Average Cost of Flights to Florida from the UK
The average cost of flights to Florida from the UK ranges from £396 to £826 per person depending on when you travel. Flights are often the biggest variable cost of a Florida holiday, and getting them right can save you hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds. We've analysed over 100,000 flight prices from UK airports to Orlando, Tampa, and Melbourne to show you exactly when to book and what to expect.
Average Flight Prices by Month
Flight prices to Florida vary dramatically throughout the year. Our data shows that flying in September offers the best value, while August (peak summer holidays) commands the highest prices.
| Month | Average Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | £396 | Post-Christmas bargains |
| February | £826 | Half-term demand |
| March | £727 | Pre-Easter |
| April | £795 | Easter holidays |
| May | £818 | Half-term and bank holidays |
| June | £627 | Term time, great value |
| July | £1,124 | Summer holidays begin |
| August | £1,278 | Peak summer, most expensive |
| September | £600 | Term time, cheapest month |
| October | £1,026 | Half-term demand |
| November | £844 | Pre-Christmas |
| December | £522 | Early month bargains |
Key Insight
The difference between flying in August vs September is £678 per person. For a family of 4, that's a potential saving of £2,712, just by shifting your dates by a couple of weeks.
Direct Flights vs 1-Stop Flights
One of the biggest decisions when booking flights to Florida is whether to fly direct or accept a stopover. Our data shows a clear price difference, but the size of that difference depends heavily on when you travel.
The Real Difference: School Holidays vs Term Time
When demand is high, direct flights get snapped up quickly and prices rise sharply. 1-stop flights have more capacity and remain more affordable. Here's how the savings break down:
| Travel Period | Direct | 1-Stop | Saving | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Week School Holidays | £1,545 | £1,170 | £375 (32%) | £1,500 saved |
| 1-Week Half Terms | £1,055 | £885 | £170 (19%) | £680 saved |
| Term Time | £780 | £735 | £45 (6%) | £180 saved |
Key Insight
During summer, Easter, and Christmas holidays, choosing a 1-stop flight can save a family of 4 around £1,500. During term time, the saving drops to just £180, so the convenience of a direct flight may be worth the small premium.
The pattern makes sense: when demand is highest, direct flights fill up fast and airlines can charge a premium for them. 1-stop flights have more overall capacity across multiple airlines and routes, keeping prices more competitive. If you're travelling during peak school holidays and budget is a priority, a 1-stop flight offers significant savings.
Worth considering
A 1-stop flight can actually be easier with young children, as it breaks up the long journey and gives everyone a chance to stretch their legs. Popular stopover points include Dublin, Reykjavik, and various US hub airports.
When to Book: School Holidays vs Term Time
This is where it gets interesting. We analysed how flight prices change depending on when you book, and the data reveals two very different strategies depending on whether you're travelling during school holidays or term time.
2-Week School Holidays (Summer, Easter, Christmas)
For the major school holidays where families typically take 2-week breaks, booking early is crucial. Airlines release their schedules around 330 days (11 months) before departure, and demand for school holiday dates means good prices sell out fast.
| When You Book | Average Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 270 to 330 days before | £626 | Best time to book |
| 180 to 270 days before | £755 | Prices rising |
| 90 to 180 days before | £820 | Getting expensive |
| 60 to 90 days before | £841 | Premium prices |
The Numbers
Booking 270 to 330 days out vs 60 to 90 days saves you £215 per person on average. For a family of 4 on return flights, that's a saving of around £1,700.
The message is clear: for summer, Easter, and Christmas holidays, set a reminder for when airlines release their schedules (typically 330 days before departure) and book within the first few weeks. Prices rise steadily as seats sell out.
Why Prices Don't Always Follow a Simple Pattern
You might notice some unexpected dips and rises in flight prices. This is because airlines actively manage capacity based on demand. When a flight is nearly full, airlines often respond by:
- Switching to a larger aircraft
- Adding an additional flight on the same date
When this happens, new inventory becomes available and prices can temporarily drop, even after an initial rise. This creates opportunities for savvy bookers who monitor prices regularly. The key is to either book very early (when flights first release) or be flexible and watch for these capacity additions.
