Things to Consider Before Booking a Florida Trip

Booking a trip to Florida is so exciting, but it’s also one of the biggest holidays most families will ever pay for. Before you hit that “Book Now” button, it’s worth taking a little time to think about what you actually want from your trip.

Whether you’re dreaming of Disney, planning to spend days at Universal or hoping for a mix of theme parks, shopping and relaxing by the pool, here are the things I’d always consider before booking.

Start with your budget

Your budget will influence almost every decision you make, so it’s the best place to start.

Think about more than just flights and accommodation. You’ll also need to budget for theme park tickets, car hire or transport, food, parking, spending money and, of course, those inevitable souvenirs.

When comparing flights, don’t just search from your nearest airport or assume you have to fly into Orlando International. Looking at other UK airports and Florida airports can sometimes make a big difference to the overall cost. Just remember to factor in any extra travel, fuel, tolls or parking.

If you’re hiring a car, include those costs in your budget too. If you’re not planning to drive, check whether your hotel offers a free shuttle and think about the cost of Ubers or Lyfts during your stay.

Think about your theme park tickets

Theme park tickets are likely to be one of the biggest expenses of your trip, so it’s worth spending some time deciding exactly what you need before buying.

Think about how many park days you realistically want, whether you plan to visit Disney, Universal or both, and if extras like water parks are worth adding.

There are lots of different ticket options available, and choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. I’ve put together separate guides breaking down the Disney and Universal tickets, what they include and the things to consider before you buy. I’d recommend having a read before making your decision.

Decide where you want to stay

Where you stay can make a huge difference to both your budget and your overall experience.

If you’re planning to spend most of your holiday at Disney, staying onsite or around Lake Buena Vista can make life easier. Likewise, if Universal is your main focus, International Drive or a Universal hotel is worth considering.

For us, staying offsite often gives much better value. You can get more space, larger rooms and often your own kitchen, which can make a big difference when travelling as a family. It’s also a good option if you’re planning to explore beyond the theme parks.

Think about how you’ll actually spend your holiday rather than simply choosing the cheapest hotel.

Think about what you want to do

It’s really easy to get carried away and try to fit everything into one holiday, but that can quickly become exhausting.

Before booking, have a chat as a family about what everyone wants to do. Will your holiday be all about Disney? Are you hoping to experience Universal’s rides? Do you want to spend time shopping at the outlets, visit Kennedy Space Center, relax on one of Florida’s beaches or fit in a day at Busch Gardens or Discovery Cove?

Having a rough plan before booking makes it easier to choose the right accommodation, tickets and length of stay.

And don’t forget to leave some downtime too. Pool days can often end up being some of the most memorable parts of the holiday.

Choose the right time to visit

The time of year you visit can make a difference to the cost of your holiday, the weather and the crowds you’ll experience.

Spring and autumn can be lovely times to visit, while summer holidays, Christmas and Spring Break are generally popular travel periods, so you may find higher prices and busier parks.

It’s also worth remembering that hurricane season runs from June to November. Most trips won’t be affected, but it’s something to be aware of when planning and choosing your travel insurance.

Before booking, check whether any special events are taking place during your stay. Events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Halloween Horror Nights and EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival can be great experiences, but they may also affect park opening hours and how you plan your days.

Shop around before you book

One of the biggest money-saving tips I can give is simply not to book the first deal you see.

Compare flights, accommodation and ticket prices across a few different providers. Booking everything separately can sometimes work out cheaper and give you more flexibility, but it’s always worth checking whether a package holiday offers better value for your dates.

If you’re still deciding on flights or dates, look for accommodation with free cancellation where possible. It gives you more flexibility if a better deal comes along.

Check your travel documents

Before paying for anything, double-check that everyone’s passport is valid.

If you’re travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program, you’ll also need an approved ESTA before travelling. Your ESTA is linked to your passport, so if you renew your passport, you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Travel insurance is another essential. Hopefully you’ll never need it, but it’s one of those things you’ll be glad you have if something unexpected happens.

Stay flexible if you can

If your travel dates aren’t fixed, try searching a day or two either side of your preferred departure dates. Even small changes can sometimes save you a significant amount on flights or accommodation.

It’s also worth considering whether extending your holiday by a day or two could make the whole trip feel more relaxed, especially if you’re planning several theme park days.

Ready to start planning?

Planning a Florida holiday can feel overwhelming at first, but taking a little extra time to research before you book can save you money, reduce stress and help you make the most of your trip.

I’ve shared more tips in my guide to finding flights to Florida, including why it’s worth comparing airports and being flexible with your dates.

If you’re wondering how much a Florida holiday actually costs, I’ve also shared a breakdown of what we spent as a family of five, including flights, accommodation, theme park tickets, food, spending money and the little extras that quickly add up.

And for help choosing your tickets, take a look at my guide to Orlando theme park tickets for UK travellers, which explains the different options and what to consider before booking.