There are accommodations to suit every taste and price point imaginable here, including a vast number of self-catering options which we Brits love (check out the luxury options at www.jeevesfloridarentals.com). But over the many years I’ve visited, I’ve been drawn to the increasing number of upmarket hotels complemented by a sophisticated offering of entertainment, fine dining and spa pampering. Here are my latest recommendations of where to stay, what to do and dates for your diary:
Universal-ly luscious Universal Orlando Resort’s five themed hotels all have their own very distinctive character from rock ‘n’ roll to Italian elegance. The latest is the Caribbean-inspired Loews Sapphire Falls which is a fabulous, relaxed haven set around a large, palm-fringed ‘lagoon’. With so much space and comfy loungers to enjoy in secluded spots, it feels exclusive. My suite was super spacious with a full dining table and comfy settee, plus a vast bathroom and separate TV in the bedroom. I also loved the free water transport to the Universal parks where hotel guests get early admission and enjoyed choosing from 75 rums for cocktails at the Strong Water Tavern. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.co.uk
Disney dream The rooms at Sapphire Falls.
The things I most loved about staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort which has recently enjoyed a £96 million renovation was my beautiful, bright room with balcony, enjoying the most melt-in-the-mouth steak I’ve ever eaten at Shula’s restaurant; and taking an evening stroll to Disney’s Boardwalk with its waterside restaurants and shops. The resort is nestled between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios with water transport to take you to both, plus transport to all the other Disney attractions – so convenient! There are five pools, two health clubs, a spa and tennis and you can book your preferred rides and attractions 60 days in advance though the Disney FastPass+ service. Any Disney veterans will know how valuable that is. Find out more at www.swandolphin.com
Spa heaven Two luxury hotels that offer golf courses as well as spas are the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and the Rosen Shingle Creek. The Waldorf, the first of that name to open outside New York, is minutes from the Disney parks and after a hard day on the thrill rides you can recoup some energy at its spa. If you don’t have time for a full treatment, enjoy the tea lounge, Jacuzzi and steam room for £15 a day. You can even book a ‘bath butler’ for your room at a cost of £50 who would draw your candlelit bath, sprinkle orchids on top and leave a ‘blooming hot tea’ to help you relax. (If only my husband was so obliging!) www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com The Rosen Shingle Creek hotel is a 10-minute drive from Universal Orlando, five minutes from SeaWorld, and also has a gorgeous spa. I enjoyed a super indulgent body treatment which involved being slathered in Everglades mud and wrapped in foil to bake luxuriously for half an hour. Heaven. Then it was the turn of my face to get ‘the treatment’. This was the most thorough and fantastic facial I’ve ever had, www.rosenshinglecreek.com
Enjoy a rum cocktail at the Strong Water Tavern.
Fine dine for less You are spoilt for choice when looking for excellent places to eat in Orlando but if you travel between August 25 and October 1 this year you can enjoy prix fixe, three-course dinners at more than 70 of the city’s top restaurants for the bargain price of just $35 (£27) per person during Magical Dining Month. It makes sense to make your way to the city’s upmarket Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Road to make your choice of eatery from those taking part in the popular event. They range from Polynesian-fusion, to Italian and American with a modern twist. At the ultrachic Slate restaurant with its open kitchen and cool bar the innovative menu offers super fresh and often locally sourced ingredients. It’s obviously a top hang-out in this upmarket area. Choose from charcuterie and cheese plates, inventive starters, pizza, salads, pasta, and mains. My hearth roasted snapper and cornmeal spoonbread was gorgeous. More information at www.visitorlando.com/magicaldining
One of the inviting pools at the Swan and Dolphin.
Pandora –The World of AVATAR at Animal Kingdom will be the latest attraction to open at Walt Disney World this year. Visitors will be able to enjoy a flight simulator-based banshee experience and a boat ride through the mind-blowing landscapes of Pandora. Find out more at www.disneyworld.co.uk At Universal this year an exciting tropical island-themed water park Volcano Bay will open its doors and is a welcome addition to the existing two parks Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, www.universalorlando.co.uk
109 the riverside journals
What’s new in Orlando