Disney Vacation » Orlando Vacation Hotels

Come Home…to Orlando?

Orlando Team — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:09:02 +0000

You’ve waited and saved and dreamed; now you’re taking your family on the vacation of a lifetime. This year, you’re going to Orlando and doing it all! Still, when you think of nights in a cramped hotel room, with kids who are “wired,” cranky, or a nightmarish combination of both, you’re not as excited as you’d like to be. After all, adults like a vacation to be fun…but we also need it to be relaxing, too.

Fortunately, when it comes to Orlando vacations, you have a multitude of lodging options available. Terra Verde Resort, for instance. For the price of an upscale hotel room or average suite, you can rent a vacation villa with all the comforts of home–and more!

Located ten minutes from Disney World and five minutes from US 192, Terra Verde Resort is easy to find. It’s a gated vacation home community, in which homeowners rent properties out to vacationing families. The homes are freestanding–Terre Verde looks just like a very nice subdivision–and large, featuring 4-6 bedrooms and a corresponding number of baths. Most homes will sleep ten, and some will hold even more! This means that, by sharing a home with friends or relatives, you can lower your vacation lodging costs to below the price of a regular Orlando hotel room, yet still enjoy luxuries far beyond that price point!

So, what does Terre Verde have to offer?

First of all, security. Terre Verde is a gated community with security patrols. This keeps it family-friendly; you won’t need to worry about loud parties and guests misbehaving at all hours. Terre Verde features a club house with exercise facilities, an internet café, billiards, playground, basketball courts and nature trails. Your family can splash in the community pool while you enjoy a dip in the spa or a cleansing sauna. A concierge is available to help you with restaurant and entertainment information, as well as with any concerns that might arise.

Sounds nice, doesn’t it? But that’s not all. Most homeowners provide special amenities for their guests. Options vary by villa, but common perks include:

•Off-street parking
•Private pool, often with mosquito netting
•Pool safety devices, including covers and door alarms
•Pool toys
•Screen-protected patio
•Grill
•Fully-equipped kitchen (cooking at “home” saves money!)
•Stocked game room, with foosball, video game consoles and games, board games, etc.
•Books
•Children’s toys, including ride-ons
•Baby equipment
•Free local calls (some offer free long distance and international calls)
•Free wifi and office equipment
•Television, DVDs, music systems
•Theme-decorated bedrooms and bathrooms
•Golf clubs

The list of potential amenities is endless. No matter what you need to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable, you’ll find a villa owner who offers it.

You’re going to Disney World; of course the kids will have a blast. But Orlando vacations should be relaxing for Dad and Mom, too. This year, make it a real vacation, by renting a Terre Verde villa!

Smart Ways to Choose Accommodation for your Orlando Trip

Orlando Team — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 07:46:28 +0000

When going on an Orlando vacation, one of the first things that you have to plan for is your accommodations. This is very important because the place where you’ll stay during your vacation will play a big role in the success of your trip. Here are some important points that you should consider when the many Orlando hotels you have to choose from for your Florida vacation.

Assess your Budget

When looking into Orlando hotels, it is important to keep your overall vacation budget in mind. Because your accommodations are only one part of your vacation, you want to be sure to allot just the right amount to lodging so as not to limit the activities you get to partake in. Many Orlando hotels are perfect for budget-conscious travelers. Just be sure that you do not disregard quality in favor of price or you may not get the most out of your vacation. What you should do is to look for good quality Orlando hotels that are also affordable. Excellent deals that will give you the best value for your money can be found online.

Number of People

The next consideration would be the number of people that will be travelling. If you are a family of 4, you can fit comfortably in an average room in a Disney Resort. But for parties with more members, a good option is to rent a vacation home or multiple adjacent hotel rooms. It is important to ensure sufficient space so that everyone will be able to have a comfortable stay in your chosen lodging.

