Orlando: Theme Parks and Shopping Malls

I was very lucky to fly over to Orlando and experience all that it has to offer, from amazing hotels to the theme parks over there. Now I have a very bad fear of heights and have never been on a rollercoaster before – I can still say the same after this trip. I was worried that I would be missing out but there is so much more to do over there you’d have to go back year after year to get it all done! I flew from Shannon but there are also flights from Dublin, you can clear customs and immigration in Dublin and Shannon airport before you go which is great, it makes it a lot easier to transit in the USA. On arrival we checked in to the Cabana Bay Beach Resort which was to be our home for the next 3 nights.

Seaworld was first on the list and here along with all the usual rollercoasters and rides you’d expect in a theme park there were shows with seals and killer whales. We went to see Shamu the killer whale in the show “One Ocean”. In the afternoon we went to Aquatica which is a water park across the street. There is something to suit all adventure levels here from zipping through clear fumes to bobbing along a lazy river. That night we went to Universal Studios where the streets were transformed for Halloween Horror Nights. You will get a few frights as you walk through the eerie streets but it’s all in good fun.

The next day we started out at Universals Islands of Adventure where they have such a range of rollercoasters and simulator rides. Our Universal Express Passes allowed us to jump straight to the front of the Qs. I really enjoyed the simulator rides from The Minions to Transformers to The Simpsons. We went to Wet ‘n’ Wild water park for the afternoon where again you could be as active or as laid back as you wish.

Busch Gardens. This is an African Adventure Safari park located about an hour away from International Drive. We went on a mini safari to see the animals and then there was time to wander around the park or go on many of the thrill seeking rides they have there. That evening we switched hotels for our last 2 nights and checked into the Loews Portifino Bay Hotel which is modelled on the village of Portofino in Italy.

We took a water taxi from Loews Portifino Bay to Universal Studios where we had a tour of all things Harry Potter. We wandered through Diagon Alley and had lunch in The Leaky Cauldron. We then hopped on board the Hogwarts Express and travelled from Kings Cross Station in Universal Studios to Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure. We also went on a ride through Jurassic Park and took a stroll through Springfield stopping at Moe’s tavern for a light refreshment.

We also got to see the Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort, both beautiful hotels. Then it was on to our last park of the trip, Discovery Cove. There are no rollercoasters or rides here but is a tropical island paradise where you can swim with dolphins, snorkel amongst tropical fish or just chill out and sunbathe. You would have to book your dolphin swim in advance. After that it was on to the Premium Outlet Mall. Lucky we only had an hour as we were on our way to the airport as a lot of damage could be done otherwise. You could do some serious shopping in a day there – just make sure to bring an empty suitcase! We also got the chance to stop at the Florida Mall for some last minute shopping as it is only 15 minutes from the airport. Que some frantic repacking of bags!

Orlando has something for everyone so if it is a Honeymoon, Family Holiday or a Shopping Trip with friends you are after please send me an email and I will be happy to put together a package that suits you.