Discovering Orlando & Florida’s Gulf Coast: The Ultimate Sunshine State Adventure

From the moment our plane touched down in Orlando to the final sunset on the Gulf Coast, this trip was everything we could have dreamed of and more. Over eight incredible days, we explored thrilling theme parks, luxurious resorts, breathtaking beaches, and even a few wild encounters — all under that famous Florida sunshine. Here’s a look back at our unforgettable adventure!

Day 1 – Planes, Terminals & Our First Florida Home

After a smooth 7-hour 45-minute direct flight with Aer Lingus, we couldn’t have asked for a better start. The staff were fantastic, the seats comfortable, and the whole experience was seamless — we even landed an hour early into Orlando’s brand-new Terminal C.

At this airport, you collect your luggage before going through customs, which felt unusual at first but worked brilliantly. It helped spread out arrivals and made customs fast and easy — no long queues in sight!

Next stop: car hire. We’d pre-booked with Alamo, and the line was noticeably shorter than other companies — definitely a tip worth remembering. From there, it was a short 30-minute drive to Encore Resort at Reunion, our luxurious base for the week.

Encore Resort is a gated community just a few miles from Disney and Universal, filled with luxury villas (many with private pools), a huge water park, sports facilities, and several great restaurants.

Our villa? A 10-bedroom masterpiece complete with a private pool and sunken hot tub — absolutely perfect for a family or group getaway.

We settled in and enjoyed dinner at Finns, the resort’s on-site restaurant. I had the Hawaiian chicken and shrimp stir fry — delicious! Then, of course, we made the essential Walmart stop for snacks, essentials, and a few American sweets for Buster and Teddy before calling it a night.

Tomorrow — Universal Studios awaits!

Day 2 – Coasters, Cocktails & a Bucket Load of Fun

What. A. Day. Universal Orlando absolutely delivered the thrills!

We began at Universal Studios, diving straight into Diagon Alley just in time to see the dragon breathe fire before riding Escape from Gringotts. From there, we took the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade to brave Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure — but be warned, even with Express Pass, the queues can stretch past an hour, so get there early.

We ticked off The Mummy, met Scooby-Doo and The Simpsons, and even caught a live Blues Brothers show.

Lunch was classic Americana at Mel’s Diner — a chilli cheese dog I have zero regrets about! Then came VelociCoaster, an absolute must for adrenaline junkies, followed by The Hulk and Forbidden Journey.

After a full day of thrills, we relaxed at CityWalk, grabbed frozen cocktails from Fat Tuesdays, and visited Madame Tussauds at ICON Park using our Ocean Florida card (which also got us free entry). Making wax hand figures was such a fun keepsake! We ended the night with pumpkin spice beer at Yard House and live music at Tin Roof before checking into our new villa at Reunion Resort — another stunning home with themed rooms, a games room, and a gorgeous pool.

Day 3 – Villas, Animal Encounters & Disney Magic

The morning was all about exploring Orlando’s top resorts — ChampionsGate, Solara, and Reunion Resort. Each offers its own unique vibe:

ChampionsGate – Ideal for families, with a lazy river, splash park, and golf course.

Solara Resort – Trendy and modern, with a surf simulator and social clubhouse.

Reunion Resort – Elegant, exclusive, and home to fine dining and three signature golf courses.

Next, we toured Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where guests can watch giraffes and zebras roam right outside their balconies — booking a Savannah View room is a must!

From there, it was off to Disney Springs, a vibrant hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Dinner at The Summerhouse was sensational — from the wood-fired pizza to the caramelised Brussels sprouts (yes, even if you’re not a sprout fan!).

We ended the night with the mesmerising Cirque du Soleil “Drawn to Life”, a breathtaking fusion of artistry and Disney storytelling.

Day 4 – Discover Orlando: So Much More Than Theme Parks

Hosted by the lovely Elaine from Visit Orlando at Norman’s Restaurant, we learned about everything new and exciting happening in the city.

What’s New

Epic Universe — the first brand-new theme park in 20 years!

Disney’s $18 billion expansion — ensuring even more magic ahead.

Must-See Beyond the Parks

Kennedy Space Centre – an inspiring must-visit, just 1 hour away.

ICON Park – 20 minutes away, filled with attractions and dining.

Gatorland – a classic Florida experience focused on conservation.

Getting Around

The new Brightline train now connects Orlando to Miami and Fort Lauderdale — perfect for cruise-goers or anyone looking to explore more of Florida.

With over 74 million annual visitors, Orlando is officially the most visited destination in the U.S. — and it’s easy to see why!

Day 5 – Luxury Hotels, Gators & Halloween Horror Nights!

Our morning began with visits to some of Orlando’s most beautiful hotels

Helios Grand Hotel – Modern and stylish, with a rooftop pool.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Romantic Italian vibes and harbour views.

Hard Rock Hotel Orlando – Iconic rock ’n’ roll style and poolside tunes.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Lush, tropical, and relaxed

Next up, Gatorland! Included in our Ocean Explorer Pass, this attraction combines fun with ethical wildlife conservation — a brilliant place to learn about Florida’s alligators responsibly.

After a quick Target stop (a Florida essential!), we sipped Hurricane cocktails at Pat O’Brien’s before diving into Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.

The Express Pass was a game-changer — 100% worth it. My favourite haunted house? The Fallout House — eerie, detailed, and absolutely spine-tingling. The energy in the park was electric — live scare zones, themed cocktails, and plenty of laughter between the screams!

Day 6 – Designer Dreams & Gulf Coast Glamour

After a little retail therapy at the Mall at Millenia, we hit the road for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to St. Pete Beach.

Our destination: the legendary Don CeSar, affectionately known as The Pink Palace. With its grand architecture, oceanfront views, and glamorous history (Marilyn Monroe even honeymooned here!), It’s the ultimate Gulf Coast escape — and our home for two nights.

We wrapped up the evening with a hosted dinner at The Society Club with the lovely Andrea from Visit Clearwater — great food, great company, and a perfect coastal vibe.

Day 7 – Sunshine, Dolphins & The Perfect Farewell

We began with breakfast at The Zamora, a chic Mediterranean-style boutique hotel on St. Pete Beach. I ordered the French toast with banana, maple syrup, and toasted walnuts — pure perfection!

Next, we visited JW Marriott Clearwater Beach, a serene beachfront haven offering panoramic Gulf views, followed by a delicious Asian-inspired lunch at The Society Table.

Our cultural stop was the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg — even if surrealism isn’t your thing, the architecture alone is worth the visit. Then came something completely different — axe throwing at Hatchet Hangout! It turned out to be so much fun once we got the hang of it.

We ended the day with dolphin spotting at St. Pete Pier, and rooftop cocktails at The Teaki Bar, watching the sun melt into the Gulf — the perfect ending to an unforgettable trip.

Day 8 – Home Time

As we packed our bags for the flight home, it was hard not to reflect on just how incredible this adventure had been — from rollercoasters and resort tours to luxury stays, wildlife encounters, and golden Gulf sunsets.

Orlando and the Gulf Coast truly offer something for everyone — whether you’re chasing thrills, relaxation, or a bit of both, this destination delivers magic at every turn.

Until Next Time, Florida… You’ve Been Amazing!