Practical Information

Before You Go

Passports

If you are travelling from the UK, make sure you have at least six months to run on your passport at time of travel. Children must have their own passport. Check current guidelines at the US embassy's website.

Car Hire

From the UK, we book through US Car Hire (01244 881 743) - Quote 1503. This company quotes fully inclusive (a lot of car hire companies charge you insurance or local taxes on collection of vehicle which costs a fortune).

If you have more than one driver, consider booking two small cars instead of one large one - this gives you more flexibility and it need not cost a lot more.

Florida law says that you must have a child seat for children under 4 years old. Car hire companies often charge a fortune for these so if possible take your own. Most airlines carry them free but check with your carrier.

Theme Park Tickets

Park-Tickets.com - Quote 1503. This company supplies discount HARD paper tickets (not vouchers) for peace of mind.

Insurance

Flexicover 0870 990 9393

Or if you have health problems: Worldwide 01892 833 338

Flights

You normally cannot book your flight more than a year before travel. It is usually best to book peak-time flights as early as possible. It is worth considering an Indirect flight if it will save you money. Try Charter Travel: 01635 872 861, quoting COBREN for extra discounts.

Packing for your trip

Tape something bright around all of your suitcases for easy identification (or tie something durable around the handles). You will only need to pack casual clothes/ comfortable shoes (people don’t dress up to go out to dinner etc.) Remember that there are free laundry facilities in the house. Casual clothing is a fraction of UK prices in the Outlet Malls so leave room in your suitcases! You may not find American tea to your taste. The local Publix store has a range of British foods such as PG Tips.

Travellers' Checks (in US$) can be used as cash in most stores.

Pack little goodie bags for children (crayons, paper etc.) to keep them entertained during the flight. Older children can take their GameBoys.

The night before you leave home

Put a note on the door to make everyone check that they have Travellers Cheques, Plane Tickets, Directions to Agent’s Office, Car Hire vouchers Drivers license, inc. paper part and Travel Insurance Documents.

If you need to stay near Gatwick Airport the night before you fly and would like parking for the duration of your holiday, Waterhall Country House comes hightly recommended by one of our guests for families without younger children. However, our guest did recommend that you check that the previous occupants of the room have not set the alarm clock!

When You Arrive in Florida

If you are flying into Orlando airport, send all the drivers down a level to queue at Car Hire. Non-drivers turn left to baggage reclaim (this will be the 2nd pickup for those flying direct). You can save an hour by doing this - but don’t forget to arrange a meeting place!

When you arrive at the house

Try to stay up until 10pm local time, a swim is a good idea. There is Publix supermarket 2 minutes drive down the road and a Wal-Mart 2 minutes further on (turn Left onto Hwy 27 for both). There are books and a Welcome Pack at the house for you to plan your stay.

Your Last Day

Don't forget to leave our house by your checkout time (usually 10am) so we can prepare for our next guests.

If you are flying Virgin, you can check in at Downtown Disney ($5) by Cirque de Soleil which means that you can shed your cases and enjoy your last day. You may like to walk round Disney village and have a nice lunch at Bahama Bay or revisit your favourite mall or use the last day on your Disney tickets.

Another good idea for the last day is Gatorland which is on the Orange Blossom Trail.

We hope you have had a great stay and want to visit us again soon!

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