The first step is finding a vacation package that suits what you want to do while you’re in Orlando. Some tourists are mostly focused on visiting Disney World while others want to spend their time in Universal Studios. In order to get the most from a vacation package you need to find one that focuses on the things you want to do most. Vacation packages are designed to make sure that you don’t miss anything in Orlando but still can focus on what you want to see most.

If your primary desire is to see Disney World then you should check out the vacation packages offered by the Disney resort. These packages will include accommodations and park tickets at the minimum and can include early park entry and meals for some of them. All that you really have to decide is which of the Disney hotels to stay in since they have a fair number of them. There are hotels on site, at the resort, and a few Walt Disney owned hotels that are themed and very entertaining. The great thing about a Disney package is that transportation to the park and back is included.

Universal Studios also offers vacation packages that should be considered. These are very similar to the Disney packages but at a different theme park. You will have to choose which hotel to stay in or ask a travel agent which one they recommend. Universal is an amazing place to visit for the entire family and especially for anyone who loves the movies.

Of course there is the possibility you may not be able to choose which kind of package to get since both sounds so nice. If you wish to do it all then why not choose both. You can choose to have a longer stay in Orlando that will allow you to have the best of all worlds for your vacation. Any travel agent will be able to help you manage your itinerary and arrange for you to have it all. There are also flexible packages so that you can arrange or adjust the dates of your stay accordingly. And with package prices starting at $600 this is an opportunity that just can’t be beat.

Staying at Disney or Non-Disney Hotel

When vacationing in Orlando it can be a challenging decision to decide whether to stay at a Disney hotel or not. There are some advantages to staying at the park but also some disadvantages and in order to make a decision these differences should be considered.

Off Site Hotels

In general off site hotels offer a lot more variety in amenities because they have to provide more in exchange for being farther away from the Disney parks. Typically they are also a lot less expensive for this same reason. If traveling in a large group then it is important to note that off site hotels are usually larger so can more likely offer good rooms for a big group.

One of the greatest advantages of staying off site is that most of the hotels offer free transportation to Disney World, Seaworld, Universal, and perhaps other local attractions as well. Not every location will offer shuttles to all of these attractions but most at least offer Disney World. Some of these hotels also may offer discounts on tickets for the parks if you stay with them.

Most of the time these off site hotels will offer a free breakfast and lots of specials during peak travel seasons. In general, Disney properties do not offer specials or freebies during peak season and the onsite dining can be very expensive. Disney hotels have also been around for quite a few years now and some of the newer hotels may be offering more to their visitors.

On Site Hotels

The biggest advantage to Disney hotels is the quality and service. Disney hotels have been doing this for a long time and they know what it takes to make visitors happy. They also provide not only free shuttles to all four Disney World parks but also free transportation from the International Airport as well. Shuttle services usually run every thirty minutes or so, so getting to and from the parks is very easy.

When staying at a Disney hotel guests are offering a “Magical Hour” when they can enter the park an hour before it is open to the public. Of course another advantage of on site accommodations is that the employees are always going to be very familiar with the park and what it has to offer. Purchasing things in the park is also easier since you can just charge it to your room and pay for it at check out. In general if a visitor wants to have the most personal and easy Disney experience possible then the on site hotels will probably be the best choice since everyone there will have the utmost knowledge about all the park’s attractions.

Cruise ships generally are all-inclusive. The cost of your food, drinks and entertainment are included in your package price. Perhaps you have been wondering whether or not you should book reservations on a traditional cruise ship or an all-inclusive cruise ships. Many travelers wonder the same thing, so let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Obviously the biggest advantage with all-inclusive cruise ships is you will know exactly how much money you will spend on your vacation with regard to food, drink and entertainment. Essentially, all your food and drinks and that includes liquor is covered in your purchase price for your cruise. Travelers who enjoy feasting on fine dining will love this option. Your all-inclusive vacation may also include admittance into movie theaters, video arcades for your children, and of course on board shows. If an all-inclusive cruise ship sounds too good to be true, it may be. A closer look and you may find that drinks with the exception of hard liquor are included, and you may be asked to pay for your liquor. However, there are many cruise ships that are truly all-inclusive. Gratuity expenses are generally covered by the cost of your cruise as well.

As for food expenses, most meals in the onboard all-inclusive cruise ships restaurants are included. However, a late night snack from a vending machine may not be. Most people who have been on cruise ships will tell you, that one of the best features is that you can eat at your will, whatever you want and won’t cost you an extra dime.
Of course the cost of gambling will not be included and most cruise ships have onboard casinos. So, if you are a gambler you will have to provide your own resources, money. Of course admission into the casino will be free.

For many travelers, the expense of an all-inclusive cruise is a great deal. To better determine whether or not you will save money aboard an all-inclusive cruise, you need to estimate your cost of food, drinks, and entertainment aboard a traditional cruise.  Simply by comparing the two, you can easily determine which cruise package offers the better deal.

At the end of the day it is likely you will find that all-inclusive cruise ship is a better deal than a traditional cruise ship. With that in mind, it’s time to determine what destination you have in mind for your vacation. Cruise ships literally travel to all ports of call in the world, with the Caribbean, perhaps being the most popular destination.