Traveling by plane can be a hassle with a lot of stress, but there are things you can do to minimize that stress and make your plane trip as quick and easy as possible. Taking a plane is inherently easier and takes less time than driving and there’s no worry about getting lost. You can find air travel packages for the entire family that will offer you some pretty big savings. Most airlines offer a discounted rate if the tickets are purchased well in advance and as part of a group.  Most of these discounted rates are for coach seats though you can always upgrade to business class if you are willing to pay a little more.

The Orlando International Airport is just a handful of miles away from Disney World and all the other major attractions in Orlando. They are host to around 32 million travelers a year so they are well accustomed to making flying painless and easy. Since the airport handles both international and domestic flights you can find a flight there from nearly any destination and on any carrier.

Domestic companies usually have planes that service this airport on a daily basis. Continental, American, and Delta Airlines handle the most frequent flights. But there are also some of the more budget friendly carriers like Jetblue that also fly through Orlando. European carriers tend to fly in a little less frequently with the exception of British Airways who have daily flights.

Hiring a rental car is probably the best way to travel within the city and surrounding area. If you have never been to Orlando before it will be very helpful to have GPS or a map to navigate as efficiently as possible. Of course if you don’t want to drive there is also taxis, buses, shuttles, and other public transportation.

The bus lines in Orlando will offer free travel guides if you travel with them which can provide some much needed instructions on how to get places. Most of the major resorts also offer free shuttle service from the airport to the hotel to further save you some trouble. Stay where you stay is a vital part of planning a vacation and should be done as early as possible. Not only will this eliminate some stress you can also get some extra savings by booking ahead of time.

If you are going to be traveling alone then a single room should be sufficient for your stay. You will have the standard amenities of any hotel room but the room will be smaller and more suited to a single person. Just one TV, bed, and a few furniture pieces are all you will really need in your short stay. Since you will likely be spending most of your time out of the room anyway then getting a really low rate on a good place to sleep is what you need most.

Traveling in larger groups can be a bit more challenging no matter how short the trip to Orlando is. Hotels typically do have larger hotel rooms that can accommodate larger groups and these are worth checking out. But if you have a large party or family then you may want to consider a vacation home that offers short-term rentals. These locations can accommodate large groups very easily and a lot of the finest vacation homes offer daily and weekly rates.

When staying for only a night or two then it can be worth it to bump up on your luxuries a little. A step up from the vacation home would be the rental condo or villa. The villa is better for larger parties but a small group is perfect for a condo. This gives you not only a place to sleep and all the luxury and amenities of the finest hotels. This will also give you and your group some privacy when you get back after a long day.

Because you will only be needing the room, villa, condo, or house for a short time you can get significantly better deals then if you were staying for a longer term. The basic premise for a hotel is this, the shorter amount of time you stay then the quicker they can refill the room for a new patron. In order to do that they are willing to give big discounts for short term bookings. A faster turnover of customers for the hotel means a better price for the customer.

So whether you ultimately decide on a single room or an entire vacation the real comfort comes in knowing that you investigated your options and got a really good deal for your money. And you didn’t have to skimp on the amenities to do it.

Having someone to help you plan out this Orlando vacation can be the best idea if you know who to choose. There are a lot of diverse choices to choose from when deciding where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and how to get there. One of the most reliable ways to get information is from the company or attraction’s websites or a travel site that offers reviews. Also, talking to a travel agent about all of your options can make these decisions a lot easier.

The best thing about visiting the official websites o the resort or attractions if that they have any ounce of information you could possibly want about the location. Most of these sites also have a phone number to reach someone if you have any questions that only a human being can answer. There will be pictures of the resort so that you can see the kind of amenities they offer and how nice the rooms appear to be. Some of the sites will offer a virtual tour of the place that many times offers information that is not available through any other source.

Traveling sites are offering feedback on resorts to more and more customers by the year and with around 40 million tourists going to Orlando every year that is considerable amounts of information. Travel agencies have made it a point to make sure that they are providing feedback on these resorts and how well their customers enjoyed them.

This kind of information isn’t readily available anywhere else and I you are visiting Disney it can be invaluable to hear what others thought of it. All of the important information that matters to a customer will be reviewed there and whether they would stay there again.

