Consumer

3 On Your Side: Orlando Deals

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios! Over a million Delaware Valley residents head to Orlando every year.

But if rising gas and food prices have you thinking that a trip now is downright goofy, 3 On Your Side's Jim Donovan found new ways to save.

They're the latest attractions in Orlando designed to delight, Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Aquatica, SeaWorld's new water park.

And the newly opened Simpson's ride at Universal Studios Orlando where even a trip to Krustyland costs cash. But there are ways to save, starting with your rental car.

"They rent probably more rental cars here than any place else in the country," said Bob Sehlinger, author of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2008.

"Their supply is just so enormous, the rates are always good here," said Sehlinger.

Bob says you should check out regional companies like E-Z Rent-A-Car and L&M Car Rental which can offer cars for as little as $15 dollars a day.

When renting with national chains, search for online discounts on sites like mousesavers.com.

I found a discount code there that cut my Dollar Rent A Car price in half!

You don't always have to stay at Disney to enjoy Disney.

The Magic Castle Inn, Home Suite Home East Gate and Buena Vista Suites are among hotels rated by the guide's researchers as being tops for value.

"This is where a little bit of dollar gets a whole lot of room," said Sehlinger.

Like at the Orlando Vista where you can get a nice room at a decent price, often for less than $100 a night.

These hotels have pools, snack bars, even free shuttle transportation.

But if you want more space, privacy or want to save cash by cooking many of your own meals rent a condo or house.

"There's approximately 19,000 vacation homes in the general Orlando area now," said Sehlinger.

Two bedroom condos can start as low as $100 dollars a night, some three bedroom units can be booked for as little as 120!

And then there are the houses.

"The sheets are in place, the towels are in place, our guest services team is available to serve you," said Sara Moore with All Star Vacation Homes.

The company manages 160 properties, all within five miles of Disney, including a beautiful five bedroom home that rents between $379 and $479 dollars a night depending on the season.

They'll even throw in free car rental for a seven night stay.

"We can provide pre-arrival grocery shopping. We can provide in home massage service, chef service, anything you can find in a high end resort you can get those services by staying in a vacation rental as well," said Moore.

Most condos and rental homes require at least a four day stay. Many are in gated communities and the skies the limit.

The Formosa Castle is a seven bedroom mansion that sleeps 16 and offers practically every amenity imaginable. It starts at $700 a night. A large group can stay there for as little as $44 dollars per person, per night.

"It is a great bargain," said Mark Whichard of Orlando's Finest Vacation Homes.

The Formosa Castle is just one of many great houses to choose from.

"This house has a 12 seat movie theater, a pool table, and every bedroom is a suite. If you put four families in here, two adults, 2 kids for each family, you aren't going to be able to take a vacation like this at any resort complex or any hotel anywhere," said Whichard.

Another great way to get a deal on accommodations, whether it be in Orlando or elsewhere, contact the convention and visitors bureau to find out what new hotels have opened up in the past few months. Many will offer amazing deals until they can build up their own clientele.


RELATED LINKS:

EZ Rent-A-Car
L&M Car Rental
Mousesavers
Unofficial Guide To Disney World
Orlando Vista
All Star Vacation Homes
Orlando's Finest Vacation Homes
Universal Orlando
Aquatica
Disney Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Mania!
Universial Orlando


WEB EXTRA:

WEB EXTRA: Interview With Jim Timon
WEB EXTRA: Interview With Chrissie Allen
WEB EXTRA: Interview With Bryan Nadeau
WEB EXTRA: Interview With Mark Whichard
WEB EXTRA: Interview With Sara Moore
WEB EXTRA: Interview With Bob Sehlinger

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