We are incredibly lucky here at Ellis Exclusive Villas to work with such a fantastic bunch of home owners.
In this week’s blog, we speak with Pierre, one of the home owners to most recently join us.
How did you end up buying a property in Orlando?
We first went to Florida in 2001. We were living in Canada at the time and a friend lent us his house in Kissimmee. We fell in love with Orlando right away. The kids were very young and they really enjoyed the parks. We have always wanted to buy a house there and plan to live out there for six months every year once the kids are grown up and settled.
In the meantime, we are renting it out through Ellis Exclusive Villas.
How did you decide where did you buy?
We did look at many homes, but because I am in a wheelchair most of them would need to be adapted for me. Rather than knocking down walls and putting in new bathrooms, we realised it would work out cheaper to buy off-plan and have the house built to meet our needs. Providence is one of Orlando’s newest resorts and it boasts a wealth of amenities, and it is in a great location for Disney and Orlando’s other attractions, so it made perfect sense.
How does the home specially cater to wheelchair users?
All the doors are wide. We have two master suites on the ground floor and in one of them we have an accessible bathroom. You can access this from the pool area, which is great for minimising the drips through the house on the days when we’re out by the pool. We also have a pool hoist for access in and out of the pool. We’ve recently added a ramp into the garage where we have a games room. The pool table and fussball tables are the right height for wheelchair users.
How does this compare to the kind of accommodation in the parks?
We’ve never stayed at the parks – we’ve always wanted the extra flexibility that a vacation home gives you. We like being able to go out to dinner without feeling like we’re paying twice for it (because we’ve already paid for it at the hotel). Now, it is great to be able to spend time at home. Being able to get in and out the pool is a really important advantage.
Do you find that the parks usually pretty good in terms of accessibility?
The Disney parks are superb for wheelchair users. The only thing I find uncomfortable are all the cobbles in the Harry Potter worlds at Universal!
However, I do understand this is because Universal is being authentic to the books and, to be fair, it is all still accessible.
The staff are really happy to help in whatever way they can. Quite a few of the rides have spaces where I can take my wheelchair directly into the booth or cars. I can’t transfer once I’m in the chair, so I have to avoid the rollercoasters, but usually there are designated areas in the front carriages. When we get to a ride, the staff will usually come up and bring the whole party to the front, so we don’t have to join the queue.
What about the dining options?
I haven’t found anywhere in any of the four parks which wasn’t accessible. My wife and I went to eat at The Liberty restaurant in the Magic Kingdom but the only tables available were up on the tiers.
So the staff checked if we were ok and brought a table down to us. They were absolutely great; we couldn’t fault them.
Do you find that this is reflective of a better awareness of accessibility across Orlando, even outside the parks?
Most places are accessible, yes.; all the restaurants and shopping malls. I think in large part this is because the buildings are generally quite modern and recent. They don’t have quite the same issues with adapting historic and listed buildings as we do here in the UK!
How about getting around?
We use Orlando International as it is convenient for our property. Entry and exit are easy, and we have always found ground staff extremely helpful helping me in and out of the chair. Nothing has ever been too much trouble. My whole party has been fast-tracked through Immigration. We’ve flown with United, BA and Virgin and they are all good – make sure you compare prices though as there can be huge variations.
We hire a fully adapted vehicle with a ramp from Dennis at Advantage Vans Mobility Florida. They meet us at the airport and collect us, he is a great guy and we would wholeheartedly recommend him. You can reach them at advantagevansmobilityflorida@outlook.com
How easy is it to get around inside the parks?
The train that runs between the Disney parks is also wheelchair accessible. There is a separate queue and a separate carriage in the front which has more space for you and your party.
It sounds like Disney are doing a really great job in terms of accessibility?
Yes, I’d definitely recommend it as a holiday.
There is a big difference when compared with theme parks here in the UK, where large chunks of them aren’t accessible.
Have you encountered any drawbacks?
The only time I’ve really encountered a problem is at the Water Parks. The Disney Blizzard Beach water park doesn’t have any facilities for getting in and out of the water; there were no pool hoists. I found that very difficult, because trying to find somewhere in the shade on a hot day was very difficult.
It was the same story at Discovery Cove. There was no facility to get changed, nor was there a pool hoist there. It meant that I couldn’t go swimming with the dolphins with the rest of my family. I thought I’d watch, but I couldn’t get close enough to see.
I might have been better if I had someone to push me in the special wheelchairs they have there for getting through the sand. But it was disappointing, especially since I was paying full price to get in.
Do you have advice for anyone considering a trip to Orlando and Disney?
Everyone is apprehensive to start off with, but you don’t need to be apprehensive about Disney World as they are fully adapted. You aren’t waiting for rides – especially if you use your FastPass+. Plan ahead because it is plainly advertised which rides are accessible and which are not – and many of them are.
