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| | | | Wanna be part of the Disney magic?
From the Mail on Sunday
Do we want to be part of The Magic? We're at Walt Disney World and I'm sitting on a metal barrier, first in line to join the next backlot tour at the Disney MGM park.
Grateful to be out of the blazing August heat, we're looking forward to a lazy glimpse of the behind-the-scenes world of the film studios.
We've done the tour several times before but, with a spare half-hour before our timed Fastpass ticket gives us admission to the latest Disney attraction 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' (a good live-action entertainment based on the American version of the game show), we are quite happy to take the ride again.
Much of the pleasure of Disney lies in revisiting previous delights. But now an earnest employee -cast member, in Disney parlance - approaches us.
I fear he might be about to give me a ticking off for sitting on the barrier but, of course, nobody gets told off in Disney World.
'Do you wanna be part of The Magic?' he says to me very quietly. Honestly - that's what he says.
I relay his message to my family: 'Do we want to be part of The Magic?'
'No,' they say as one. The cast member is perplexed. People refusing point-blank to be part of 'The Magic' is clearly something that he has never previously encountered.
'No, we'll have to perform - he'll make us do something,' hisses my 17-year-old daughter. 'It will be embarrassing.' 'No,' says my 19-year-old son with menace. 'Definitely not. No.'
'If you say 'yes' I'll never forgive you,' adds my wife.
'Yes,' I say. The cast member looks relieved. We are led 'backstage' to a wooden hut where we have to change into yellow oilskins and Wellingtons. It's explained that we are going to be actors in a mini-show designed to reveal the clever trickery involved in film-making.
Travel Guide: Orlando
Exactly what the advert says
We went to Orlando last August for the first time with my husband and two children. It was absolutely fantastic! The best holiday ever, it is exactly what the TV advert says Magical!
My husband wasn't too bothered about going but is glad he did, so much so that a fortnight after returning we booked for this year and are off again in August! CAN'T WAIT!
Travel Guide: Orlando
Much more than Mickey Mouse
Having been to the Orlando area eight times we are looking to book again. Why you might ask? Florida is much more than Mickey Mouse!
We travel further afield, to Homassasa Park on the Crystal River, North of Tampa. Just a few bucks and the best day out ever!
Meet the manatee in their natural environment.
Travel Guide: Orlando
For the young at heart
Excellent for the young family and the young at heart. Lots to see and do and, if you look, you will find bargains on the attraction tickets - Disney, Universal etc.
The weather is usually very hot, but try to avoid school holidays as the parks do get pretty busy!
Food is also very good with lots of choice and prices to suit every pocket, though my favourite is the Outback Steakhouse - it has an Australian theme (the aftermath of Crocodile Dundee!) the steaks are the best I've ever had.
For a relaxing break try the Gulf coast, St.Petersburg or Clearwater are very good. Clear blue seas and clean beaches, very laid back, nearly as laid back as the Keys.
Travel Guide: Orlando
Simply magical
Well, what can I say about Orlando that already hasn't been said! To put it simply, it is the most magical place on earth which is designed around the whole family and, indeed, makes even the most stubborn of grown ups feel as though they were children again! I have been many times before and look forward to going again very soon!
Travel Guide: Orlando
Pick the right month to avoid queues
We have been three times, twice in November and once in October. Of the two months, November is my favourite.
It's just the right temperture and there is little time wasted queueing. A favourite theme park is Islands of Adventure where there are lots of thrill rides and water rides to get you very wet and the most amazing shows you will see
A must-see is the most spectacular fireworks show Wishes in Magic Kingdom Disney which was a spectacular display of colour.
Travel Guide: Orlando
Heaven for kids of all ages
We visited Orlando firstly four years ago with our then 17-year-old son who was very much Mr. Cool. Even he was impressed by Epcot's Fast Track and all the choice of restaurants down International Drive. The shops caught his attention too and several trips were undertaken.
We went back to Orlando last year with friends who had a 16-year-old and 14-year-old and everyone enjoyed Universal Studios.
To go round the film sets for all those well-known films was fab and even though it was July it wasn't too packed and all the queues moved pretty quick.
We all loved the Space Centre and had a great day there - the size of the rockets are just unbelieveable and to sit and eat lunch under the launchers is fantastic.
The midday parade at Magic Kingdom is a must. I challenge anyone to watch it and not get a tingle down the spine - it's for kids of all ages.