1-Week Half Terms (February, May, October)
The shorter half-term breaks show a very different pattern. Because these are just one-week holidays, demand is less intense and prices remain relatively stable regardless of when you book.
| When You Book | Average Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 30 to 60 days before | £581 | Actually cheapest |
| 60 to 90 days before | £582 | Great value |
| 180 to 270 days before | £630 | Fine, but no advantage |
| 270 to 300 days before | £639 | No benefit booking early |
| 300 to 330 days before | £692 | Actually more expensive early |
For half-term breaks, you have more flexibility. You won't be penalised for booking later, and you might even find slightly better deals 1 to 2 months before departure.
Term Time Travel
If you're able to travel during term time (which may require taking children out of school), the savings are significant and you have maximum flexibility on booking timing.
| When You Book | Average Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 330+ days before | £440 | Cheapest |
| 270 to 300 days before | £491 | Great value |
| 60 to 90 days before | £498 | Also great value |
| 90 to 180 days before | £523 | Good |
| 30 to 60 days before | £574 | Still reasonable |
| 180 to 270 days before | £665 | Oddly more expensive |
| 0 to 30 days before | £825 | Last minute premium |
Term time prices are remarkably stable between £440 and £574 for most booking windows. The main trap to avoid is very last-minute bookings (under 30 days), where prices jump to £825, likely due to limited availability rather than demand.
A Note on Term Time Travel
While the savings are substantial, remember that taking children out of school during term time requires permission from the headteacher. Unauthorised absences can result in fines. However, even taking just one or two days out of term time (for example, flying on a Thursday instead of Saturday) can make a significant difference to flight prices, and the end of term is generally considered the least disruptive time educationally.
Average Flight Prices by Route
Where you fly from, and to, also affects the average cost of flights. Here's how the major UK to Florida routes compare:
| Route | Typical Price | Cheapest Found |
|---|---|---|
| Gatwick to Orlando (MCO) | £760 | £233 |
| Heathrow to Orlando (MCO) | £805 | £414 |
| Gatwick to Tampa (TPA) | £865 | £425 |
| Gatwick to Melbourne (MLB) | £880 | £456 |
| Manchester to Tampa (TPA) | £889 | £527 |
| Manchester to Melbourne (MLB) | £951 | £533 |
| Manchester to Orlando (MCO) | £1,054 | £517 |
London airports (Gatwick and Heathrow) generally offer the best value to Orlando, with Gatwick slightly cheaper. If you're based in the north of England, Manchester flights to Tampa or Melbourne can work out cheaper than flying to Orlando.
Don't overlook Tampa or Melbourne as arrival airports. They can be cheaper than Orlando, and depending on where you're staying (especially if you're visiting the Gulf Coast beaches), they might actually be more convenient.
Find the Cheapest Flights to Florida
Our flight search tool lets you compare multiple dates, durations, and airports in a single search. Enter all the school half terms at once and see which works out cheapest.
Search FlightsKey Takeaways: Average Cost of Flights to Florida
- • Budget per person (return): £400 to £600 (term time or off-peak) or £800 to £1,300 (school holidays)
- • Cheapest month: September (average £600)
- • Most expensive: August (average £1,278)
- • For summer, Easter, and Christmas: Book 270 to 330 days ahead. Save up to £1,700 for a family of 4
- • For half terms: More flexibility. Booking 1 to 2 months out is fine
- • Direct vs 1-stop: During school holidays, 1-stop saves £375 per person (£1,500 for family of 4). During term time, only £45 difference
- • Best value routes: Gatwick or Heathrow to Orlando (£760 to £805)
- • Pro tip: Consider flying a day or two into term time. Even one day can significantly reduce prices
Average Cost of Accommodation in Florida
The average cost of accommodation in Orlando ranges from £70 to £860 per night depending on where you stay. Accommodation is typically your second biggest expense after flights. In Orlando, you have four main options: private villas, off-site hotels, Disney resort hotels, and Universal resort hotels. Each has different price points and trade-offs.