Of course the final decision on where to stay is up to you and your personal preferences. It is most informative to look at all sources of information and then make a decision that is well informed. Once you have finalized your plans you can rest easy that you did all your research and that your vacation is going to be just as wonderful as you imagine. Being able to relax and enjoy yourself on a vacation is all in the planning and this is a great place to start.

There are dozens of ways for a family to enjoy themselves in Orlando so there should be something for everyone’s taste. Booking a hotel is probably the easiest part of a family vacation but discovering the sights of the city can be the difficult part. Of course one of the most popular places to visit with a family is Disney World, but it can also be busy if you are there during peak season.

The best way to get a good deal for a vacation package to Orlando is to check with a local travel agency. With Orlando being one of the most popular vacation spots in the US there are almost always packages and deals of some kind. Often you can find packages that offer hotel accommodations, discounts on attraction tickets, day tours of the city, and meal arrangements. An advantage to having one of these packages is that it lets you have an entire itinerary for your vacation well before you ever set out of the door. Also, these vacation packages usually set up the itinerary in groups that will be the same for the entire trip, so you can meet new people and get to know the other tourists that you’re spending time with.

If your family is a little more budget conscious then it may be wise to look into resorts that offer timeshare packages. This allows you to stay in a very fancy resort that is typically within a few miles of all the major attractions. Often these time-share unites are much cheaper than if you were to pay for it all yourself so they can be a good value for the money being spent.

For longer trips to Orlando it may be most reasonable to rent a vacation home during your stay. Extended stays in a hotel can be wildly expensive and don’t offer a lot of benefits that longer vacations require like a kitchen or a washing machine. Renting a vacation home will solve all of those worries and let everyone in the family have a little more room to spread out.

For travelers who’s sole intent in being in Orlando is to go to Disney World then it’s definitely advisable to stay at the Disney resort. There are numerous travel packages specifically for those only interested in Disney. There are numerous attractions within the parks and resorts that will keep everyone in the family happy.

While many people think of Disney as a child’s attraction they also offer a huge variety of excellent dining for everyone in the family. The parks host such a selection of places to dine and food of such excellent quality that they are often mentioned as being one of the best places to dine in the country. But once you get to Disney there are definitely a few places that are a cut above the rest.

For vacationers who are looking for a semi-formal dining experience they should not miss Citrico’s. This is located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and is far from the bustling theme park and crowds. Their specialty is Florida-Mediterranean fusion cuisine and pride themselves on using the freshest local ingredients. There is a dress code for the restaurant so be sure that you dress in business casual attire before leaving your room.

One of the best locations to get a meal in the Animal Kingdom Lodge is the Boma. It is the perfect place to get a big meal before embarking on a long day since they have the best buffet available in the parks. If you are an adventurous and thrill seeking type of vacationer then you may enjoy trying the exotic African dishes that they have as well instead of the more traditional American dishes on the menu.

Arthur’s 27 is considered to have the best view Walt Disney World since it is located on top of the Wyndham Palace Resort. They are renowned for their seafood selection and it is also considered one of the most romantic dining locations.

If you are pining for good New York strip steak while in Orlando then you should visit Shula’s Steakhouse. They are a big hit for not only their steaks but also their lamb, poultry and seafood.

The best place for celebrations in the park is Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort. They have a wide variety of dishes available and are sure to suit the tastes of anyone at a celebration.

While visiting Disney it is important to remember to make reservations for these popular dining locations. The recommended time frame for getting a reservation is one month in advance, though if you are traveling during peak seasons you should extend this to two months. Otherwise you may find yourself waiting for hours for a table and still leaving with an empty stomach. Don’t miss out on these dining experiences and make a reservation.

South of Disney

To the south of Disney World is Highway 192 and this highway has been a well-traveled tourist destination for many years. There are many wonderful restaurants to visit in the area, some golf courses, and some attractions for the family as well. The prices of the hotels in the area are generally less expensive when compared to hotels in other areas of the city. Bear in mind however that the hotels are usually older since most of them were built in the 1970’s. There are also not many of these hotels that will be connected with a well-known national brand.

