Florida Work Trip

The Florida Work Trip Adventure

Our Florida journey began in style with a smooth Aer Lingus flight from Manchester to Orlando. The experience was seamless — excellent service, complimentary meals and drinks, great entertainment, and we even landed ahead of schedule.

Upon arrival, our hosts collected two cars from Alamo, and we made our way to our incredible nine-bedroom villa at Reunion Resort — the perfect base for our first five nights. After settling in, we made a quick Walmart run (a speedy 30-minute round trip) to stock up for the days ahead.

Also worth buying an eSIM with data. We got ours from an app called Hubby

Day Two: Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure

What a start to the trip! Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure exceeded every expectation. The weather was perfect, the atmosphere buzzing, and while the parks were busy, they never felt overwhelming. For anyone planning a visit, Express Passes are a must.

We packed our day with thrills — from Escape from Gringotts and Revenge of the Mummy to VelociCoaster and The Incredible Hulk Coaster. Families will love The Cat in the Hat, The Dr Seuss Show, and The Blues Brothers Live Show. Along the way, we met some classic characters, including The Simpsons, Marilyn Monroe, Scooby-Doo, and Captain America.

The highlight was undoubtedly The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Watching the dragon breathe fire over Gringotts was unforgettable. Wands at Ollivanders start from around $65–$85, but spend enough and you might just receive one for free.

Lunch at Mel’s Diner was nostalgic and satisfying, though food prices in the park can be steep — around $15–$20 per person. Bringing a packed lunch and snacks is a smart move for families. We couldn’t resist sampling Auntie Anne’s pretzels, toffee apples, and frozen margaritas from Fat Tuesdays to cool down.

Universal Orlando Tips:

Arrive early (rope drop) to make the most of your day.

Turn right at the entrance — the route to The Simpsons area is often quieter.

Download the Universal Orlando app for queue times and menus.

The Photo Pass is a great value for ride photos.

Note your parking section — it’s easy to forget after a long day.

Ride the Hogwarts Express between parks.

Parking: $32 before 6 pm, free after 6 pm, or $60 for prime spaces.

That evening, we headed to ICON Park for a more relaxed vibe. We explored Madame Tussauds, learned about the artistry behind its 85 handcrafted wax figures, and even made our own wax hands for $18. The park’s Big Wheel offers fantastic views, surrounded by great bars and restaurants.

Dinner at Tin Roof was a perfect finish to the day — family-style dining, live music, bingo, and an incredible atmosphere.

Day Three: Resort Tours, Animal Encounters & Disney Magic

Today was all about exploring and discovering Orlando’s incredible accommodations. We visited three standout resorts:

ChampionsGate: Family-friendly fun with a lazy river, splash park, and championship golf course.

Solara Resort: Energetic and modern, featuring a surf simulator and lively clubhouse.

Reunion Resort: Pure luxury with elegant villas, fine dining, and spectacular golf views.

Next, we toured Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — a truly magical property where guests can wake up to giraffes and zebras outside their balcony. A Savannah View room is well worth the upgrade.

From there, we spent the afternoon at Disney Springs, filled with shops, entertainment, and dining. Dinner at The Summerhouse was a highlight — wood-fired pizza, roasted chicken, and caramelised Brussels sprouts that stole the show.

We ended the day with Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life, an emotional and awe-inspiring blend of acrobatics, animation, and Disney storytelling.

Day Four: The Magic Kingdom Experience

No trip to Florida is complete without a day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. From Cinderella Castle to the parades and fireworks, it’s the ultimate Disney experience.

Arrival Tips:

Arrive 60–90 minutes early for parking, security, and the ferry or monorail transfer. Early arrivals benefit from shorter queues and extra time to explore.

Parking:

Standard: $35/day

Preferred: $55/day

Oversized: $40/day

Disney Resort Guests: Free

Use the My Disney Experience app for parking reminders, wait times, and bookings.

Rides & Queues:

Queue times were reasonable, especially early in the day. Lightning Lane or Premier Pass options are well worth considering for popular rides.

Parades & Shows:

Don’t miss the Festival of Fantasy Parade and Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade. For the best view, grab a Main Street spot early, or enjoy shorter waits in Frontierland or Liberty Square.

Food Tips:

Quick-service options are everywhere, but expensive. Bring snacks and refillable water bottles to save time and money.

Park Hopper Plus Pass:

Perfect for combining theme parks with water parks or mini golf for added variety.

Extra Magic Tips:

Comfy shoes are essential — expect up to 10 miles of walking.

Sunscreen and lightweight clothing are a must.

Visit Guest Services for celebration badges and special touches.

That evening, we enjoyed dinner at Norman’s Restaurant with Visit Orlando’s Elaine, learning about new developments across the region — including Universal’s Epic Universe and Disney’s $18 billion expansion.

Day Five: Luxury Hotels, Gatorland & Halloween Horror Nights

We began with hotel tours of Orlando’s finest — Helios Grand Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort — each with its own distinctive style.

Next up was Gatorland, part of the Explorer Pass. This historic attraction combines family fun with education and wildlife conservation.

In the evening, we visited Pat O’Brien’s at CityWalk before heading to Halloween Horror Nights. The haunted houses, especially The Fallout House, were outstanding. The Express Pass was worth every penny, offering priority access and more scares in less time.

Day Six: Gulf Coast Getaway

Our day began with a VIP shopping experience at The Mall at Millenia, featuring luxury boutiques, breakfast, and gift cards.

We then drove to St. Pete Beach for some well-deserved relaxation. Our stay at The Don CeSar, affectionately called The Pink Palace, offered a taste of vintage Florida glamour.

Dinner at The Society Club with Visit Clearwater’s Andrea was the perfect way to close the evening — great food, great company, and plenty of laughter.

Day Seven: Gulf Coast Farewell

Breakfast at The Zamora Hotel was exceptional, featuring lemon and blueberry pancakes. We spent the day exploring Clearwater Beach and visiting the elegant JW Marriott Clearwater before stopping at the Dalí Museum — a fascinating must-see for art lovers.

Later, we enjoyed some friendly competition at Hatchet Hangout and ended our trip with sunset cocktails at The Teaki Bar, watching dolphins swim past St. Pete Pier.

Final Reflections

From theme parks and wildlife encounters to luxury villas and Gulf Coast sunsets, our Florida adventure was filled with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re chasing thrills, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Florida truly has something for everyone.