February 7 is Book Direct Day! Today, we celebrate and encourage the savvy vacationer’s practice of booking direct. In a world of big booking platforms, dominated by the likes of Vrbo, AirBnB and Booking.com, its easy to think that these technology giants offer the best way to book a vacation. However, that’s simply not the case! There are many powerful reasons why you should book a vacation direct with...
Disney theme parks have now reopened following lockdown, but with some new procedures and rules in place. We talk you through what you need to do now to enjoy some Disney magic. The main difference you’ll notice at the Disney parks is the lack of the usual crowds. Disney has put in place some strict social distancing measures that limit the number of guests. Regulations affect: the total...
Spring 2021 heralds two new thrill rides at SeaWorld and Aquatica; many Orlando fans’ favourite parks. We can’t wait to give them a try, here’s what we can expect: Aquatica Riptide Race at Aquatica is Florida’s first dueling racer. Aquatica pass members can be among the first to grab a friend and race through the high speed tunnels, seeing your opponents side by side and face to face; who’ll be...
As always, there’s plenty of Halloween-themed fun to be enjoyed in Orlando’s theme parks this year. But there are several real-life spooky stories associated with the area too! The Ellis Exclusive Villas team has been looking into some of the real-life, local ghost stories about the haunted locations around Orlando’s theme parks and the wider Orlando and Central Florida area. So, if you’re interested in going beyond the theme...
Fall is one of the most fun times in Orlando’s theme parks. This year, Orlando’s theme parks are working hard to get the right balance between ensuring guest safety and spooktacular Halloween fun in Orlando. Even with the new rules being enforced to protect guests from COVID-19, there is still plenty of fall fun to enjoy! Here’s our round up. Scary Good Times at Universal Orlando Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights...
The Halloween fun has begun in Orlando’s theme parks! The parks are a little different right now, thanks to the social distancing measures that are in place to keep guests safe. That isn’t affecting all the fabulous fall fun there is to be had though! SeaWorld’s fun-filled Halloween event, the SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular, is back this year. SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular This year, Spooktacular is running on Saturdays and Sundays, from September 19th...
Ellis Exclusive Villas has always worked hard to ensure our homes are pristine, well maintained and spotlessly clean. It’s a vital part of our commitment to ensure guest comfort. With the travel industry still reeling from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, we know that restoring people’s faith in travel is going to take careful and sustained effort. We believe that rebuilding this trust must be based on safeguarding our...
10 Disney Easter Eggs – Hidden Disney Character Cameos you never knew were in Disney Movies With Easter approaching what a great way to spend some time in doing an Easter Egg Hunt – the Disney way. How many Disney movies have you watched and thought “hey that’s Scar from Lion King, what’s he doing in Hercules?” Over many years the Disney animators have made it their mission to insert hidden characters...
There can be few places better to spend the Christmas and New Year than Orlando. Here’s the Ellis Exclusive Villas run down of the very best ways to celebrate the holiday season. #1. Disney’s Magic Kingdom: Micky’s Very Merry Christmas Party Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a warm-hearted family celebration featuring all your favourite Disney characters. It is a specially ticketed event running over select nights between Nov...
It can sometimes be confusing about who gets a tip and how much that tip should be. Guests can really struggle with the minefield of tipping restaurant and hotel staff in Florida. That’s why we’ve created a handy guide on tipping in the USA to help remove any uncertainties travellers may have. In the USA, restaurant staff waiting tables often rely on tips to make up a significant proportion of their...
