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ORLANDO HINTS AND TIPS
WHEN TO VISIT
Orlando is popular all year round, with January as the coldest month,
with a low of approx. 50°F (10°C) and high around 70°F
(22°C). July and August are the most hot and humid, with highs
around 90°F (33°C), 95% humidity and frequent downpours.
Mid-summer is when kids from UK and Europe
are out of school for summer vacation, which leads to long, hot &
sticky
queues at the theme parks! Early autumn gives the best balance of
weather.
In autumn and winter, the parks tend to be much quieter, barring the
odd
USA holiday period, but they also have shorter opening hours too. As
far
as accommodation, the cheapest time to visit is from early November to
April
except for the most expensive period during the Christmas and Easter
holiday
periods.Whatever time of year it is, but especially during the summer,
prepare
your trips and carry LOTS of bottled water.
DRIVING tips for UK visitors
- Driving is on the RIGHT
- Always carry your driving license and rental agreement with you.
- You may turn right on a red traffic light after coming to a stop,
unless signs indicate otherwise.
- Should it rain you must switch on your lights and windscreen wipers.
- Seat belts must be worn at all times.
- Keep loose change in the car for tolls (usually 25 or 50 cents).
- Junctions are not always signed in advance with count down markers as
in the UK.
- Speed limits vary without warning and with no reminder. Pay careful
attention to signs.
- All accidents must be reported to the police and your car hire firm.
- Petrol (Gas) stations are numerous within the Orlando area, petrol is
cheap (about $1.60 / £1 a US gallon). Fill up in Orlando area if
driving out into the "wilds" as gas stations become more scarce further
out.
- When filling up with fuel most pumps accept credit cards. After
removing the fuel nozzle from it’s holder, flip down a bar on the
cradle to activate the pump. You may need to select payment method also
before the pump starts.
MONEY
Take only small amounts of cash. Travelers Cheques are accepted like
cash at most retail outlets and change is given. Credit cards are
accepted in far
more places within the Orlando area, even most McDonalds accept credit
cards.
Most banks charge an exchange rate fee of between 2-5%.
U.S Coins
25c = 1 Quarter
10c = 1 Dime
5c = 1 Nickel
1c = 1 Penny
Tipping
Most establishments do not add a service charge in the bill, except for
parties of 6 or more. If not included it is usual to tip Waiters /
Waitresses
15-20% of the bill.
AIRPORTS
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the nearest to our villa at 26
miles away and about a 30 minute drive via the Central Florida
Greeneway.
Sanford International Airport (SFB) is just North of Orlando and at 50
miles is approximately 60 minutes drive away via the Beeline Expressway
and Interstate 4.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) lies South West and is about 75 miles
away and a 80 minute drive, straight up the Interstate 4 into the
Disney
area
Finding direct flights to any of these 3 airports is usually quite
easy, but beware high season as these can get pre-booked quite quickly,
or leave only higher priced tickets available.
If you don't mind a flight change (often in New York, Washington etc.
depending on main carrier), these open up possibilities in terms of
availability and sometimes price. Consider Charter flights - these
often go to Sanford airport as well as to MCO. If you're really keen to
get the best deal, TAMPA airport opens up some further possibilities,
e.g. BA have direct flights from Gatwick and can be among the cheapest.
Don’t forget to pre-arrange children’s meals for the flight,
wheelchairs and any other special requirements for the airport or
flight.
All airports are served well by car rental companies and bus or shuttle
services to the main Orlando areas.
HIRE CAR INFORMATION AT ORLANDO
INTERNATIONAL
On Airport - Level 1 (A & B sides)
Avis - (800) 831-2847
Budget - (800) 527-0700
Dollar - (800) 800-4000
L & M - (888) 825-8151
National - (773) 694-4640
Off Airport - Accessible via Courtesy Shuttles
located on Level 1 (A & B sides)
E-Z - (407) 352-3131
Florida Auto - (800) 327-3791
Global - (877) 851-2202
Hertz - (800) 654-3131
Interamerican - (800) 327-1278
Magic - (407) 857-1999
Payless - (800) PAY-LESS
Preferred - (800) 526-5499
Rent-A-Wreck - (800) 841-5371
Specialty - (888) 711-4446
Thrifty - (800) 367-2277
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