Review
GO WITH THE FLO
“IF you don’t have fun in Orlando, there’s something wrong with you,” so said my flight neighbour as we landed.
Boy, was she right. Although, I wasn’t entirely sure for one big reason — this was to be my first sober holiday since giving up alcohol last year and I told myself I was going to say ‘yes’ to the experiences I might have given a swerve in the past.
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Even the scary things. Such as travelling on my own as a solo female without the Dutch courage. I needn’t have been scared. I had a blast.
Where to start?
How about when a self- confessed coward had a go on Universal Studios’ Jurassic Park-themed VelociCoaster.
This now fearless rider experienced a 80ft drop, and a stomach-churning 12 seconds of weightlessness at high speed.
Thankfully I didn’t know anything about this before I joined the queue.
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However, the natural buzz you can get from being thrown 40 to 70mph in less than three seconds, while upside down — well, you can’t beat it.
Then there was the Hulk and the Amazing Spider-Man in the Marvel Universe. A tip from me — it’s best to upgrade your tickets to fast-track on the queues as it can be mind-blowingly busy.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was so realistic I felt I was back in Scotland, only it was pleasant 24°C among the snow-topped shop fronts of Hogsmeade.
Hagrid’s motorcycle adventure is not your conventional coster, full of surprises and kudos to the grown adults dressed in capes and wands living their best Hogwarts life.
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The Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket blasts a personalised choice of song in your ears as you travel 51 metres into the sky before toppling down at 65mph. I picked Limp Bizkit, Break Stuff because that was in the charts in 1999 — the last time I was on a rollercoaster. Told you I was being brave.
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I was at breaking point with our country’s forever winter so sunshine and blue skies was exactly what the doctor ordered.
With bright, beachy rooms, checking into the Surfside Inn & Suites located on Universal Studios property was just the place to relax between all the excitement — and you can get a shuttle bus straight to the park within 10 minutes.
As a pasty Scot, soaking up the sun by the hotel pool is a real treat — but I had itchy feet and wanted to see more.
For a different type of thrill, I swapped theme park for state park, and a voyage along the Florida springs.
I took a trip on a kayak along the Wekiwa river among the protected wildlife of the region.
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Slow down and take in the bird watching — multiple types of heron, vultures circling (just like in the cartoons) and bald eagles (I saw two).
Then there were the turtles, terrapins . . . and a pair of 13ft alligators sunbathing in the long grass.
But you would be disappointed to float down a fresh-water river in Florida and not see one of these majestic creatures — a famous, but somewhat unnerving sight.
I’m not going to lie, I forgot how to paddle when I realised I was metres away from not one but two of these big beasts.
Our tour guides from Adventures in Florida reassured me our two new friends weren’t interested in us in the slightest — but to perhaps just keep your distance just in case. Okay then!
If you are certain you want to avoid the gators, try Epic Paddle Adventures on Lake Ivanhoe which is 100 per cent reptile free.
When I first saw the boards we were to stand on, I thought ‘How am I ever going to do this?’ But I reminded my new self, I was being brave in 2023.
I was petrified to be honest. I would have been happy to sit on my board and paddle in circles.
But after 30 minutes with our guides, not only was I on the board — and not clinging on for dear life — I was up on my feet.
Within 90 minutes I paddled like a pro, standing up and down in the wind and joining the rest of my group on the tour enjoying the sunshine.
Adventures in Florida and Epic Paddle Adventures run tours for all abilities, sizes and fitness levels. You’ll return to base feeling fresh and relaxed and ready to hit the town.
Universal Studios has Mardi Gras with live music long into the night every February and I was lucky enough to be there when this magnificent festival was in full swing.
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We rode the Mardi Gras parade, usually reserved for park regulars and got a glimpse behind the curtain, dressed as dancers and threw beads to the park loyal.
A total bucket list experience to be considered part of the show among the bright lights of the custom floats and talented circus performers.
Sports fans can experience the heightened thrills of an NBA basketball game at the Amway Center.
From trying to bag a T-shirt shot from a cannon, to cheerleaders and dancers, to marriage proposals to mascot Stuff the Magic Dragon entertaining the crowd, it is well worth taking it in — even if you don’t know anything about the game.
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But don’t bring a bag.
Security is very tight and you will be asked to lock up anything bigger than an iPhone.
Want a more relaxed evening?
Get dressed up and spend the night at the theatre at Orlando’s brand new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts which opened to the public last year.
It’s an acoustically remarkable space that can achieve an N1 rating — that’s the lowest level at which humans can detect sound.
I saw the Orlando Ballet company’s Moulin Rouge, an incredibly beautiful performance with a live orchestra.
Bit expect concerts, live theatre, comedy and even community arts in this stunning and versatile space.
And then there is the food.
There are plenty of places to eat at Universal Studios, from a fully pancake breakfast, to a Mexican cantina where they’ll make you fresh guacamole in front of your table.
The portions are huge, everywhere, so be warned and perhaps think about leaving out a starter.
If you want to see authentic Orlando, try Maxine’s on Shine restaurant.
On the Michelin guide for 2022, this romantic neighbourhood eatery features regular live music, an eclectic menu and quirky 1940s-style decor.
A big mistake I made was not to travel with a bigger suitcase as there were bargains to be had at the Orlando International Premium Outlets Drive.
GO:ORLANDO
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort including flights from Edinburgh on November 13 is from £1019pp. See barrheadtravel.co.uk or call 0330 094 8364.
MORE INFO: A Universal Orlando 3 Park Explorer Ticket is from £359pp, also available from Barrhead Travel. For more in holidaying in Orlando see VisitOrlando.com
With outlets for Nike, The North Face, H&M, Old Navy, Lacoste, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and Marc Jacobs, there’s plenty to choose from before you leave.
Returning home with a bump to reality, I saw my flight pals while picking up my luggage.
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They asked: “Well, did you have fun?”
How could you not?
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