Average Accommodation Costs per Night
Here's what you can expect to pay per night for each accommodation type:
| Accommodation Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-site Hotel (I-Drive) | £70 to £90 | £95 to £130 | £215 to £285 |
| Private Villa (3-bed) | £120 to £150 | £200 to £215 | £285 to £320 |
| Universal Resort Hotel | £110 to £165 | £135 to £215 | £355 to £535 |
| Disney Resort Hotel | £150 to £250 | £215 to £395 | £410 to £860 |
Prices vary by season. Peak times (school holidays, Christmas, Easter) are at the higher end of each range.
What Does 2 Weeks Cost for a Family of 4?
Budget options shown. Mid-range and premium will cost more.
Off-site Hotel
£980 to £1,800
Private Villa
£1,680 to £2,100
Universal Hotel
£1,540 to £3,010
Disney Hotel
£2,100 to £5,530
Based on 14 nights at budget tier. Hotel prices assume 1 room; villa prices for 3-bed property.
Private Villas: Month by Month
Villas are popular with families as they offer more space, a private pool, and a kitchen to save on dining costs. Prices shown are for a 3-bedroom villa per night. Add around 10% for 4-bed, or 25% for 5+ bedrooms.
| Month | Budget | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | £118 | £214 | £321 |
| February | £139 | £214 | £321 |
| March | £143 | £214 | £304 |
| April | £150 | £214 | £300 |
| May | £129 | £200 | £286 |
| June | £129 | £200 | £286 |
| July | £143 | £214 | £321 |
| August | £150 | £214 | £321 |
| September | £129 | £200 | £286 |
| October | £129 | £200 | £286 |
| November | £121 | £200 | £286 |
| December | £129 | £200 | £286 |
Villa Insight
Villa prices are relatively stable throughout the year compared to flights. The difference between peak (August) and off-peak (November) is only around £30 per night, or £420 over 2 weeks. The big savings on a Florida holiday come from flight timing, not accommodation timing.
Off-site Hotels: Month by Month
Hotels on International Drive or around the tourist areas offer good value, especially for smaller families or couples. You'll need a hire car to get to the parks.
| Month | Budget | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | £71 | £93 | £214 |
| February | £89 | £125 | £250 |
| March | £71 | £96 | £214 |
| April | £71 | £96 | £214 |
| May | £71 | £96 | £214 |
| June | £86 | £121 | £250 |
| July | £71 | £93 | £214 |
| August | £71 | £93 | £214 |
| September | £71 | £93 | £214 |
| October | £71 | £93 | £214 |
| November | £71 | £93 | £214 |
| December | £107 | £129 | £286 |
Off-site hotels are remarkably consistent in price throughout the year, with only December showing a notable increase.
Disney Resort Hotels: Month by Month
Staying on Disney property gives you early park access, free transportation, and the magic of being immersed in the Disney experience. Prices vary significantly by season and tier.
| Month | Value Resort | Moderate Resort | Deluxe Resort |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | £150 | £264 | £536 |
| February | £214 | £321 | £607 |
| March | £179 | £286 | £500 |
| April | £179 | £250 | £500 |
| May | £179 | £250 | £500 |
| June | £161 | £232 | £464 |
| July | £179 | £232 | £446 |
| August | £161 | £214 | £411 |
| September | £161 | £232 | £482 |
| October | £196 | £321 | £571 |
| November | £214 | £321 | £607 |
| December | £250 | £393 | £857 |
Disney Pricing Insight
Unlike flights, Disney hotel prices are actually lower in August (end of US summer holidays) and highest in December. A Value Resort in January costs £150/night vs £250/night in December. That's £1,400 difference over 2 weeks.