Seaworld is awesome and combines the best of shows and rides. The killer whale show is the best but the walkways through the underwater worlds takes some beating.
I'd go again tomorrow given the chance.
Travel Guide: Orlando
Golf and gators in the Deep South
From the Daily Mail
Coming face to face with one of the world's most dangerous reptiles, an Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake, doesn't happen every day. With glistening diamond patterns on light-brown skin, it was coiled ready to strike at any moment. Fortunately, since it was safely stuffed and took pride of place in the clubhouse, it posed no immediate danger as I signed on for a round of golf at the Diamondback golf course in central Florida.
Florida's courses boast an abundance of wildlife and during our round, on every hole we saw more and more: beautifully coloured butterflies, great ibis, herons nonchalantly feeding oblivious to our presence, osprey and other hawks, and a host of brightly coloured local birds.
Club professional Stan Martin proudly recalled the day when, nearing the end of a game, he and his playing partner saw a panther - rare, indeed, since these shy creatures usually give humans a very wide berth. For us it was a turtle that interrupted play, on the 13th, as it took a leisurely stroll across the green.
I am sure that even Tiger Woods would have stood back and enjoyed the sight and waited to take his putt, as we did. Every so often we passed an alligator basking in the sun on the bank of a water hazard or gently cruising the waterways, eyes and nostrils just visible.
Diamondback was built six years ago out of 240 acres of Florida's lush forest and vegetation. There can be few more impressive courses. Like us, more and more British holidaymakers are visiting Florida and mixing golf with a trip to the theme parks.
Travel Guide: Orlando
Orlando reinvents itself
Florida fave Orlando is as popular as ever but the huge number of visitors means the city has to think up new ways to keep them coming back for more.
Walt Disney World is now four distinct theme parks while Universal has two of its own. Both have added places to eat, drink and dance in recent years.
Bargain hunting is high on the list for most holidaymakers too and new malls have opened to cater for shopaholics.
Disney's Animal Kingdom is its newest Orlando park. The Kilimanjaro Safari attempts to recreate Africa but it is a poor imitation of the real thing. Even so, the kids seemed to love it.
Highly popular too is the Festival Of The Lion King show. If your child loves Simba, take a front-row seat and they may get to join in the dancing.
But Universal's Jurassic Park is more fun than Disney's Dinosaur.
If you love roller-coasters, you'll love Orlando. The Disney and Universal parks have their own versions of the gut-churning rides.
Universal's Islands of Adventure is the home of Duelling Dragons. Two 'coasters are intertwined and you feel as if you will crash into your mates head-on.
But Orlando's scariest roller-coaster is Kraken at SeaWorld. The 144ft-drop floorless ride travels at 65mph.
Discovery Cove was opened to cater for the large number of visitors interested in swimming with dolphins at nearby SeaWorld. There's an artificial beach and coral reef, inhabited by stingrays. It's great fun and educational but the price, at $229, is hefty.
When the thunderstorms arrive, as they do most afternoons in summer, why not pop into one of the many malls?
Orlando Premium Outlets, on the south part of International Drive, features upmarket names such as Boss and DKNY at factory outlet prices and is top of the heap for bargains to take home.
Florida Mall, to the east of I-Drive, is a vast mix of more down-to-earth names and big department stores.
Travel Guide: Orlando
You need good planning
Lively and extremely busy during the six-week UK summer holidays. The local population is extremely friendly and helpful.
Your days at the theme parks can be long and arduous and the queuing can be very tiresome, but with the correct planning your days will be fun filled. Make sure you use the Fast Pass tickets for each ride.
Food cheap and really good, beer not so cheap but it's not that kind of holiday.
If you do not take the option of the hire car the local public transport is fantastic and it really puts the UK system to shame. The I-Ride trolley bus is more economical if a seven day ticket is purchased ($7) you can ride as many times as you like every day. Children under 12 ride free on the I-Ride trolley and on the normal buses, which only cost $1 to Walt Disney World.
Last but not least take plenty of sun lotion as it can be very hot during this time of the year.
Travel Guide: Orlando
The coast is clear
From the Daily Mail
Watching the afternoon parade in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, it is hard to see what could possibly be wrong.
Mickey Mouse is reassuringly where he should be, waving from a carnival float - and so, on various others, are Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Prince Charming, Donald Duck and Pluto.
The only villains in sight are Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, the odd wicked witch and Ursula, the evil octopus from The Little Mermaid. And we all know what happens to them in the end, don't we children?
