Orlando

We flew to Orlando via Atlanta with Delta Airlines, as always they were good to fly with. We cleared immigration in Dublin and arrived on time into Orlando. After collecting our hire car we made the short trip to The Doubletree Universal which is perfectly located. It is just off international drive and has easy access to shops, bars and restaurants with Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure within walking distance.

We were there for 8 nights and we had a great time visiting all of the main Disney parks, Universal Studios, Sea World and Wet and Wild.

We also took a day trip to Kennedy Space Centre and were able to dine with an astronaut. We had pre-booked this in advance of coming to Orlando and it was fascinating to hear all of his stories about life in space.

Another trip we had pre-booked was a trip to an Orlando Magic Basketball Game which was a lot of fun with an electric atmosphere and big celebrations when the local team won!

Orlando is a shopper’s paradise with two large outlet malls as well as countless shopping malls. It is extremely good value for money and there is a huge selection of goods on offer.

There are also opportunities for day trips to the beach, trips to The Everglades, swimming with dolphins and manatees, sky diving, hot air balloon rides, Madam Tussauds, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, crazy golf, water sports on the lakes and a large selection of golf courses.

It’s possible for me to pre-book all of your excursions and theme park tickets before you leave home which is much better value than buying them when you arrive.

There is a huge range of accommodation in Orlando to suit all budgets including hotels, fully equipped apartments with all of the comforts of home: full kitchens, Satellite TV, PlayStations, kids clubs, playgrounds and some complexes even come with their own waterparks. It is also possible to hire a home with a private swimming pool.

Orlando really has it all and is a year round destination. It is also easy to combine it with another area if you want to do a two centre holiday in The States or Caribbean.