Category: Things to do in Orlando

Virgin Atlantic Downtown Disney Check-in

Virgin Atlantic Downtown Disney Check-in

This could be an interesting time-saver and extend your holiday a little on your last day.. On the Westside area of Downtown Disney (Parking Lot L & M) Virgin Atlantic offer facilities allowing you to check in for your Virgin Atlantic flight, get your boarding pass and drop off your bags for their secure delivery to the airport – so you can enjoy more time with the family at Disney and then arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight’s due departure. The service is free to all Upper Class passengers, Flying Club Gold cardholders and Virgin Holidays passengers.  There is a charge of $10 per person for all other Virgin passengers (providing they hold a confirmed seat).  If you’re interested in taking up this service on your last day of your holiday in Orlando please read the full terms and conditions on Virgin’s Downtown Disney Check-in.

Downtown Disney is located about 15-20 minutes from most of our 500 Orlando villas, so why not drop off your bags and spend your last day at Disney.

Downtown Disney Orlando

Downtown Disney equals lots of entertainment and nightlife all in one Disney hotspot. Situated on Buena Vista Drive, follow the signs for Walt Disney World and then you’ll see signs for Downtown Disney, taking you to the free parking lots. The majority of our Florida villas to rent are within a 20 minute drive away.  You can stroll along the scenic walkway of the 3 distinct sections, all bordering the village waterfront and experience the dining, shopping and entertainment on offer. On the West side – you can take in a live theatrical show of breathtaking acrobatics at the Cirque du Soleil theatre – tickets can be purchased at the box office in the theatre or by calling 407-WDW-SEAT. Or perhaps see the latest Hollywood movie at the AMC Pleasure Island 24 screen cinema – we have a handy post on our Florida Villas blog for film showtimes. Soak up the party atmosphere on Pleasure Island with the bars, discos and eateries. You’ll also find the very best Disney souvenirs and gifts for friends and family at the World of Disney store (largest Disney character store in the world) in the shopping hub of Downtown Disney Marketplace on the East side. Featured in the store is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique salon for girls and boys who want the ultimate princess and knight fairytale makeovers. This is extremely popular with young children over 3 years and we would advise calling in advance to make reservations. Makeover package prices vary.  The marketplace also has a fine art gallery which is fun to browse called The Art of Disney.  There are an abundance of themed restaurants for the family – the Rainforest Cafe has casual dining in an amazing tropical rainforest setting. For an unforgettable experience, try the T-Rex Cafe – a prehistoric adventure where you can eat, shop and gaze at the moving T-Rex dinosaur.

For music lovers, back on the west side, the House of Blues offers southern-inspired food along with live music from Rock ‘n’ Roll to R&B in their Music Hall adjacent to the diner. Once you visit, you’ll be coming back again and again. Check out Leona Lewis below…..

Why not try a 400ft balloon ride in the Characters in Flight open everyday.

Cheap Disney Tickets – Kissimmee Guest Services

Kissimmee Guest Services, located in the Town of Celebration, are respected ticket brokers of attraction tickets with a Low Price Guarantee.  Established since 1997, they are well known for providing excellent area information and discount prices on the major theme park and attractions in Central Florida including Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, Arabian Nights, and Pirates Dinner Adventure.  For full details visit Kissimmee Guest Services website here.

Tip: To get a more discount on your attraction tickets enter the code VR  at checkout.

Kissimmee Guest Services - Discount Attraction TicketsKissimmee Guest Services - Discount Disney Tickets

Florida Mall Shopping, Orlando

The Florida Mall in Orlando

As well as visiting all the theme parks and attractions, you won’t want to miss out on the shopping in Orlando.  The Florida Mall, Central Florida’s largest mall at a whopping 1.9 million square feet of shopping, features 260 speciality stores and will provide you with an unforgettable shopping experience. Stores include Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, M&M World, Hollister Co, Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch, MAC, Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Bodyworks to name a few. Florida Mall is located at 8001 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando FL 32809. Regular Mall hours are Mon-Sat 10am – 9pm, and sun 12pm – 6pm.

Handy tips for you: For the easiest route to the Florida Mall and avoiding the toll booth charges, take the 528 Toll Road, exit 72 off the I-4. Take the Orange Blossom Trail junction (exit 4), turn left onto the OBT, Florida Mall is on your right.

And another tip…Macy’s department store are offering special travellers’ savings and international visitors can receive the Welcome Savings Card valid for 30 days, giving a 10% discount on your purchases. Domestic visitors can receive the Welcome Savings Pass, offering 10% discount valid for 3 days. Just ask at a register before you start shopping and they can assist you in getting your discount card. For international visitors, take along proof of your international status ie driver’s licence or passport.

The Florida Mall is located about 20 minutes from most of our Florida holiday villas and is a great way to spend a day!!!

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is on until 15th May!

If your taking your Orlando holiday anytime from now until 15th May you might want to bookmark this special spring event to take your family or party to. Held in Epcot, Walt Disney World Orlando, at the Epcot International Flower & Garden festival you’ll see over 75 Disney character topiaries and as a first for this annual event Disney are including famous Pixar characters – including Buzz, Woody and Lotso from Toy Story 3! Standard Epcot admission ticket will be required.

Download the Festival guide here with highlights, map and events calendar