Yet a glance around this focal point of the Florida Disney experience reveals that it is not just the shiny gold pinnacles of the famous castle that have been casting shadows, but the spectre of that ultimate villain, Osama Bin Laden.
The guide books urge visitors to get to the parade well in advance to grab a good place by the kerb.
But at the moment, with visitor numbers plummeting since September 11, it is possible to stroll up at the start and still be assured of a good spot. And the queues for all those fantastic rides are just 10 minutes at the most.
On some, such as The Magic Kingdom's splendid Splash Mountain, it is even possible to stay in the boat and go round to get wet again.
In short, if one is prepared to risk the transatlantic flight, there has never been a better time to visit Florida and its theme parks - or, for that matter, its Gulf of Mexico white-sand beaches.
My own family ummed and aahed about carrying on with our autumn trip, before falling into the 'Sod-it-he's-not-going-to- spoil-it-for-us' camp.
As it happened, the only security scare was caused by my 11-year-old son Tom, when he tried to bring his souvenir Louisville Slugger baseball bat on to the plane for the return journey.
It had to be confined to the hold, strapped to a suitcase with several miles of British Airways' sticky tape to ensure it arrived safely at the other end.
Travel Guide: Orlando
Caters to all ages
Fantastic holiday for all the family, whatever the ages.My children have large age gaps - the eldest is 20 and the youngest is two years old.
We had a holiday which catered for all of them. I have been to Orlando five times now and would recomend it to anyone.
Travel Guide: Orlando
Go back again and again
I have visited Orlando four times. We stayed in Kissimmee once and Lake Buena Vista three times, in the Grosvenor Hotel, Disney All Stars and The Mariott Residence Inn. In my opinion Lake Buena Vista is the best area to stay.
The Disney Resorts are the best as they provide free transport that is constant to all the parks/hotels, they also have excellent restaurant facilities.
The parks that are a must are Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, MGM, Animal Kingdom. Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are water parks and are far better than Wet'n' Wild and Water Mania. Sea World and Universal Studios are also a MUST.
The Hard Rock Cafe is nice for a meal at Universal. Busch Gardens is nice, but a bit of a drive to Tampa and is similar to Animal Kingdom.
Eating in the Disney Parks is recommended, they may look a little pricey but the food is good and depending which one you choose you usually get the characters coming around, which is excellent if you have children.
If you want to eat in one of their restaurants then you must make your reservation on the morning you arrive at the park at Guest Relations, the restaurant in Cinderella's Castle has bookings weeks in advance it's so popular, but my favourite is the Crystal Palace with Winnie the Pooh etc.
There are plenty of dinner shows to go to including Disney ones and these are a good night out. Church Street Station is also a night-time trip, but I think I prefer Pleasure Island.
Disney Village/Market Place and Pleasure Island are also a must, however if you want to eat in the popular places like Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Cafe (both excellent) then it is wise to make your reservation early, they will give you a time, and you can go shopping etc and come back.
People say that Beltz is the best place for shopping especially designer clothes, it is good. However, there is a new mall in Lake Buena Vista called the Premium Outlet Mall which I thought had more of the latest fashions.
If you like alligators, there is Gatorland Zoo. You can also hire airboats and ride the swampy lakes they have. Orlando has something for everyone and my family and I will be going back AGAIN!
Travel Guide: Orlando
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| | | | Absurdly lavish praise
In a Pearl Harbor-esque scene we will be the crew of a mocked-up Second World War naval vessel (I play the captain, of course, my son is first mate, while my wife and daughter are deckhands - casting to type).
Our 'ship' floats in a large tank observed by dozens of backlot tour spectators. On cue, we come 'under attack' from a Japanese fighter. Raked by special effects gunfire and peppered by pretend bombs that throw up drenching spray, we have to react and our gormless reactions are intercut with pre-shot footage for the enjoyment of the spectators.
We get very wet, the audience enjoys a good laugh. Afterwards we are each given a clean towel and a bottle of water, then ushered away to join the rest of the tour while another group of hopefuls enthusiastically takes our place. I thought we might get a badge or a T-shirt but we did better than that: we received absurdly lavish praise for our performance.
'Hey, guys,' said the earnest cast member as he fondly waved us farewell. 'Good job! You were totally awesome out there.'
I felt strangely elated. We have been part of The Magic, I said as we walked away.
