If you need an airport transfer Florida Transport offer a very good service.
Should you require any attractions tickets have a look at www.orlando-attraction-tickets.com - this is a site that was set up by a group of home-owners to ensure guests were given the best rates available. They will either post the tickets to the house or you can collect them from their office at Rock Church Plaza, on the North side of Hwy 192, by Mile Marker 10, just East of Old Town Kissimmee Open Daily: 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. Telephone 407 997 0114 or email info@orlando-attraction-tickets.com
Should you lose your passport during your holiday, the British Consulate is at Sun Bank Tower, Suite 2110, South Orange Avenue, Orlando. Telephone (407) 426 7855
An idea of temperatures to expect:
Spring - March to May - Average high is in the 80's, average lows in the 50's. Shorts and light clothing for daytime but you would probably need a sweater for the evenings.
Summer - : June - September - Usually in the upper 90's with evening temperatures averaging around 70. Thunderstorms and showers are normal in the afternoons and last around an hour. Shorts and light clothing and make sure you use plenty of sunscreen..
Autumn - October - Mid December - Temperatures around the 80's with evenings in the 60's. Light clothing during the day and a sweater or jacket in the evenings.
Winter - Mid December - February - Temperatures around the 60's-70's. Shorts and light clothing is usually ok during the day and a jacket or light coat in the evening.
All popular rides and attractions within the Disney parks have a ‘FastPass’. All you need to do is collect a ticket at the ride or attraction which gives you a time to go back later in the day. You then go back at your designated time avoiding waiting in the queue. Make sure all parties in your group have their own ticket - each ticket only admits one and you cannot get another FastPass until your current pass has been used.
Downtown Kissimmee is a ten minute drive away and has stacks of restaurants and shops lining the main 192 highway. Look for the Big Wheel at the heart of downtown and you'll find an entertainment complex with go-carts, rides and kiddies rides, along with a good selection of novelty stores, a concert stage and good restaurants. Classic cars gather here every Saturday night.
Orlando isn't a drinking holiday as such - the bars can be very expensive, especially for spirits. However it is cheap to drink at home with drink purchased in the supermarkets.
There are a few novelty pubs and most of the restaurants have bar areas also. The legal drinking age in Florida is 21 and it is wise to carry ID around with you at all times. If you look young you will not get served. Never drink and drive - the laws on this are very strict.
Distance from Orlando Miles: Key West 395, Tallahassee 242, Miami 236, Ft. Lauderdale 200, Jacksonville 140, St. Petersburg 106, Tampa 85, Daytona Beach 60
Tipping is customary in bars and restaurants even if you only have one drink. The expected tip for restaurants is 15-20% but always check your bill before leaving a tip because some restaurants will add the gratuity to the check automatically.
Our European guests should remember that tax is not included in the prices you see in the shops and will be added on at the checkout.
The nearest golf course to our home is Mystic Dunes which just happens to be one of the best in the area. We have negotiated a discount rate for all guests which can save you up to $50 a round. You will find an information sheet inside the guest book with the telephone number - you must ring to book and quote Serendipity Villa to obtain the discounted rates.
Florida can be subject to brief lightning storms and it is extremely dangerous to be in the pool or hot tub during these storms. Please ensure everyone is out of the water when a lightning storm occurs.
All along the 192 you will notice 'Mile Markers' which are signs to help making it easier to find businesses, shops and restaurants. Many establishments will advertise what mile marker they are located at.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Florida as are travellers cheques.
For European visitors, passports must be valid for at least 6 months following the date of your return journey. You can now renew your passport up to 9 months before it expires, without losing validity on your current one in the meantime. Your passport must have a machine readable bar code on the information page to gain entry into the USA. For more information you can call the UK Passport Advice Line on 0870 521 0410 or visit www.passport.gov.uk
The Florida sun can be very hot and you can burn in as little as 7 minutes in August. Make sure you Use plenty of sun lotion and head covering for younger children. Use waterproof sun lotion for your children at places like Wet 'n Wild & the beach. You can still get burnt through the screen over the pool. Topless bathing is not allowed in Florida.
A taxi service we would recommend is Florida Transport.
Please ensure you are fully insured for your vacation
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