Top Ten Tips for Orlando, Florida

Just back from Orlando. I won't bother with the usual "you absolutely have to go here..." and skip straight to the tips. In no particular order.

i) Buy your theme park tickets at home before travelling. So much cheaper than the states. We used loveorlandotickets.ie. Seemed to be cheapest. Bought 5 parks for 192 euro.

ii) You need to rent a car. Companies regularly change, not much in difference. We went with dollar. Great selection of cars. You can walk to the lot and pick your own from many different models in the same "economy" class or whatever. Fuel consumption makes a big difference so be prepared. Their MPG range from 22 - 32mpg, which is appalling but when on a budget you want to consider this. Though gas is very cheap ($3.30/gallon or €0.83/litre) you will do a lot of driving between parks and their big engines. Take pic of cars sides and back before take off.

iii) Opt in for the full tank from the car company. Costs around 40 bucks, around ten bucks more than a petrol station but it means you can bring it back empty, relieving you of last minute stress and not get the ridiculous charges they levy for filling it up with their own.

iv) Keep to right lanes as leaving airport. There are two toll bridges no matter where you are going and the cash lanes are on the right (the same side they drive btw!). You need some form of dollar (notes of 20 or smaller, or change) or 7 quarters. First one is $1, the second is $0.75. If you miss and go straight through you may end up with a $20 penalty from the car company

v) Bring your Garmin or borrow someone elses. Saves a lot of time and stress getting to various spots as roads, while well marked, are so numerous and big it's easy to go wrong. Preprogram key destinations.

vi) Bring a small bag to the theme parks with your own water (while it's free there and very available, it tastes awful) and a few snacks. Bottled stuff is really expensive and the food is absolutely terrible. Highly recommend packed lunch (will have to leave in car but only takes 10-15mins to get back to, it's a nice break and really really worth it), top up water bottles, have rest.

vii) To reduce wait times: Go counterclockwise around the parks (usually means taking a right or simply aiming for the highest number as attractions are numbered 1 to say 17). Queues are less (assuming you hit them early). If you hit them late make sure you go clockwise and leave the best till last when the kids are gone. Also, use single rider lanes. Really important this. Slashes wait times for roller coasters etc from 40 to 5mins. Mightn't get to sit beside your mate but who cares you'll be too busy and you have them for the line which is the most important thing.

viii) Parks: Obviously do not miss Universal and Island of Adventure. The best rides are in these two places which are right beside each other separated by Citiwalk which has loads of cool bars and shops. Disney land's great if you have kids but missable if you're older and have a budget. MGM / Hollywood studios is also missable for same reasons. Also get yourself to Busch gardens (brilliant roller coasters, incredible scenery etc). Seaworld is worth a look, some good rides, the dolphin shows are impressive if you can get past the Free Willy thing, which I couldn't really if I'm honest. Water parks (Wet n wild / Aquatica are great fun, latter is probably more for the adults, great on a hot day), Space kennedy centre is pretty good (1.5hrs east of Orlando), we saw the rocket for mars take off. Take some time off at Clear Water beach / St Petersburgh. Great beaches and food. 1.5hrs west from Orlando in car, easy drive. Parks open 9-6/7. Aim to go when schools are in. Parking cost $14, unavoidable. Handy tip though, hotels beside parks sometimes have cheaper parking but this is rare, not really worth the hassle. Take pic of area where car is parked.

ix) Shop in the outlets, most importantly the outlets malls on International Drive (huge and better for men) and the one on Vineland drive (smaller but better for women). We were there for thanksgiving (end of November when "black Friday" happens (day after thanksgiving when everything is slashed in price, shops open at 00:00, mad stuff but great prices). While incredible discounts are guaranteed all year round make sure to download all your coupons and print them out from their site which usually gets you 25% off on top of your purchases. Take your tags off before departure. Also pharmacy drugs, makeup etc are really cheap in the CVS pharmacies, they're all over the place.

x) Eat your breakfast in Cracker Barrel (cheap, huge, very nice), dinners in Applebees (cheap, good food, half price stuff all the time, beers two for one, great atmosphere). The hotels have the best restaurants. Always tip 15-20% for all service anywhere.

It's a pricey trip. You each need at least 2.5k all in for ten days incl. very moderate shopping.

Hope this helps folks.