Individual Florida Vacation Advice

In case you are unsure if Florida is for you, here is a short explanation of the main points:

Florida is known as the Sunshine State, with it’s beautiful warm weather it makes the ideal year-round holiday destination. There is plenty to keep everyone of all ages entertained; the hardest part is working out what you want to do first!

Orlando has seven theme parks, all different in the experience they offer; some ideal for all ages, some more for the older child.

Walt Disney World has four parks:

Magic Kingdom is ideal for all ages, the place where dreams really do come true! Imagine walking up the famous Main Street and seeing ‘Cinderella’s Castle’ for the first time, or hopping aboard a boat on the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ ride.

Epcot is a park of two halves, ride the latest attractions ‘Soarin’ & ‘Mission Space’ in future world, or visit countries like Japan or Morocco in the World showcase.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios) brings movies to life, with stage shows like ‘Playhouse Disney’ for the little ones, take a spin on the new 'Toy Story Mania' ride or experience the "Lights, Motors, Action!" stunt show. If you dare, ride the popular ‘Hollywood Tower of Terror!’ or 'Rockin' Roller Coaster' featuring Aerosmith.

Animal Kingdom is home to both animals and rides. Go for a drive through the African Savannah, on the ‘Kilimanjaro safari’ where you will see hippos, giraffes, elephants or even lions! Or ride the newest attraction ‘Expedition Everest’, & cool off on the ‘Kali river rapids!’

Universal has two parks:

Universal Studios is a real working film and TV studio. More suited to older children, it offers both shows like the funny and unpredictable ‘Animal actors on location’ and thrill rides like the new rollercoaster 'Rip Ride Rockit' or the indoor roller coaster ‘Revenge of the Mummy!’

Islands of Adventure is suitable for all ages, meet ‘Spiderman’, ride the terrifying ‘Dueling Dragons’ & ‘The Hulk’ roller coasters or visit ‘Camp Jurassic’ where kids can explore a prehistoric playground. This is soon going to be home to the new Harry Potter mini park opening Spring 2010.

Finally there is Seaworld, home to ‘Shamu’ the famous killer whale. You can feed dolphins, (or swim with a dolphin at Discovery Cove) watch shows featuring many of the animals, then ride one of their two roller coasters ‘Kraken’ and the new `Manta', or get soaked riding ‘Journey to Atlantis’!

There are also four water parks, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Seaworld's Aquatica and Universal’s Wet 'n' Wild.

Over in Tampa, about an hours drive away, you will find Busch Gardens, a theme park with a mixture of animals, thrill rides and shows suitable for the whole family. Adventure Island is another water park located next to Busch gardens.

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in Florida with hotels to suit every budget. If you need more room, book a suite or stay in a luxury villa with your very own pool, and you won’t ever want to leave!

Both coasts are within easy driving distance of Orlando making them ideal for a day trip, or even longer as part of a two center holiday. Visit Kennedy Space Centre or Daytona on the east coast for a memorable day out, or visit Clearwater or St Pete’s beach on the west coast, for a relaxing break.

Driving in Florida is a pleasure; a hire car gives you the freedom to explore where ever you wish to go! Non-driving holidays are an option if you choose not to drive, most off site hotels provide shuttle buses to the main theme parks, but generally public transport is limited.

Orlando is famous for its theme parks, but there is so much more to do in Florida. From shopping in upmarket malls or grabbing a bargain from one of the many outlet malls, to relaxing on beautiful white sandy beaches, experiencing something special like watching a space shuttle launch, flying over Orlando in a helicopter or watching the local wildlife up close during an airboat ride.

Orlando by night offers a wide range of themed pubs, trendy nightclubs and restaurants ideal for adults. Choose from the many dining experiences offered, have a meal with your favourite characters, see a dinner show or try an all American “all you can eat” buffet! By day you can be pampered at a Spa or enjoy playing a round of Golf on one of many world class courses. To cool down try one of the many ice cream parlours, where you can enjoy a delicious cone, sundae or even a ‘Kitchen sink’ at Beaches and Cream!

Whether it is your first visit or your fifth you will always find something new to try. It is impossible to see and do everything in one holiday, but we can help you decide which is best for your family this time…