Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kumba roller coaster, Busch Gardens Tampa
CRISTIAN LAZZARI / GETTY IMAGES ©
Orlando FlexTicket
The
Orlando FlexTicket
(adult/child $324/304) gives 14-day unlimited entry to CityWalk
clubs, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Wet 'n Wild, SeaWorld and Aquatica. Add
Tampa's Busch Gardens for about $40 more. Look online for discounts.
Staying in the Resorts
Disney and Universal provide great perks for their hotel guests and both offer budget ac-
commodations, so if you'll be spending several days exploring their parks, there's no com-
pelling reason not to stay on-site.
If, however, you choose to stay off-site, resorts and national chains surround the parks,
and many offer theme-park packages. Convenient locations to Disney parks are Lake
Buena Vista, Kissimmee and the town of Celebration. International Drive is more conveni-
ent for Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld. Most hotels offer shuttles to some or all
of the theme parks, but be warned that they can be a pain. They leave at prearranged times,
make lots of stops, often require advance booking, and, for Disney in particular, you may
need to take additional Disney transportation once the hotel shuttle drops you off. Always
ask for
precise details
about shuttle logistics.
Disney and Universal hotel rates vary wildly by season and demand, as do hotel rates in
Orlando in general, and prices can change dramatically (as in hundreds of dollars) within
24 hours. Stay flexible, be persistent and always ask about packages and specials. Most
hotels sleep at least four at no extra charge and several have bunk beds, suites and villas to
accommodate larger parties.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
With two dozen resort hotels, Disney has lodging for every budget, from camping to villas,
from motel-style complexes to full-service resorts. You're paying for convenience, loca-
tion, recreational amenities and theming; quality-wise, except for the very best deluxe re-
sorts, rooms are no better than good midrange chains elsewhere, and even the most ex-
