Travel: My Happy Place!
We all need something to make us smile at the moment. Here Davina McCall explains why Florida is a must when Girls Just Want to Have Fun. So let’s get planning…
TRAVEL SNAPSHOT
With year-round sunshine and a wealth of amusement parks, Florida has long been a popular holiday destination for us Brits, but why is Davina herself such a fan? ‘Laughter is so important,’ she explains. ‘Laugh a lot and everything feels better and Florida is just a really great place to go for fun, especially with friends or family.’ From Walt Disney World (I cannot tell you how special this place is!’) to the magic of Harry Potter at Universal (‘I love the rides’), there is something to make you smile at almost every turn.
INSIDER’S GUIDE
Apart from Disney and Universal, Busch Gardens has more roller coasters than any other park in the Sunshine State, so should be at the top of every thrillseeker’s list. We tested the latest one, Tigris – and it’s wild enough to have you screaming with delight! If water is more your thing, try jumping off the world’s tallest river rapid drop in Aquatica or the airboat rides through swamps that bring you face-toface with alligators (wildfloridaairboats. com). You are bound to find an adventure to suit your mood.
DON’T MISS
Meeting the mice – Minnie and Mickey, of course – at Disney’s Magic Kingdom! Davina is a huge fan of both them and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. So follow with a stroll down Diagon Alley and don’t miss out on a ride on Hagrid’s Motorcycle Adventure... It’s wizard!
FOOD AND DRINK
BIGFIRE offers American fare at its finest, opened in CityWalk only last year. The food – everything from bison burgers to pork belly mac and cheese – is all served on cast-iron plates. There is a firepit out front that it gives it a relaxed, cookhouse-by-the-river feel and gives off some great heat when the sun goes down. If you pop in to the Hard Rock don’t miss the Elvis French Toast – baguette slices with peanut butter, bananas and caramel – it’s not healthy, but you’re on holiday and you’ve probably been doing more than your 10,000 steps in the theme parks!
GETTING THERE:
Coronavirus advice on travel is changing rapidly. Before booking, check with your chosen airline, hotel or ticket agent on whether they have introduced flexible rebooking options. Norwegian is currently offering to waive rebooking fees on selected flights. They currently fly to Orlando from LondonGatwick, Manchester and Birmingham from £164.90 one-way in May. Visit norwegian.com. Prices were correct at time of going to press and are subject to alteration.
STAYING THERE:
There are many hotels to choose from but, if you’re not hiring a car, it’s important to find out if they offer a regular bus service to the parks. best stayed at Universal’s Aventura Hotel – a perfectly priced hotel within a short boat or bus ride of CityWalk and the attractions, offering great views of all three Universal Orlando theme parks, plus an amazing rooftop bar. Seven nights including 3 Park Explorer Tickets is currently around £1,255 (based on two sharing a queen room). Tickets include 14 days unlimited access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park. To book visit attractiontickets.com, where you will also find more inspiration and deals.