North of Disney World

Also called the Lake Buena Vista area of Orlando this is among the newest places to find a great hotel in the city. The hotels built in this region of Orlando were all put up in the 1990’s when the national brands of hotel became interested in the area. This region also offers great dining and shopping locations within just a few miles.

Inside the Disney Resort

If you are a lover of all things Disney then you should scout the Disney resort for a place to stay. It will be the most convenient hotel for having access to Disney World since shuttles run to the front gate every thirty minutes. These hotels are the highest standard possible so expect to pay a higher price for them. The good part is that the rooms are generally spacious and can easily accommodate 3-4 people.

Universal Area

There are very good accommodation options in the Universal area although there are much less than in other areas. There are only a few hotels in the region so there is not much competition.  And with no competition the prices will not stay very low.

Downtown Orlando

If your purpose for vacationing in Orlando is to see the city then a hotel in downtown Orlando will be perfect. However, they are the farthest away from the major attractions there will be a lot of time spent traveling back and forth, like the thirty-minute drive to Disney. So if you want to see the major theme parks then this may not be the best place to stay.

International Drive/Convention Center

This region of the city is located just a few minutes away from Sea World so if you are visiting that park then it will be the perfect location. Keep in mind however that these hotels are largely priced for business groups so they may be a little expensive and the amenities may not be the best. But the restaurants are excellent, just be sure to make a reservation

If you have kids then the Magic Kingdom is the place to start.  You might want to consider making reservations for dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table.  Kids of all ages will love this.  If you have preschool age kids they will likely enjoy Toontown the most, it is most suited for the small kids.  Between 6 and 10 Tomorrowland is the best starting place.  For anyone over ten they probably won’t have as much fun in these places and you can go straight to Liberty Square of Adventureland.  This will have the most enjoyment for older kids.  You want everyone to enjoy your Disney World vacations; so tailoring your adventure to their interests is the best way to do so.  With teenagers or adults you may want to consider starting in Frontierland.  This is where most of the water rides are so you’ll have the rest of the warm, sunny Florida day to dry out.  After that your route should probably be with whatever is the closest so you don’t wear yourselves out walking all over the park.

Epcot really needs two days to fully take it all in and see everything there is to see.  The first day should be devoted to Futureworld.  This is where the excitement of Epcot is, and isn’t that what Disney World vacations are about?  Futureworld is where the rides are, and perfect for the first day.  If you get there early in the day try and get to Spaceship Earth first, it will be the most crowded later.  Once you’ve finished up there, head over to Innovations East.  On day two, go back to any Futureworld rides you missed or wish to repeat and then spend the rest of the day in the World Showcase.

The Animal Kingdom and MGM are probably the easiest parks to manage.  Everything is relatively compact compared to sprawling parks you’ve already been to.  It doesn’t really matter where you begin, it’s not a huge event to get to the things you haven’t seen yet, so there is almost no need for a plan of attack.  But as always, you should try and plan your day around any of the special events you wish to see.  Parades, light shows, whatever the case may be, you need to make sure you end up in the right place at the right time.

The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is unlike other golf courses in the area on looks alone.  It’s a Mediterranean style resort with two championship golf courses.  ChampionsGate is ideally secluded and private, yet mere miles from Orlando’s major attractions.  It’s the perfect place to retreat after dropping the kids off at Disney.   This course is still new but is already one of the most popular gold destinations in Florida.  The greens are well kept, the fairways perfectly smoothly.  Creator Greg Norman showed a lot of imagination in his design by using the landscape to create unexpected challenges.

The Celebration Golf Club is one of those old-world Orlando golf courses that just don’t seem to be around anymore.  Two masters of golf, Robert Trent Jones Senior and Junior, designed the courses.  The championship layout was designed to not only look breathtaking but also be just as challenging.  The fairways vary from being very generous and wide open to tight and difficult to maneuver.

The Eagle Creek Golf Club is conveniently located about five miles from the airport, making it one of the most attractively placed of Orlando golf courses.  The club’s management boasts, “Great green are a given, great service is also a given.”  They seem to be accurate as the course is consistently rated with 4.5 stars and is one of the best courses in Orlando.  World-renowned golf course architects Ron Garl and Howard Swan designed the 18-hole course.  The two seem to have taken their respective styles and meshed them into a challenging but enjoyable par 73 course.  It has been open to the public since 2004 and has consistently lent itself to golfers of all skill levels.  From beginner to master this is truly a must play course.