I’ve never come across anyone who was not willing to help. In fact, I’ve met many friends since becoming disabled and I have recommended it to them. One friend stayed at our house – she needed the pool hoist so she didn’t have to keep physically lifting her son in and out of the pool – and before she left, she’d already booked for the next holiday!
Just go and enjoy yourself!
To view or book Pierre’s home click here.
For additional help and advice about theme park tickets, we recommend you speak with our Attractions partner, Kissimmee Guest Services. Find out more about the service and discounts KSG offer here.
For help and advice about buying or managing a vacation home in Orlando or Central Florida, contact the Ellis Exclusive Villas team:
In USA: 321 710 8779
In UK: 0333 332 1411
Do you have any advice you would like to share with our guests about accessibility issues? We’d love to hear your thoughts… please share them in the comments section below.
The holidays are here! What a wonderful time of year! And, for Disney fans, there is nowhere better to celebrate the holidays than Walt Disney World Orlando.
There are plenty of other wonderful events happening across the Central Florida area too, so don’t think it is all mouse ears… you can seek out Christmas carollers and even snow in Florida if you know where to look!
Here’s the Ellis Exclusive Villas guide to getting the most out of your Orlando vacation when you stay with us in December.
The Theme Parks
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, opened its doors in early November, so celebrations at the Magic Kingdom are already well underway by the time December arrives.
Holidays Around the World at Epcot is also a wonderful Christmassy experience, where you can discover seasonal traditions from around the globe.
Inevitably, you can expect the crowds to be in full force by the end of the month. They do drop off for the first couple of weeks in December (compared to the peaks of the late-November Thanksgiving weekend). But by the middle of the month, things are back to peak capacity levels so be prepared for long lines and large crowds.
The usual strategies for dealing with crowds apply: get to the parks early, keep a close eye on children, invest in FastPasses and, if it is your first time to the parks it is well worth thinking about using the services of a tour guide.
You can book Orlando theme park tickets through Ellis Exclusive Villas. KSG guarantee you won’t get a better price.
Get some advice from our professional ticket partner to make sure you get the best prices on all your excursion and park tickets. As well as guaranteeing you won’t find tickets cheaper (and offering a money-back guarantee), their advice can also help you to work out what the best deal will be and the best days to go.
The Weather
In Orlando in December, the average daily temperatures will typically be in the low seventies ˚F/ low twenties ˚C, with lows dropping to around 50˚F/ 10˚C.
Although low by Florida standards, this still counts as winter sunshine for me! You can expect around seven hours of sunshine per day. This means it is still very pleasant.
What’s more, the humidity also drops around time of year so you can enjoy getting out and about a bit and exploring without getting too hot.
By the end of the month we’re out of the official storm season too, although showers are always a possibility.
Wider Central Florida
There are so many wonderful Christmas/ holidays events happening in and around Orlando in December, so don’t confine yourselves just to the parks.
Highlights include the Orlando Ballet’s annual performance of the Nutcracker at the Dr Phillips Center.
The Christmas at Bok Tower Garden Holiday Home Tour: at Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales (in the direction of Legoland).
Light Up UCF features a giant ice skating rink at University of Central Florida’s CFE Arena.
And – my personal favourite – the picture-perfect town of Celebration will be decked out for the holidays, with roving carollers and “real” snow!
Since we’re rapidly approaching Christmas, Orlando’s shopping malls will be busy but if you do need to do some Christmas shopping, you’ll find whatever you need in one of Orlando’s numerous shopping malls.
If you want to plan some other lovely treats, get in touch with the Ellis team, we can happily arrange in-home treats.
For other treats away from your vacation home, such as an unforgettable hot air balloon ride about Orlando, please get some advice from our ticket partner, Kissimmee Guest Services, who can offer great advice about slightly more unusual treats and ways to experience Florida.
Your vacation home
If you are staying at an Ellis Exclusive Villas in December we will try to add a bit of holiday magic for you. If you have a specific treat in mind – perhaps a personal chef for the night or spa for the day – then please give us a call and we can make a booking for you.
During December, if you want to use the pool in your vacation home we strongly recommend that you book and pay for pool heat.
Let us know before you go so that the pool is warm from the beginning of your stay (otherwise it can take a few days to warm up if we come and switch the heater on after you’ve already arrived). Please be aware that pool heat won’t heat the swimming pool (or the integrated spa pool, if you have one) up to the temperature of a warm bath. However, what it will do is take the chill off the water.
If you have paid for pool heat and your home has a pool blanket, we strongly recommend you use the pool blanket – they do keep the warmth in overnight. The standard pool heaters that are fitted in most of our vacation homes are only designed to run eight hours a day – so the pool blanket does help significantly in retaining some of the heat you’ve paid for.
