Walt Disney World covers 47 square miles (think twice as large as Manhattan and you’ll get the idea!) and has so many things to do that even those who live in Orlando struggle to keep up with it all.

In short, here’s just  SOME of the available offerings at Walt Disney World:

• 4 major theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• 2 water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
• Over 20 large resorts
• 5 golf courses
• 2 mini-golf courses
• Numerous lakes offering water sports, boating and fishing
• 2 dinner shows
• BoardWalk entertainment district
• DisneyQuest “virtual theme park”
• Downtown Disney shopping and dining district

So with all this choice, just where do you  begin?

1. When.

Deciding when to go will be top of your list. Much will depend on  your budget, kids’ school schedules and other factors such as what you like to do individually and as a family, will heavily influence your decision.

Tip #1: Visit Disney when the kids are in school to enjoy the quieter theme parks more.  Lines will be shorter and more comfortable

2. What.

This is a critical step in the planning. There is so much to do that you’ll want to plan out what everyone wants to see and do.

Tip #2: List the “Must Do’s” and then do a secondary list of “Maybe’s”.  Involve everyone in this process and you’ll have a more enjoyable trip.

3. How Long?

There’s never enough time to see it all, so armed with your list in #2 you can now chart out how long it will take you to visit the “Must Do’s” and how long it will take you to do the “Maybe’s.” Be warned, even if you visit for a month, you simply can’t see it all.

Tip #3: If you want to visit all four theme parks and actually experience the majority of the attractions, parades and shows, you will need at least 5 full days! (Epcot can easily take 2 days all by itself as it is split into two sections; Future World and World Showcase. You might also find you need a day and a half at Magic Kingdom to enjoy everything there is on offer.)

If you then find you would like to do some of the “extras,” like Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon water parks or a trip to DisneyQuest you will need to allow more days. If you are visiting for a first time, I believe you need at least 7 to 10 days to do all the major theme parks and sample some of the other delights.

4. Transportation.

Depending where you live you’ll need to decide whether to travel by plane or automobile. If you’re flying, do you then want to rent a vehicle so you can see other things in the Orlando area?

Tip #4: Hire a car and stay off site to save money. There are some great places to stay that will help you save way more than the cost of vehicle hire.

5.  Theme Park Tickets.

A big expense when visiting Walt Disney World is the cost of entry to the parks. It is important to look over your itinerary, get out the calculator, take a look at all the prices and available deals to  figure out which tickets make most sense for your situation.

Tip #5: There are many ticket companies offering great deals. Check each one out and don’t be tempted by the deal that seems to be too good. Go with a reputable and approved Disney ticket agency.

6. Where To Stay.

Here’s another big decision. Stay on Disney property or stay off site?  If you take the advice in Tip #4 you’ll stay off site and save $$$’s but if you are seriously considering an on site resort stay then make sure you check out all of Disney’s resorts by searching for photo’s and details on the internet. Each resort is themed differently and some are very expensive.

Tip #6 : Rent a Vacation Home.  Renting a vacation home off site makes a lot of sense for most families. A fully equipped vacation home has 3 to 7 bedrooms (enough room for all the family at one nightly rate rather than multiple rooms at a hotel), a fully equipped kitchen (prepare meals at home rather than eat in expensive restaurants), large lounge and living areas (with flat screen TV’s, DVD’s VCR’s, games machines) and your own private heated swimming pool.

You’ll not only save money but you can keep all the family together and create some great memories.

7.  Relax and Enjoy.

Don’t forget to take some time out to do absolutely nothing. The temptation with a Disney vacation is to always be on the go. It’s important to allow time to recharge your batteries and to go home refreshed.

Tip #7: Allow one rest day for every two days of theme parks.

That’s it! Everything else is “gravy.” You can make reservations for meals, book special events and do all kinds of other planning but these are the seven basic steps to enjoy a great Disney vacation. Have fun!

©2010

For more information about vacation homes, click here or call 407 870 1600

*** The articles on this website are made freely available to all members of the media and the press. The only condition is that credit be given to Nigel G. Worrall as author of the articles.

About Nigel G. Worrall:

Nigel Worrall is President / CEO of Florida Leisure Vacation Homes & Total Real Estate Solutions. He is regularly sought by the media as a vacation home and real estate expert and has featured on NBC, ABC, Fox, CBS. He has also featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Times, Newsweek, Chicago Sun Times, Washington Post, Orlando Sentinel, Orlando Business Journal and several other leading publications. Nigel is also the best selling author of “Big Ideas For Your Business” (Advantage Media)

Nigel serves many clients around the world as a Realtor®, Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Investor, Mortgage Broker and Real Estate Trainer.

