Family Holiday to Orlando, Florida
Our intention was to visit all the major theme parks, but to cherry pick the rides to prove Orlando is a destination for all age groups. It was decided that the holiday was to be a relaxing experience and to go with the flow, not to an organised timetable.
The first park visited was Epcot, an absolute favourite, with amazing rides such as “Soaring” and the new “Finding Nemo”. Epcot also has an educational element. Set around a large lake showcasing a dozen different cultures, cuisines and landmarks. During our visit they were holding a Flower and Gardens Festival. One aspect not to be missed is the spectacular fireworks display “IllumiNations”
Magic Kingdom was our second stop, a wonderful magical land, full of everyone’s favourite Walt Disney characters and rides for everyone from a boat ride in “It’s a Small World” with its interesting theme tune to “Space Mountain” an indoor, dark, scary roller coaster highly recommended by my daughter.
Following on to our 1st water park, Typhoon Lagoon, a tropical paradise with slides, lazy river and wave pool. Also visited later on were Blizzard Beach and the brand new Aquatica. (We found it is necessary to arrive at Aquatica by 9am to guarantee entrance).
That evening was spent in Downtown Disney; a plethora of entertainment, divided into 3 areas, Market Place with the world largest Walt Disney shop and numerous eateries for all ages. Pleasure Island with its night clubs and waiter service restaurants and finally the West Side offering a 24 screen Cinema, Disney Quest interact zone, House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil.
Animal Kingdom was our 3rd major theme park, offering close ups of animals large and small, many exotic birds and an array of rides and the newest, very realistic rollercoaster Expedition Everest including a Yeti.
Following on, we covered Disney Hollywood Studios inspired by films and TV, past and present. A number of exciting rides, shows and parades, with their brand new ride Toy Story Midway Mania, great fun.
Universal was our next stop, very well organised with the multi-storey car parks and bus stops all linked by travelators. This complex comprises of 2 parks and a cosmopolitan area of restaurants and entertainment called CityWalk.
Universal Studios is a movie-themed and TV studios tourist attraction with amazing rides such as Shrek 4-D, Jaws, ET (my favourite) and the new ride from the Simpsons.
And...Island of Adventure is action packed with innovative high-tech attractions. With 6 islands surrounding a large lake, 2 very adult roller-coasters, flume rides (be prepared to get very wet) and for the little ones, Seuss Landing.
As a contrast we visited “SeaWorld” again you need a full day, with 2 thrill rides “Kraken” and “Journey to Atlantis” The primary entertainment is the stadium shows featuring Orcas, Dolphins and Sea Lions. Don’t miss the “Sky Tower” a 400ft tower with a slow revolving capsule, offering a bird’s eye view as far a way as Downtown Orlando.
We decided early on that we wouldn’t have a car and to rely on taxis, which we found very reasonable. Transportation links within the Disney area are good if not a little complicated using a combination of buses, boats and monorails.
One of the highlights of our holiday which was completely unexpected was the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery; an incredible sight.
The temperature during our stay varied between 83ºF - 96ºF with humidity at about 75% and 2 thunder storms which last approximately one hour.
We had an incredible time.