Finally, if you have any questions then please contact us on the usual numbers. And, most of all, enjoy your vacation!
In USA: 321 710 8779
In UK: 0333 332 1411
Universal Orlando has just released a new preview of its forthcoming Volcano Bay water park, due to open in Summer 2017, timed to coincide with tickets going on sale.
The park is still being built, so the film is CGI but does give some clear ideas about what guests can expect from visits to the park when it opens in June 2017.
As well as the towering 200ft-tall “volcano” that will dominate the park, the video shows some of the rides and facilities visitors can expect and promises a “full day of fun that lasts well into the night”.
Clearly positioning the Volcano Bay water park as a full day out, Universal is describing it as the third park in its Orlando family.
Watch the video now
If you will be in Orlando in the latter part of 2017, watch the video now to see what you can enjoy:
Make the most of every splash!
One of the highlights of the video is the Krakatau™ Aqua Coaster, a four-person canoe ride which slides upward into dark twists and turns within the volcano before emerging with a plunge through a shimmering waterfall.
There will also be a toddler area, winding river, raft rides, tubes, drop slides and a 125ft body plunge.
Read more details about the rides to come on the Universal website.
New Wearable Technology to Eliminate Queueing
One of the most exciting announcements in the video is the digital queueing system.
Guests will be given a “TapuTapu” wristband which will enable virtual queueing so there is less standing in line. The wristband will also be used to activate videos at tap-to-play spots around the park.
Get Tickets Now!
If you’d like to book your place to be first to experience this exciting new water park, tickets go on sale today – November 15th 2016 – for visits from June 1st 2017.
Purchase them through our ticketing partner, Kissimmee Guest Services, and they will guarantee that you will not find tickets cheaper anywhere else – or they will refund the difference up to 14 days after your visit.
Contact details for purchasing tickets through KSG can be found here.
Central Florida is a beautiful part of the world and it is definitely worth making time to explore beyond the parks if you can.The Ellis team ventured out to Mount Dora recently – a great fun day out for all the family. Here’s what happened.
Mount Dora is an attractive lakeside town just forty minutes to an hour or so north of any of our vacation homes. Take a stroll along the main street, browse its boutiques, stop for lunch in a little independent bistro, then in the afternoon explore a little further by taking a boat ride across the lake or a steam train ride to neighbouring Tavares.
Getting There
You’ll need to go North on the Florida Turnpike from Kissimmee. Mount Dora is around forty miles to the North-West of Orlando. The Turnpike is a toll road, so make sure you are prepared for the tolls.
Main Street
Mount Dora is a really attractive town that you can happily explore on foot.Some parts of the main shopping streets are pedestrianised so it is great to potter around, browsing the stores and stopping to leisurely decide where to have lunch.
Lunch at Cecile’s French Corner
Cecile’s French Corner is a wonderful little bistro in one of the pedestrianised areas of the town, serving Crepes, Salads, Quiches, and other French-inspired delicacies. Sit inside or in the pretty courtyard out back and relax with a glass of French wine.
Take a Boat Trip
Rusty Anchor Boat Tours are located just by the Yacht Club at the lakefront in Mount Dora.
It runs a range of trips including a Sunset Cruise ($20 per person for a one hour trip) and Canal Tours (£27.50 per person for a two hour trip that takes in alligators, turtles, otters, 100-year-old Cyprus trees and many species of birds).
Take the Train to Tavares
The neighbouring town of Tavares is just an hour away by rail. Take one of the scenic trains which run between the two stations and watch the world go by. At different times of year, you are able to catch special seasonal trains, including: Halloween Train, Pumpkin Train, Christmas Train, Wild West Train, Pizza Train, Wine and Tapas Train, Dinner Train. It is a lot of fun.
The Kids Can Enjoy the Parks in Tavares
Our children really enjoyed the wonderful rustic play area, complete with fairy-tale castle constructed from logs and the splash park at Tavares.
Explore by Segway or Sea Plane
Back at Mount Dora, there are a few others ways to explore available to you.
Segways and bikes can be hired locally at a reasonable price.
Or for something a bit different, why not take a trip on one of the sea plane rides on offer. Rides from Jones Brothers Air and Seaplane Adventures start from $39.
We found a great combination deal that took in a Sea Plane ride, boat trip and pontoon boats for $93. Which is a heck of a lot of adventure to pack into one day out at the lake.
Take Afternoon Tea at the Windsor Rose Tearooms
After all that adventure, we had worked up a thirst and so were very pleased to stumble upon the Windsor Rose tearooms.
This delightful little café serving pots of tea, finger sandwiches, scones and cake was just what we needed before heading home!
