Orlando - Travel Deals

Beginning on August 19, 2010, Virgin America is offering two new great services: San Francisco to Orlando and Los Angeles to Orlando.

During your flight you can enjoy free wi-fi and satellite TV. Of course, the fares are on sale and are excellent. All are one-way fares and require 21 days in advance purchase. Tickets must be purchased by March 25, 2010 and the travel period is between August 19 and November 17, 2010. Blackout dates do apply (Sept 3 to Sept 6, 2010)

The fares for the new services are:

• San Francisco to Orlando, from $199 on Tue, Wed, Thu
• San Francisco to Orlando, from $219 on Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun
• Los Angles to Orlando, from $149 on Tue, Wed, Thu
• Los Angeles to Orlando, from $169 on Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun

You can find more details about the sale on airline’s official website

Read more Virgin America Flight Deals

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.