Important Information & Points to Remember

Visit www.orlandoinfo.com or (407-363-5872) for the official visitors guide to florida – there's a great event calendar at the bottom of the home page with which you can enter your holiday dates and you will have a list of what’s on. You can also apply for an Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard which gives you $$’s of savings during your stay so you can plan places to eat and shop before you go!

• Official Visitor Centre – 8723 I-Dr, Suite 101 – (407-363-5872) – Open 8am to 7pm

- Emergencys - (911)
- Non Emergency Police – (407-246-2414)
- Medical House Calls – (800-468-3537)
- 24hr Dentist – (407-903-0320)
- Florida Hospital – 2520 North Orange Avenue – (407-303-5600)
- Orlando Regional Sand Lake Hospital – 9400 Turkey Lake Rd – (407-351-8500)
- Central Lost and Found – (407–824-4245)
- Orlando International Airport – (407-825-2001) – www.orlandoairports.net
- Sanford International Airport – (407-585-4500) – www.orlandosanfordairport.com
- Cyber Cafe – 6438 International Drive – (407-363-1443) – www.orlandogelato.com

Taxes & Tips

Tax is payable on all purchases in the states at 8% so don’t forget to add this on before you get to the till. Tipping is also customary in America from restaurants to taxis, just about everywhere in fact, this is recommended at (15-20% of a meal bill). Sometimes in restaurants this will be automatically added, so please check before you eat!

Pharmacy

Walgreens offer 24hr chemists in 6 International Drive locations – (407-345-8402)

Supermarkets

Publix and Wal-mart are the best for food and sell many other goods. The closest supermarket to our villa is Publix which is open 7am til 10pm, just off the 192. This is also a good place to purchase phone cards, AT & T offer some great local and international rates.

Weather

Florida is known as the sunshine state; however with this can come some heavy but quick and warm showers, so don’t forget your ponchos! Below is a chart of the monthly temperatures and precipitation. Florida is also a hurricane region – if there are major changes in the weather please keep check of weather warnings on the television. Hurricane season runs from June to September – winds must reach 74mph to become a hurricane. In the event of a hurricane please ensure your car has a full gas tank for evacuation, and you have plenty of food and water supplies in your villa. Follow all instructions from the local authorities.

Park Information

It is best to arrive early so you can make the most of your day at the parks, there is always lots to do – to get the best value it is advised to purchase tickets in advance and combined multiple parks over a number of days, namely park hoppers -  appropriate dress will be required at all times, make sure you take plenty on sunscreen and ponchos for any showers – disabled visitors are welcome and can be provided with extra assistance if needed – baby strollers are also available to hire – there is now a fastpass system which allows customers to jump ques for their favourite rides  - park days and times are subject to change so please check before you leave – always designate a spot where any lost family can meet – food inside the park is expensive, so packed lunches are a good idea – free water machines are provided at most parks so bring a bottle you can refill during the day – security is high at all theme parks, there may be bag searches on entering the parks – please be aware that height restrictions are in place for many rides.

Disabled Travelers

Some parks offer free or discounted tickets for less able visitors, they can also provide extra assistance and help if required. See www.travelritescooters.com for scooter hire.

Driving & Public Transport

The best way to see Florida is by car, Dollar rent a car is recommended – (407-583-8000) – www.dollar.com

To drive in Florida you must hold a valid driving licence from your country of residence. Many Hire Car companies will only insure over 25 year olds, please check when you book. Vehicles in the US are driven on the right hand side of the road. They do not have round-a-bouts, instead they have four way stops, and when you see any stop signs you must stop! You can also turn right at red traffic lights if it safe to do so. Driving offences are taken very seriously in the US, especially for speeding, drinking and where roadwork’s are taking place. Seatbelts must also be on at all times.

Buses are also very good in Florida – Lynx covers local services - (407–841-8240) - www.golynx.com has a free bus map.

There is an I-Ride Trolley service for I. Drive – (407-248-9590) – www.iridetrolley.com

Taxis – Yellow Cab Company - (407-422-4222)

General

• You will require an American Plug Socket Adaptor if you wish to take any UK appliances away with you
• US Customs are very strict on security. Please leave plenty of time for customs. You will have to provide finger prints and a photo so it can be a lengthy process. A visitor’s card and visa must also be completed before you will be allowed to pass security. These will be given to you before you land. Please ensure they are filled in carefully and without mistakes as they will ask you do redo them until they are correct! If you are carrying large amounts of currency into the US they require you to declare it, you must also declare any meat, dairy and fresh produce which is deemed illegal in passing customs. So make sure you eat any sandwiches before you land!
• The currency in Florida is US Dollars – for an up to date exchange rates please visit – www.xe.com