Amanda’s Blog: Orlando isn't just for kids 😊
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Those who know me will know Orlando holds a very special place in my heart. After our last family adventure there a couple of years ago, I said I'd be back again soon - and the pull proved too strong to resist! This time though, we did things a little differently...
We landed in Orlando and headed straight for Cocoa Beach - around an hour's drive after picking up our hire car. Staying at Beach Place Guesthouses for three nights - with hammocks, fire pits and beachfront views - was the perfect way to relax before the theme park excitement began.
Another reason for staying here was to finally visit Kennedy Space Centre - and I can't believe that on my eighth visit to Orlando I had never been! Walking amongst historic rockets, seeing the Space Shuttle Atlantis, experiencing the Shuttle Launch Simulation and exploring Heroes and Legends was incredible. Definitely worth the wait.
On our second morning we set the alarm for 5am, jumped out of bed and walked onto the beach while the sky was still dark but warm. We were incredibly lucky to witness a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch, carrying broadband satellites into orbit. Watching it rise was amazing - but the real thrill came a few seconds later when the deep, rumbling sound hit. A reminder of the raw power behind space exploration. Moments like that are why Florida's Space Coast is truly special.
From Cocoa Beach we headed to Universal Orlando for two nights, staying onsite at the beautiful tropical-themed Loews Royal Pacific Resort. The perks of staying onsite - unlimited Express Passes, early park entry and easy access - were absolutely worth it.
Friday night was Universal Halloween Horror Night, and with the RIP VIP Tour we skipped every queue for the haunted houses, had reserved seating for the show, enjoyed some brilliantly themed horror snacks and got genuine behind-the-scenes access. It made the scares even more fun.
For the final five nights, we were lucky enough to stay in a stunning six-bedroom, four-bathroom villa at Windsor Island Resort, thanks to Ocean Florida. Private pool, a mezzanine with tabletop games and - best of all - a retro arcade full of game machines (think Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Donkey Kong).
The resort itself is only five years old, beautifully contemporary and built with multi-generational families in mind, complete with a lazy river, water slides, mini golf and a clubhouse.
We also discovered Celebration - developed by Disney and designed to resemble a historic small American town, built around a lake with a charming town centre. We visited on a Sunday which is market day, wandering around the Disney-inspired streets, artisan stalls and local treats. A lovely, relaxed contrast to the parks.
And then there was the moment I had been most excited about - a visit to the brand-new Epic Universe theme park. Cutting-edge rides, incredible theming and absolutely packed. Thankfully I had purchased Express Passes as we only had one day - without them we would probably still be queuing!
Eight visits in and Orlando still surprises me. Beaches, rockets, theme parks, Halloween frights and the charm of Celebration - this trip really did have it all. As a certified Orlando Expert, I was in my element!
Amanda x
