When someone is planning a vacation in Orlando, they typically have only one thing in mind: Disney World! But Orlando is not all about Disney – plus, Disney World is actually located in near-by Lake Buena Vista. Other things to do here include: spending time in the gardens and parks, visiting museums, golfing or just spending time in Downtown Orlando.
There are two peak travel times in Orlando: March and April and from June to August. The majority of tourists though come during summer so that’s when the prices are at their highest and you are guaranteed to bump into large crowds. Winter weather sees temperatures of 70s during the day and 50s during the night but cold fronts are possible and temperatures usually drop quite a bit after those. Still, Orlando is a year-round travel destination and if you plan to visit during the low season, you will save quite a lot of money.
Planning the budget
Orlando vacation packages are good choices both during the low season – when hotels offer discounts to lure tourists – and during the high season – when everyone is looking for some additional services offered for free.
There’s also the possibility to create your own package, by booking the flight and accommodation separately. Flights to Orlando are easy to find regardless of when you plan to travel but during the high season, make sure to book in advance. Typically two to eight weeks before you plan to leave is a good period to look for flights.
As for cheap hotels in Orlando , make sure you have quite a bit of patience while you search for them. There are quite a lot of hotels close to both the airport and Disney World and most of them offer shuttles to the theme parks.
Things to do in January in Orlando
Being a travel destination year-round, Orlando doesn’t lack events and festivals in January. It’s a great idea to rent a car if you want to have the freedom to check out the festivals and events in the near-by places.
Walt Disney World Marathon is scheduled for January 7 through January 10 and attracts thousands of runners and supporters each year. If you haven’t trained for a marathon or semi-marathon, then you can sing up for the Disney/Pixar UP & Away Family Fun Run 5K.
Sunshine Regional Chili Cook-Off takes place in the middle of January at the Kissimmee Lakefront Park. Aside from the many food stands, the event also includes live music, arts and crafts. Admission is free.
From January 23 through 31, 2010 head to near-by Eatonville for the annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts & Humanities. The event includes speaker events, a screenwriting competition and educational programs.
On January 23 and 24, the Blue Spring Manatee Festival takes places at Valentine Park, in Orange City. The event includes live entertainment, great food, arts and crafts exhibits and carnival-style rides.
Where to stay
It really doesn’t mater if you come to Orlando for the theme parks, events or just for the atmosphere because you will need a place to stay regardless of what you are up to. Since there are a lot of hotels to choose from, it’s quite hard to take a decision, so here are some places to get you started.
Extended Stay Deluxe Orlando-Universal Studios : is an excellent choice if you plan a longer holiday. The suites are equipped with refrigerator, microwave, and stovetop. There’s a one-time $4.99 fee for the wireless internet. The guests can use the swimming pool and the fitness center. Continental breakfast is free. In January, the rates for a studio suite start at $49.95 per night.
Monumental Hotel Orlando : is located close to Seaworld and Aquatica, as well as shopping and dining. The guests can use the outdoor pool. All rooms have AC and coffee makers. In January, rates start at $62.10 per night for a standard double room.
Baymont Inn & Suites Florida Mall/Orlando : is located 3 blocks from Florida Mall and quite close to the theme parks. Breakfast and wi-fi are free. Guests can use the pool and the gym. In January, room rates start at $42 per night for a 1 king bed room.
Radisson Hotel Orlando-Lake Buena Vista : is located just a quarter mile from Disney World. Guests can use the pool and the fitness center. In January, the special deals rates start at $79.80 per night for a room, while the standard rates start at $104 for a double room with breakfast included.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando International Drive : is located close to all the attractions in Orlando. The hotel offers free wi-fi. In January, the standard room rates start at $95 per night.
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