Having a Scream in Orlando!!!!

Having never been to Orlando before, I was very excited to be able to visit. After the flight from Gatwick, and short transfer, we checked into the Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel for our 5 night stay. The hotel is located near The Universal Parks and city walk so is in an ideal location. The first evening of our trip was spent having a delicious authentic Italian meal at the hotel’s “Mama Della” restaurant whilst being serenaded by the staff!

The next morning we couldn’t wait to get going as our first attraction was Universal Islands of Adventure. Once we arrived, we headed straight to the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. We were able to get into the attraction an hour before the park opened as we were staying at an official Universal Orlando resort hotel; this was a massive benefit. Whilst in the resort we were able to walk through the Hogwarts castle gates and explore the shops of Hogsmeade, where you can sample Butterbeer and pumpkin juice. We had a tour around the park and braved some of the fantastic rides! Once it was time to leave we headed over to Wet ‘n Wild for a fun afternoon of waterslides and sunbathing.

The second evening was spent having dinner in the world's largest Hard Rock Café followed by seeing the Blue Man Group show. This was like nothing I had ever seen before. The show includes music, comedy, and multimedia theatrics in a great atmosphere.

We set out the next day to enjoy SeaWorld followed by Aquatica. We saw the Sahmu show, fed sting ray and sea lions, and rode Manta - the face down rollercoaster – it really feels like you’re flying! The afternoon at Aquatica was also great fun. We went on the dolphin plunge where you pass through the clear flume in the dolphin’s tank and can see the dolphins all around you. The lovely beach area is great for a well-earned rest. After leaving Aquatica we stopped at the Florida Mall for a bit of retail therapy, where you are literally spoilt for choice!

The next morning we headed off on the bus for the journey to Busch gardens which took just under an hour. Busch Gardens really is the park to go to if you are a thrill seeker with its scary rides and 70 mph vertical drop coaster! There are also over 2000 exotic animals in the park and the opportunity to go on the Serengeti Safari tour where you can view hundreds of fascinating animals and hand feed the giraffes.

Orlando really is perfect for a fun family holiday, while also providing a fabulous holiday for adults as well. There is so much available to entertain people of all ages and you will never feel like you’ve done everything that there is. This really is a fantastic place to take your family!