Summary: A great day out and a definite change of pace to the theme parks. Well worth the trip. Going in the Fall meant the weather was perfect for strolling around the lake and town; during the summer we expect it could get rather hot and sticky – although a trip to the splash pad would be great fun in the summer months! October through March is the perfect time to visit. The autumnal weather also meant that we weren’t hassled by insects (as long as you stay off the wet grass!) and we got to enjoy all the lovely harvest displays around town and in the shops.
For more information about activities, events, shows and entertainment in and around Orlando and Central Florida, speak with our ticketing partner Kissimmee Guest Services.
Or call the Ellis Exclusive Villas team on:
In USA: 321 710 8779
In UK: 0333 332 1411
November is usually a quiet month for us in Orlando.
Yet it can be a wonderful month to visit. Depending which end of November you visit, you could catch the tail end of Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival or the very start of the parks’ Christmas festivities.
Either way, temperatures in the 70s are very pleasant for exploring beyond the parks and the opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping in Orlando’s malls make November a great month to visit.
Here’s the Ellis Exclusive Villas guide to getting the most out of your Orlando vacation when you stay with us in November.
The Theme Parks
Epcot’s fantastic annual event, its International Food and Wine festival, continues for the first half of the month, so during this period the crowds at Epcot may be a little busy.
However, the Halloween festivities have finished and most of the parks are quiet, making preparations for their Christmas events; the majority of which will start towards the end of November.
The first to open is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, which opens on November 11 and runs until December 22.
Epcot opens its doors to visitors at Holidays Around the World at Epcot on November 25 at the Epcot Center, Disney World and it runs until December 31, Epcot Center, Disney World.
Towards the end of the month, the parks will start getting busy again as the Holidays events start drawing in the crowds, particularly around Thanksgiving weekend.
If you are visiting around Thanksgiving weekend then be prepared for long lines and large crowds. The usual strategies for dealing with crowds apply: get to the parks early, keep a close eye on children, invest in FastPasses and, if it is your first time to the parks it is well worth thinking about using the services of a tour guide.
You can book Orlando theme park tickets through Ellis Exclusive Villas. We guarantee you won’t get a better price.
Get some advice from our professional ticket partner to make sure you get the best prices on all your excursion and park tickets. As well as guaranteeing you won’t find tickets cheaper (and offering a money-back guarantee), their advice can also help you to work out what the best deal will be and the best days to go.
The Weather
In Orlando during November you can expect high temperatures of 78°F (25˚C) with lows reaching 57°F (14˚C) – so it is still very pleasant and warm. For Brits, and others from similarly cold climes, this definitely counts as winter sun!
What’s more, the humidity also drops around time of year so you can enjoy getting out and about a bit and exploring without getting too hot. For example, the weather during our Fall trip to Mount Dora (just north of Orlando) was very pleasant, whereas it can be very hot and sticky there in the summer months.
You can expect a pleasant eight hours of sunshine per day in November.
And, while there may always the possibility of rain in Florida, the chances of it are at their lowest in November. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack a lightweight poncho or raincoat into your daypack anyway just in case – these will come in handy on rides like Splash Mountain anyway!
Wider Central Florida
Many other attractions outside the park will begin their holiday festivities around the middle of November/ Thanksgiving weekend. One highlight is Orlando Museum of Art’s annual Festival of Trees which runs mid-month.
Check out our events list for some more ideas of things to do in the Orlando area.
Since we’re rapidly approaching Christmas, you might find the urge to visit a shopping mall or two and Orlando is well blessed for shopping malls. Whether you are into bargain hunting or designer labels, a visit to one of Orlando’s numerous shopping malls can make a really diverting excursion.
With the still warm but slightly lower temperatures, reduced humidity (and fewer bugs!) November is also a great time to explore a bit of the wider Central Florida area. It is the perfect weather for enjoying a round or two of golf at some of Orlando’s many championship golf courses.
And, if you can schedule a few days of your vacation to experience “wild Florida”, this state’s beautiful natural parks and waterways are well worth exploring. Our ticket partner, Kissimmee Guest Services, can help you with tickets for airboat rides, hot air ballooning, or off-roading trips – for slightly more unusual ways to see the State.
Your vacation home
If you are staying at an Ellis Exclusive Villas in November and you want to use its private pool you will need to book and pay for pool heat.
Let us know before you go so that the pool is warm from the beginning of your stay. It can take a few days to heat up – so don’t leave it until you get there. Please be aware that pool heat won’t heat the swimming pool (or the integrated spa pool, if you have one) up to the temperature of a warm bath. However, what it will do is take the chill off the water.
If you have paid for pool heat and your home has a pool blanket, we strongly recommend you use it for keeping the warmth in overnight. The standard pool heaters that are fitted in most of our vacation homes are only designed to run eight hours a day – so the pool blanket does help significantly in retaining some of the heat you’ve paid for.