Universal Resort Hotels: Month by Month
Universal's on-site hotels offer early park access and, for Premier hotels, free Express Pass (worth £80+ per person per day). This can make the higher price worthwhile if you're planning multiple Universal days.
| Month | Value | Prime Value | Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | £121 | £179 | £429 |
| February | £150 | £214 | £536 |
| March | £164 | £179 | £500 |
| April | £150 | £214 | £500 |
| May | £121 | £171 | £393 |
| June | £150 | £200 | £357 |
| July | £150 | £179 | £464 |
| August | £129 | £136 | £357 |
| September | £121 | £136 | £357 |
| October | £154 | £157 | £500 |
| November | £107 | £111 | £429 |
| December | £107 | £111 | £357 |
Express Pass Value
Premier hotels include unlimited Express Pass for your entire stay. If you're planning 3+ days at Universal parks, the Express Pass alone could be worth £240+ per person. For a family of 4, that's nearly £1,000 of value, which often makes Premier hotels better value than buying Express Passes separately.
Which Accommodation Type is Right for You?
Choose a Villa if...
- • You have a larger family or group (4+ people)
- • You want a private pool and more space
- • You plan to cook some meals to save money
- • You're happy to hire a car and drive to parks
Choose an Off-site Hotel if...
- • You're a couple or small family
- • Budget is your top priority
- • You want a central location near shops and restaurants
- • You're happy to hire a car, use Uber/Lyft, or take advantage of free Disney transportation (available to all guests, not just resort guests)
Choose a Disney Hotel if...
- • Disney is your main focus
- • You want the full immersive Disney experience
- • Early park access is important to you
- • You prefer not to drive (free Disney transportation)
Choose a Universal Hotel if...
- • Universal parks are your main focus
- • You want early park access to Universal
- • You're considering Express Pass (Premier hotels include it free)
- • You want to walk to the parks
Key Takeaways: Accommodation Costs
- • Budget option: Off-site hotel at £70 to £130/night (£980 to £1,800 for 2 weeks)
- • Best for families: Private villa at £120 to £215/night (£1,680 to £3,000 for 2 weeks)
- • Disney Value Resort: £150 to £250/night (£2,100 to £3,500 for 2 weeks)
- • Cheapest months: January, August, September (for Disney/Universal hotels)
- • Most expensive: December, especially for Disney hotels
- • Pro tip: Villa and off-site hotel prices are stable year-round. The big seasonal swings are in Disney hotel pricing.
Average Cost of Disney World and Universal Tickets from the UK
The average cost of Disney World tickets from the UK is £416 to £588 per adult for a 14-day ticket, while Universal Orlando tickets cost £358 to £412 per adult. Theme park tickets are a significant part of your Florida budget. We've analysed thousands of ticket prices from UK sellers to show you exactly what to expect and when to find the best deals.
Typical Ticket Prices (14-Day Tickets)
Most UK visitors buy 14-day tickets, which offer the best value per day. Here's what you can expect to pay:
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child (3-9) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket | £416 to £588 | £396 to £566 | All 6 Disney parks |
| Universal 14-Day All Parks | £388 to £412 | £381 to £404 | Incl. Epic Universe & Volcano Bay |
| SeaWorld 3-Park + Dining | £117 to £157 | £113 to £154 | SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens |
Prices vary by month and seller. Children under 3 are free at all parks.
What Does a Family of 4 Pay for Tickets?
Based on 2 adults + 2 children (aged 3-9)
Disney Only
£1,624 to £2,308
Universal Only
£1,538 to £1,632
Disney + Universal
£3,000 to £3,800
Disney 14-Day Ticket Prices by Month
Disney ticket prices vary significantly throughout the year. Unlike flights, the cheapest time to visit Disney is actually during the UK summer holidays.
| Month | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| January | £539 | £508 |
| February | £552 | £525 |
| March | £552 | £525 |
| April | £549 | £522 |
| May | £501 | £476 |
| June | £500 | £475 |
| July | £464 | £441 |
| August | £416 | £396 |
| September | £483 | £459 |
| October | £576 | £526 |
| November | £588 | £556 |
| December | £506 | £566 |
Disney Pricing Insight
Disney uses demand-based pricing. August is the cheapest month for tickets (£416 adult) because it's the end of the US summer holidays and parks are quieter. November is most expensive (£588 adult) due to Thanksgiving and Christmas party events. The difference is £172 per adult, or £688 for a family of 4.
