In terms of entertainment, Orlando ticks almost all the boxes. From the globe’s best theme parks to world-class golf courses and American cuisine, book flights to Orlando for a great weekend away where there’s no end of things to do.
Like much of America, Orlando is all about going big, so check in to the Hard Rock Hotel to kick start your experience. From Eric Clapton’s guitar hanging in the lobby to the memorabilia that covers all the walls, this place knows how to create a great experience. After dumping your bags on the king-sized bed, head down for a swim in the pool to refresh yourselves. With its sandy beach, volleyball court and hot tubs, the pool is a great place for a party, something only added to by its underwater sound system, designed to ensure you never miss a beat.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, catch a cab the short distance to Seasons 52 for dinner. One of the most highly rated restaurants in Orlando, this wine bar/grill promises fresh, seasonal food, perfectly prepared. If it’s not too cold, ask one of the attentive staff for a table on the patio to enjoy the stunning view with your meal. After you’ve savoured filet mignon so tender it melts under your fork, move on to SkySixty. This rooftop lounge bar has half-price drinks before 11pm on Friday nights, so it’s always busy with a great atmosphere, and a wonderful way to get a feel for Orlando.
Make sure you’re up early on Saturday morning, then grab your room key and jump in a water taxi to Universal Studios. Staying at the Hard Rock gets you an hour of early opening before the rest of the world is allowed into the park, so make the most of the chance to hit the biggest rides when they’re free from queues. Once you’ve ticked these off the bucket list, wander around the film sets and workshops before heading to Hogsmeade for an English-themed lunch at the Three Broomsticks – turns out the Americans make pretty decent shepherd’s pie.
In the afternoon, escape the crowds and spend the afternoon on the water with a Jet Ski tour of the harbour. Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre offers tours of Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, with instructors close at hand for the timid. Once you’re done zipping around on the cresting waves, zoom back to dry land for a round of mini golf.
Less time-consuming than a full-sized round, Orlando specialises in themed pint-sized golfing experiences, so make for Disney’s Winter Summerland. This course offers two routes, one along a Florida beach and one heading to the North Pole, so take your pick and get putting.
Dinner tonight is at Luma on Park. Arrive early enough to get some of the legendary complimentary truffle popcorn before it runs out, and then sit back with a glass of one of their fabulous wines and choose from a menu of phenomenally delicious dishes, mostly local and organic and always beautifully presented. Stay for a couple of classic cocktails at the bar, and then move on to continue your night at IceBar. Another great Orlando experience, this bar does what it says on the tin, serving it’s vodka shots in glasses made from ice that you’ll need one of the toasty capes they provide to cope with. If the cold’s a little too much, move in to the Fire Lounge, where Orlando’s top DJs play the best house and dance music til dawn.
When you wake up on the final morning, have a quick mosey Downtown to pick up last-minute Disney presents. With the biggest and best themed stores in the world, it’s the perfect place for delighting any children in your life. Once all the shopping is complete, say goodbye to the sun and catch your shuttle back to the airport.
