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A
Brit's Guide to Orlando and Walt Disney World 2004
Simon Veness is the author of the hugely successful 'Brit's
Guide to Orlando & WDW', and he has kindly found time in
his busy schedule to be interviewed for this site.
As well as writing the Brit's Guide, Simon is the Sun newspaper's
Disney expert, and has just returned from the opening of Disney's
California Adventure in California.
How did you come to start writing 'Brit's Guide to Orlando'?
It was after a holiday there with my wife in 1993. We both felt
the existing books completely ignored the British market and failed
to help 'foreign' visitors to the area, and, as I have a journalistic
background, I decided to try to write something more in tune with
the British holiday experience. The book was actually drafted out
at about 3am one morning when we were back home - I couldn't sleep
for thinking about how to write a different guidebok, and so I got
up and started it then and there!
What is your favourite time of year to visit Orlando?
Early December, without a doubt. Usually mild, pleasant weather
with very low crowds and the start of the Xmas season, with all
the wonderful decoration, in the parks.
How often do you get to visit Orlando?
Usually, 4-5 times a year, varying from a couple of days to 2 weeks,
depending on the time in the re-write process (the book has to be
up-dated every year). In all, I have clocked up some 35 visits since
that first one in 1993.
Do you have a particular favourite park or attraction in Orlando?
They are all so different and exciting it is hard to have a favourite.
I love the styling of Animal Kingdom, the fantasy of Magic Kingdom,
the film style of MGM studios, the thrills of Universal's two parks
and the change of pace at SeaWorld, which is also a particular favourite
for its conservation ethic. The Kennedy Space Center is a real hit
with me as I am a science fiction addict, while Fantasy of Flight
is another personal fave.
Do you have a favourite airline when travelling to Orlando?
Usually whoever will give me an up-grade so I can work while I'm
travelling! I can honestly say (touch wood) I have never had a really
bad experience on any of the Florida flights I've done.
If you could give one tip to someone visiting Orlando, what
would it be?
Plan, plan and plan some more. Orlando is such a vast and complex
resort you really need to know what to expect and how to cope with
it. Some kind of plan of action while you're there is essential.
When will your next book be released?
The 2002 edition of A Brit's Guide to Orlando (the UK's best-selling
guide to any American destination!) will be published in November
this year.
Thank you Simon!
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