Type of Amenities

It is also essential that you check out the amenities that you and your family need. For example, if you prefer to cook inside the hotel room to save money on food, you would want to get a room with a kitchenette that will allow you to do this. Disney condos are ideal for such a situation.

Proximity to Attractions

Also crucial is the factor of proximity to the attractions you plan to visit. If you intend to visit Disney World, staying in Disney Hotels, Disney Condos, or Disney Vacation Homes is an ideal solution to keep you from having to drive extensively. Staying inside the park offers many perks for travelers. For instance, you get to stay extra hours inside the House of Mouse even after it has closed to the general public. You can also enjoy free shuttle services that will take you to and from your hotel. But if your budget does not fit this option, you can also go for Orlando hotels or Disney Condos that are located nearby.

When checking out hotels for your Orlando trip, be sure to consider all these factors. You should also read online reviews and customer feedback so that you will be able to choose those that are loaded with praises and compliments. Stay away from those that are plagued with negative comments.

Orlando hotels, Disney Condos

Favorite Travel Experiences in Orlando

Orlando Team — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 20:49:52 +0000

Orlando is packed with opportunities for family fun. This is why, it is often dubbed as the ultimate family vacation destination. Filled with lots of kid-friendly attractions like theme parks and amusement center, as well as things to keep adults fascinated like shopping districts, historic sites, museums, and so many more, it is one place that you should really include in your list of places to visit. If you are going here anytime soon, you will be delighted to read this list of the best travel experiences that you will encounter when you step down this part of Florida.

Visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Many would agree the Animal Kingdom is the most spectacular part of Disney World. And this is for so many good reasons. For one, you can hike through the African Jungles using the Pangani Forest Exploration trail. You may also go on a safari adventure with Kilimanjaro Safaris. Embark on high-peak expedition to Mount Evert or see the entertaining shows of Finding Nemo, the Musical or the Festival of Lion King. There are so many things to see and experience when you are in this part of Disney World. Kids would have the time of their lives exploring forests and jungles and having incredible adventures that they don’t get to experience everyday.

Travel Around the World at Epcot

Epcot is divided into two sections: the Future World and World Showcase. The latter would bring you to a journey around the world to countries like Mexico, Norway, Italy, China, United States, Germany, Japan, Morocco, France, and Canada. Don’t miss attractions like the American adventure, Gran Fiesta Tour, Maelstrom Norway, and Wonders of China. Now after you are done traveling the world, move on to travel to an out of this world adventure in the Future World part of Epcot by riding the Spaceship Earth.

Have a Thrill at the Universal Orlando

Universal Studios is filled with thrilling rides and awe-inspiring shows that would make you feel as if you’re right inside a Hollywood movie because of all the high-tech special effects and modern technology. The thrill seekers would have a grand time getting onto the Revenge of the Mummy, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Men in Black Alien Attack, Dueling Dragons, the Incredible Hulk Coaster, the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls. Aside from all these incredible rides, you will also be fascinated at the Hollywood movie sets located in this park. If you’re lucky, you might even catch your favorite movie star shooting the latest Hollywood flick. You can have the chance to take pictures with him/her or get his/her autograph. Universal Studios Vacation Packages are available online to make planning much easier for you.

Learn and Be Entertained at the Water Parks of Orlando

Orlando is filled with water theme parks that would not only entertain you but also educate you. The most famous of which are SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica. At SeaWorld, there is no way you cannot catch Manta, Journey to Atlantic, Kraken, and a host of animal shows and performances. At Discovery Cove, experience a unique retreat by resting and relaxing on the beach or swimming with the dolphins. It would be great to stay at Orlando hotels near the water parks and resorts.