Disney is celebrating the centenary of Walt Disney's birth - he was born in Chicago on December 5, 1901. Never slow to miss an anniversary celebration, the Disney corporation has mounted the usual mighty extravaganza to mark what it is calling '100 Years of Magic'.
Year-long celebrations are planned to take place in all four Orlando parks, including special events and new attractions. The most noticeable addition to the landscape is a giant Sorcerer's Hat, a 122ft-high reproduction of the headgear famously worn by Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer's Apprentice in the ground-breaking cartoon Fantasia.
The parks will feature a special centenary array of parades and pageants - the Magic Kingdom parade, for example, will include extraordinary larger-than-life snow globes containing Disney characters.
Disney's centenary has inevitably stirred up the Internet's urban myth anoraks who are busy exchanging nuggets of speculation.
Most Internet chat centres around the idea that when Walt Disney died on December 15, 1966, his body is said to have been frozen in a cryonic chamber full of liquid nitrogen and now he waits to be brought back to life.
Playing away from home
Florida's courses are less busy in summer and green fees exceptionally cheap. We played for just £20 per golfer, including the cost of a shared electric cart. Afternoon rounds were even cheaper at about £15, again including cart.
The locals head north in June, July and August for cooler climes, leaving the courses for visitors who juggle tee-times to early morning or late afternoon to beat the high humidity and localised storms. Keeping an eye on the weather forecasts - there is even a television channel dedicated to it - means golf on exceptional courses at bargain-basement prices.
The purpose-built Grenelefe golf and tennis resort is just under an hour's drive from Orlando in Haines City, and next door to Diamondback. It has three testing courses of its own, the pride of which is the West course, used by the American PGA for qualifying competitions.
The biggest advantage of playing so close to Orlando is its proximity to the big Disney and Universal Studios theme parks, either as a day off or after an early morning round. There's plenty of nightlife at both parks, but don't miss out on a visit to Church Street Station in downtown Orlando. For the price of one ticket you can eat and drink at three lively bars offering original rock 'n' roll, country and western or jazz.
One new ride at Universal is Doctor Doom's Fear Fall, a gravity-defying, heart-stopping monster, potentially more dangerous than coming face to face with a Diamondback rattlesnake. At least the snake was stuffed.
Not just theme parks
Orlando isn't just about theme parks, although you'd hardly realise it if you are staying in Kissimmee or on I-Drive. The area also has great beaches.
At New Smyrna, an hour to the north of Orlando on I-4, you can drive your car right onto the beach as it's so wide.
But this doesn't mean the miles-long stretch of fine golden sand turns into a motorway and it's fun to people-watch as they cruise slowly by.
Orlando's downtown area has suffered from the closure of many of the bars in Church Street Station but there are still interesting places to visit.
The posh suburb of Winter Park has a cafe culture and trendy shops. Take an hour-long boat tour to see the area's multi-million dollar lakeside homes.
Lake Eola Park is a pleasant place for a play on the swings, feeding the swans and having a cake and coffee.
It's not the same as the Everglades but an airboat trip is as much fun here and you can even see alligators.
The 45mph trips are a real buzz and get you within a couple of feet of these snappy creatures. Pick up a free map or voucher book before you go.
Orlando is making huge efforts to keep holidaymakers happy. The rides, the bargains and the sun are as good as ever. See you there again soon.
No problem getting up
With only a week to spare, and the parental proviso that 'No, we are not going to spend all of it traipsing around theme parks', we decided to hire a car and split our time between Orlando and the coast over on the Gulf of Mexico.
For the theme parks, we were based in a condominium in nearby Kissimmee; for the coast, an All-American house in Englewood, a town some way south of Tampa.
On day one, we hit the ground running and were knocking on the gates of Universal Studios almost before they opened.
In retrospect, we could probably have managed some of the rides in the adjoining Islands Of Adventure as well, but instead saved that for another visit.
Inside Universal Studios, there were some eerie echoes of America's Twin Towers tragedy. The Earthquake ride, for instance, has collapsing skyscrapers and people screaming.
Of course, in Terminator 2, Arnold Schwarzenegger puts the world to rights again. Shouldn't he have been sent to Afghanistan weeks ago?
We retired to our condo - heads still spinning from the classic Back To The Future ride and laughing at our boat trip to see Jaws - for what we imagined was the typical American night in: TV and delivered pizza.
One odd thing about Orlando is that it is never any problem getting children up in the morning. On day two we were well up with the vanguard visiting The Magic Kingdom, having time to pose goofily with Mickey and then saunter around the park unhindered.
