Further Afield

The Magic Word

Story By Dale Irvin
Downtown Disney offers a wide variety of ways to have fun without waiting in the ride lines or wading through the thick crowds of some of Disney's other theme parks, and the airfare to get to all of it is incredibly affordable.
Okay, so last week I proposed that for the Fourth of July we take off to someplace even hotter than it is here. For this week, how about a place that’s hot AND humid?

So you could argue that although last week’s suggestion, Las Vegas, is hotter than it is here this time of year, at least it’s a dry heat. Orlando on the other hand is just as hot and humid as it is here typically. Yet, much to the consternation of local tourism folk who have to beg for tourists in the Louisiana summertime, millions flock to Orlando. There’s a one-word explanation of course. Disney.

And I must admit, once a Mouseketeer always a Mouseketeer. Even with the growing cynicism that seems to come along with age...I’m still a big fan.

And once again, there are deals that make it a worthwhile consideration for your summer vacation. If you’re willing to drive to Gulfport, you can fly nonstop from there to Orlando for $29 each way on Allegiant Air. And that includes dates that bracket the Fourth of July holiday. I found an outbound flight this morning for the Tuesday before, with a return the following Tuesday.

How to avoid the massive crowds in the theme parks? Don’t go.

The last time I was in Orlando I had a blast by focusing on all the spectacular things there are to do in Downtown Disney. There’s a permanent Cirque du Soleil show, fun themed restaurants that actually have good food (including a Wolfgang Pick Café), and Pleasure Island, a cluster of nightclubs obviously conceived by adults still in touch with their inner child.

The hotels that adjoin Downtown Disney don’t have the cool themes that those in the park do, but they do offer excellent rates with free transportation everywhere in the park, and a number of other perks. I found one deal starting at $89 with the third night free, yielding an average rate per night of under $60 on a three-night stay. Check them out HERE.

And if you don’t feel like hauling it all the way to Gulfport, Southwest Airlines is once again offering fares starting at $138 roundtrip from New Orleans to Orlando and several other Florida cities.

More travel musings on my blog HERE.