3 P’s of Disney World Vacation: Planning, Packing, and Preparing

Orlando Team — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:52:19 +0000

Disney World vacations are always fun and exciting. There is probably no other place in this world where people, both young and old, can experience that kind of magic and fascination that only Disney can give. If you’re bringing your family to this world-famous theme park anytime soon, it is imperative that you start with the 3 P’s of the vacation: planning, packing and preparation so that you can have one successful trip that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Planning

The first thing that you have to plan for is when to go. If your kids go to school, you are probably considering taking them during the holidays. But if it’s possible for you to get time off work and them off school anytime when all your schedules are not so hectic, it would be great so you can duck the crowds. For the kids, it can be any weekend during the school year or the week after their final exams are done.

Aside from the schedule, you also have to plan where to stay. Disney Hotels, Orlando hotels, and Kissimmee Vacation Homes are just few of your choices. See to it that you look into the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision. Moreover, you should also plan for things like what to do and where to eat. On the what to do aspect, it would be best to download the map and attractions list from the official website of Disney World so that you and the kids can already decide which ones you would want to see and experience. This would definitely save you a lot of time.

Preparations

When it comes to preparations, one of the first things you have to prepare for is the travel budget because as you probably know, trips like this are not cheap. Save enough money to sustain all the expenses and have the kids pitch in savings from their allowance not only so you have money to spend but also to teach them the virtue of saving.

Apart from the money, you should also prepare your kids for the trip, physically and mentally. Get them excited by involving them in the planning stage. Keep them fit and healthy by having them eat a well balanced diet, having them sleep early, and having them exercise regularly. Tell them that they need to be in tiptop condition to enjoy the theme park more fully. Even after the trip, it is a must for them to adapt to this healthy lifestyle.

Packing

Now for packing, you must create a packing checklist so that you can have an overview of all the things that you would be needing for the trip. This would help ensure that you do not forget anything important that you and the kids would need. Save space in the luggage by rolling clothes instead of folding them. Make use of extra space like those inside the shoes. Pack sufficient amount of food and drinks so that you can save money because prices inside Disney World are very high.

Is it better to stay in a Hotel or Rent a home in Orlando?

admin — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 22:52:57 +0000

There are numerous options for you when you are visiting Orlando. Kissimmee is the town around Disney and Universal and a ton of other attractions. For me there is no question of renting a house versus staying in a hotel. From all my trips to Florida, I can tell you that my wife and kids agree that staying in an Executive House with an in ground personal pool was by far the BEST vacation experience we have had. When we arrived at MCO Orlando airport, we rented a car and drove to the property management office and picked up or house keys. The house we stayed in was a four bedroom, two car garage, large living room with eat in kitchen and a dining room. Each of the kids had their own bedrooms and bathrooms, my wife and I had a very large master bath with access to the pool from the bedroom. The living room had ample seating for watching movies and playing board games (which were in the house). The private pool was awesome! We went grocery shopping and had hot breakfast every morning, popcorn for the movies and a full size fridge for our week’s worth of drinks, fruits and snacks.

Hotels and Motels are also a very popular place to stay, once you rent a private home for a week, a hotel stay will never be the same.

What hotel amenities are normal in hotels in Orlando?

admin — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:36:44 +0000

Orlando Hotels

The Orlando area is home to more than 400 Orlando hotels. Each one offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for each guest.

So what are some of the standard amenities you might be interested in when staying at a Orlando hotel?

Complimentary shuttles. Since so many Orlando hotels are located just minutes away from theme parks, you will find that many of them offer free shuttle transportation. Some Orlando hotels also offer transportation to Orlando International Airport. Be sure to ask about this if you do not have a car with you.

Pools. Most of the hotels have pools. Some even have waterslides. Others have multiple pools and slides. And you’ll even find Jacuzzis. What better way to take in the Florida sun than to swim around the hotel pool?

Internet Services. Complimentary Internet Access and some even offer business centers and meeting rooms~Most Orlando hotels offer in-room broadband access and some provide business centers and even meeting rooms}. If you have some work to finish while you’re on your vacation, it will nott be an issue.

Quality concierge services. A lot of local offer visitors concierge services. If you need assistance booking dinner reservations, finding the best spa or getting advice on which Orlando theme parks to visit, the concierge can help you out.