Florida Leisure Vacation Homes is the leading vacation home company in the Orlando, Fla. – Disney area, offering 3-7 bedroom private vacation homes near to all the Orlando area attractions. Each home has it’s own fully equipped kitchen, 3-7 bedrooms, lounge, dining room, laundry, 2 car garage and best of all, private swimming pool. http://www.FloridaLeisure.com

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This leads to the usual “accommodation dilemma” families face – unless you just won the lottery and have unlimited funds to spend on your trip.  Do you crowd the entire clan into a single hotel or motel room for a week or two, giving up any personal space or privacy and the relaxation that comes with your hard-earned vacation time?  Or do you essentially double your costs by putting the kids in a separate room so you can get some peace and quiet?  That is, if the adjoining rooms you requested when you made your reservation are actually available.

Believe it or not, there is a way to have your privacy and afford it too.  Instead of a hotel or motel, book your stay at a vacation home.

Vacation homes – private homes rented for vacation accommodation – are the hottest new travel trend in America.  The homes are primarily located in upscale neighborhoods near popular tourist destinations, and range from clean and comfortable to decadent and luxurious.  Even the simplest home is professionally cleaned and prepared to comfortably accommodate guests.  It’s bound to have a private bedroom for parents, a separate sleeping area – and possibly more than one – for children or other guests, a full kitchen with dishes and cooking utensils, a deck or yard, at least one bathroom, a living room with a television, and more – far more than you’d ever find in a typical motel or hotel room.  And all for about the same price.

When it comes to extras, vacation homes offer the gamut – from game rooms to swimming pools, from spa tubs to plasma TV’s to high speed internet access.  There’s something available for every budget and every taste and style – from families on a budget to discerning travelers who demand the very best.

Compare that to a hotel room, where you get a bed (or two), a chest of drawers with a TV in it, maybe a small table and a couple of chairs, and a bathroom.  If you want to eat, you have to go to a restaurant.  If you don’t feel like going out, there’s a small selection of overpriced snacks and drinks in the mini-bar.  If you’re hungry for something more elaborate, you’ll have to call room service – and that means a 20 minute wait (at least!), an extra charge just for bringing already expensive hotel food, and of course you’re limited to what’s on the menu.  If you want to lay by the pool, you have to compete with all the other guests for a lounge and towels – and then share the water with a bunch of strangers.  You may even have to pay to park your car.  And if you want privacy and time away from your kids, you have to pay for another room!

When you compare vacation homes with typical hotel and motel rooms, there really is no comparison.  If you’re looking for a vacation that offers true privacy, comfort and relaxation for your entire family, don’t settle for another overpriced, overcrowded hotel.  Book your stay at a vacation home – you may never want to leave.

©2008, 2009

For more information about vacation homes, call 407 870 1600

*** The articles on this website are made freely available to all members of the media and the press. The only condition is that credit be given to Nigel G. Worrall as author of the articles.

About Nigel G. Worrall:

Nigel Worrall is President / CEO of Florida Leisure Vacation Homes & Total Real Estate Solutions. He is regularly sought by the media as a vacation home and real estate expert and has featured on NBC, ABC, Fox, CBS. He has also featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Times, Newsweek, Chicago Sun Times, Washington Post, Orlando Sentinel, Orlando Business Journal and several other publications. Nigel is also the best selling author of “Big Ideas For Your Business” (Advantage Media)

Nigel serves many clients around the world as a Realtor®, Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Investor, Mortgage Broker and Real Estate Trainer.

Florida Leisure Vacation Homes is the leading vacation home company in the Orlando, Fla. – Disney area, offering 3-7 bedroom private vacation homes near to all the Orlando area attractions. Each home has it’s own fully equipped kitchen, 3-7 bedrooms, lounge, dining room, laundry, 2 car garage and best of all, private swimming pool. http://www.FloridaLeisure.com

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Romantic Mediterranean Cruises

The slow pace of a Mediterranean cruise is ideal for a romantic getaway such as a honeymoon or simply a vacation with a loved one. There are many beautiful sights to see in the coastal towns of the Mediterranean, and a package which includes inland excursions provides the best of both. Those who enjoy diversity can select a cruise along the coasts of Europe, Asia and Africa and can experience the unique attractions of three different continents.

Food-Oriented Italy Vacation Packages

Italy is an ideal destination for food lovers, who appreciate the culinary arts or enjoy good wine. Possible food-oriented vacation packages in Italy include packages which offer professional Italian cooking lessons – a package including a week-long course in authentic Italian cooking, conducted in a beautiful part of the country, can be an unforgettable experience which also equips participants with a useful skill for life.