Universal 14-Day Ticket Prices by Month
Universal ticket prices are remarkably stable throughout the year, with only about £24 variation. This makes Universal much more predictable to budget for than Disney.
| Month | Adult | Child | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | £395 | £388 | All 4 parks |
| February | £388 | £381 | All 4 parks |
| March | £402 | £395 | All 4 parks |
| April | £406 | £399 | All 4 parks |
| May | £405 | £398 | All 4 parks |
| June | £407 | £400 | All 4 parks |
| July | £412 | £404 | All 4 parks |
| August | £411 | £404 | All 4 parks |
| September | £409 | £402 | All 4 parks |
| October | £370 | £363 | No Volcano Bay* |
| November | £358 | £351 | No Volcano Bay* |
| December | £363 | £357 | No Volcano Bay* |
*Volcano Bay water park closes mid-October to late March for refurbishment, so tickets during this period don't include it (and are priced lower).
Universal vs Disney Pricing
Universal prices vary by only £24 throughout the year (excluding the Volcano Bay closure period). This makes Universal much easier to budget for than Disney, where prices swing by £172. If you're visiting in November, Disney tickets will cost £588 vs Universal at £358, a difference of £230 per adult.
A Warning About "Sales" and Discount Codes
Our price tracking data shows that some ticket sellers raise their prices in the weeks before Black Friday and other major sales. For example, one seller raised Disney ticket prices from £612 to £690 (13% increase) before applying a "20% off" discount code.
The "sale" price of £552 was only slightly better than the original £612. Always compare prices across multiple sellers, including sites that don't use discount codes, before assuming a "sale" is a good deal.
When Should You Buy Tickets?
Our analysis of Disney 14-day ticket prices by booking window shows an interesting pattern:
| When You Buy | Average Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 300+ days before | £669 | Too early |
| 180 to 300 days before | £552 | Best time to buy |
| 90 to 180 days before | £601 | Good |
| 30 to 90 days before | £623 | Prices rising |
| 0 to 30 days before | £601 | No last-minute deals |
The sweet spot appears to be 6 to 10 months before your trip. Buying too early (300+ days) actually costs more, and there are no last-minute bargains to be found.
Combo Tickets: Are They Worth It?
If you're visiting both Disney and Universal (which most UK visitors do), combo tickets offer convenience and sometimes savings:
| Combo Ticket | Typical Adult Price | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Disney + Universal 14-Day | £850 to £950 | All Disney parks + all Universal parks (incl. Epic Universe) |
| Disney + Universal + SeaWorld | £950 to £1,100 | Everything above + SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens |
| Universal + SeaWorld | £500 to £600 | All Universal parks + SeaWorld parks |
Combo tickets save you the hassle of buying from multiple sellers and often work out £20 to £50 cheaper than buying separately. The bigger benefit is convenience: one booking, one set of e-tickets, and no worrying about coordinating different purchases.
Compare Ticket Prices for Your Dates
We track prices across all major UK ticket sellers daily. Enter your travel dates and we'll show you the cheapest place to buy.
Key Takeaways: Theme Park Tickets
- • Disney 14-Day: £416 to £588 per adult. Cheapest in August, most expensive in November. £172 variation.
- • Universal 14-Day: £388 to £412 per adult. Prices are stable year-round (only £24 variation).
- • Family of 4 (Disney + Universal): Budget £3,000 to £3,800 for tickets
- • Best time to buy: 6 to 10 months before your trip (180 to 300 days)
- • Pro tip: Be sceptical of "sales". Some sellers raise prices before applying discount codes. Always compare across multiple sites.
Average Cost of Car Hire in Florida from the UK
The average cost of car hire in Florida is £470 to £1,080 for 2 weeks depending on when you visit and the size of car you need. Unless you're staying on-site at Disney or Universal and only visiting those parks, you'll almost certainly need a hire car in Florida. Public transport is limited, and having a car gives you the freedom to visit supermarkets, outlets, beaches, and attractions beyond the main parks.