By mid-afternoon we were back on the monorail to Epcot, where we planned to spend the evening watching the fireworks on the World Showcase Lagoon.
Epcot hosts one of the 'must' rides of all the parks, Test Track, which is a bit like sitting in a Scalextric car and being propelled all over the place, as though a six-year-old were working the controls, at up to 65mph.
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| | | | Behind-the-scenes
According to some, the cryonic capsule is buried deep beneath Cinderella's Castle at the centre of the Magic Kingdom. An intriguingly morbid idea, but without any shred of supporting evidence.
To avoid undue attention from the media, the official line is that Walt Disney was quickly cremated after his death and his ashes were later interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California - his memorial there is well signposted.
The urban legends connected with Disney and his theme parks - there are enough to fill a book - are covered in detail on the special behind-the-scenes 'Keys To The Kingdom' tour.
The Disney legend that people talk about most often is the belief that beneath the Magic Kingdom lies a network of secret tunnels. Actually, this isn't a myth - these exist.
Bill, our Keys To The Kingdom tour guide, led us through the back door of a souvenir shop near Cinderella's Castle and took us down into the bowels of the Magic Kingdom where we were taken along the famous tunnels - the Utilidor in Disney-speak - and the secrets of Disney were divulged.
Nothing to do with cryonic capsules or the bizarre, oft-repeated urban myth that children are abducted from Disney parks to end up as child slaves in South America (I have a sneaking suspicion that even the mighty Disney corporation might find it difficult to keep a story like this out of the news).
Down in these service tunnels we were instructed in the Four Pillars of Disney - the mantra of success that Disney theme park workers know off by heart: Safety, Courtesy, Show and Efficiency.
And here we were also initiated into the strange lore of Hidden Mickeys - the concealing of stylised images of Mickey in many a nook and cranny of the Disney parks.
Once you knew how and where to look, people said they could see Hidden Mickeys everywhere (they must be a bit like those 3D Magic Eye pictures you have to look at cross-eyed because I couldn't see them at all!).
But there are always things - apart from the Hidden Mickeys - that can surprise you about Disney. Take the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
Wide-eyed British family
Next morning it was time to depart for the coast - but not before snapping up some bargains in one of Orlando's factory outlet malls.
Thus, it was early evening by the time we reached Englewood, the sprawling town in Charlotte County that was to be home for the next five nights.
Our house, owned by a Yorkshire couple, was American-big, with a swimming pool and remote-controlled garage doors. Everything, in fact, that the wide-eyed British family might need.
While there, we drove up to Busch Gardens in Tampa, home of the tallest, scariest and best rollercoasters and a fantastic new ride called Rhino Rally, where specially-adapted Land Rovers carry 16 passengers at a time on a safari.
There is a moment when the Land Rover stalls in a torrent of flood water and . . . well, it would be a shame to give away what happens next.
We left for home having just kissed our stomachs goodbye on the Montu rollercoaster.
The weekend was spent on gentler pursuits; in our pool, or walking on the beaches picking up shells and looking for shark's teeth while pelicans swooped around out at sea.
At one waterside restaurant in Port Charlotte, a dolphin came to take a look at the burgers and chilli dogs.
Our flight home was not until 6.30pm, so we were able to spend our last day back in Orlando, swimming with former Sea World dolphins in Discovery Cove.
In a week jam-packed with brilliant experiences, this was one to be remembered for a long time. They cavorted around us pretending to be sharks, or offering a flipper and a fin for a tow across the pool.
Discovery Cove has the air of an exclusive island club whose visitors are all identically clad in blue wet-suits, face masks and snorkels.
And after hurtling all over the place for most of the week with G-forces tugging in every direction, swimming over a coral reef with tropical fish and huge brown rays for company was the perfect antidote.
TRAVEL FACTS:
Details from Something Special on 08700 270 505. To order a brochure, tel: 01455 852228. Alternatively, visit the website http://www.somethingspecial.co.uk.
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| | | | Authentic stock cars
On our first visit to the Magic Kingdom, my son's favourite ride was the Tomorrowland Speedway where you can drive a small car as long as you are 52in tall. Well, not actually drive - you can turn the steering wheel but since the car runs on rails it doesn't make much difference which way you turn it.
And as the car's top speed is about 7mph, there's no danger of a major accident - although there are some interesting rear end shunts at the spot where you stop the car to get out.
