Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
29
against expenses. International visitors
using Chip-and-PIN cards (or smart cards
as they are often referred to) will have to
have their cards swiped (they still have a
magnetic strip), and in most cases sign for
their purchases (no PIN required) as the
U.S. has no plans to implement a Chip-
and-PIN system anytime soon.
Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld parks,
shops, restaurants (but not most fast-food
outlets), and resorts (Disney and Universal)
accept five major credit cards: American
Express, Diners Club, Discover, Master-
Card, and Visa. Additionally, the WDW
and Universal resorts will let you charge
purchases made in their respective park
shops and restaurants to your hotel room,
but you must settle up when you check out.
Be sure, however, to keep track of your
spending as you go along so you won't be
surprised when you get the total bill.
Debit cards
are also now a commonly
accepted form of payment in most Orlando
stores and restaurants as well as select
Orlando resorts. Debit cards draw money
directly from your checking account. Be
aware that fees (generally $1-$3 though
sometimes a percentage of the transaction)
are usually imposed on most debit transac-
tions, both foreign and domestic. Also note
that most resorts deduct up to $200 (or
more) from your debit account each and
every day of your stay, greatly reducing the
amount of money you have available in
your bank account (until it is credited back
some 10 or so days after you've settled your
bill and checked out), so be sure to ask
exactly what the debit card policy is before
handing over your card when checking in.
Some stores enable you to receive cash back
on your debit-card purchases as well. The
same is true at most U.S. post offices.
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5
HEALTH
STAYING HEALTHY
Orlando doesn't have any particular health
risks to watch out for (except sun and
“heat” exposure—see “Common Ail-
ments,” below).
General Availability of
Health Care
Vaccines are not required to enter the U.S.;
however, when traveling to Orlando (or
traveling anywhere for that matter), it is
always a good idea to pack an assortment of
over-the-counter remedies for common
travel-related ailments. Sunblock and sun-
burn cream will help to ward off and/or
soothe an Orlando sunburn; Pepto-Bismol
and antacids will lessen an array of stomach
ailments that often pop up when traveling;
eye drops will relieve tired and dry eyes
(whether from the plane ride or all the plant
life lurking at the parks); and a supply of
bandages will help to protect the inevitable
blisters, minor scrapes, and scratches.
You should, of course, pack any pre-
scription medications that you require
while vacationing—and keep the phone
numbers of your family's various physi-
cians handy in case you need a prescrip-
tion refilled or called into a local pharmacy.
Pharmacies are plentiful and located
throughout the Orlando area (many of
them are open 24 hr. and offer drive-
through service). Most are standalone
stores, but pharmacies can often be found
inside the area's larger grocers as well.
Turner Drug Store has two locations that
serve the tourist districts (the first near
Downtown Disney at 12500 Apopka-
Vineland Rd;
&
407/828-8125 and the
other in Celebration;
&
407/566-9060)
and will deliver prescriptions (for a small
fee) right to your hotel. Additional phar-
macies can be found in the local phone
book. If you have your prescription filled
at a national chain (such as Eckerd's, CVS,
or Walgreen's, among others), it's likely
