Orlando Summer Fun

After a seemingly quick scheduled flight across the Atlantic we arrived to hot humid summer weather! (Late August) After collecting our luggage it was simple to collect our hire car at the airport, then off to our lovely three bedroom townhouse at Vista Cay, Universal Drive. There was a Publix supermarket literally next door so time to stock up the fridge.

Where do you start in Orlando? Well we decided on Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom, having four kids in tow aged 4,11,13 and 15 we sure needed to pack in all attractions for each age group. Disney did not disappoint. We also did Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios and relaxed at the excellent Disney water parks Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

Universal Studios and Island of Adventure were fantastic too so many good rides for all ages, loved the Harry Potter area I actually felt like a "muggle" sipping butter beer (non alcoholic - must try it)

SeaWorld was truly fantastic combining the Underwater life with Rides and shows, you really shouldn't miss this! Also the new waterpark by SeaWorld Aquatica is super good especially the not so lazy river that's impossible to get out of once you get in it...try it you will know what I mean, never laughed so much!

Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay is well worth the drive 1.5hours away from International Drive area, again some superb rides and again lots of amazing animals to see roaming in a wildlife park environment.

The most relaxing day was spent at Discovery Cove, where you can swim with dolphins in small groups (we didn't as we had done this in Cuba but watched others!) Even if you don't swim with the dolphins it's a fantastic day out, arrive for all-inclusive breakfast. Relax on the manmade beach in the hammock or sunloungers, then put on your wet suits and swim with the stingrays, snorkel and see the sharks behind the glass, even our four year old loved it and learned to snorkle here! There is a tropical bird enclosure and otters and a lovely lazy river, then more food, lunch and a few more cocktails in the sun. Just what you need after such a full on holiday! Then there's the shopping too! The malls or the outlets, to be honest we didn't have much time for this and not much interest in it but there is plenty too choose from if that floats your boat.

Car parking is charged at all theme parks in Orlando, it's worth noting before you go so you don't get a surprise chunk taken out of your holiday budget!

Food is good, we ate in the parks and food was priced well and a healthy selection too, we ate in restaurants on International Drive and the food was good.

If you are interested in finding out more, give me a call.