OrlandoVacationHotels.com

In yesterday’s Tourism and Travel section of The Orlando Sentinel it was reported that first quarter tourism numbers were down at Disney World and those on an Orlando Vacation. Even though the heavy Christmas week (December 25 through January 2nd were robust, the results were down 2% this year verses last.

According to the article Disney World theme park revenues were close to matching last year’s numbers. But part of that swing came as the weeks for the year fell in favor of 1st quarter 2010 verses 2009. When you take the year’s largest ten days of park revenue and put it in one quarter, it will make that quarter look mighty good. But the results are only temporary for the next quarter will look anemic in comparison.

The bottom line tourism in Orlando is down. Occupancy at most hotels are down 10% this year verses last. The economy and the weather are two of the main culprits. It has been cold this winter. Where the months of January and February are great for in-state travel, this season this year has had to deal with one blast of arctic air after another. Floridians like nice weather and are not coming to enjoy the magic.

What does all of this mean…well, the economic recovery looks to be slow moving at best. People are focused on paying off debt and are still worried about their jobs. All of this spells a pretty poor year for those looking to do an Orlando Vacation.

The good news is rates for hotels and food will be cheaper. Lines at the theme parks will not be as big an issue, and deals will be offered during the slower travel months when the kids are in school. This is an ideal time to consider coming to Orlando and enjoy a fabulous vacation and do it cheaper than most other times.

I went to my favorite airline vacation package site to check out how their prices stacked up to ours as it related to an Orlando vacation. I was shocked! The amount of money being charged was considerable and that was without their airfare included. No wonder so many people tell us day in and day out how impressive our low nightly rates and theme park tickets are compared to others.

I went so far as to find theme park tickets on the site. Those were the same as gate prices with no discounts being offered. All I could say is WOW!

Now I know this airline is one of the largest carriers to Orlando. They advertise they are the most competitive when it comes to their cost of air service….very few if any beat them at their game. However, I thought it interesting that philosophy did not channel over to their vacation package department.

We all know that the economy is in the dumps. Times are difficult and a Disney World Vacation at the prices they are charging is indeed a luxury.

To truly save money take the test…do the math…go to your favorite airline site look for packages. Then select Orlando as your destination. Put in the dates of travel, if you have to put in the airfare, list it and then go back and do the flights separately without the theme park tickets and hotel stay. You will then have a net price for the Orlando vacation package without air. Then go to www.orlandovacationhotels.com and check out a package with a similar hotel.

You will be impressed with the startling difference!

Want to save money on your Orlando vacation this year? Then look at Hotels near Disney rather than hotels inside Disney World. You will find that the cost of the same room inside the theme parks will cost as much as $50 to $75 per night due to location.

The reason for the additional costs is do in large part to the amenities that Disney World requires on any hotel located inside the park. For instance, Disney requires all park located properties to provide FREE shuttle service to all the theme parks every 30 minutes. This is a nice amenity however, to those who wanted to take their car to the parks, this is a feature but not much of a benefit.

There are other requirements that Disney located properties must endure. For instance, Disney inspects rather frequently the properties that are located inside the gate. This insures the guest that standards are being maintained at a very high level.

All of this however, drives the rates up and in some cases quite significantly. If you perform a rate study of the properties located at the Maingate rather than inside the parks you will find the difference to be glaring.

Is this rate justifiable, maybe! When you buy a Mercedes you know the quality is built into the car…the same holds true when booking a property inside Disney World. When you look outside the parks for the cheaper rates you will find them….however, it is best to stay with a national named franchise to get the assurance that you are going to get a nice room.