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Answers
The questions every UK Florida forum answers with a 40-page thread, answered in one page each. Direct first, detail after, and a tool to do your working-out.
My ESTA expires during my trip — is that OK?
Yes. An ESTA only needs to be valid on the day you board your flight to the US. If it expires while you're there, nothing happens — your permission to stay…
Does my passport need 6 months' validity for the USA?
No. The UK is on the US's 'six-month club' list, so a UK passport only needs to be valid for the length of your stay. The six-month rule applies to other…
Does the '15-day trick' still work on Disney Ultimate Tickets?
Only on the legacy Ultimate Ticket (sold before November 2021), and only when at least one day inside the 14-day window wasn't used for park entry. Current…
What time can I book Lightning Lanes from the UK?
Booking opens at 7:00am US Eastern, which is usually 12:00 midday in the UK — except for roughly two weeks each March and late October/November, when the UK…
Why did my car hire price double at the Orlando desk?
Because the headline rate was car-only. Loss damage waiver (~$30-40/day), liability cover (~$15-20/day), and a toll transponder (~$10-15/day) are all extras…
How much spending money for two weeks in Orlando?
For a family of four eating a mix of counter-service and sit-down meals: roughly $2,700-3,800 (about £2,200-3,000) for food and drink across 14 days, before…
Do we really have to tip at Disney World? How much?
At sit-down restaurants, yes — 18-20% is the working norm, and US serving staff are paid on the assumption you will. Counter service: no tip expected,…
Disney hotel or a villa — which is actually cheaper?
Usually the villa on pure money — but only after adding the car hire, $30-35/day park parking, and petrol the villa needs. The gap is often smaller than…
How early should we apply for ESTAs?
The moment you book — there's no downside. An ESTA lasts 2 years, approvals are usually minutes-to-hours, and applying early means any rare complication…
Do I need an international driving permit — or a DVLA code — to drive in Florida?
No IDP: your UK photocard licence is valid to drive in Florida. Some hire desks ask for a DVLA 'check code' to see your record — it's free at gov.uk, takes…
Is Lightning Lane Multi Pass worth it for UK visitors?
For a typical UK fortnight: yes on 2-4 headline days (Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios), unnecessary on the rest. UK trips are long, so you don't need to…
Is Genie+ the same as Lightning Lane? Which do I book?
Same idea, new name. Genie+ was renamed Lightning Lane Multi Pass in July 2024, and the big change for planners: you can now book before your trip instead…
Is Memory Maker worth it?
For a family fortnight, usually yes — it's one fixed cost (roughly $185-210 pre-purchased; verify the current price) against unlimited ride photos and park…
When should a UK first-timer go to Orlando?
For weather + crowds + price together: late November (after Thanksgiving) or late January to early March are the sweet spots. UK school holidays make summer…
Should we avoid Orlando during hurricane season?
No — but book like an adult about it. The season runs 1 June to 30 November and most trips in it see zero disruption; the meaningful window is the peak,…
Do we actually need a car for an Orlando villa holiday?
For a villa: realistically yes. Villas sit in residential areas with no meaningful public transport, and Uber to a park runs $25-40 each way — a fortnight…
What's the best way to pay for things in Orlando — cash or card?
A fee-free UK debit or credit card for nearly everything, $100-200 cash for the whole trip (mainly housekeeping tips), and one iron rule: when a terminal…
Do UK Disney tickets get cheaper if we wait?
No — UK 14-day tickets are a fixed-price product, not airline seats. Waiting doesn't earn a discount; it just risks a price rise (they go up most years) and…
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