THEME PARKS & ATTRACTIONS EXTENDED FAMILY DESTINATIONS LEFT:
Universal’s Islands of
Adventure RIGHT:
Volcano Bay will open next year
hot plate that all nine of us were seated around, and building a steaming volcano out of onion rings. The highest-quality food coupled with an entertainment and sensory masterclass. Genius – and a must for all families.
w ANIMAL MAGIC Another fantastic way to build a restful interlude into a packed itinerary is to book a day at SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove. The resort offers a range of animal encounters in a stunning and restful lagoon setting. Yes, it’s man-made, which may not appeal to some, but with numbers limited each day, it never feels overcrowded – and it was a welcome break from some of the more hectic days in our schedule. And the whole family could do
everything available, regardless of age or ability – from swimming with bottlenose dolphins and feeding tropical birds that landed on our hands, to snorkelling through a saltwater reef among stingrays and a plethora of colourful fish. Visitors can also just drift down a lazy river, inches from families of otters, or swing in a hammock overlooking the lagoons, rocky outcrops and white-sand beaches. Apart from a reserved dolphin-swim time, everything else is at your leisure, so it couldn’t be more relaxed. And while I know swimming with dolphins is most guests’ highlight, mine was watching my daughter overcome her fear of
the Everglades, skimming the surface of the water at up to 45mph. We donned ear-defenders then jumped into the boat with our hugely knowledgeable – and heavily tattooed – captain and guide Jim, who tracked down a four-foot alligator, a massive green water snake, a blue heron, a red-winged blackbird and a white pelican.
snorkelling to eventually spend two hours face down in the reef, loving every minute. The sense of achievement for her was fantastic – and it was a joy for the rest of us to see. Equally special was the
Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin Up-lose Tour at SeaWorld Orlando. This phenomenal 45-minute behind-the-scenes experience involves meeting the marine biologists who look after these unique birds. After piling on extra clothing to enter the penguins’ sub-zero environment, we stroked Whopper the king penguin (and his mum Burger), and also Joey the little rockhopper penguin. Fantastic and educational fun. The experience costs $59 for adults and older children, and $39 for three to nine-year-olds. For a wilder up-close-and- personal encounter with nature, suggest clients head to Kissimmee, and to the alligator swamps of Boggy Creek for a taste of the real Florida. Here, they can take an
exhilarating air-boat ride through 18 August 2016
travelweekly.co.uk 43
Teen time One of my biggest surprises was
the renovation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs. The entertainment and dining complex had a much more family- friendly, relaxed vibe than before, making my sister comfortable to let her two older daughters (13 and 15) wander off by themselves after an amazing dinner at The Boathouse (specialising in steak and fish), to buy ice cream or go people-watching at Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop.
We’d booked it mainly for my
nature-loving dad, but the kids loved it too. It’s a thrill ride with a difference, and definitely worth the $45 for adults and $40 for children for an hour. The trip is also available at a discounted rate with the Orlando Explorer Pass, which starts at £63 for adults and £53 for three to 12-year-olds with Attraction World.
We ended our holiday by
keeping the kids up late to watch the Main Street Electrical Light Parade, in the Magic Kingdom, followed by an impressive light and fireworks display over Cinderella’s Castle. I remember seeing it when I was my kids’ age, and it had lost none of its charm 35 years later. The memories of being taking to Orlando by my parents when I was eight have stayed with me to this day. Going back with my dad, sister, nieces and kids was even better.
FAST FACT
Volcano Bay water park, which opens in
June, is on sale as part of Universal Orlando Resort’s 3-Park Explorer Ticket
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