For some reason, driving one of these silly little cars is far more fun than you could ever imagine. We all still like to do it.
But now that he's passed his test, my son thought he might try a real life 'tri-oval' speedway. Curiously, one of these exists right next to the main car park of the Magic Kingdom.
As you drive into the Richard Petty race track, you see authentic stock cars whizzing around the circuit at speeds of up to 160mph.
We both assumed that we would be having what they call a 'ride along' - sitting in the car as a passenger and watching while the professional driver did his race-car stuff. We were wrong.
As we sat down for the pre-ride briefing, it slowly dawned on us that we would be expected to drive . . . in a race to see who could record the fastest lap. Crikey.
My son at first thought he might escape the ordeal because he had come wearing sandals - the briefing notes stipulated proper footwear.
'Ya got Jesus cruisers, eh?' observed Bob as he studied the offending sandals.
'No problem, you can wear my trainers . . . will they fit you?'
Unfortunately for my son, they did. Now he not only had to worry about dying in a highspeed crash - he also had to face the very real prospect of catching Bob's athlete's foot.
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| | | | Dukes of Hazzard style
After a comprehensive briefing on the theory of speedway driving, we were then taken out in a people carrier for a spin around the track to show us how it all works in practice.
It seemed to me that the basic premise is: you floor the pedal and hope for the best. As I was starting to hyperventilate, I may have got this wrong.
Bob showed us the markers on the track which indicated where we had to change gear. And showed us where we should be at each point on the track in order to complete a safe circuit.
We had to keep to the top of the banking. Or perhaps we had to stay at the bottom. Either way I was too busy panicking to pay proper attention.
At one corner, skid marks showed that somebody had also failed to pay proper attention. Their car had clearly arrowed straight into the concrete circuit wall, which bore nasty traces of the collision.
'What happened there?' I asked, as we flashed past. 'Oh yeah . . . that was . . . bad,' mused Bob. 'I'm pretty sure he's walking again now.'
We weren't sure whether Bob was joking.
'I'm not doing this,' said my son when we got out after completing the drive around the circuit. 'It's completely mad.'
I was too embarrassed to follow suit, especially when Bob raised his eyebrows at the news of my son's decision to withdraw.
So I was moved along to the next stage. Getting into the car. The car's door is welded shut so you have to climb in through the window feet first, in true Dukes of Hazzard style. I was lashed in with a harness. Then my helmet was tightened firmly into place.
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| | | | Awe struck expressions
I felt as cheerful as a human cannonball being aimed towards the middle of the Grand Canyon. Just as I was about to burst into tears, the darkening sky was suddenly illuminated with bright flashes of lightning.
Orlando's regular afternoon thunderstorm, normally the curse of the summer theme park visitor, had come to my aid just in time.
The walkie-talkies crackled with information. 'We're closing the Speedway.'
Thank you, God.
Barely a week after our Disney trip, New York and Washington were attacked and the world seems to have been a pretty miserable place ever since.
When I now recall the days before September 11, it's those idyllic, carefree Disney visits that I remember most vividly and with most fondness. And it's to Disney, of all places, that as a family we would always most like to return again.
We've been lucky enough to mark the years of our children's growing up with regular trips to Orlando. We made our first trip there in 1987 when they were aged five and three. We came prepared to be a little cynical about what we knew would be the shameless commercialism of it all.
But when we saw the awe struck expressions on their faces when they got their first sight of Cinderella's Castle down at the end of Main Street USA, we honestly found ourselves moved to tears.
As a parent, you spend most of your time trying to make your children happy - when you succeed so dramatically it is an emotional experience. And it's that emotional feeling that we've never lost.
Following the bad things that have happened this year, we could all do with a touch of the childish innocence of Disney. When you wish upon a star, Disney does make you feel that your dreams will come true.
We love The Magic. Though, as a family, we may not always want to be actors in the drama, we are lifelong Disney theme park addicts.
Happy Birthday, Walt!
TRAVEL FACTS:
Virgin Holidays offers seven nights at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando. Call 0870 000 0870 or visit http://www.virginholidays.co.uk
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| | Destination Guide : Orlando |
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| | | Theme park city |  | Why go on holiday to Orlando?
To make a date with Mickey, Pluto and friends and enjoy the best theme parks in the world. Disney rules the roost but other parks such as Universal Studios, Wet 'n' Wild and Sea World should not be missed.
Orlando does have other attractions apart from its theme parks, but they are few and far between.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary enormously depending on what's included in the holiday.
