Start here: your Orlando planning timeline

First time planning Orlando from the UK? Work down this list in order. Each step links to the guide you need. Rough timings are our suggestions, not rules: plenty of people book later and still get a good deal.

12 months or more before

  1. Pick your dates. UK school holidays push prices up. Best (and cheapest) time to visit →
  2. Set a rough budget. Sample UK budgets →
  3. Package or DIY? Price a package and a flight + hotel for the same dates. Package vs DIY compare →

9–11 months before

  1. Flights. Which UK airports fly direct, and how to stop the price creeping up. Flights from the UK →
  2. Watch the sales. Black Friday (27 Nov 2026) is a common time to buy tickets for next year. Black Friday tickets →

6–8 months before

  1. Theme park tickets. Count your real park days, then compare UK sellers. Ticket compare →
  2. Where to stay. I-Drive, Kissimmee or near Disney? Budget hotels & areas →
  3. Car or no car? A hire car suits villas and day trips. On I-Drive you can manage without one. Car hire for Brits → · Getting around without a car →

3–5 months before

  1. UK airport parking. Compare providers for your dates, and look for promo codes. Compare UK airport parking →
  2. Plan your big park days. Start with the newest park. Epic Universe on a budget →
  3. Plan your rest days. They're the cheapest days of the trip. Rest days from I-Drive → · Free & cheap things →

1–2 months before

  1. ESTA, passports and insurance. Only apply for your ESTA on the official site. Before-you-fly checklist →
  2. Money. Sales tax is added at the till, plus tipping, and always pay in dollars. Money & tipping →

The last week

  1. Toiletries: pack or buy there? UK vs Walmart prices →
  2. Download the apps you'll use (parks, Uber/Lyft, Waymo) on home Wi-Fi, and sort out phone data.

Departure day

  1. Airport drop-off fees. Most UK airports charge at the terminal, and some free options are nearby. Drop-off fees and free options →

Once you're there

Last checked: 20 Oct 2026

Next: Step 1: pick your dates →