Universal Studios Orlando reported that their attendance was down 20% in the first quarter of 2009 according to the Orlando Sentinel (1).

The irony here is that a one day ticket price for the attraction is currently at an all time high.

Typically when most businesses face a downturn they often lower prices. This has not been the case with any of Orlando’s major theme parks for a one day pass. The theme park attendance pros in Orlando have instead focused on extending length of stays and discounting for longer term packages. The laws of supply and demand either do not apply to major Orlando theme parks or are being ignored, as basic economics would say they need to lower prices.

The good news is that the Orlando vacation home market has slashed their prices in an attempt to attract vacationers out of the hotels and into more spacious and fully equipped villa rentals which typically run about the same price.

The closest vacation homes to Universal Studios area Vista Cay and the Isles at Cay Commons (these are both condominiums).

Vacation Homes Near Universal Studios

• Manta SeaWorld for Best New Attraction
• Les Chefs de France, Epcot for Top Theme Park Restaurant

Honorable mention for Orlando parks and attractions include:

• Universal Islands of Adventure as one of the Top Three Theme Parks
• Mythos Restaurant, Universal Islands of Adventure as one of the Top Three Theme Park Restaurants

Congratulations to each of the winners. Orlando area parks and restaurants dominated the awards, and these accolades show that the area is the premiere place for world class entertainment and amenities. Orlando vacation rental guests are lucky to have such new and existing quality attractions in the area.

If you are planning on coming to Orlando on a vacation package in 2009, staying on-site in the major parks makes a lot of sense. These hotels have become as competitive as staying off-site. However, if you are in need of more than one room for your vacation in Orlando, privacy and some extra space, an Orlando vacation home rental is a logical alternative offering tremendous value.

The Walt Disney World Resorts ® in Orlando, as we mentioned before, have rolled out some stellar promotions for 2009 to attract guests.

Historically some of the big parks in Orlando have been slow to react to economic swings, but expert MBAs in the revenue management departments and seasoned sales teams are now getting it right.

The Walt Disney World ® parks and sunny weather are the main reasons tourists flock to Orlando. Universal Studios® , SeaWorld ® and the Orlando Convention Center all run a close second.

As a large theme park, Disney ® is able to offer promotions that make it very difficult for regular off-site hotels to compete. Programs that have been recently introduced include “buy 4 days/nights, get 3 free“ with spendable gift cards, various dining programs, free transportation and park tickets that make the on-site hotel experience extra appealing. Many vacation packages in Orlando Florida are quite a deal.

One realm that has yet to be explored by the major Orlando parks is the vacation home concept. This remains the domain of the individual and professional management companies.

If you are booking a hotel, take a serious look at staying on-site, but if you are in need of more than a room, some extra space and privacy, an Orlando vacation home makes great sense. For the benefits of staying in a nearby vacation home, check out a professional Orlando vacation home management company today.