A basic two-week package in summer - excluding extras such as car hire and theme park passes - costs from about £700 for adults and £300 for children, with hotel accommodation on a room-only basis.
Booking your hotel accommodation as part of a package trip is always the cheaper option. Otherwise you could pay as much as £70 per person per night.
Save money by buying your theme park tickets in advance rather than on the spot. Disney and Universal Studios offer a variety of passes which allow unlimited admission to several parks. These usually work out far cheaper than buying individual tickets.
When should I go?
Try to avoid the height of summer when Orlando is very hot and sticky, around 91F (33C), with dramatic thunderstorms almost every afternoon.
The best months are March and April when humidity is at its lowest but temperatures still top 78F (26C). During December and January, temperatures drop to 70F (22C).
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| | | Hold on tight |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Walt Disney World is not strictly in Orlando - it's about 20 miles outside and practically a self-sufficient city in its own right - but as it's what most people think of when they talk about Orlando, we've included it here.
There are three main parks on the huge site - Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT Center and Disney MGM Studios Theme Park; two main water parks - Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon; and several other areas such as Disney Village Marketplace.
The best rides include the Tower of Terror, Splash Mountain and Body Wars. (For more info see our separate Disney World destination guide.)
What about the other parks?
Universal Studios is a combination of a working movie studio and theme park. It's smaller then Disney, nearer the city and therefore more manageable if you only have time to do one theme park during your stay.
It's divided up into six areas - the Front Lot, Production Central, Hollywood, New York, Expo Center and San Francisco/Amity.
These are realistic recreations of these places and include appropriate rides and attractions, for example New York is home to Ghostbusters and San Francisco/Amity is home to Jaws. The most realistic ride is Back to the Future and ET is the cutest.
And the rest...?
Wet 'n' Wild is one of Florida's first water parks and it has stood the test of time. One of its advantages is that the queues for the rides are shorter here than at the other parks, and the rides such as Raging Rapids and Wild One are pretty cool.
Sea World is where you go if you want to see dolphins and whales performing stunts and other sea creatures such as sea lions and stingrays up close.
What if I get bored with theme parks?
Shop. Shopaholics will not be disappointed by the number of shopping malls in this city. The Orlando Museum of Art at 2416 Mills Avenue is worth a look, as is Harry P Leu Gardens - a botanical garden at 1920 N Forest Avenue which is perfect for a stroll or an afternoon picnic.
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| | | A child's fantasy fulfilled | | Where's good for nightlife?
Head for Church Street Station, a collection of bars, restaurants and nightclubs in renovated turn-of-the-century buildings. Before Disney came along in the 1970s this was the heart of the small railroad town that was Orlando.
Nearby N Orange Avenue is home to a strip of cheesy nightclubs such as Zuma Beach and Barbarella which can be good fun, if you don't mind the cattle market atmosphere, and are full of college-age people enjoying themed '70s nights and the like.
Don't forget to bring your passport, as even thirtysomethings have to prove they're over age before being served a drink.
What's the food like?
As in most of America, every type of food imaginable is on offer here and the portions are huge.
There is an emphasis on seafood in Orlando and delicacies like lobster and swordfish are cheap and easy to come by. While you're in Florida, try Key Lime pie - but only if it's homemade.
What should I buy?
It sometimes seems that the theme parks have more gift shops than rides and it's hard to avoid coming home without at least a pair of Minnie Mouse ears.
Disney even has its own full-scale shopping mall in the Disney Village Marketplace.
One of the best shopping areas is Pointe Orlando (9101 International Drive) which is home to FAO Schwarz toyshop, Armani Exchange and Abercrombie and Fitch as well as tons of other outlets, bars and restaurants.
Elsewhere in the city, popular malls include Church Street Exchange, Mercade Mediterranean Village and Belz Factory Outlet Stores. There is another huge mall at Orlando International Airport.
Apart from theme park souvenirs, popular purchases include denim, designer wear and trainers.
What is there for children to do?
If they're completely insatiable and still looking for entertainment after visiting the theme parks, pop into the Orlando Science Center with its exhibits on nature, including a gator hole. It even has overnight camp-ins for six to 11-year-olds
Tourist office
Orlando Kissimmee-St Cloud Tourism Bureau, 48 Westminster Palace Gardens, Artillery Row, London, SW1P 1RL. (By post only). Brochure line: 09001 600 220 (60p).
