I first got the Florida bug when I visited in May 1989 at the age of 14 with my parents. Back then there was only Maic Kingdom, Epcot, SeaWorld & Wet n Wild - oh how its changed!
Since then after a few aborted visits, I have taken my family twice. First in May 2003 and second in July 2004. Our third visit is planned for November 2007 - only a few weeks away! Now my family have the Flordia bug too - we can't imagine taking a beach holiday now.
Both our holidays in 2003 and 2004 involved a lovely drive from our then home in Scotland to Manchester for the start of our holidays. On our first trip we travelled by Britannia Airways to Sanford which is about 45 to 60 minutes to the International Drive area. Sanford is situated to the North of Orlando and all it has to offer. Sanford tends to service the many charter airlines that service Orlando from the UK. We were advised to use the quieter toll roads instead of Interstate 4 to travel to International Drive. We would disagree with this advice as we found I4 really easy to drive along. On our second visit we travelled with Virgin into Orlando International Airport, which is to the east of International Drive area and much more convenient in my opinion.
So why are we returning for our 3rd visit since May 2003 ???
The easy excuse would be the kids, but that would only be part of the reason. Florida offer much more than just being the home of the most famous mouse in the world!!
First things first - the attractions : Orlando boasts many attractions for all ages.
At Walt Disney World you will find Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM (now Disney Studios - I believe), Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Disneys Wide World of Sport and Downtown Disney. In my opinion WDW has something to offer for all ages.
Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure - in my opinion better suited for older kids.
Wet n Wild - lots of large slides and a bit dated now. I prefer the Disney Water Parks and find them more relaxing and better for the kids with things to do.
Sea World - this is a must for us each time we go. The home of Shamu the Killer Whale. Excellent shows at different times of the day. Dolphins, Whales, Sharks, Seals, Rays and even kids rides. Enough here to keep you occupied for at least a day!!!
These are not everything that you can see and do in and around Orlando.
Shopping - with the £ still so strong against the dollar there are some amazing bargains to be had in the Florida sunshine. Our biggest tip would be to take an empty suitcase or buy one out there. The great shopping malls offer everything from designer wear, all major sports shops for trainers and even discounted Disney and Universal stores selling last seasons products and much less than you would buy at the parks.
Dining Out - our favourite haunts are Ponderosa, Wendy's and Dennys. There are so many places where you can get all you can eat buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you are travelling on a budget seeking out these places is a MUST as eating at the parks can be expensive.
Florida is a great place to visit for all the family not just kids. We have just returned in November after seeing all the Christmas Decs and are already planning our next holiday for Christmas 09.
I think we will be visiting the home of the Mouse for many years to come.
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