Seeing Greece on a Cruise

The Mediterranean is a melting pot of many ancient and rich cultures, and Greece is no exception. In Athens, ancient remnants can be seen at various sites, such as the acropolis, and seeing Greece on a cruise provides travelers with a way to unravel the mysteries of Greece slowly, at their own leisure. A cruise down rivers passing from Greece to Egypt can provide travelers with a view of two very different countries which both have rich cultural heritage.

Diverse Spain Vacation Packages

Spain is a popular vacation destination, as there are many things to do and see – it is a country of vivid colors, of sensuality. Ancient Moorish architecture provides great sightseeing possibilities, and there are many activities worth doing and sights worth seeing in the larger cities of Madrid and Barcelona. Spanish food and wine can be enjoyed on a package designed around these attractions.

Honeymoon in Italy on Packages Touring Romantic Cities

Italian cities such as Rome and Venice have an old-world romance to them that is seductively charming. Newlyweds can honeymoon in Italy on packages which include options so that packages can be tailored to personal preference. Couples can experience being serenaded by a gondolier in a little boat on the waterways of Venice, and afterwards can get lost on the beautiful Amalfi Coast.

Creating a Personal Odyssey with Mediterranean Cruises

For those who find Ancient history and mythology fascinating, Mediterranean cruises which include visits to all of the classical sites of Ancient Greece can be an inspiring and stimulating experience. A package which includes visits to some of the most famous locations in Athens and includes a cruise to Greece’s neighboring islands can provide a variety of activities and many great photo opportunities.

Italy Vacation Packages – Visiting the Great Art Cities

Italy’s art heritage includes greats such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Travelers who are interested in art can choose Italy vacation packages which include visits to great art cities, such as Florence where Michelangelo’s ‘David’ can be viewed. In the art museums of Italy’s major cities, many ancient paintings and sculptures can be seen, and there are also the magnificent frescoes of famous artists to be seen in Italy’s beautiful chapels.

Explore Greece on Cruises Including Neighboring Destinations

In addition to touring Greece, cruises around the Mediterranean can include visits to neighboring countries such as Croatia, making it possible to see as much of Europe as one can within the space of a week or two. Each destination has its own distinct treasures to offer travelers, and a package which includes major cities and small out of the way villages offers a balanced perspective of a country.

Learning to Cook via Spain Vacation Packages

Taking a local cookery class in Spanish cooking is not nearly the same as taking cooking lessons in Spain, from a professional gourmet chef, in an authentic setting. While certain ingredients may be hard to obtain due to differences in climate, those who tour Spain on vacation packages can enjoy being able to source all of the freshest and finest ingredients locally, and can learn how to make great food while also exploring the beauty of Spain’s landscapes and architecture.

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Staying at home for Christmas can also be very stressful. Not only do you have all the shopping, cooking and entertaining to think about, you’ve also got to tolerate seeing relatives that you may not get on with or even see for the rest of the year. It’s small wonder that some people don’t enjoy the holiday at all.

So what can you do to shake things up a bit? The solution some people opt for is to go abroad and enjoy a more relaxing holiday on their own terms. You may not get the tinsel and the Christmas tree, but you will get a good dose of sun and you’ll be able to take part in activities that aren’t a part of a traditional Christmas at home.

The key to planning this kind of getaway is to work out whether you want to be away for Christmas Day itself, or whether you would be content to see your family on the big day and then jet off on holiday a day or two later. If you want to get the best of both worlds then this can be a good option – and you’re not likely to be as stressed on the day if you know you are going somewhere hot and sunny the day after!

You will also need to think about how long you want to go for. Do you want to spend New Year abroad as well? Regardless of the answer to that you will need to make sure you can book the right amount of time off work before booking your holiday, as this is one of the most popular times of the year to avoid work and put your feet up!

The next step is to decide where you want to go. Do you want to stay somewhere in Europe, such as Lanzarote perhaps, or would you prefer to go further afield and explore the delights of Egypt at a time when you would normally be tucking into mince pies and watching television?

There are certainly plenty of advantages to booking a holiday at this time of year, and regardless of whether you go with family members or you decide to jet off on your own, there’s a wide selection of winter sun holidays to choose from.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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It’s been well over a century since the year when the lights were first switched on, and they show no signs of becoming less popular as time goes by. While there is plenty to keep visitors amused when they arrive in Blackpool, there is no doubt that some people come purely to see the illuminations and nothing else.

