Orlando's Not Just For Kids!

Disney Magic, LS photo

Did you know it would take you 67 eight hour days to visit all of Orlando’s attractions, and there’s over 100 of them!*

It would also take you nearly five years to eat in Orlando’s 5,000 restaurants eating at three each day* – I’d like to give that one a go! Do you know what SeaWorld’s food bill costs?  Well each day Shamu eats around a staggering 220lbs of food*. Now a fact for all Harry Potter fans – the train situated at the front of Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an exact replica of the one from the Harry Potter films. So there are some fun facts about Orlando that you may or may not have known, and that is exactly what a holiday to Orlando, Florida should be – pure and simple fun, not just for the children but for everyone. Theme Parks Walt Disney World comprises of six amazing parks (four theme parks and two water parks):  Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom where you can go on safari, and Blizzard Beach Water Park and Typhoon Lagoon. Magic Kingdom Park is where you’ll see all those characters from the disney movies come to life.  There is also a  disney parade that usually takes place twice a day (depending on the season), one in the afternoon and one in the evening.  This is where you’ll see floats, dancers and many, many disney characters singing and dancing.  This is an absolute highlight of the holiday for children (and adults!) who get so excited when they see their favourite characters.  My youngest daughter was lucky enough to be picked from the crowd to lead the parade with Woody from the Toy Story films!  Something she still talks about over a year later. There is also Downtown Disney and Disney’s Boardwalk areas where you’ll find an array of entertainment, shops and dining options. New for 2013 is the Fantasyland expansion at Magic Kingdom where Princess Fairytale Hall allows you to meet Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses in the Castle Courtyard. Universal Orlando Resort has two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, these offer you the chance to ride on some of the most thrilling high speed roller coasters that can be found anywhere. Of course, who could forget The Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you get to walk down Diagon Alley and mingle among the young wizards on their way to pick out their new wand.  At the end of Diagon Alley is the truly magnificant Hogwarts Castle.  You’ll be amazed at just how much detail has been put in when you’re inside, it definitely has the ‘wow’ factor and is a firm favourite with everyone. New for 2013 is TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D.  The larger than life TRANSFORMERS characters Autobots and Decepticons fight it out using lifelike HD CGI technology, groundbreaking 3-D technology and amazing special effects so you feel you are right in the middle of an intergalactic battle. There is Universal CityWalk where you’ll find live music and both casual and fine dining options. SeaWorld – has four exciting parks:  SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Aquatica (SeaWorld’s waterpark) and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.  You’ll be amazed and mesmerised by the One Ocean Shamu show where you’ll see a fantastic display by killer whales whilst being  educated about marine life. New for 2013 -  Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin.  A family adventure ride where you’ll be transported into the penguins icy world of Antarctica. You’ll also be able to walk among penguins in their colony. Where to stay So now you have a bit of information about the theme parks, lets look at the accommodation options.  Orlando has something for everyone’s budget that can be tailored to fit your exact needs. Accommodation can be near the theme parks, such as on International Drive to actually staying on one the resorts themselves.  You can choose a hotel, villa or even stay at a campsite! Walt Disney World hosts over 20 unique Resort hotels that are individually themed, so you could be forgiven for thinking you were on safari in Africa. Disney offers the best in luxury accommodation such as ‘Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa’ which is often referred to as the “jewel in the crown” of Disney hotels.   Designed with the Victorian era in mind it boasts an impressive 867 rooms with luxurious facilities. Universal Orlando has three Deluxe on-site resort hotels which are the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Loews Pacific Resort.   Staying at one of these impressive hotels gives you early admission to the parks and lets you skip the queues. I’ve been to Orlando twice now, once before I had children and again last year with the children.  Each time I’ve found new and different things to do, see and experience. With year round sunshine and something to offer everyone in your party, whether that be thrill seeking on the roller coasters, relaxing at the spa, shopping in the designer mall outlets or looking for sports and outdoor adventure, then you and everyone with you will be spoilt for choice. Orlando, Florida is the destination that will keep you coming back for more and more.  After all this is the place where all your holiday dreams can come true! *facts & figures sourced from Orlando Travel Academy.