Florida Adventures: From Orlando’s Magic to St. Pete’s Serenity

Earlier this month, I joined an educational trip hosted by Ocean Florida, showcasing some of the very best that Orlando and Florida’s Gulf Coast have to offer.

As a Professional Travel Expert, I’m always keen to experience destinations first-hand so I can give my clients honest, detailed and practical advice. This trip offered the perfect opportunity to explore family villas, resort hotels, theme parks and coastal escapes — all in one unforgettable journey.

Our Orlando Base – Reunion Resort

For the first part of the trip, we stayed at Reunion Resort, one of Orlando’s most prestigious communities and an ideal choice for families, multi-generational groups or friends travelling together.

Our nine-bedroom villa was incredible — complete with a private pool and hot tub, a movie theatre, games room, and a mezzanine area featuring a pool table, foosball and its own bar. It offered the perfect balance between luxury, space and fun, with plenty of communal areas for socialising as well as quiet corners for relaxing after busy park days.

Resort Facilities

Reunion Resort has an exceptional range of on-site facilities, including:

• Three signature golf courses, designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson

• A five-acre water park with slides, a lazy river and a splash zone

• Multiple communal pools located throughout the resort

• A fitness centre, tennis and pickleball courts

• Restaurants and bars, including Eleven rooftop steakhouse, Traditions, and 7593 Chophouse

• A boutique spa offering massages, facials and beauty treatments

• On-site shuttle service connecting the main resort areas

The resort’s location is also ideal — just a short drive from the major theme parks, with supermarkets, shops and restaurants all nearby. It’s a superb option for families seeking villa-style accommodation with resort amenities and first-class service.

Universal Orlando – Movie Magic, Thrills and Halloween Fun

Our first full day was spent at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, two of Orlando’s most exhilarating theme parks.

From Escape from Gringotts and Revenge of the Mummy to VelociCoaster and The Incredible Hulk, Universal delivers world-class thrills. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley is a must-see for any fan, with incredible detail and immersive theming — the moment the dragon breathes fire over Gringotts is one you’ll never forget.

Universal Tips

• Arrive for rope drop to enjoy the quietest queues.

• Express Passes are an excellent value, especially on busy days.

• Turn right when entering the park to reach The Simpsons area ahead of the crowds.

• Download the Universal Orlando App for queue times, dining options and show schedules.

• Parking: $32 before 6 p.m., free after 6 p.m. (useful for evening visits).

• Quick-service meals average around $15–$20 per person; bringing snacks is an easy money-saver.

Halloween Horror Nights

One of the most memorable parts of our trip was attending Halloween Horror Nights — Universal’s famous after-dark event.

I don’t usually watch scary films, but I absolutely loved this experience. The event has just the right mix of fear, excitement and laughter. The themed houses are cleverly designed, but not too frightening, so it’s enjoyable even for those who might normally avoid horror attractions.

The atmosphere is fantastic — lively, creative and full of energy — with music, costumes, food stalls and special shows throughout the evening. If you’re visiting during the autumn months, I would highly recommend it as a unique and unforgettable way to experience the parks.

Universal Hotels – Exceptional Stays and Insider Favourites

We toured several of Universal’s on-site hotels, each with its own character, facilities and benefits.

The Helios Grand Hotel

Brand new for 2025, the Helios Grand Hotel sits at the heart of Universal’s all-new Epic Universe Park — the first new theme park in Orlando in over 20 years.

From the moment you walk into the Helios Grand, it feels special. Inspired by Greek mythology, the interiors are striking, elegant and filled with natural light. Guests enjoy a lagoon-style pool with cabanas, a rooftop bar overlooking the park, and fine dining restaurants with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Staying here means you’re steps away from the action, with early park entry to Epic Universe included. Although Express Passes aren’t provided, the proximity and atmosphere more than make up for it.

I would recommend the Helios Grand for a two- or three-night stay as part of a wider Orlando holiday — it’s a hotel that makes a lasting impression.

Portofino Bay Hotel

My personal favourite was Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, a property that completely took my breath away. It captures the essence of Italy so perfectly that you could almost believe you’re strolling along the real Portofino harbour.