Average Car Hire Costs
Car hire prices vary significantly by month. Here's what you can expect to pay:
| Car Size | 1 Week | 2 Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| 4-5 Seater (Compact/Mid-size) | £250 to £560 | £470 to £1,080 |
| 6-8 Seater (SUV/Minivan) | £375 to £820 | £720 to £1,580 |
Prices include full insurance. The range reflects seasonal variation, which is significant for car hire.
4-5 Seater (Compact/Mid-size): Month by Month
Suitable for couples or small families with minimal luggage. Popular models include Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, or similar.
| Month | 1 Week | 2 Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| January | £250 | £470 |
| February | £315 | £610 |
| March | £300 | £575 |
| April | £375 | £720 |
| May | £340 | £660 |
| June | £337 | £648 |
| July | £407 | £784 |
| August | £407 | £784 |
| September | £515 | £990 |
| October | £562 | £1,080 |
| November | £307 | £592 |
| December | £251 | £472 |
6-8 Seater (SUV/Minivan): Month by Month
Essential for larger families or groups with lots of luggage. Popular models include Dodge Grand Caravan, Chevrolet Traverse, or similar.
| Month | 1 Week | 2 Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| January | £375 | £720 |
| February | £410 | £790 |
| March | £437 | £841 |
| April | £582 | £1,120 |
| May | £443 | £851 |
| June | £431 | £828 |
| July | £582 | £1,120 |
| August | £582 | £1,120 |
| September | £515 | £990 |
| October | £820 | £1,580 |
| November | £520 | £1,000 |
| December | £400 | £767 |
Why is October so expensive?
October half-term is one of the most popular times for UK families to visit Florida, and car hire companies know it. Demand surges while supply stays fixed, pushing prices to their yearly peak. A 6-8 seater in October costs more than double what it costs in January.
Do You Actually Need a Hire Car?
It depends on your accommodation and plans:
You probably need a car if...
- • You're staying in a villa
- • You want to visit supermarkets, outlets, or restaurants outside the parks
- • You're planning trips to beaches, Kennedy Space Center, or other attractions
- • You have young children and lots of equipment
You might manage without a car if...
- • You're staying at a Disney or Universal resort
- • You're only visiting theme parks (no beach trips etc.)
- • You're happy to use Uber/Lyft for occasional trips
- • You're staying on International Drive with restaurants nearby
Car Hire Tips
- • Book through a UK broker like Holiday Autos, which includes full insurance with no excess
- • Avoid airport extras like sat-nav (use Google Maps on your phone) and child seats (bring your own or buy cheaply at Walmart)
- • Check your car size carefully. A family of 4 with big suitcases may need a larger vehicle than you think
- • Fuel is cheap in the US, so don't let fuel costs worry you
Key Takeaways: Car Hire Costs
- • 4-5 seater for 2 weeks: £470 to £1,080 depending on month
- • 6-8 seater for 2 weeks: £720 to £1,580 depending on month
- • Cheapest months: January and December
- • Most expensive: October (more than double January prices)
- • Pro tip: Book through a UK broker with full insurance included to avoid excess charges
Hidden Costs of a Florida Holiday
The hidden costs of a Florida holiday can add £2,000 to £3,200 to your total budget. Beyond flights, accommodation, car hire and tickets, there are several other costs that can catch you out. Here's what to budget for.
Summary of Extra Costs
| Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA | $40 (~£32) | Per person, valid 2 years |
| Travel Insurance | £100 to £200 | Family of 4, 2 weeks to USA |
| Airport Parking | £60 to £150 | 2 weeks, pre-booked |
| eSIM / Mobile Data | £15 to £40 | Per phone, 10-20GB data |
| Theme Park Parking | $30 to $35/day | ~£25-30/day at Disney/Universal |
| Food at Parks | $50 to $100/day | Per person for meals + snacks |
| Lightning Lane | $15 to $40/day | Per person at Disney |
ESTA - Do This First!
