetflights  and Money Saving Expert. When checking, flights can sometimes be cheaper if you add in a hotel to your search.  It’s not always the case though.

Skyscanner

One of the first and most well known flight comparison engines. It’s now owned by China’s largest travel agency and has 100 milllion monthly users.

Kayak

Kayak have been online since 2005 and operate 7 brands including flight comparison site Momondo. They are owned by Booking Holdings.

Opodo

Formed in 2001, Opodo is now owned by the largest online agency in Europe, eDreams ODIGEO. They serve over 18 million customers annually.

Lastminute

Founded in 1998, Lastminute is part of the original internet boom, Lastminute is one of the biggest names in online travel.

Where To Stay

Sorting Accomodation

A lot of the top flight comparison sites now also include hotel search as well so it’s worth checking them out.  When booking accommodation it’s worth comparing like for like to get the true comparison.  Also, a lot of accommodation bookings now include free cancellations if your plans change. Take all these factors into account when deciding on where you will stay and who you book with.

Hotels.com

One of the largest accommodation booking websites. I’ve used these guys all over the world not just for Orlando trips.

Trivago

A German company going strong since 2005.  Their success is down to a culture built on human learning and emotional intelligence.

Booking.com

Now over 25 years old this Dutch online startup is one of the world’s leading travel companies and probably the most well known.

Travel Supermarket

An offshoot of MoneySuperMarket, Travel Supermarket compares prices on thousands of products from 20 leading companies.

Essentials For Your Holiday

Necessities

From booking your day in a Disney park to sorting your ESTA and pre-booking your flight seats.  The work is ongoing before you fly. The more work you can put in, the easier it will be when you finally hit Orlando.

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ESTA

An ESTA is an electronic approval to travel.  Any British citizen must have an ESTA prior to boarding a plane for the USA. Don’t pay someone to do this for you. Use this official link!

Table Service Dining

If there is a particular restaurant you want to visit in Disney, pre book your spot 60 days in advance when the reservation window opens.

Flight Seats Reservations

Paid seat reservations are becoming more common on many long haul routes. If this is important for you reserve your seats when you book.

Downloadable

Planning Tools

Start planning by downloading my budget spreadsheet & blank holiday templates. Every park overview page has park guides, maps and more to download.

Blank Itinerary

Download this basic blank holiday planning itinerary for either 2 or 3 week durations to keep track of where you are one what days.

Budget Spreadsheet

Planning your own trip? Use this Orlando specific spreadsheet to keep track of all your costs and important travel details.

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