All the fun of Florida (From Bournemouth Echo)

All the fun of Florida

2:20pm Saturday 27th February 2010 in

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HOWEVER broad the spectrum of attraction choices in Florida these days, it’s hard to imagine flying there without having some fun with Mickey and the gang.

White knuckle ride fans with teenagers may well concentrate on the bigger thrill rides, both at the Disney parks and beyond, but it’s only when you’ve got a couple of grandkids, aged four and nine, in tow that you see – and comprehend - the true Disney magic.

To watch a four-year-old haring across a concourse to launch a huge hug at Mickey, Goofy, Pluto and any one of dozens of characters on view at the parks gives you a fairly good understanding of old Walt’s original vision.

So here’s a whistlestop tour of the four Disney park and the must-dos for the youngsters (and adults!), along with a suggestion for the We Really Shouldn’t Have Taken A Four-Year-Old On, But She Loved It Anyway ...

Magic Kingdom

Where do you start? Well, a clockwise tour of the “lands” will give families a slow build-up through childrens’ rides like the Magic Carpets and Pirates of the Caribbean, building up through Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Peter Pan’s Flight to the Astro Orbiter and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

Along the way, there are lots of rides for the youngsters and Space Mountain for the grown-ups, as well as some spectacular parades. A four-year-old’s guilty pleasure? Splash Mountain.

Epcot

Sometimes overlooked when it comes to smaller children, Epcot is a real eye-opener. In Soarin’, it has one of the most wonderful rides across Disney, but there’s so much more, from the magical Seas With Nemo And Friends to Spaceship Earth and Mission Space for the grown-ups. The tour of the world pavilions prior to the fireworks is a great way to finish the day and don’t miss the attractions within each country, especially Maelstrom in Norway. And our four-year-old loved …Test Track (we think…).They were queuing round the block for the interactive shoot-’em-up Toy Story Mania, the newest highlight at the Studios, but it’s the shows that transfixed our two, with Beauty and the Beast, Indiana Jones and the Extreme Stunt Show standouts. Adults won’t want to miss out on Tower Of Terror and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. Did our four-year-old really love …the Star Tours simulator?

Animal Kingdom

Captivating for any age, this is the park with the slowest pace (although you’ll wish the Kilimanjaro safari tour was slower!) Petting areas with small animals, excellent shows (don’t miss Finding Nemo) and walking tours make this a far more relaxing day. The Kali River Rapids get the heart racing, along with the thrilling Expedition Everest. The ride we really shouldn’t have taken her on? Dinosaur! (and no seriously, we really shouldn’t have taken her on it …)

Universal Studios

THE big draw at Universal Studios, Florida, this year, will be the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is due to open this Spring.

I saw the site being built at the end of last year, and it looks like another winner for the top theme park.

Other major attractions include The Simpsons Ride – it’s just like being in an episode of the highly-acclaimed cartoon series. A lot of thought has gone into cramming as many gags as possible, not only into the ride but also the areas where you queue.

The ride itself is a simulator in which you are whizzed around Krustyland, named after the cartoon’s clown.

Another new attraction is Rip Ride Rockit – a superb, revolutionary rollercoaster where you choose the music and zip round to the beat.

Other musts are the Incredible Hulk Coaster, Spiderman (the best 3D ride there is) and The Men in Black, where you get to zap weird aliens.

You’ve also got some of the top water rides here in Ripsaw Falls, Bilge Rat Barges and the excellent Jurassic Park River Adventure.

Universal Studios is made up of Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and the CityWalk, for restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

•For more information, visit universalorlando.com

SeaWorld

NO visit to Orlando would be complete without enjoying the wonders of the sea… even if the ocean is at least an hour’s drive from Orlando.

SeaWorld has cemented its reputation as a must-visit Orlando destination courtesy of three of the best rides in the state and some unforgettable shows and animal encounters.

The new Manta ride is a must, while Kraken and Journey To Atlantis will still have your knuckles whitening.

Shamu the killer whale’s two daily shows may still be the big draw, but don’t miss Blue Horizons for wonderment and Clyde and Seamore for comedy value.

And definitely pay the extra few bucks for the dolphin feeding encounter for the youngsters, as well as seeing the magical rescued manatees.

A great place to shop ’til you drop...

THE latest Travel Industry of America survey listed shopping as the number one attraction for UK visitors.

Orlando Premium Outlets, one of the world’s largest and most upmarket centres, features boutiques from top designers such as Dior and Burberry as well as fashion favourites like Diesel and Converse.

The centre has savings of 25 to 65 per every day, with regular sales offering up to 80 per cent off, for example, Giorgio Armani.

The Outlets hotel is conveniently located, with free shuttle service included. Rates from $139 per room per night, valid until the end of September.

More details at premiumoutlets.com For more on holiday experiences in Orlando, go to visitOrlando.co.uk or call free on 0800 018 6760.

The best of both worlds

YOU can’t help but warm to Florida … the sunshine, the theme parks and a whole host of other attractions and amenities to enjoy.

And then there’s the excellent accommodation. I had the best of both worlds on my last trip by staying in a villa and also a theme park hotel.

The spacious Award Homes villa in Kissimmee, near Disneyworld, contained four bedrooms (some en-suite), a swimming pool and games room. It was clean, airy, beautifully furnished and every room had a TV.

Villa accommodation is ideal if you don’t have a set itinerary. You have the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want.

The only thing to remember is that this is someone’s home and to respect their property – and you’ll have to hire a car to get the most from your stay.

Theme park hotels also have so much to offer. I stayed at the delightful Mexican themed Coronado Springs in Disneyworld.

You’re on site, so can spend more time at the attractions and get extra hours in the theme parks.

There are free regular buses to the parks. Other hotels at Disneyworld also use boats and a monorail.

Your shopping can be sent to your hotel, and your key card also doubles up as a credit card.

All Disney hotels offer firstclass facilities – there are shops, restaurants, games areas and attractive places to walk or cycle round. An added bonus is Disney’s Magical Express, a coach that takes you to and from Orlando International airport for free.

Getting there

• For all Disney park, accommodation and ticket details, visit disneyworld.co.uk

• Andy Nicholls stayed in Orlando with Award Vacation Homes. Prices range from £73.50 per night for a three-bed three-star property in the low season to £152.60 for a six-bed five-star property in the high season. Visit awardvacationhomes.com or awardpoolhomes.com He also stayed at Coronado Springs in Disneyworld, Orlando. Room rates are from £84 to £135 per night. Visit disneyworld.disney.go.com