Slinky Dog Dash at Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, home to award-winning parks and experiences that see millions of tourists flock to the city every year.
There’s so much to see and do that you need a fortnight to pack it all in – but what if you’ve only got a few days to spare?
Here’s how to hit the highlights, and tick all the boxes, on a whirlwind long weekend.
Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom Park (Image: Disney/Steven Diaz)
Day One: Universal Studios & Universal Islands of Adventure
On day one, I was up bright and early for Universal Studios Orlando Resort, ready to explore its two award-winning theme parks, packed with jaw-dropping rides.
If you’re pushed for time, booking on one of Universal’s Private VIP Experience tours allows you to explore the parks at their very best without feeling rushed.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando Resort (Image: Octavian Cantilli Universal Orlando Resort 2016)
During your tour you’re escorted around each park with your own personal guide, who will not only give you some top tips and information, but will also get you the best seats on every attraction without standing in a single queue.
Both parks are home to some of the very best simulator rides, including Transformers: The Ride, The Simpsons Ride, Reign of Kong and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.
Thrill-seekers will feel right at home on the likes of The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Jurassic Park River Adventure and Dr Doom’s Fear Fall.
But if you’re a fan of Harry Potter, then there’s something that should be top of your list.
At Universal Studios Florida, you’ll find The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. With a range of shops from the Wizarding World, you can pick up your very own wand and house robes before heading to the thrilling Escape from Gringotts ride.
Journey on the iconic Hogwarts Express over to Hogsmeade, located in Islands of Adventure. Soar above the Quidditch pitch on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey before grabbing a cold Butterbeer at The Hog’s Head.
This section of the park will also open its latest attraction, Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure on June 13.
Our day was topped off by riding a float during the Mardi Gras Parade, a unique experience for select guests, before grabbing dinner at Antojitos at Universal CityWalk.
Day Two: Disney World’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot
No trip to Orlando is complete without a trip to the Walt Disney World parks, so day two meant Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
There’s a range of rides for all the family to enjoy here, but we headed for the big ones, including The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster starring Aerosmith.
The park’s newest attraction, Toy Story Land, allows visitors to step into Andy’s back garden and experience rides including Toy Story Mania, Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers.
Guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios can go to infinity and beyond in Toy Story Land (Image: Matt Stroshane/Disney)
Queues for new rides at the Walt Disney Parks, especially at Toy Story Land and Pandora – The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom, can reach wait times of up to four hours.
But visitors who hold a FastPass+ ticket can reserve slots for rides up to 60 days before your holiday via the My Disney Experience app , which means you can cut down your wait times.
Next up was Animal Kingdom, which boasts the Expedition Everest, Dinosaur coaster, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids and Primeval Whirl.
Navi River Journey at Pandora The World of AVATAR at Disney's Animal Kingdom (Image: Disney / Steven Diaz,)
But don’t miss Pandora – The World of Avatar, where we rode the visually stunning Na’vi River Journey, before heading to the thrilling Avatar Flight of Passage. This recreates James Cameron’s blue-skinned sci-fi flick in all its glory.
Our third park of the day was Epcot. Here, you’ll find the World Showcase, where you can explore 11 countries, as well as The Land and Future World.
Whether you want to meet some of our favourite Disney characters, sample food and drink from across the globe, or experience thrilling rides like Soarin’ Around the World, Test Track or Mission Space, there’s plenty to see, do and explore.
Delicious sharing plates and gorgeous wines are on the menu at Wine Bar George at Disney Springs Orlando (Image: Visit Orlando)
Our evening finished with dinner at Wine Bar George, located at Disney Springs , which offers a superb range of sharing plates and more than 130 wines, before we headed to Magic Kingdom.
By visiting at night we were treated to Happily Ever After, one of the many unmissable shows at Magic Kingdom, before sampling rides including Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Haunted Mansion.
Day three saw us drift away from the parks, as we headed to Wallaby Ranch for a morning of hang-gliding.
Just a short drive away from our resort, here we saw Orlando from a new perspective as we soared at heights of 400 feet with our instructor.
Guests can get up close and personal to gators at Gatorland (Image: Visit Orlando)
Weather depending, a hang-gliding experience at Wallaby Ranch can take you as high as 2,000 feet.
The afternoon’s events included a trip to Gatorland, where we got up close and personal with some of Orlando’s biggest gators as part of a VIP tour offering, before grabbing lunch, which included trying our gator nuggets and finishing the day off by ziplining over a lake of crocs.
Indulge in mouthwatering steaks at Shula's Steak House (Image: Visit Orlando)
Our last supper was in our hotel at Shula’s Steak House . Owned by American football coach, Don Shula, this high-end restaurant offers mouth-watering cuts of steaks and side dishes, washed down with a crisp glass of wine and a sweet dessert.
Before travelling home next day, we headed to Winter Park for brunch at The Glass Knife, which offers a great range of options from waffles to Orlando’s biscuits and gravy.
Next up was a boat tour of Winter Park, which provided views of some of the biggest mansions in Orlando, as well as providing a history of a beautiful founded back in the 1800s.
Take a scenic boat tour around the stunning Winter Park (Image: Visit Orlando)
As well as the parks, Orlando is also fantastic for shopping, so we made our way to the Orlando International Premium Outlets for some retail therapy. Brands including Converse, Victoria’s Secret, Kate Spade and many more can be found here, and you can snap up a bargain to take home.
Shop designer labels at unbeatable Prices at the Orlando Premium Outlets (Image: Visit Orlando)
After an afternoon of shopping, our Orlando adventure came to an end with a trip to Lake Nona, where we sampled the finest beers at Park Pizza & Brewing Co. before heading across the road to the trendy Boxi Park to sample street food and drinks from local traders. A tasty end to a whirlwind trip.
Orlando Travel File
* Becky Weaver visited Orlando as a guest of VisitOrlando and Virgin Holidays. For information on booking attractions and accommodation, see www.visitorlando.com
* Virgin Holidays packages (flights, seven nights room only and car hire at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotel) are priced from £985 per person (departing from Gatwick in May, based on two adults sharing a lake room view, including all applicable taxes and fuel charges. Visit www.virginholidays.co.uk or call 0344 557 3859.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is situated in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, with both Epcot and Hollywood Studios a 10-minute walk away. Following a $159 million renovation, it boasts top facilities including five swimming pools, 17 places to dine, a karaoke bar, luxurious spa, gym, games room, gift shops, sports activities and conference spaces.
What’s more, staying here entitles guests to Extra Magic Hours in all Disney parks, as well as on-site character dining experiences, free transport to all Disney parks via boat or bus, and advance tee times on the Disney golf courses.
* INVEST IN FASTPASSES
You’re pushed for time and you don’t want to spend any of it queuing endlessly at busy attractions. It’ll cost you more upfront but it’ll seem like the best idea you ever had amid the hustle and bustle of the busy theme parks.
Becky’s trip began with an overnight’s stay at the BLOC Hotel in the South Terminal at Gatwick airport. Just a short walk from the train station, BLOC has everything you need to relax before jumping on your flight. Plus, when you book a room here, you also get a pass for the Premium Security route at the busy airport.
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