Falcons Fire Golf Club has not only the distinction of being one of the finest golf courses in Florida; it is also considered one of the most women-friendly golf courses.  This Rees Jones Signature Designed golf course is just feet away from the Orlando Airport and Disney.  The greens are expertly designed to be large and relatively flat, but may not always be easily managed.  Most golfers agree the toughest hole is number 5, the par 4 has a forced carry over a marsh that is very intimidating and can be difficult to manage.  It is perfect for a golf retreat year round and shouldn’t be missed.

The Orlando Museum of Art is not typically a place one would hear about.  But it really should not be missed.  This is a varied museum that is always featuring something new.  From watercolors of Aesop’s fables to an exhibition of South American sculpture, their guest exhibits change frequently.  Not only that, they always have a special program to enjoy.  The Florida Artist of the Month celebrates a gifted local artist that may get no other exposure.  The annual Antiques Show and sale directly benefits the educational programs of the museum.

Another great spot to vacation in Orlando is the Orlando Science Center.  It’s fun for the kids and you’ll likely still learn something even when you’re eighty.  The Science Center does boast visiting exhibits that tend to change every few months, but are most renowned for their regular exhibit halls.  For example their NatureWorks exhibits has been the most popular attraction since it began.  The DinoDigs attraction is also very popular and comes complete with a replica fossil dig where you can uncover your very own replica fossil.  And if it all becomes a bit too complicated for the little ones head on over to KidsTown.  Specially designed for kids, all the interactive experiments and exhibits are ideally placed just at their eye level.  The water table is likely to keep one entertained for hours by itself.  Truly a good time for the whole family and something that is definitely worth a visit.

Another great way to spend a vacation in Orlando is the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour.  Winter Park is a small town outside Orlando, but their 17 lakes are a perfect way to spend the day.  Not to mention this one-hour boat tour will be very easy on your wallet.  There is plenty of wildlife to see, just as in all of Florida.  Three different tours are available and with the price, why pass any of them up?  On one tour you can be perusing the many birds and small mammals.  On the next you will be getting some serious real estate envy as you see the wonderful lake front properties of the area.  On the third you can travel between the lakes through narrow canals that were once used for logging in the 1800s.  Who knows, you might learn something while relaxing and enjoying yourself.

Currently Walt Disney World is offering several packages that generally stay close to the same year after year.  The prices may change or the benefits might shift slightly, but it will likely be close to the same thing.  The current packages are the Magic Your Way Package, Magic Your Way Plus Quick Service Dining, and Magic Your Way Plus Dining.  All of these packages include accommodations although the prices and location will vary.  The accommodations will vary from a Value Resort Package to a stay in a Deluxe Villa.  The prices for all vary based on the Disney vacation packages you choose, and the length of time you stay will alter this as well.   All packages offer accommodations at any level of hotel room all the way up to a deluxe villa.

Other features these packages share are park tickets and a park hopper pass with no expiration date.  So the park hopper pass can be used the length of your stay, not just on one or two days.  Transportation to and from the airport are included in all three as well.  Finally, with any of these Disney vacation packages you will enjoy extended park hours and the ability to send your souvenirs straight to your room after purchase.

Where these three differ is in the food provided to you.  In the Magic Your Way package, you are responsible for all your own food and beverage.   The Quick Service Dining will include 2 quick-service meals and 2 snacks daily.  The Plus Dining package includes one table-service meal, one quick-service meal and one snack daily.  You also have the option of having a bottle of wine delivered to your room nightly with the Plus Dining package.

These are just the options you have through the Disney World resort itself.  If you book rooms with other hotels in the area, you can sometimes find packages that include Disney tickets or discounted park tickets.  It is always worth the effort to ask if the hotel offers any specials like this before you book your room.  They will likely not offer it to you outright, and it would be a shame to miss out on the offer.  Always check with a travel agent as well.  They will know of all the best offers and the most current so that you will get the most from your vacation.