By November we are reaching the tail end of the stormy season so you shouldn’t experience too much rain; the average rainfall for the month is considerably lower than the UK.
However, if you do experience an occasional downpour, it can sometimes affect the Wi-Fi and cable services to your vacation home. If your vacation home’s internet service is disrupted following a storm, please refer to the house manual where you will find instructions for resetting the Wi-Fi router.
Finally, if you have any questions then please contact us on the usual numbers. And, most of all, enjoy your vacation!
In USA: 321 710 8779
In UK: 0333 332 1411
Here’s our guide to how to get the most out of your Orlando vacation during March.
The Theme Parks
Early March is still a great time to visit the parks without having to deal with crowds or long lines.
However, on those years that Easter falls early (like this one!) the latter part of the month can be amongst some of the busiest as spring breakers and families taking Easter holidays head to the parks.
Mardi Gras at Universal and the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival are still drawing in the crowds. Epcot’s Flower and Garden festival is a riot of spring colour and family-friendly activities ideal for budding green fingers. Do expect it to be busy – make use of your Fast Pass and do make restaurant reservations if you plan on eating there.
The Weather
By March, typically, you can expect temperatures to be climbing back up to the seventies and low eighties, so you’re probably going to need to pack the sun screen. Don’t let the cooler starts to the mornings catch you out!
Wider Central Florida
It’s a great month to explore some of Florida’s other wonderful public gardens, beyond the Epcot festival. March through April is peak bloom season for local gardener’s paradise Bok Tower gardens in Lake Wales (towards Legoland Florida from Kissimmee). Or, a bit further out in the opposite direction, try Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
The Water Parks start opening around now too. Temperatures in the seventies and low eighties aren’t at the highs you can expect at mid-Summer but it’s comfortable enough and the lack of bugs around in March is a bonus.
Since it is Spring Break season, some of the beaches will be busy – Daytona in particular is one to avoid unless rowdy partying is what you’re looking for!
If deserted tropical sands are more to your taste, you will still find there are plenty of wonderful locations to discover, explore and find a beach to call your own along Florida’s more than 1,350 miles of coastline (not counting the many beautiful spots alongside the state’s natural springs and waterways).
Whatever tickles your fancy, remember to get your tickets for the theme parks, dinner show or other attractions through us for specially discounted rates which come with a low-price guarantee.
Book tickets through Ellis Exclusive Villas before you go
Your vacation home
Even in March, if you want to use the pool at your vacation home, I do recommend that you add pool heat to your package. My number one tip for pool heat is to let us know your preferred times (it only operates eight hours a day) before you go and I also strongly recommend you use the pool blanket if one is provided in your property. Although average March temperatures are in the seventies during the day, temperatures can fall rapidly over night – so you want to keep the heat you’ve paid for in!
We do get a lot of families over the Easter holidays; it a great time for Brits to take advantage of the school holidays and find some late winter sun. If it is your first time in Orlando as a family then I can’t speak highly enough of our car rental partner, Car on the Drive. Instead of you having to navigate through the Orlando traffic after a long trans-Atlantic flight, Car on the Drive will pick you up from the airport and deliver you to your vacation home where your hire car will be waiting for you.
You might also like to book one of our special Easter packages – we can deliver an egg hunt basket to your vacation home, or perhaps you’d like to treat yourselves to one of or other special packages, such as booking spa treatments in your vacation home or maybe booking a personal chef for the night?
And, most of all, if there is anything we can help with while you are away to ensure you enjoy your vacation, please call.
I like to work with people who share my ideas about delivering excellent customer service in order to ensure long-term success.
One business that certainly operates with this ethos is Kissimmee Guest Services, a local events business. I partner with KSG so I can offer guests discounted rates on theme park tickets.
But what makes KSG’s service so special?
“Park tickets are expensive and it can quickly get confusing,” explains Tim Justynski, KSG’s Director of Business Relations. “We aim to give personal service that ensures the customer has exactly what they need. We don’t oversell – none of our staff works on commission. That way we can ensure everyone gets the tickets they need – and only what they need.”
KSG sells tickets for all of the main attractions in and around Orlando plus many other smaller attractions. All of the tickets they sell are discounted.
“Whatever you want to do, we are going to be able to offer you a discount on the gate price,” says Tim.
The company is so confident about the prices it can offer that it gives all its customers a low price guarantee. Tim explains: “If customers can find the tickets on sale cheaper anywhere else then we will refund the difference in price. We are very confident about our low prices. We even offer this refund up to seven days after the customer has used them – we’re that confident we have the best deals.”
