Home to over a dozen theme parks, Orlando is a dream holiday destination for both the young and the young at heart. From well-known favourites to the hidden gems of the Orlando amusement park scene, there is no shortage of family fun to be had here.
Orlando, Florida fact sheet
Currency American dollar
Travel Flights from Dublin Airport to Orlando International Airport take approximately nine hours. Flights for two adults and two children start from €484 pp via aerlingus.com
Orlando’s best theme parks
Walt Disney World Resort Orlando’s Disney World Resort consists of Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot Centre. Each of these parks has its own unique appeal. The Magic Kingdom hosts all your favourite attractions, rides, characters and events which you expect in any Disney park. The Hollywood Studios is inspired by Disney’s films from the 1930s and 1940s and allows you to experience some movie-making magic. Epcot is totally different from Disney’s other parks as it is based more on science and technology.
A seven day pass to all of Disney’s parks start from €438 per adult and €414 per child
A 14 day pass to all of Disney’s parks start from €446 per adult and €424 per child
Universal Orlando Resort Consisting of five different parks, the Universal Orlando Resort is certainly one not to be missed. The famous Universal Studios is home to the Harry Potter escape from Gringotts’ experience, the Despicable Me minions and so many more beloved family favourites. The Universal Island of Adventure has rides, attractions, stunt shows and simulators to choose from, including the beloved ‘Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ area, and the ‘Marvel Super Hero Island’.
A 14 day pass to the Universal Studios park and the Universal Island of Adventure park starts from €198 per adult and €217 per child.
A 14 day pass to the Universal Studios park, the Universal Island of Adventure park and Went ‘n’ Wild Orlando starts from €188 per adult and €209 per child.
Legoland Florida This is Legoland’s largest park in the world and is jam packed with exciting things to see and do. Tons of attractions and rides are available for visitors to enjoy, primarily in the two to 12 age group. See huge Lego models of various cities and famous figures, browse through the on-site shops and stop for bite to eat in one of several dining facilities. Next door is the Legoland Water Park which is a brilliant spot to cool down beneath the scorching Orlando sunshine.
A two day pass to the Legoland park from $99.99 per adult and $94.99 per child via legoland.com/florida.
SeaWorld Orlando This aquatic utopia needs no introduction as it is well known all over the world. Famous for its shows and performances with some of the world’s most beloved water creatures, such as orca whales and dolphins, this park also has several water-themed rides and hand-on animal experiences for those who wish to get up close and personal with the creatures. If that’s not enough for you, SeaWorld’s two other parks, Discovery Cove and Aquatica Water Park, are also well worth a visit.
Entrance to SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica Water Park from €165 in low season and €214 in high season via sunway.ie. Option of adding on perks such as swimming with dolphins available also.
Where to stay
Disney’s Caribbean Resort
3-star resort. Nine nights for two adults and two children from €1435.00 via disneyholidays.ie.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
3-star resort. Nine nights for two adults and two children from €1,582.00 via booking.com.
DoubleTree by Hilton
4-star hotel. Nine nights for two adults and two children from €670.00 via expedia.ie
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark
4-star resort. Nine nights for two adults and two children from €1,394 via booking.com.
