ORLANDO – SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
I was lucky enough to visit Orlando this summer, flying on Virgin Atlantic’s direct service from Edinburgh.
Virgin Atlantic never fails to provide a great service. Prices on the direct route can sometimes be higher than flying indirectly, but in my view, the convenience is definitely worth paying a wee bit extra for—especially when travelling as a family. It is also the only direct service from Scotland to Orlando International Airport.
MARGARITAVILLE ORLANDO RESORT
I started my trip at Margaritaville Orlando Resort, staying in one of its cottages with a private pool.
Located close to Walt Disney World, the resort offers transport to and from the parks, while the cottages provide families with plenty of space, modern facilities and that fun Margaritaville style.
Guests staying in the cottages can use the main hotel facilities, and just across the road is Sunset Walk, a lively entertainment district with restaurants, shops, a cinema and family-friendly activities.
You also receive access to Island H2O Water Park, which is located next to the resort.
Overall, Margaritaville is a fantastic option for families. The spacious cottages, private pools, resort facilities and convenient location make it a great base for enjoying Disney and Orlando’s many other attractions.
LOEWS PORTOFINO BAY HOTEL
I then moved to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort.
This is a large onsite hotel and an excellent choice for anyone wanting the full Universal experience. As one of Universal’s premier hotels, guests receive Universal Express Unlimited, allowing them to skip the regular queues at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Getting to the parks could not be easier. The complimentary water taxi takes you directly to Universal CityWalk and the park entrances within just a few minutes.
The hotel itself is designed to resemble the Italian village of Portofino, and it does a fantastic job of creating the atmosphere of an Italian piazza. There is a great selection of restaurants, several swimming pools and plenty of space to relax when you need some time away from the parks.
UNIVERSAL EPIC UNIVERSE
Next, it was time to experience Universal’s spectacular new theme park, Epic Universe.
The park is located around 15 minutes from Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. I stayed at Universal Terra Luna Resort, a brand-new hotel just a short walk from Epic Universe.
You certainly cannot miss Terra Luna. Its bright, colourful exterior really stands out, while inside, the design is futuristic and minimalist. It is a good-value option for anyone who wants to stay close to the new park.
Epic Universe is divided into five completely different worlds:
THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER – MINISTRY OF MAGIC
This spectacular world combines the magical streets of 1920s Paris with the British Ministry of Magic in the 1990s. The buildings, shops, cafés, characters and magical creatures make it feel as though you have stepped straight into the Wizarding World, with so much detail to take in as you explore.
The main attraction is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™. The queues for this can be long, but the queue itself is part of the experience, with detailed scenery, screens and plenty to look at as you make your way through the Ministry.
This is also where you will find Le Cirque Arcanus™, one of two live shows I experienced at Epic Universe. I am not normally a big fan of theme-park shows, but this was totally immersive and unlike anything I had experienced before. The combination of live performers, fantastic creatures, puppetry and special effects draws you right into the story.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
This area is incredibly immersive. The colours, characters, sounds and interactive features make it feel as though you have stepped directly into a video game.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON – ISLE OF BERK
A colourful, family-friendly world with fantastic theming and attractions suitable for a range of ages.
The Untrainable Dragon was the second live show, and again, it was so different from the usual theme-park entertainment. With dragons appearing onstage and flying overhead, it felt more like being inside the film than simply watching a show. Even if shows would not normally be high on your list, I would definitely make time for both of these.
DARK UNIVERSE
This area is exactly as the name suggests—very dark! It is brilliantly designed, although some of the rides and characters may be frightening for younger children, so it is worth checking the attractions beforehand.
CELESTIAL PARK
Celestial Park sits at the heart of Epic Universe, with impressive fountains, gardens, restaurants and attractions set around a large lagoon. Stardust Racers has to be one of the fastest and most thrilling rides I have ever experienced!
What impressed me most about Epic Universe was the level of detail. The scenery, music, characters and technology all work together, making you feel as though you have genuinely stepped into another world.
These areas really do need to be seen to be believed, and Epic Universe is far more than simply another collection of theme-park rides.
We sampled the food at Pizza Moon, which had a lively and busy atmosphere. The queues moved quickly, though, and the pizza was delicious.
We also ate at The Oak & Star Tavern. The barbecue food was excellent—and the barbecue sauce was amazing!
Epic Universe absolutely lives up to the hype and is well worth including in your next Orlando holiday.
ROSEN SHINGLE CREEK
Last but not least, it was time for some relaxation and a few leisurely rounds of golf at Rosen Shingle Creek.
With an onsite golf course and an impressive choice of 15 restaurants and bars, you do not need to venture far from the resort.
The golf course is mid-range and suitable for most golfers, making this a good option for couples, families or groups where not everyone plays to the same standard.
I was also lucky enough to dine at A Land Remembered, the resort’s fine-dining steakhouse. The service and food were excellent. It is certainly not inexpensive, but it was worth it for a special meal.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
This trip showed just how varied an Orlando holiday can be.
From spacious family cottages and private pools to Universal’s immersive theme parks, luxury onsite hotels, water parks, golf courses and excellent dining, there really is something for everyone.
Orlando is not only about spending every day racing between theme parks. With the right choice of hotels and itinerary, you can combine excitement, family time and plenty of relaxation too.
Planning an Orlando holiday can feel overwhelming, with so many hotels, parks, ticket options and different areas to choose from. I can help put together an itinerary that works for your family, whether you want to stay close to Disney, enjoy the full Universal experience, visit Epic Universe or add some relaxing pool and golf time to your trip.
☎️ 01292 737767 📩 paula@highlife-travel.com 📱 message me 👍🏻 ATOL and ABTA protected