“The only time we’ll be beaten is if there is something not right about the deal,” says Tim. some companies in Orlando that offer huge discounts on park tickets but these are usually in exchange for attending some kind of sales pitch. Tim does offer a warning about thinking you’re going to get a deal with an offer like this: “If you are offered very cheap park tickets then be wary. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is. Some local timeshare operators will offer discounted park tickets in exchange for attending one of their timeshare presentations. Even if you are happy to spend three or four hours of your vacation at a timeshare presentation, you need to be prepared for some high pressure selling. You will get the tickets eventually, but be prepared.”
It’s a far cry from KSG’s customer-centric approach. Tim says: “We’ll organise for your tickets to be delivered to your vacation home if you like or you can stop by and collect your tickets from our office where you can also pick up some brochures and additional advice from our team.”
The advice the KSG team offers ranges from which tickets offer the best deals, through traffic tips, to the best times to see particular attractions. This personal service and the care and attention they give to every customer is probably the most important reason the Ellis Exclusive Villas team are so pleased to work with KSG.
Another advantage is the company’s convenient location. The KSG office in Celebration is the only third-party ticket service on Disney property. The team are rightly proud of this fact. The Celebration location is also incredibly convenient for all our homes in Davenport – not just the homes in Kissimmee.
“We’re are just down World Drive, just off the Interstate so we can be easily reached by any Ellis Exclusive Villas guest,” says Tim. “Your homes are in either Kissimmee or Davenport and you can call in to our offices from either location on your way to the parks. We’re really close to Disney and just another ten or fifteen minutes away from Universal or SeaWorld.”
I think the service the KSG team offer is really top notch and the fact that it is backed up by their low price guarantee means that sourcing our guests’ tickets through them is a no-brainer.
From my point of view, it’s nice to know that we share the same values about building a successful business through keeping guests happy.
As Tim says: “A happy guest is more likely to come back to us and to recommend us to their family and friends. That’s good for us. But, most importantly, we want the guests to get the vacation they want.”
We couldn’t agree with you more Tim.
To speak with Tim or his team, please contact them direct or via me on the usual numbers. For more information, see our attractions tickets page.
Did you know we partner with local car businesses so that you can get your vacation rental car through us?
Peter and Wendy run an amazing car hire service in Orlando called Car on the Drive. In the customer service industry, we talk a lot about “going the extra mile” but Peter and Wendy really do – literally.
But what makes their service so special?
Like me, Peter and Wendy fell in love with Florida after spending their vacations here. Peter explains: “In 1999 we bought a home in Florida. Initially we saw it as an investment property, but with three young children we found the home had magnetic powers.”
I wonder if the family felt the pull of Disney magic? Peter says: “In the first five years, we came out to Orlando every school holiday we could – that’s three visits each year. By the time you’ve spent that much time in airport lounges you do begin to ask questions; and we were asking ourselves ‘if we like it so much why don’t we emigrate?’.”
When the family came back from that fifteenth trip, they contacted an immigration lawyer and began to put the wheels in motion.
At that stage, the inspiration for Car on the Drive had not yet taken shape.
Peter owned a successful construction business here in the UK so the family were well placed to travel to the USA under an L1 visa. This visa required Peter to operate his construction business on both sides of the Atlantic. However, when the bottom dropped out of the US property market in 2008 the construction industry was badly hit.
The old adage that necessity is the mother of invention certainly seemed to hold true for the family.
Peter says: “We were already working with a lot of villa owners and we knew what it was like to be a tourist. We knew what it was like to take a nine- or ten-hour flight, be faced with US immigration, and then have to queue at the car rental desk for an hour before being heavily sold to by people working on commission, trying to upgrade your car or sell you toll passes or extra insurance. It can be overwhelming, especially for first-time travellers. We felt there had to be a better way to start your holiday.”
Peter’s vision was of a service where guests could avoid the queues at the airport and get to their vacation home as soon as possible without worrying about negotiating an unfamiliar road network or finding money for tolls. The service would pick guests up from the airport in their own private transportation vehicle and take them straight to their vacation home, where their rental car would be waiting for them on the drive.
Peter and Wendy tried out their ideas on some of the villa owners with whom they already worked and were encouraged by their response. In 2009 Peter bought three cars and Car on the Drive was born.
“The villa owners we knew thought our service was great, so they passed our info on to their guests. The guests thought it was great. Car on the Drive just took off. We soon had our own large fleet of vehicles and now work alongside one of the large rental car companies to offer guests an even greater choice of more unusual or special vehicles,” says Peter.
On the way to the vacation home, the Car on the Drive driver pays all tolls and helps to make first-time drivers feel more comfortable by talking guests through the main driving laws that apply to driving in the USA, particularly where there is a major difference compared to UK driving law. On arrival, the driver will unload the luggage and then talk guests through how the car works – something particularly useful for guests who aren’t familiar with driving an automatic.
