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I had the chance to visit Florida with Travel Counsellors to experience their hotels, the Disney Parks along with some beautiful beach resorts in St Petersburg and Clearwater. Orlando was somewhere I have always wanted to visit so this opportunity was something else!!

The flight over was fantastic, great service, good food and entertainment. The transition through US security was very smooth along with the transfer into Kissimee directly to our accommodation. The weather in May was in the 80's with a few clouds so we got a break from the sun, but a hat is a MUST! Our accommodation at the Caribe Cove Apartments were 4 star, 3 bedroom apartments, with a pool, outside hot tub and plenty of sun loungers.

With private villas, hotels, apartments and fully equipped resorts there is accommodation to suit all on International Drive, Disney Area and Kissimee.

Our week started with a visit to Sea World and its newly opened water park; "Aquatica". What an experience, it brought tears to my eyes! The show with the Sea Lions, and the 'Believe' show with the killer whale "Shamu" were truly exceptional. The entertainment team at Sea World are amazing and the hard work they have put in to training Shamu really does show you that we can do anything, and to literally 'Believe'!!!!

A full day trip to St Pete's Beach and Clearwater in the Gulf Coast was a wonderful day out and a chance to experience Florida's Beaches. St Petersburg has gone chic. Meander through Straub Park, soaking up water views, buzz into the museum of fine arts. Browsers will enjoy the five storey Pier shopping centre. St Pete's has Moorish/Mediterranean architecture, shops, restaurants, gift shops and clothing shops. Clearwater Beach is the region's quintessential shore town. Part of the city of Clearwater features souvenir shops, pizzerias and beach bars. Pier 60 offers nightly sunset festivals. Starting two hours before the Big Dip, they serve up everything from henna tattoos to up-market jewellery.

Walt Disney World; what can I say? A real live Magical Kingdom! I just wish my children could have been with me, but seeing Disney has just made me more determined to book next year with my family. The park is suitable for all ages of children, and adults!

Universal Orlando Resort, an entire universe of action, thrills and excitement! The Simpsons ride is new to Universal, and affords you the opportunity to experience America's favourite animated family, in a wild and hilarious theme park attraction! We were lucky enough to experience the Universal VIP Tour. This is the ultimate "red carpet" service originally created to host visiting celebrities and dignitaries, but this service is now available to the general public as an upgrade! Front of the line access with no wait, a sneaky peek behind the scenes of select rides including the popular Spiderman attraction, a tour of the production sound stages and screening rooms plus lots more features including an extra hour after the park closes to get back on those favourite rides! I would certainly recommend this, as I enjoyed being pampered and receiving individual treatment and privileged access. It will make your vacation an experience of a lifetime.

The pirates dinner adventure, by far the most fascinating show in Orlando. Non-stop action, enchanting music, thrilling sword fights and guest interaction! An energetic, adventurous and interactive dining experience suitable for all ages. Excellent food and wine were available whilst being entertained and captivated by the actors in the show.

Florida made me feel young again, almost like Tinkerbell! It was a week full of new experiences. I came home with some great memories, photographs, gifts and an overwhelming wish to go back there! With still so much to experience in Florida.. Busch Gardens, Aligator World, Tampa Bay, Wet n Wild, I can't wait for next year!