UK citizens need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to visit the USA. It costs $40 (~£32) per person and is valid for 2 years. Apply at the official site esta.cbp.dhs.gov before booking anything else.
Warning: Avoid third-party ESTA sites that charge £50+ for the same application. Only use the official US government website.
Travel Insurance
Don't travel to the USA without adequate medical cover. Healthcare costs in America are astronomical. A simple broken leg could cost £30,000+, and a hospital stay could easily reach six figures.
Single Traveller (2 weeks)
£40 to £100
Family of 4 (2 weeks)
£100 to £200
Prices vary by age and pre-existing conditions. Compare quotes from multiple providers using comparison sites like Compare the Market or MoneySupermarket. Make sure you have at least £5 million medical cover for the USA.
Airport Parking
If you're driving to the airport, pre-booking parking can save you a fortune compared to turning up on the day.
Park & Ride (pre-booked)
£60 to £100
2 weeks
Meet & Greet
£100 to £150
2 weeks
Turn up on the day
£230+
2 weeks
Book through comparison sites like Holiday Extras, SkyParkSecure, or Looking4Parking. Prices vary significantly by airport, with Heathrow typically the most expensive.
Mobile Data & eSIMs
Using your UK mobile in America without a plan can cost a fortune in roaming charges (up to £10-15 per day). A US eSIM is much cheaper and gives you reliable data for navigation, photos, and staying in touch.
| Data | Validity | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5GB | 30 days | £10 to £15 |
| 10GB | 30 days | £18 to £25 |
| 20GB | 30 days | £30 to £40 |
| Unlimited (throttled) | 14 days | £25 to £35 |
Popular eSIM providers include Airalo, Holafly, and Saily. You can install the eSIM before you leave and activate it when you land. Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible and unlocked.
Theme Park Extras
Your park tickets get you in the door, but there are several extra costs inside the parks:
Parking
Disney and Universal charge around $30-35 per day for standard parking (roughly £25-30). If you're driving to the parks most days, this adds up quickly. Budget £150-200 for 2 weeks of park visits.
Food & Drinks
Eating at the parks is expensive. Budget $50-100 per person per day for meals and snacks. A quick service meal is typically $15-20, while table service can be $40-60+. Water bottles are $4-5. Bringing snacks from outside can save money.
Disney Lightning Lane
Disney's paid queue-skipping system comes in the form of Lightning Lanes which provides access for top rides costing an additional $10-25 each. It's optional but can significantly improve your experience on busy days.
Universal Express Pass
Universal's Express Pass costs $80-180+ per person per day depending on demand. Unlike Disney, this is a separate purchase from your ticket. However, it's included free with Premier hotel stays.
Souvenirs & Photos
Memory Maker (Disney's photo package) costs around $200 for your trip. Souvenirs range from $15 keychains to $200+ lightsabers at Galaxy's Edge. Set a budget and stick to it!
Food Outside the Parks
If you're staying in a villa or self-catering, you can save significantly on food by shopping at local supermarkets and cooking some meals.
Supermarket Shop
A weekly shop at Walmart or Publix for a family of 4 costs around $150-200 (£120-160). Great for breakfasts, snacks, and some dinners.
Eating Out
Casual dining (Olive Garden, Chili's) costs $15-25 per person. Fast food is $8-12. Don't forget to add 15-20% tip and 6.5% sales tax.
Typical Extras Budget (Family of 4, 2 Weeks)
- • ESTA: £130 (4 × £32)
- • Travel Insurance: £100 to £200
- • Airport Parking: £60 to £100
- • eSIMs (2 phones): £40 to £80
- • Park Parking (8 days): £200 to £250
- • Food (mix of parks, eating out, self-catering): £1,500 to £2,500
- • Total Extras: £2,000 to £3,200 (before souvenirs and optional queue-skip passes)
Total Cost of a Florida Holiday from the UK
So what's the total cost of a Florida holiday from the UK? For a family of 4, expect to pay £6,500 to £16,000+ for a 2-week holiday depending on when you go, where you stay, and which parks you visit. Let's put it all together.
