Advice from Nandita Patel, product administration executive at Funway Holidays
Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, with Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld and more, but there’s so much for everyone to enjoy that Orlando holidays really are the perfect option for family getaways.
But how do you book a holiday to suit the needs of different family ages, sizes and budgets?
With 14 parks in total, each day needs a visit, so pre-buying a multi-park ticket is a must. And after an action-packed Orlando stay, suggest chill-out time at one of Florida’s east or west coast beaches, which are about 90 minutes’ drive away.
Nandita Patel, product administration executive for Funway Holidays, has some tips on booking family breaks to Orlando.
1. Fun for all ages
Find out the ages of the children travelling. Children aged two to 11 would like Walt Disney World Resort, whereas kids aged 12 and above would prefer the action and excitement of Universal Orlando Resort. Whatever their age, be sure to recommend the SeaWorld Parks.
2. When to go
One of the most important factors when helping your clients to book their holiday to Orlando is timing. Unfortunately, families are usually limited to the school holidays. However, if they are travelling with pre-school aged children, offer them off-peak dates to keep the costs down.
3. What’s their budget?
Travelling to Orlando as a family can be expensive. One of the first things you need to do is find out what your customers’ budget is. Tour operators will offer different rates depending on their deals with airlines and hoteliers so do your research to find the best price to suit your customers.
4. Where to stay
When helping clients choose accommodation, bear in mind the facilities available. The Sheraton Villages are a great option for families with young children and teenagers alike, offering apartment-style rooms that include kitchenettes, plus all the facilities of a hotel, including a variety of pools to keep all of the family entertained. However, if you are booking a large group, a villa is the ideal option.
5. Pre-book park tickets
It’s always worth pre-booking park tickets to get the best deals, such as Disney’s 14 days for the price of seven. Or if your clients want the best of everything, then the Orlando FlexTicket provides 14 consecutive days of unlimited admission to Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica and Wet ‘n Wild Orlando. Busch Gardens Tampa Florida, the 335-acre adventure park, is also available with the upgraded purchase of an Orlando FlexTicket Plus.