The evening when the lights are first switched on has become something of a focal point, and it is customary for someone famous to mark the moment when the whole display can be seen for the first time each year. Some notably famous names have agreed to take on this role over the years, including Anna Neagle in 1949, George Formby in 1953, Terry Wogan in 1978 and Joanna Lumley in 1985. This aspect of the ceremony alone makes it well worth the trip to see the opening of the illuminations.

Contrary to what some people may believe, the illuminations are not kept on all day and all night. They are switched on as the evening gets darker, with the time coming forward each day as the evenings draw in. They are then switched off again between half past eleven and one in the morning. One wonders what the electricity bill would be if they were left on twenty four hours a day, given the fact that more than a million bulbs are used!

While all the individual displays are well worth looking at, it is the overall effect created that really takes your breath away. If you just want to see the illuminations then you should jump on a bus or a tram, but if you want to enjoy the illuminations at your own pace then grab your most comfortable walking shoes and stroll along underneath them for a close up view that cannot be beaten. You might not want to walk the entire length of them though, as they run for an impressive six miles!

Of course there is plenty more to keep you occupied at Blackpool, enabling you to have a great day out before it gets dark and the lights come on for you to marvel at. One of the most famous places to visit is the Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and there are certainly plenty of rides and attractions to keep you entertained here.

Make sure you get a Blackpool Destination Guide to help you plan your trip more effectively, so you can enjoy your stay in Blackpool to the fullest extent.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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If that sounds like you then you’ll be pleased to know that even spending just a couple of days away from home can recharge your batteries and leave you feeling ready for anything. People tend to be so intent on booking holidays abroad that they forget just how much Britain has to offer us in the way of sights and scenery, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money either.

For example you could visit somewhere in the countryside that offers fresh air, wonderful scenery and plenty of walks to go on. You’d only have to pay for your accommodation and food – and perhaps a new pair of walking boots.

But having a break doesn’t need to involve heading into the countryside. You could go into one of Britain’s most vibrant cities to see what is on offer – and there are certainly plenty of cities which match that description. Think of Bath, London and Edinburgh to name just three, and you will get an idea of how many diverse and lively cities there are to choose from.

Have a think about the type of activities you would like to do before you choose your destination. This will enable you to find somewhere that matches up most closely to your ideal weekend break away.

Many cities also have a lot of free activities that you can enjoy as well. When you have decided where you want to go, do a search on the internet for tourist attractions that meet this description. For example, if you were to visit London for the weekend you will find plenty of museums which are free to enter, as well as all the open spaces and parks that offer a different side of London to the hustle and bustle of the busy main streets.

It’s also a good idea to look for good reliable accommodation. If you travel early on a Saturday and come home late on Sunday you can enjoy almost two full days away from home and only pay for one night away, which is undoubtedly the best way to make the most of an active weekend while keeping the cost down as well.

Alternatively you could find a location that is cheap enough to allow you to stay for two nights. For example if you are visiting London then you will find plenty of budget London hotels to choose from.

As you can see it’s easier than you think to have a break on a budget – you just need to know how to go about it.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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Prague is a great city to visit all year round, with its stunning architecture and rich history; highlighted by many of the grand castles and bridges dotted around the city, some of which date back as far as the 14th century. It’s during the festive season, however, when the city centre comes alive with the annual Christmas Markets lighting up the city streets.

Running daily throughout December, Prague’s Christmas markets take place at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, with smaller ones operating at Havelske Trziste & Namesti Republiky, all within ten minutes walk of each other. As if being surrounded by amazing historical attractions such as Charles Bridge and St. Vitus Cathedral wasn’t enough, Christmas time in Prague offers a myriad of sights and sounds to take in. The markets consist of brightly decorated wooden huts, selling Czech handicrafts, hot food, hats, scarves and Christmas tree ornaments.

Most impressive of all however, is the Christmas tree which stands in the centre of the Town Square. Shipped from the Sumava Mountains in the south of Czech Republic, the huge tree is draped in beautiful lights that when set against the dark, Gothic background of Prague’s town centre, forms a spectacular sight.

Budapest, Hungary, has also become a popular destination for those wishing to enjoy a unique yuletide trip. Much like Prague, Budapest also celebrates the festive period with a Christmas fair, featuring over 100 wooden stands offering local specialities, crafts and paintings, as well as exhibitions and music programmes. Open air ice-skating is also a popular past time in the Hungarian capital during the winter months. Of course, spending Christmas in a city such as Budapest means you’ll enjoy some of the finest sights in Europe including the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the Parliament Building and the promenade where visitors can enjoy a stroll along the banks of the River Danube before tucking into some traditional Hungarian festive fare.