In-room coffeemakers and ironing boards. Most Orlando hotels offer these amenities, this way you can be sure to start your mornings off free of any stress. In addition to coffeemakers, many of the hotels even provide free coffee to guests.

Cleaning services. This is probably understood. You will find maid service and staff who will help your family with any housekeeping concerns you might have.

Gift shops. At the themed hotels and resorts, you’ll find themed gift shops. But at many of the Orlando area, you will find some kind of souvenirs.

Washers and dryers. Not all of the area hotels have washer and dryer services, but some do. And some are free. This is definitely worth looking into—especially if you’re planning on staying in Orlando for a few days. Also, some Orlando hotels provide dry cleaning services.

Lounge and restaurant. Most hotels in Orlando have a lounge and restaurant. Some even offer happy hours, free cocktail receptions or free breakfasts.

Fitness centers. Whether it is a small gym or a larger fitness center, most Orlando hotels accommodate guests who desire to stay in shape. The facilities are normally free to guests but it does not hurt to check with the Orlando hotel before booking your stay.

Wake-up phone calls. These are usually offered free of charge.

Each Orlando hotel offers unique amenities, but these are just the main ones that you’ll see across the board. If you are looking for something specific, do not forget to inquire about it before getting your reservation.

Orlando Hotel Market Update

admin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:26:43 +0000

Discount Orlando Hotels

If you are coming to Orlando for your family vacation and you are still undecided on where to stay, then, be sure to look into some of the great hotel deals that are still available to those traveling to Orlando.

Rates are still low due to the struggling economy and the struggling hotel industry. Just recently it was reported that Orange county took in about 10% less in revenue for October 2009 when compared to the tax revenue brought in during October 2008. This is known as the Orange County Resort Tax.dea

Of course if the county is making less money, so are the local Orlando hotels that reside in Orange County. With this all going on, hotel managers are being squeezed to get more people in the doors, and that means greater deals for those vacationing in Orlando. Now, the deals are greater than ever for staying in Orlando. There are four star hotels that have rooms starting at just $49 a night that are closely situated near Disney. This is quite a deal when you consider that they also offer shuttle service to the Disney theme parks.

So as long as you have the ability to get away from work, now is a great time to pack up the family and head out to Orlando for vacation.

Orlando Hotels at Great Rates

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:22:12 +0000

Orlando Hotels

It’s no secret that in this sick economy, hotel occupancy rates have dropped all over the country, yes, even in Orlando. Smith Travel Research (STR) is the premier data provider on the lodging industry. They compile the most comprehensive database of hotel information in the country. They track hotel occupancy rates week by week and compare them to the same week of the prior year. This year their reports have been consistently coming out showing declines in the hotel occupancy rates. People are simply not traveling as often as they did even last year, which was also a down year for the travel and tourism industry. Lowered occupancy rates are almost always accompanied by lower room rates. Hotels lower their prices to attract people to come and stay in their hotels.

Low occupancy and low rates are not what the Orlando tourism industry hopes for. Not only are there fewer people renting hotel rooms, but it also means fewer people are in the area eating at restaurants, shopping at shops, and you can continue on from there. But there is a solution. With lowered room rates, it is a good time to stay in Orlando. There are people who have been sitting back, waiting for prices to hit bottom. They have the money to take a vacation to Orlando, but they are trying to get the absolute best deal. This type of thinking is a result of the current economy. People have learned to spend cautiously. Well, if these people would take action now by booking their Orlando vacation, they would get the great deal they have been waiting for. Of course, this would be good for hotels, dining, and retail establishments in the area, too. It’s a win-win situation. Everyone would benefit. And besides getting a fabulous Orlando vacation at an amazing deal, they would get the satisfaction of knowing that they are contributing to the welfare of the tourism industry and playing an integral part in getting our entire nation on the road to economic recovery.