Peter says: “We thought our service was going to be particularly useful to people who were vacationing for the first time in Orlando. Especially for those travelling with kids, because the last thing you want to do when you get off the plane is to stand in line and be sold to. But, actually, we’re finding our service has much wider appeal. It is great for people who simply don’t want to drive after a ten-hour flight; that tiredness factor can be dangerous.”
Peter and Wendy have successfully created a business model that keeps people coming back again and again. “Today, about 40- 50% of our business is returning guests,” says Peter. “We have villa owners and holidaymakers who just want to be whisked out of the airport as soon as they can be. They tell us they love to emerge from the arrivals hall and see a welcome sign with their name on it and know they are going to be transported back to their vacation home.”
So what is the secret of Peter and Wendy’s success? I think it is their novel idea, which they have executed brilliantly with lots of charm and hard work. Peter says the British angle is also a key feature of the service Car on the Drive provides: “It’s nice to hear a familiar voice in a strange country. We share the same cultural references as our guests and that helps to create an automatic rapport – we can talk about what’s happening on Corrie, or the latest news. It helps people to quickly feel at ease.”
It’s a far cry from the construction industry, which Peter says only started to recover in 2013 – by which time Car on the Drive had already grown into a profitable business. The family have been surprised but delighted by the success of Car on the Drive and Peter now has no plans to return to construction. So what’s next for the couple?
Their daughters have graduated from high school and are enjoying life stateside. Peter says he hopes to retire at sixty-five, which is now just three years away. He says he hopes to sell Car on the Drive as a growing concern at that time, but I wonder if it will be so easy to give up…
One question we get asked a lot is when is the best time to visit Orlando. The great thing about running a vacation letting business in Central Florida is that Orlando really is a year-round vacation destination. But each month has its own challenges and advantages. Here’s our guide on to how to get the most out of your Orlando vacation during February.
The Theme Parks
February can be one of the quieter months in Orlando’s theme parks, although it can get busier around the third weekend of the month when Americans enjoy a long weekend courtesy of the President’s Day federal holiday which honours George Washington, the first President of the United States.
The third weekend is also the weekend of the Princess-themed half-Marathon around Disney World, so do expect it to be a little busier – although nowhere near the huge crowds of Christmas/ Holidays or Easter/ Spring Break.
The good thing about the parks being a bit quieter is the lack of crowds and the shorter queues. It also means you are more likely to be able to book special events such as dining with your favourite Disney characters. However, we do still recommend you book these in advance to ensure you aren’t disappointed. It is also worth bearing in mind that some of the attractions might not be open and the parks will close a little earlier than in peak season.
The Weather
Florida is renown as a winter sun destination and, typically, you can expect temperatures in the low seventies during the day. However, it can start off cool and will get cooler earlier in the evening, thanks to the shorter days, so I definitely advise packing a warm sweater to take you through the day. It is probably also worth investing in a lightweight packable rain jacket too, as you may get occasional showers.
On the whole though, you can enjoy the winter sun and should be able to enjoy lunchtime picnics and al fresco dining without any discomfort!
Wider Central Florida
The parks may not have major events in February – Mardi Gras at Universal and the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival are on the horizon for March – but don’t let that fool you into thinking there will be nothing to do!
Orlando and Tampa have vibrant Arts scenes and it is definitely worth exploring your options in both cities. Getting a flavour of traditional Floridian life is well worth doing while you’re in the state – there are some fascinating traditions: from ‘gator wrestling to bluegrass festivals. I also highly recommend you venturing out to visit a few local nature reserves. Florida is blessed with numerous state parks and you can enjoy activities like kayaking and guided walks at many – or simply check out the local wildlife.
The ice hockey season and the basketball season run through February so you may be able to catch an Orlando Magic or Orlando Solar Bears home fixture if you are lucky (book tickets through Ellis Exclusive Villas before you go!).
Your vacation home
If you want to use the pool at your vacation home, you will definitely need pool heat and we strongly recommend you use the pool blanket if one is provided in your property. Although average February temperatures are in the low seventies during the day, temperatures can fall rapidly over night – so you want to keep the heat in!
Please also be aware you may feel cool around the pool – especially getting in and out – on cooler days. For Brits, for whom air temperatures of 70˚ feel like a balmy summer’s day, you should have no problems provided you pay the supplement for pool heat. However, given that highs in the summer can be around 90˚, if you are from more local climes you might not greet 70˚ with such enthusiasm!
Typically, we get a lot of South American guests during February but, since the BRIC economies aren’t performing so well of late, at the moment February can also be a great month to bag yourself a bargain!
