Choosing the Best Florida Holiday Package for Families

Planning a Florida holiday for the whole family? It doesn’t take long before your browser’s packed with tabs — flights, hotels, park tickets, car hire, maybe even meal plans. And then there’s the big stuff to figure out… like whether a villa might make more sense than a hotel, or which parks are actually worth doing this time.

It’s all do-able, but yeah — it’s a bit of a juggle. You want the trip to be fun, but not full-on. Relaxed, but still with enough going on to keep everyone excited.

Planning a Florida holiday can be a bit of a juggling act — you want to keep it exciting, but not too hectic. Comfortable, but still fun. And ideally, it won’t break the bank.

The trick? Figuring out what actually matters to your family — then working from there. You don’t need a huge spreadsheet or a perfectly planned itinerary. Just a bit of thought at the start can save you loads of stress later.

Let’s walk through what to think about.

Think About What Kind of Trip You’re After

Before diving into the options, it helps to get a feel for what sort of holiday you’re actually after.

Is this going to be an all-out theme park marathon, or more of a mix — a few big days out and some time by the pool?
Would it help to have your own kitchen and space, or would a hotel be easier with little ones?
And are you happy sticking to Orlando, or fancy ending with a few days at the coast?

You don’t need all the answers right away — but knowing your rough plan helps avoid picking a package that looks great on paper but doesn’t really suit your family’s style.

Types of Holiday Packages You’ll Come Across

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Florida packages — and the differences can be pretty big. Here’s how the most common types usually stack up:

1. Theme Park Packages (Hotel, Tickets, and Transfers)
2. These usually bundle up the big bits — flights, hotel, and park entry — often to Disney, Universal, or both. Some also include extras like airport transfers or shuttle buses, which can take a lot of hassle out of getting around. It’s a tidy option if you just want it all sorted in one go.
3. Villa Packages (Plus Car Hire)
   You’ll often find villas in areas like Kissimmee or Davenport. They’re usually nice and roomy — with things like full kitchens and living space that make life a bit easier, especially with younger kids in tow. It’s less “hotel room” and more “home base,” which suits a lot of families.
4. Twin-Centre Holidays
   This is where you split your trip between two spots — like doing a week in Orlando and a few relaxing days by the coast. Ideal if you want the buzz of the parks and some proper beach downtime too.
5. Tailor-Made Trips
   Some travel companies can build a custom itinerary for you. You tell them the sort of holiday you’re after, and they piece it together — flights, stays, park passes, and all. It’s less DIY, which suits some families really well.

Where You Stay Really Matters

Location in Florida isn’t just about scenery — it changes how the whole trip runs.

On-site at Disney or Universal:
Great if you’re aiming to squeeze the most out of the parks — you’re right there, with no faffing about with parking or traffic. Hotels often throw in extras like early entry or free transport around the resorts. It’s a smoother way to do the busy days.

In a Villa:
More space, often better value for larger groups, and having your own kitchen can be a lifesaver. The flip side is you’ll need a car, and some villas are a bit of a drive from the main action.

Near International Drive:
A solid middle ground. Walkable access to restaurants, shops, and many hotels run shuttles to the parks. There’s a bit more of a city feel, which suits some families but might be a bit full-on for others.

Know What’s Included (and What’s Not)

This is where it pays to read the small print. Some packages look cheap upfront but don’t include key things like luggage or transfers.

Here are a few things to check:

• Are theme park tickets included — and how many days are covered?
• What’s the baggage allowance on the flights?
• If it comes with a car, is insurance fully included?
• Any resort fees to pay when you arrive?

Sometimes it’s the extras — or lack of them — that make the real difference to your budget.

Watch for Family-Friendly Extras

Some packages quietly include perks that make a family trip much easier, especially with young kids in tow.

Things like:

• Free or discounted child places
• Access to early park hours or shuttle buses
• Hotel pools with splash zones or on-site entertainment
• Flexibility to make changes if plans shift

These things aren’t always obvious in the initial description, but they’re worth digging for.

Timing Can Change Everything

Florida is incredible year-round, but UK school holidays send prices sky-high. If your kids are young enough to travel during term time — or your school is flexible — look at late April, early June, or early September. You’ll likely save money and skip some of the queues.

And as for booking, sooner is usually better. Nine to twelve months ahead tends to give you more choice and better prices. Last-minute deals to Florida aren’t common, especially for families.

Final Thought

A good Florida package isn’t about cramming everything in — it’s about creating a trip that works for your family. One that has enough magic to feel special, but not so much that you come home needing another holiday.

Start with what matters to you, ask questions if you’re unsure, and don’t feel like you have to do it all. You’ll still have a brilliant time — and probably start planning the next one before you’ve even unpacked.