Total Holiday Cost by Month
These charts show how total costs vary throughout the year, broken down by category. Based on Disney Value Resort, no car hire (using Disney transport), Disney + Universal tickets.
Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Children, 2 Weeks)
Couple (2 Adults, 2 Weeks)
Key Insight: August Isn't as Expensive as You'd Think
While August flights are the most expensive (£826pp), Disney tickets are at their cheapest (£416 adult vs £588 in November). Disney hotels are also cheaper in August than November/December. This partially offsets the higher flight costs, making August more competitive than it first appears.
Example Holidays: What Does It Actually Cost?
Here are 8 realistic example holidays to help you understand what different types of trips actually cost. All prices are for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children) for 2 weeks.
1. Budget January Escape
£6,200The cheapest time to visit Florida
When:
January (off-peak)
Accommodation:
Budget villa (3-bed)
Parks:
Disney + Universal
Transport:
Car hire (4-5 seater)
2. Easter School Holiday
£9,500Popular family choice during Easter break
When:
April (Easter holidays)
Accommodation:
Mid-range villa (4-bed with pool)
Parks:
Disney + Universal + SeaWorld
Transport:
Car hire (6-8 seater)
3. Summer at Disney Resort
£10,800The full Disney immersion experience
When:
August (summer holidays)
Accommodation:
Disney Value Resort
Parks:
Disney only (all 6 parks)
Transport:
No car (Disney transport)
4. Universal Premier Experience
£11,500Epic Universe focus with free Express Pass
When:
September (post-summer)
Accommodation:
Universal Premier Hotel
Parks:
Universal only (incl. Epic Universe)
Transport:
No car (Universal transport)
Note: Premier hotel includes unlimited Express Pass worth £960+ for family!
5. October Half-Term
£10,200Halloween at the parks + good weather
When:
October (half-term)
Accommodation:
Mid-range villa
Parks:
Disney + Universal
Transport:
Car hire (most expensive month!)
6. Christmas at Disney Deluxe
£16,500The ultimate magical Christmas experience
When:
December (Christmas period)
Accommodation:
Disney Deluxe Resort
Parks:
Disney + Universal
Transport:
No car needed
7. Summer on a Budget
£8,400Making August work without breaking the bank
When:
August (but cheaper tickets!)
Accommodation:
Budget villa
Parks:
Disney only
Transport:
Car hire (smaller car)
Tip: August Disney tickets are £688 cheaper than November for a family of 4!
8. Universal-Only September
£7,100Focus on Epic Universe and Harry Potter
When:
September (best value)
Accommodation:
I-Drive hotel
Parks:
Universal only (4 parks)
Transport:
Car hire
What Affects Your Total Cost?
| Category | Typical Range | What Makes It Change |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (×4) | £1,600 to £3,300 | Month (Jan cheapest, Aug most expensive), airport, airline |
| Accommodation | £1,000 to £6,000+ | Type (villa vs Disney resort), month, location |
| Theme Park Tickets | £1,600 to £3,800 | Which parks (Disney/Universal/both), month (Aug cheapest for Disney) |
| Car Hire | £0 to £1,100 | Month (Oct most expensive), car size, or skip it with resort transport |
| Extras | £2,000 to £3,500 | Food choices, Lightning Lane/Express Pass, souvenirs |
| TOTAL (Family of 4) | £6,500 to £16,000+ depending on choices above | |
Key Takeaways
- • Cheapest month: January offers the best overall value (cheap flights AND cheap tickets)
- • August isn't as bad as it looks: While flights are expensive, Disney tickets and hotels are at their cheapest, partially offsetting the cost
- • October car hire warning: Car prices more than double in October half-term - budget £1,000+ vs £470 in January
- • Universal Premier hotels include Express Pass: Worth £240+ per person for 3+ days - can make the higher room rate worthwhile
- • Don't forget the extras: ESTA, insurance, parking, food add £2,000-3,000+ on top of the headline costs
- • Book tickets 6-10 months ahead: This is the sweet spot for best prices on Disney tickets