The Orlando magic
REBECCA KONCIENZCY falls under the spell of Florida’s theme parks on a oncein-a-lifetime family holiday
AS we chased the sun across the sky in our comfy Norwegian Air seats, we pondered what adventures awaited us in the state of Florida. The stewards are wonderfully attentive and professional, allowing you a stress-free start to the holiday of a lifetime.
Because that is what Orlando is. With so many incredible attractions in one place, it is hard to describe it as anything else. We touched down in the heat of a Floridian winter evening, basking in the warmth after leaving a wet, grey London behind.
Hiring a car in Orlando is easy, and essential – no one gets public transport. When you can fill the tank for eight dollars (about £5), why would you?
After getting aquainted with the automatic gear box we were a mere 40-minute drive from the soft beds at our luxury villa. ChampionsGate is a stunning billion-dollar community and offers bookings through 5 Star Villa Holidays, a company specialising in premium apartments and villas across the globe.
And it is easy to see how our villa made the cut. You feel safe and secure in this home away from home, albeit an extravagant one.
So roomy were our new digs that we could easily envision our extended family tucking into burgers from the state-of-the-art barbeque as the children splashed about in the heated private pool or played snooker in the games room.
And if you get itchy feet in your five-bedroomed pad you can take a stroll to the Oasis Clubhouse that boasts its own bar and restaurant and two heated pools. Floating on the water under a blanket of stars can really help you unwind.
Once settled you will find you want to explore, this is why ChampionsGate’s location is so important.
Disney World was first on the to do list and it did not disappoint. It is just a 30-minute, well-signposted journey from the villa.
It is impossible to ‘do-it-all’ in just one day, so choose one park – we chose The Magical Kingdom. Send the kids to bed early the night before your visit– Disney is a long day and they’ll want to be awake for the breathtaking fireworks at the end of it– our seven-year-old found it tough to cope with all the rides, parades and activities, so smaller children might find it overwhelming.
The princesses and Mickey may provide the excitement for the little ones, but what about the big kids?
Universal Studios is where you need to be. Just 40 minutes from the villa you’ll find yourselves in the heart of the movie action, with all the latest 3D technology used to immerse you in every ride.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is almost a theme park in its own right. Universal have painstakingly recreated Diagon Alley inch by inch and we literally felt like we were there among the fantastical hustle and bustle of JK Rowling’s imagination. After visiting Ollivander’s for your very own magical wand, sipping Butterbeer at the Leaky Cauldron and escaping Gringott’s bank, you can make your way to Platform 9 ¾ to catch the Hogwart’s Express to Hogwarts itself. It’s a wonderful experience.
And then there is International Drive, home to endless eateries, shops and amusements, you simply cannot go to the Sunshine State and pass up the opportunity of taking a spin on the Orlando Eye. In our Coca-cola sponsored carriage – my son could not believe we got a free coke – you can see right across to the vast Florida Bayou.
If heights aren’t your thing you could always check out the exotic wildlife at the SeaLife Centre, with dancing jellyfish and open ocean heavyweights such as sea turtles.
Or you could stop off at the Florida Mall for a spot of shopping or visit the interactive Crayola Experience, where my son loved the creative nature of the activities.
It’s also worth hitting one of the many beaches, we headed off to the West Coast to watch the sunset on the soft, white sands of Clearwater. The cooling surf was just an hour and a half away and the hues of pink and orange were worth the drive.
We made memories that will last a lifetime and that’s what Orlando is all about. It’s the ultimate family holiday.