Florida - Possibly the best holiday in the world?
Orlando
With Hollywood’s Studios re-creation of Star War’s Planet Banteau and it’s interactive multi-media rides Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon to the new Tron Unicoaster at Magic Kingdom, Disney has upped it’s teen offerings, appealing more to all ages.
We’d recommend at least one day at each of the parks - Animal Kingdom has a unique Yeti coaster and a ‘better than West End’ performance of the the Lion King. Epcot was spectacular last time we visited, the vibe is definitely less kiddie around October half term with food stall and evening music concerts.! April 2025 update Disney gets busy when spring break coincides with Easter, but as Easter is late this year it’s a fab time to travel. Universal’s offerings are teen led - you need to visit both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios to appreciate everything, especially if you want to devote time to their Harry Potter areas. Will you be chosen to get a wand in Olivanders?
Practically, the best time to visit is October half term, especially now that more schools are taking a two week break. Few US schools break at this time and the EPCOT food and wine festival is fun for older kids and the concerts are great. FrightNight, a horror themed event with live action mazes is also on at Universal. We’d only recommend for ages over 14 and even then, check out the you tube videos before you go.
The last two weeks of August are also good for UK visitors, it’s possibly the cheapest time during school holidays and it’s quiet too, temperatures hover round the mid 30’s. The afternoon rain often clear the parks and at can be a great time to visit if you have flexible older children.
We’d recommend flying direct to Orlando and then spending the first few nights in Disneyworld, a couple of nights in Universal to take advantage of their inclusive fast pass and then travelling to one of the coastal areas. If travelling to the southern beach resorts, flying back from Miami is often easier. Car hire can be arranged at any point during an Orlando stay, parking is expensive at Disneyworld and it can often be cheaper to use lyft/uber.
Lodgings for larger family groups are fairly straightforward. Disney “villas” sleep up to 8 people. Some on-site Disney hotel rooms sleep up to 5 people as do some of the onsite Universal rooms. Universal also offers guaranteed interconnecting rooms.
Numerous condo style resorts close to Disneyworld and Universal Studios have 1-3 bedroom apartments, with kitchen areas. Alternatively, there is an abundance of villas in the surrounding areas, with private heated pools, which sleep between 6 and 14 people. We’d recommend car hire if booking a villa.
If you would like to explore any (or all) of these options for your family, please contact us for a detailed, individualised quote.
Orlando’s Islands and Beaches
Driving in Orlando is a breeze even if you’re not used to driving on the right, roads are wide, well maintained and signage clear (especially if you use google maps). Cars are all automatic and petrol is still cheaper than in the UK.
We’d recommend prepaying for insurance before you pick up the car and signing up for visitors Sun Pass if coming from Orlando airport as this allows you to drive through the interstate toll booths without having to stop.
The Gulf Coast Resorts
2.5-3 Hours drive from central Orlando, lie several white sanded beach resorts, perfect for some downtime after a exhausting week at the theme parks. All offer on beach water sports, fishing, great restaurants, resort pools, horse riding and dolphin watching opportunities.
At Myakka State Park you can watch alligators laze in lakes whilst colourful birds dart between the trees and an armadillo or two strolls along the path
Anna Maria island, boasts possibly the most idyllic beach, 7 miles of soft, white sand, beachfront condo resorts, ideal for family groups.
Downtown Sarasota is the cultural centre of the district with easy access to nearby beaches and fabulous sea front restaurants and shopping.
Siesta Key has a more relaxed family vibe, again with that soft powdery sand the area is famed for. Good value apartments line the beach.
We’d recommend 4-5 nights here, before heading back to Orlando or Tampa airport to fly home. Please contact us for a comprehensive quote.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands
A little further down the west coast you can find the little known islands of Sanibel and Captiva. The are quiet and feel remote, with fewer of the organised activities found at the other resorts, but perfect for an “away from it all” few days.
Cycling is the preferred mode of transport in Sanibel with 23 miles of flat, surfaced cycle paths.
Captiva feels even more secluded, with just a handful of hotels and a few villas, it’s picture postcard beaches entice families who return year after year.
The Keys and The Everglades
Just off the south coast of the mainland lie a series of small islands connected by 42 bridges - The Keys. Although each island has it’s own character, the vibe is laid-back. High end hotels and condo resorts offer watersports, pools and fine cuisine. Further afield you can find turtle sanctuaries, join a deep sea fishing trip or snorkle in the calm waters of a reserve. It’s one of the best places in the world to learn to scuba dive, courses are available to those over 10.
Driving to the Keys, you pass through the largest wetland in the US. It’s ecosystem is home to an array of wildlife; manatees, alligators, turtles, over 40 species of birds and 100 species of butterflies. Naturalists lead tram tours of the interior and you can join an airboat trip to meet some of the aquatic reptiles. A stop off is highly recommended.
Flying home from Miami is recommended and a night or two in this cosmopolitan city to see South Beach and eat in the fabulous restaurants the area is renowned for.
Alternatively, sail the seas
Alternatively, sail the seas
Several liners depart from Miami, for 3/4 night cruises to the Caribbean. You can have your perfect day CocoCay complete with it’s own water park, swim with pigs in The Bahamas, or simply enjoy the fabulous food and entertainment on board ship.
Perfect for teens who want some independence.