Disney World - Travel Deals

Labor Day has come and gone and there seems to be autumn crispness to the air now that summer has officially ended. But, while the weather still may be nice and warm for another few weeks, the changing leaves mean it’s time to start thinking about planning your winter vacation and your escape from winter weather to sunnier and warmer locales. Since I spent every winter visiting my grandparents and enjoying a Florida vacation, I jumped when I saw that Jet Blue was offering some pretty fantastic deals on flights to the Sunshine state. Best Flight Deals to Florida

I astonished my friends last weekend when I informed them that I had never been to Disneyland. “You’ve made it 24 years without ever having gone to Disney?” was pretty much the universal response I got when I told them I had never, in fact, been to Disneyland in Southern California. Realizing I had yet to go where dreams are made, I decided that maybe it was about time I start looking into some deals to the Disney. Luckily, the down travel market has meant for some really great deals at Disney, with discounts and special offers aplenty. Disney Dreams Lead The Way!

The only thing better than getting something on sale is getting something for free, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to share this United Vacations giveaway to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. For months now, I have been scouring the internet, bring y’all fabulous deals and telling everyone that with the economy looking how it does, Airlines and hotels seem to be practically giving away hotel rooms and airfare. Well, looks like United is actually GIVING away a free trip. Win a trip for two with United Vacations’ Fairytale Vacation Giveaway to Walt Disney World® Resorts! Enter by May 31st.

Having grown up within spitting distance of Central Florida’s theme parks, I can tell you straight up that if you like heart pounding rides Universal Studios kicks Disney’s ass six ways to Sunday. Disney is fun for the little ones and might just be the happiest place on earth if you avoid the lines, but Universal’s rides are better. It is plain and simple.

Both theme parks cost a bundle these days so outside of climbing over the fence and sneaking in, you should look around for ways to save money of entrance fees. At this very moment, Universal Studios is offering a discount on tickets to both its Orlando theme park and its Hollywood park. Save $10 now so you can spend it later at the park buying a hot dog that will make your tummy feel funny on the Back to the Future ride.

Truth be told, I grew up mere minutes from the Happiest Place on Earth so I know a thing or two about Disney World. While I would personally never choose to spend my vacation days with Pluto, Goofy and the gang, I’m quite aware that lots of other people feel otherwise. The thing about Disney World is that you can almost always find a good deal on flights and accommodations there. Spirit Airlines has one in the works right now that isn’t bad and I’m sure you could track down others if you try. The one bit of valuable information I can give to you as an Orlando insider is how to avoid long lines while you are at the Magic Kingdom and the associated parks. Here are some tips:

1. Consider the time of year before booking your trip. Disney is the least crowded during January. Everyone is back in school, the holidays are over and spring break is still a few weeks away.
2. Start your day early. It takes awhile for families to get their butts into gear so if you get to the park right when it opens you’ll have a couple of hours of line-free fun.
3. Use your kids to your advantage. It probably won’t be greeted too well if you sneak into line, but if you send your kids to do the dirty work first and then meet up with them, you are less likely to get tossed out of the park.
4. Wheelchairs. I hope you never need to use one, but consider renting one for your Disney vacation. People in wheelchairs always get whisked to the front of the line, no question asked.
5. Don’t go. If you never step foot in Disney World you will never have to deal with the crowds. Read the truth about Disney while you vacation elsewhere.

It is as simple as that.