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| | Fact File : Orlando |
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| | | Orlando | | Did you know?
Orlando is the fifth most popular destination for overseas visitors in the US.
Language
English
Visas
All British passport holders, including children, travelling to the USA under the visa waiver programme will need their own machine-readable passports (MRP). Anyone without an MRP, including children who are currently on a parent's passport, will need a visa to travel to the USA.
Getting there
Fly direct to Orlando International Airport.
Flying time from London
Around nine hours
Getting around
It is hard to get around without a car, although free shuttle buses operate from many hotels to the major theme parks. The I-Ride Trolley Bus runs the length of International Drive. All major car rental firms have offices in Orlando and taxis line up outside most of the big hotels.
Currency
US dollars
Costs
As a rough guide: litre of petrol 30p; small glass of beer £1; moderate restaurant meal £20; 24-exposure film £4-£6; short taxi ride £7.
Weather
Orlando is subtropical and enjoys warm weather all year, though it can drop to 10C (50F) in the depths of winter. July and August are the hottest, stickiest months when temperatures climb to 32C (90F). The high humidity (up to 90%) can make it feel even hotter and very uncomfortable. June to November is hurricane season but hurricane warnings are given well in advance and Florida folk are well used to battening down the hatches. June is the wettest month and year-round rain can be spectacular: tropical style, heavy but usually short and mercifully warm.
Time difference
Five hours behind GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
00 1 407
Voltage
110V, 60Hz. Check your appliances have a switch that works on this voltage; you'll need a plug adaptor.
Opening hours
Shops usually open 9am-6pm, and later in malls - till 9pm or 10pm. Many supermarkets (called grocery stores) are open 24 hours. If you're not near one you may still find a farm store or 'seven eleven' open for basic food items. Banks generally open 9am-4pm Mon-Fri; some open for a few hours on Saturday. Beware - many banks outside the downtown area don't change money. Opening times for theme parks vary according to the season, so check times before you arrive.
Health - Before you go
No jabs needed but you will need good travel insurance - medical costs in the US are very high.
Health - When you are there
The heat is fierce so wear a hat and sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance - take bug spray.
Warnings
The Florida sun is very strong. Avoid dehydration and sunburn by carrying bottled water and wearing a sunhat and plenty of suncream when queueing for theme park rides.
Emergency
Dial 911 for emergency services. British Vice-Consulate, Suite 2110, Sun Trust Center, 200 South Orange Avenue, Orlando. Tel: (407) 426 7855.
Customs
Don't try to jump the queue for theme park rides - you'll be nabbed by polite but stern security guards. Don't jaywalk.
Pets
You can take your extra family members under the PETS travel scheme but this is a complicated process and can take months to set up. Speak to your vet for more information.
Tipping
$1 per bag for hotel porters. Service of 15%-20% is normally added in restaurants. Check your bill before paying, otherwise if you leave a tip you will be tipping twice. Tip approx. 10% in taxis.
Tourist office
Orlando Kissimee-St Cloud Tourism Bureau, 48 Westminster Palace Gardens, Artillery Row, London, SW1P 1RL. (By post only). Brochure line: 09001 600 220 (60p).
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| | Available rental properties in Orlando |
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| |  | | Liberty Village 2
Liberty Village is Located only 10-15 Minutes from
Disney World Also perfectly Situated
for all other Major attactions.And is well placed for Shops. Bars. Resaurants. and the Old Town.
|  | | Charleston Manor at West Haven - 5 Star Luxury
New ultimate in luxury 4 bed/3 bath villa with 2 master en-suite bedrooms, games room, private large 30ft*15ft pool and spa tub, free wireless internet, phone calls, BBQ . Private paved patio area.
|  | | Dorchester Court Vacation Villa
Luxury 4 Bedroomed 2 Bathrooms Florida bungalow with Private Heated Swimming Pool, situated within leisurely drive of Walt Disney World Maingate. Free Wireless Internet Connection
|  | | Executive Villa - Countryside views - Hot Tub/Spa
Fully air conditioned, 4 bedroom, two bathroom, single storey pool home is located in a quiet residential area, just a short drive from Disney World
|  | | ALTA VISTA
***** 'SUPERB VILLA' *****
GAMES ROOM, 4 TVS, 3 DVDS AND PLAYSTATION. SECLUDED 32'X 15' POOL. ***GREAT VALUE***
8 MINUTES FROM DISNEY
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Holiday Rentals in Orlando |
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