Planning a Walt Disney World holiday is one of the most exciting parts of any family adventure to Florida. From choosing the right flights to deciding where to stay, there are plenty of decisions to make before you even set foot in the Sunshine State.While hotels have traditionally been the obvious choice, more and more UK families are discovering the benefits of staying in an Orlando villa. Having your own private space, a swimming pool and the flexibility to holiday at your own pace can make a real difference, particularly on longer trips.If you’re planning your first Orlando villa holiday, here’s our guide to help you prepare for a magical and stress-free getaway.
Why More UK Families Are Choosing Orlando Villas
A holiday to Walt Disney World is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or at least something families spend years planning and saving for. Choosing the right accommodation plays a big part in making the holiday as enjoyable as possible.
For many UK visitors, an Orlando villa offers far more than simply somewhere to sleep.
Instead of squeezing everyone into a hotel room, you’ll have separate bedrooms, spacious living areas, a fully equipped kitchen and your own private swimming pool. That extra space can make mornings less hectic, give children somewhere to unwind after busy park days and provide adults with somewhere to relax once little ones have gone to bed.
Many villas also include games rooms, cinema rooms or themed children’s bedrooms, helping to make your accommodation part of the holiday experience rather than just a place to stay.
For larger families or groups travelling together, a villa can also offer excellent value, particularly when the cost is shared between several people.
When Should You Book?
One of the most common questions we hear is, “How far in advance should we book?”
The simple answer is: the earlier, the better.
The most popular Orlando villas, especially those with south-facing pools, games rooms or locations close to Walt Disney World, are often reserved many months in advance. If you’re travelling during school holidays, Easter, Christmas or the summer break, booking 12 to 18 months ahead gives you the widest choice.
Flights from the UK to Orlando are usually released around 11 months before departure. While there’s no guarantee that booking as soon as flights are available will always secure the lowest fare, it does provide more flexibility when choosing travel dates and flight times.
It’s also worth thinking about your Disney park tickets early. Purchasing tickets in advance often gives you access to UK-exclusive offers and means one less thing to organise before you travel.
By booking your villa, flights and park tickets well ahead of time, you’ll have the reassurance that the main parts of your holiday are already taken care of.
Driving in Florida – Easier Than You Might Think
For many first-time visitors, driving in Florida can feel like one of the biggest concerns.
The good news is that most UK drivers find it surprisingly straightforward.
Although you’ll be driving a left-hand drive car on the right-hand side of the road, the wide roads, clear signage and generally relaxed style of driving make it easy to adapt after the first few miles.
Hiring a car is highly recommended for an Orlando villa holiday, giving you complete freedom to explore not only Walt Disney World, but also Universal Orlando Resort, shopping malls, restaurants and attractions further afield.
A Few Helpful Driving Tips
Take your time when collecting your hire car, particularly if you’ve just completed a long flight from the UK.
Most hire cars are automatic, so if you’ve never driven one before, spend a few minutes familiarising yourself with the controls before leaving the car hire centre.
Florida also has a number of toll roads. Many hire companies offer electronic toll payment systems, allowing tolls to be charged automatically rather than stopping to pay along the way. It’s worth checking how this works before setting off, as different providers have different options and charges.
Using a sat nav or smartphone navigation app can also make getting around much easier, particularly during your first couple of days.
What Should You Pack for an Orlando Villa Holiday?
Packing for a villa holiday is slightly different from packing for a hotel stay.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in a villa is having access to your own kitchen and laundry facilities.
That means you don’t need to pack as many clothes, as it’s easy to do a quick wash during your holiday. Leaving a little extra room in your suitcase also comes in handy for shopping purchases before you fly home.
Many guests enjoy having breakfast at the villa before heading to the parks, so it can be useful to plan a supermarket visit soon after arriving. Stocking up on cereals, fruit, drinks and snacks can make mornings much more relaxed and may also help reduce spending inside the parks.
You’ll also want to pack plenty of swimwear. With your own private pool just steps from the patio, you’ll probably find yourselves taking a refreshing dip far more often than you expected.
Balancing Pool Time with Park Days
One of the biggest advantages of staying in an Orlando villa is that your holiday doesn’t have to revolve entirely around the theme parks.
After spending hours walking around Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort or other attractions, returning to your own private villa can feel like a welcome escape.
Many families choose to start the day with an early swim before heading out, while others return during the afternoon for a break before going back to the parks in the evening.
Don’t feel that every day has to be filled with rides and attractions. Scheduling a few pool days throughout your holiday gives everyone a chance to recharge, particularly younger children who can easily become tired after several consecutive park days.
Relaxing by your own private pool, enjoying a family barbecue or simply spending time together often becomes one of the most memorable parts of an Orlando villa holiday.
Making Your Disney Holiday Your Own
Every family enjoys Orlando differently.
Some spend every day at the parks, while others like to mix Disney magic with shopping, golf, water parks or simply relaxing by the pool.
That’s one of the reasons why Orlando villas have become such a popular choice for UK families. They give you the flexibility to create a holiday that suits your own pace, with plenty of space to relax together after each day’s adventures.
At Debbie’s Villas, we’ve been helping UK families find their perfect Orlando holiday home for many years. Whether you’re looking for a villa close to Walt Disney World, a home with a games room for the children or a peaceful community where you can unwind after busy park days, we’re here to help you choose the villa that’s right for your family.
With a little planning and the right accommodation, your Disney World holiday can be every bit as magical as you’ve imagined, and you’ll have your own private villa to come home to at the end of each unforgettable day.
