Lauren's Trip to Orlando

By Lauren Kelly

Laurens Trip To Orlando


I recently went on a Family Holiday to Orlando. While we were there, we spent our time visiting the theme parks and seeing all that this beautiful city has to offer. We stayed at The Rosen Inn Hotel on International Drive, which is conveniently centrally located. I have been to Orlando a number of times, it’s one of my favourite destinations to visit!   We flew with Virgin Atlantic via London Gatwick with the connecting flight being operated by Aer Lingus. From the airport, our hotel was about a 25 minute taxi ride away when there is no additional traffic on the roads.

 

Location

International Drive is central in Orlando, with the theme parks and shopping outlets being close by. There is public transport known as the I-Ride which transports you up and down International Drive. This is handy for getting around easily, and we made use of it while we were there. The Universal Theme Parks are 5 minutes away by taxi, with the taxis being quite cheap. There are plenty of restaurants along International Drive also.


What I Loved

We spent all of our time at the theme parks and the outlets. My favourite theme park was Islands of Adventure! You cannot go to Orlando and not go to the theme parks, its what Orlando is all about! Although expensive, I do recommend purchasing the Fast Passes for the parks as queues can get very long as the day goes on and you can end up spending quite a bit of time in them. It was nice to be able to skip the queues. The new water park, Volcano Bay, was one of our favourites also. It’s a great day out for everyone that is sure to make for lots of laughs!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fabi (@fabienneluedtke)


Activities & Places to See

  • Visit as many theme parks as you can!
  • Visit Fun Spot, a smaller outdoor action park.
  • Take a trip to Ripleys Believe it or Not Museum.
  • Visit Wonderworks, where you can see science exhibits, play laser tag and do lots of other fun activities.
  • Adults should visit the IceBar for a truly unique and fun experience.


Shopping

I highly recommend that any shopaholics go to the outlets! We spent hours in and out of the shops bagging ourselves a load of bargains!   I went to Macy’s in the mall for all my beauty needs. High-end make up brands are much cheaper in the States than Ireland so I recommend visiting there or Sephora to tick-off your makeup wishlist!


Food and Bars

There are a lot of restaurants along International Drive. I-Hop was our favourite for breakfast every morning. Their pancakes are amazing, and they have really cheap offers. Buffalo Wild Wings was another favourite among the group of us. There was a bar next door to the hotel called Game Changers where we went for dinner some nights as it was handy only being next door and the drinks were cheap also. Other nights we liked to eat along City Walk at the parks and stay out for a cocktail or two! There is not much of a nightlife near where I stayed with most places closing at around 12:30 or 1am. However for most people this is late enough as you are very tired from spending the day in the sun and at the parks that you’re fit for bed well before then.


Beaches

There are no beaches within close proximity but if you have hired a car, Cocoa Beach is only an hours drive away and is located in the middle of the magnificent Space Coast.


Book your next Orlando break with Budget Travel!

You will find lots of deals to Orlando for couples, families and friends at Budget Travel. Check out our unbeatable Last Minute Holiday Deals or call us now to book on 01 435 0024.