Central Europe exudes music so it will come as no surprise that Christmas in Budapest features many concerts and performances of classic pieces from the great composers of the 18th and 19th century, often in venues that offer astounding examples of Baroque architecture.

Those enjoying a Christmas European city break to Prague or Budapest have the opportunity for a truly unique experience, not to mention the chance to pick up some great gifts for friends and family back home, without having to use the expensive Euro.

Although those wishing to get away from it all at Christmas without going too far from home can find any number of great festive trips in cities such as Berlin or Vienna, which offer just as many cultural and historic attractions as Prague or Budapest and can be just as memorable.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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Breakfast is easiest of all at Rhodes self catering establishments. For an energizing starter for your day, just pick up some fresh fruit, eggs, local sliced meat, fruit juice, and coffee at a nearby market. Your kitchen is fully equipped to aid in your preparation of a full, nourishing breakfast. But, while in Greece, why not have an easy, traditional Greek breakfast? After all, it will leave you room to enjoy a delicious mid-morning snack, and it will save you time so you can get your day’s activities an early start. All you need is cheese, fruit, yogurt (with honey, if you like,) hearty Greek bread, and, of course, good strong coffee that the Greeks are known for.

For a welcome break in your busy day of touring and outdoor fun, return to your Rhodes self catering home-away-from-home and fix a quick lunch to keep you going until dinner time (which can be quite late if you choose to try a restaurant for your evening meal.) A stop at the market will easily provide you with all you need for a wonderful Greek salad called ” horiatiki.” All you need are the luscious, freshly available tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, feta cheese and olive oil and vinegar in which to toss the ingredients. Another easy lunch idea is to pick up locally produced cheese, olives, sliced cold meats, and bread for an appetizing cold plate– perfect for hot, sunny days. If you have time for something just a bit more time-consuming, many Rhodes self catering facilities provide outdoor barbeques where you can grill skewers of meat for a savory delight known as “souvlaki.”

Let Rhodes self catering establishments save you money while enjoying Greek dishes in the comfort of your own private corner of this beautiful Greek world

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Every guest admits that the island instantly find an endearing spot to their hearts, with its quiet village scene and panoramic landscapes and seascapes. Witnessing the island’s beauty makes every minute of your well-earned vacation last. Since a day will never be enough to explore the island, every guest is offered with an option to stay at the local hotels. However, for the budget-conscious travelers, the charming Zakynthos apartments make a whole lot of difference to popular accommodation schemes. At half the hotel prices, you can take advantage of the apartment’s homey setting, which makes it a perfect place to rest after a day of visiting the island’s tourist spots.

Zakynthos apartments offer more options to island accommodation packages. Unlike in hotels, the apartments give the guests more freedom and more living space, perfect for the more laidback vacation setting. Since these apartments are operated by local settlers, they are understandably asking lower prices for the rentals. This is also due to the owner’s collaboration with the local tourism board, in support to the programs that promote tourism in the island.

Aside from allowing the guests to bring their vacationing adventures to life, the beautiful island of Zakynthos finds a way to accommodate guests of various levels of traveling budget. The availability of Zakynthos apartments actually helped promote the island as the perfect island vacation destination. The great valued accommodation deals and holiday packages offered by the apartments in Zakynthos made it possible for families and bigger groups to spend a vacation together, without having to constantly worry on the bill. So go on, visit Zakynthos and experience what it’s like to spend holidays in a beautiful exotic island without having to spend an arm and a leg.

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Considered as the charm of the Balearic Islands, the scenic tourist spots of Majorca manages to maintain a steady stream of tourist populations; attracting travelers from around the world. Its long stretch of sunny days made it ideal for summer vacation holidays. Aside from the serene views of its landscapes, the village is adorned with mile-long beaches that are ideal for swimming and for doing some water sports activities. When you are big in history, then you are quite in a treat. The local museums occasionally offer guided tours which will answer every question about the village’s colorful history. At the end of the day, it is comforting to relax at the hotel. Local hotels in Majorca are built near the village’s notable tourism spots. And thanks to the luxurious but reasonably priced accommodations offered by the packages offered on Majorca holidays, you can get the best hotel deals in Majorca, Spain. So when you are to plan an exotic Spanish adventure on your next vacation break, all you need to do is browse the internet for some other great deals offered on Majorca holidays.

Thanks to the power of internet, travel preparations have never been made easier. Today, doing all the necessary arrangements for your much awaited vacation is more convenient. With the use of your home internet connection, you can actually finalize every detail on your upcoming trip, allowing you to focus more on the enjoying your well-earned break without stressing out on perfectly detailing how your Majorca treat is going to be.

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