Information, Tips & Recommendations To Book Your Ideal 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.
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
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
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 Flights. Other notable mentions also go to Expedia, Netflights 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.
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.
Disney Park Pass
Introduced to manage capacity in the wake of COVID, you will need a park pass reservation for every day you want to visit one of Disney World’s 4 main theme parks.
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.
