Summer with the Kids: Holidays in Orlando

As one of the ultimate family holiday destinations, it’s no wonder kids all over the UK dream of jetsetting to Florida to see what all the fuss is about. For many families, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity – it’s deciding when to take the opportunity that’s the hard part. Do you choose to book the holiday when your kids are young and will appreciate the life-size Disney characters or maybe wait a few years, until they’re tall enough to ride the coasters? It’s amazing how much older kids appreciate the meet and greets anyway – it just depends on how much you want to go, too. My bother and I were lucky enough to go when I was 9 and he was 12, it was the perfect age, I loved roller coasters but also the meet and greets and had enough energy to last the whole day and have some amazing memories.

Me meeting Micky Mouse in Orlando

If you do decide to take the plunge and take the kids to Orlando this year, make sure you plan every detail. There’s a lot to cram in to a trip to this magical wonderland and without serious planning, you won’t get to do everything you wanted. Consider an overnight stay at Gatwick before your departure to help relieve any stress and pre-flight jitters. Family rooms are incredibly affordable at the Gatwick airport hotel and can help to ensure that you and the kids enjoy some relaxation before the ten hour flight to the USA.

The rainfall in Florida does increase during the summer months, due to the subtropical nature of the city, but that shouldn’t stop you from travelling to this superb destination. While you may have to deal with a little rain occasionally, it won’t take away from the magic of the vacation. If you would prefer to wait for the stormy season to pass, you may prefer to look towards the October half term, where the pleasant temperatures are present without the rainfall.

Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay

Make sure that you purchase the Orlando Flexi Plus ticket to cover access to the major parks in Orlando, including the Universal Parks, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. The ticket offers incredible value compared with buying tickets separately on the gate, and you can also buy them in advance so you don’t have to wait until you’re in the resort. Make the most of the Flexi Plus, which gives you 14 days consecutive access to these major parks, meaning you have the flexibility you will need to make a successful itinerary. 

Of course, a trip to Florida wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Disney World Resort and while, two decades ago, the options were limited, nowadays, the resort has three colossal park areas – Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot – as well as the Animal Kingdom and two themed waterparks. Make the most of your time in these parks – after all, it’s where magic comes to life.





If you have the time, try and add a visit to LEGOLAND Florida to your hectic schedule – it’s the largest of the LEGO theme parks and would be a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. Anyone that’s a fan of this bestselling construction toy will know that no matter how old you are, you’ll always appreciate the nostalgic value and a trip to the theme park would almost certainly bring out your inner child. Start planning your Floridian adventure today and prepare yourself for a holiday of a lifetime.


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