Making Your Florida Family Booking
There’s so many options; villas, self catering apartments, hotels, Walt Disney World Resorts or off-site… Really, it depends on the kind of family you are, and, ultimately, on your budget.
Self catering apartments
These are a good choice for families, offering the flexibility of more space and really useful facilities such as a kitchenette, fridge and microwave. Always check out the brochure or web descriptions to see exactly which facilities will be there and which you can request or hire. Orlando is full of apartments and many of them form part of hotel complexes so you can enjoy some of the hotel facilities (like the bars and restaurants) when you need them, then enjoy your own independence when you don’t.
Hotels
Orlando hotels are great value for money and, if you think you’ll be spending most of your time out and about, you can opt for a very basic property and still end up with a huge bedroom. Some of the benefits of booking hotels are free transport to the parks, kids eat free breakfasts, free parking, and early park entry. Remember that the ‘standard’ for an Orlando hotel is one big bedroom with two double beds, one for you, and one for the kids who will sleep together. Look for features such as a balcony, or any separated lounge area, so once your kids are in bed, you won’t be sitting in the same room whispering in the dark! With a young baby, you might prefer to book two interconnecting rooms so you get a better night’s sleep.
Villas
Orlando villas are plentiful and hugely popular with families, especially when there are extended family groups travelling together. These villas are housed in complexes which usually means added security and some facilities on the complex, such as small shops and a reception. They generally also have their own private pools which are small and covered. Villas give you a home-from-home feeling, more space for all your baby equipment, and options of more rooms so your baby can have its own bedroom, giving you a better night’s sleep. They also give you a great evening experience as you can put the baby to bed, switch on the monitor, then fire up the barbeque, jump in the pool or relax in the lounge and watch the TV.
On site or off site?
Walt Disney World has fabulous hotels, ranging from the budget to the deluxe end. They are all suitable for babies and young children, and you’ll get a great welcome. For many, this is part of the real Orlando experience. You’ll also benefit from early park entry (Extra Magic Hours) which could be a real benefit if your children wake early but want to come back for a sleep later in the day. The transportation options to the parks are also very convenient. But, there’s no denying that it is more expensive to stay on-site and you may feel that, since you’re spending so much time in the parks anyway, you don’t need to.
Flydrive only
With small babies, this is probably only recommended for the more intrepid. Orlando is set up for pre-purchased package deals, so finding accommodation on arrival is unlikely to secure you the best deal.