Finally, we get a lot of bookings around Valentine’s day too… and, if you plan on treating your loved one to a break in the winter sun, then perhaps you might like to consider one of our romantic hampers or other special packages, such as a personal chef for the night or spa for the day? Perhaps you’d like a trail of rose petals and a bottle of champagne waiting for you on arrival? Simply email us or call us on the usual number before you go and we can make the necessary arrangements for you.
Here’s our top ten picks for things to do in Central Florida in January 2016
The parks are winding down from the Christmas and New Year festivities – as are we all – so we aren’t awash with spectaculars at the theme parks in January.
However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good time to visit Orlando’s theme parks. I do like visiting when things are a little quieter and the lines are a little shorter.
Away from the parks, this January you’ll also find a varied selection of events scheduled which offer a different side of Florida life.
1 Enjoy a real taste of Florida at the Florida Key Lime Pie Festival!
Port Canaveral plays host to the 5th Annual Florida Key Lime Pie festival. At $10 a head it has to be one of the cheapest days out in Florida. You can enjoy the ubiquitous pie, watch live alligator shows, enjoy live music and stalls from local artisans. The bartenders’ challenge sounds great to me – fancy a key lime pie martini anyone? Or a key lime pie margarita?
2 Mark the birthday of a great man with a local parade.
Martin Luther King Day marks the civil rights campaigner’s birthday on 15th January and downtown Orlando will play host to a parade of decorative floats and marching bands to mark the occasion on Saturday 16th January from 10am. If you are traveling from outside the USA, it is also worth noting that the following Monday is the Martin Luther King Day federal holiday, so be warned that local government offices, banks and post offices may be closed on the 18th January.
3 Help support some of Florida’s most gentle residents.
The manatees that dwell off Florida’s shoreline are wonderful and beautiful creatures. On 23rd and 24th January Orange City plays host to a community fundraiser festival for them. Your kids can enjoy face painting, fairground rides, local food trucks and live music in aid of a good cause. There’s also free shuttle buses over to Blue Spring State Park where you can try to catch a glimpse of the gentle creatures for yourself.
4 Experience the charged atmosphere of a college football game.
The East-West shrine game pits the best of college football against each other at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg on 23rd January. The East-West shrine game has been played at Tropicana Field since 2012 – but has been running for many more years. The inaugural match was in 1925 in San Francisco. A college football match is an amazing experience – if you haven’t watched one before then this would be a brilliant opportunity to get a real insight in to life Stateside.
5 Try out a local music festival and hear some sounds of the South.
The Yeehaw Junction Bluegrass Festival takes place over the weekend of the 23rd, 24th and 25th of January at the AGRI-Civic Centre of Okeechobee in Osceola County. It is just a small event so single day passes start at about $16. Be prepared for an eye-poppingly authentic slice of local entertainment.
6 Tick off a few top-ten beaches before Dr. Beach’s 2016 list is published.
Florida is home to no less than four of the top ten beaches on Dr. Stephen Leatherman’s list of the best beaches for 2015. The Florida International University professor has published a guide to the USA’s best beaches every year since 1991 and is due to publish the list for 2016 shortly. The judging and selection criteria will change for 2016 so it remains to be seen whether any Florida beaches will make the 2016 selection. In the meantime, there’s still time to visit these Floridian “best beaches” in the current top ten list.
- Barefoot Beach, Bonita Springs, Florida
- St. George Island State Park, Florida panhandle
- Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida
7 Attend a Guinness-world-record-holding event.
Rather dubiously, the Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival is the holder of the Guinness World Record for the Largest Frog Leg Festival in the world. I’m not sure how many other contenders for the title there are, but if you want a low-fi day out with live music, stalls and fairground rides where you can eat gators tails and frogs legs then this is the place for you!
8 Learn something new – or inspire your kids.
Orlando Science Centre’s Otronicon event is now in its eleventh year and offers some amazing technology, gaming and simulation experiences for kids and adults alike. If you fancy a day away from the theme parks then this is a good kid-friendly option. There’s a full program of events – mostly aimed at 12 to 18 year olds, but including regular “how to code” sessions for kids from six upwards – and gaming competitions.
9 Go Scottish in the month of Robbie Burns’ birthday.
A wee bit early to celebrate the great man himself, the Central Florida Highland Games nevertheless makes a stab at celebrating all things Scottish over the weekend of the 16th and 17th January in Green Winds Park in Winter Springs. From whiskey tasting to highland dancing and from bagpipes to archery, there’s got to be something for everyone with a passion for Scotland here!
10 Celebrate the life and works of a literary great.
Writer, anthropologist and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston claimed Eatonville, Florida, as her birthplace. While this may be in dispute, she certainly spent much of her early and later life there. During the last week of January, Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st, her hometown honours this great American author with a programme of events in Eatonville and Orlando.
Get in the mood by reading her acclaimed 1937 novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God”.