The architecture, colours, music and even the gentle hum of the piazza make it feel like a holiday within a holiday — pure European charm, right in the heart of Universal Orlando.

Guests staying here also receive Unlimited Express Passes included with their stay, which is a huge advantage for park access. The hotel combines relaxed luxury with the magic of Universal, making it perfect for both families and couples.

If I were returning with my own family, this is exactly where I would choose to stay — it’s elegant, atmospheric and full of character.

Getting Around – Do You Need a Car in Florida?

One of the most common questions I’m asked is whether hiring a car is essential for a Florida holiday. The simple answer is no, it isn’t.

If you’re staying outside the Disney or Universal parks — for example, along International Drive — there are excellent transport alternatives. Many hotels provide complimentary shuttle services to the major parks, and Uber and Lyft operate reliably across the region.

When you factor in the cost of car hire, fuel, parking fees (typically $32 at Universal and $35 at Disney), and sometimes additional hotel resort or parking fees, taking Ubers or taxis can often work out more economical overall.

For guests staying centrally, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a full Orlando holiday without driving. If you do want to venture further afield — for example, to the Gulf Coast, Kennedy Space Centre or Clearwater — you can easily hire a car for just a day or two.

This flexibility means you can stay off-site and still enjoy everything Orlando has to offer, without the added expense of a full car hire.

ICON Park – A Relaxed Evening Alternative

After a busy day at the parks, ICON Park offers the perfect place to unwind. Located around twenty minutes from Universal, it features The Wheel, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, and an excellent choice of restaurants and bars.

It’s a great evening option for families or couples looking for something vibrant yet relaxed — ideal for dining, socialising or enjoying the Orlando skyline from above.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom – Timeless Disney Magic

No visit to Orlando is complete without a day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The parades, fireworks and that iconic view of Cinderella Castle capture the heart of what makes Disney so special.

Allow time for transfers (up to 90 minutes, including parking, security and monorail/ferry). Use the My Disney Experience App to check wait times, reserve Lightning Lanes and place mobile food orders.

Watching the Festival of Fantasy Parade from Liberty Square or Frontierland is a great way to enjoy it without the crowds of Main Street. Remember to bring refillable water bottles, snacks and comfortable footwear — you’ll easily walk 8–10 miles per day.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

We also visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, a Deluxe Resort designed around the African savannah. Guests can watch giraffes, zebras and antelopes from their balconies or the lodge’s viewing terraces, and join activities led by savannah guides.

Dining highlights include Boma – Flavours of Africa, Jiko – The Cooking Place, and quick-service restaurant The Mara.

While the wildlife setting is wonderful, I would suggest this resort for a short 1–2-night stay as a unique add-on, rather than a full Disney holiday base.

From Theme Parks to Coast – St. Pete Beach

After an action-packed few days in Orlando, we travelled west to St. Pete Beach for a change of pace and scenery. The two-hour journey is straightforward and scenic, leading to one of Florida’s most picturesque coastlines.

Our final stay was at the Don CeSar Hotel, affectionately known as The Pink Palace. This historic property has 277 rooms, including 36 suites with balconies, and perfectly combines elegance with a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.

Dining options include the refined Maritana, the casual Society Table, and the poolside Beacon Bar. A highlight for me was Uncle Andy’s Market, the hotel’s bakery and gelato café, where everything is made fresh daily. Guests also enjoy complimentary loungers, umbrellas and towels, and access to the nearby Beach House Suites.

It’s a property that welcomes families, couples and even pets — a wonderful blend of heritage and comfort, and the perfect place to unwind at the end of a Florida adventure.

Final Reflections

This trip was an amazing reminder of why Florida continues to be one of the most versatile and rewarding destinations for UK travellers.

From the energy of the theme parks and the luxury of villa living to the relaxation of the Gulf Coast, Florida truly has something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for a family villa holiday, a twin-centre itinerary combining Orlando and St. Pete Beach, or a once-in-a-lifetime Universal or Disney adventure, I’d be delighted to help you plan it — with first-hand insights, personalised recommendations and expert attention to detail from start to finish.