Seeing STARS
avoids Mickey Mouse and the big theme parks but still has an out-of-this-world experience in Florida
THE swamp boat powered across the top of Lake Tohopekaliga in Orlando, the huge fan at the back driving it forward as I tried my best to steer between sprays of water.
As we sped forward, a plume of smoke and fire in the distance marked the launch of a rocket from Kennedy space centre, tearing through the sky as the sun started to sink below the horizon.
This was an unforgettable Florida moment.
It’s one lots of people may never see though, because if you’re visiting Orlando the search for things to do can often start and end with the famous mouse or studios.
But when you cast your gaze a little further afield, there are lots of incredible experiences to be found – from the bottom of a muddy puddle to infinity and beyond.
From the Ramada Plaza off International Drive, we wasted little time in seeking out some of the fascinating opportunities on offer as we were expertly driven around by Dolphin Tours, who also run the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour.
That meant a pre-sunrise start with a hot air balloon flight courtesy of Orlando Balloon Rides across beautiful vistas of never-ending swampland far below.
In splendid isolation and crystal clear skies, we also ghosted above homes with blue tarpaulins on their roof to cover damage caused by Hurricane Irma.
A bumpy landing was followed with a champagne toast – a bucket-list-ticking way to start the trip.
The great outdoors theme was matched with our evening at Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, run by Margie Long.
Following a fascinating visit and talk at a Native American village and piloting the Romp In The Swamp boat as described above, we had a tour of the lake at night to hunt for alligators.
Next up was Revolution Off Road. Owned by British ex-pats Kevin and AJ, ROR is the ideal location to throw quad bikes down dirt trails and through huge puddles. Be warned – you will get dirty! We also drove Mucky Ducks all-terrain vehicles on land and water.
Any visit to Florida should stop at Gatorland, home to more than 2,000 alligators of all shapes and sizes. We got an up close view of some of the bigger ones when we hand-fed them with chunks of meat.
There’s also the option to soar above them on the Screamin Gator zipline tour – not for the fainthearted.
Kennedy Space Centre is set in the middle of a nature reserve, but is as hi-tech as you can get.
As a space geek, visiting the home of the Moon landings and the space shuttle was a dream come true.
I knew the Saturn 5 rocket was big, but seeing it stretch away into the distance for real is awe inspiring, as was driving past the gigantic vehicle assembly building and launch pads. Walking around and underneath the Space Shuttle Atlantis was another lifelong wish fulfilled.
Away from the countryside, Orlando itself had plenty to keep you occupied. For families, the two FunSpot fairgrounds in Kissimee and Orlando are both open until