Guide to Luxury Holidays in Orlando
Located in central Florida, Orlando is known for its fabulous theme parks, but it's also got happening downtown with museums, high-end shopping, and fantastic restaurants.So whether you’re booking a luxury holiday in Orlando for the epic roller coasters at Universal Studios, the downtown scene, or for a magical experience at Walt Disney World, this is the place to be.
In Greater Orlando, you’ll find the city’s main attractions – its internationally-renowned theme parks. Walt Disney World is arguably its most famous, and is one of the world’s top attractions. Split into four parks, you can see the iconic Sleeping Beauty’s castle and find all your favourite Disney characters in the Magic Kingdom, travel around the world at Epcot, experience movie inspired rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or go on safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney Wold also has two water parks, several golf courses, and Disney Springs - an outdoor shopping centre. Travel north to Universal Studios, and you’ll find eight movie-themed areas all situated around a massive lagoon.
In New York City, you can go on Revenge of the Mummy, one of the park’s best-rated rides or travel to London and the fabulous Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Highlights here include a ride on the Hogwarts Express, and touring Diagon Alley, where you can pop into Ollivanders Wand Shop and Weasley’ Wizard Wheezes.
While often overlooked, Orlando’s downtown area is also worth a visit. Start on Church Street, home to some of the city’s best restaurants and the historic 19th-century Railway Depot. Then drop by Lake Eola Park, covering 23 acres, this lakeside park is a great place to relax away from the crowds.
Timezone
GMT-5
Currency
United States Dollar
Flying Time
~8 hours 30 minutes
Orlando is always warm, and as such, a year round destination. May to March is an ideal time to visit as temperatures hover around 20°C. In July and August, temperatures rise to 32°C and rain showers are more common, but this is a great season to visit the water parks.
There are a number of fantastic events held throughout the year including Mardi Gras at Universal Studios in early spring, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in summer, and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in autumn.
British citizens don’t require a visa to enter the USA but you will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) to enter the country. Find out more information and general travel advice at GOV.UK.
At luxury hotels in Orlando, you’ll find plenty of unique and themed dining experiences. From the plains of Africa, to Polynesian islands, and 1940s Coney Island boardwalks, these theme park settings make for unforgettable meals. The cuisine stays true to each resort's theme, with authentic dishes served at each.
You can also eat breakfast with your favourite Disney characters, have dinner while watching award-winning shows like the Blue Man Group, or travel back in time to eat a medieval feast while watching 11th-century games.
