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Our Travel Expert’s Trip to Orlando: Getting There, Tips & More!
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Orlando, Here We Come!
Everyone loves Orlando! For some it’s a bucket list destination but for so many Irish holidaymakers, especially families, it’s a beloved holiday hotspot they return to over and over again.
Getting There & Day 1
Dublin to Gatwick to Orlando with British Airways
We met at Dublin Airport bright and early, ready for our 6.30am flight. After arriving in Gatwick at 8.30am, we were lucky enough to be upgraded to British Airways Club World. This business-class longhaul service gave us access to the British Airways Lounge. We enjoyed premium levels of service and comfort with a selection of drinks and breakfast to choose from.
We also got the opportunity to add some Hollywood glamour to our trip – we met none other than Mr. Grey himself, Jamie Dornan! After getting our hearts racing we parted ways and boarded our noon flight to Orlando.
As for Club World, all I can say is that it’s amazing. We boarded to a welcome glass of champagne and snacks, after takeoff we then had a choice of starter’s dinner and deserts, and after beautiful food we had our flat beds to have a nap before our eventful trip in Disney started.
After landing, we were transferred to Disney Wilderness Lodge by Disney’s Magical Express and checked in to our amazing hotel with our own private rooms.
After exploring the hotel we met for dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, Whispering Canyon. This restaurant was fun for all ages to get the magical Disney feel, just never ask for ketchup to avoid the delivery to your table.
Day 2
The next day, we had breakfast at Hollywood Studios and started to explore Disney World Resort Orlando. We were transferred by Disney’s Minnie Van to Animal Kingdom Lodge for a site visit.
This hotel has a distinct African feel. You can book safari rooms with views of giraffes and other animals right from your balcony.
My favourite part of Animal Kingdom was The World of Avatar. It’s a must-see for everyone. This themed area really brings Pandora from the famous James Cameron movie to life. It’s so much fun to go on the Na’Vi River Journey and explore the Valley of Mo’ara.
After Animal Kingdom, we then transferred back to Hollywood Studios to enjoy the Christmas show Jungle Bell Jingle Bam. After a long day we returned back to the Wilderness Lodge.
Day 3
On the 3rd day of our trip we started out with a transfer to Disney’s Grand Floridian premium hotel for breakfast a site visit.
We were surprised with a character breakfast with Alice In wonderland, Mat hatter, Winnie the Pooh and Mary Poppins, again this is great fun for all ages and can be added to any booking starting at €55 per person.
After our fun filled breakfast and site visit of this amazing hotel we then used the monorail to Magic Kingdom Park, what an easy way to get around comes every few minutes.
We then had a full day to explore Magic Kingdom with dinner. We ended the day with Disneys Magical Happily Ever After show.
Day 4
Today, we transferred to Port Orleans French Quarter for breakfast and then visited Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This colourful resort has plenty of Disney feeling, with a lovely hotel that would not be over budget for most holidaymakers. The hotel has different sections with matching themed bedrooms – stay in rooms themed around Cars, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo and more. You can also choose to stay in rooms suitable for larger families with excellent self catering facilities.
We then headed by the Skyliner to spend the day in futuristic Epcot. Here we had time to roam around and enjoy this park. That evening we then had a surprise dinner with our own private seating area and bar on the lake in perfect view of the fireworks that night. This was a highlight to the trip and what an amazing way to finish off an amazing few days.
Day 5
Our last day! We met at 8.30 to transfer to Disney Springs for breakfast and to explore the shops.
After this we headed to Orlando Airport for departure. As we were checking, in we were told we had been upgraded to First Class. What an amazing treat this was.
All I can say again is amazing we were in first class seats under business class service, we had the same treatment as our outbound flight and was the most comfortable flight, we had a sleep and were waken to breakfast served an hour before landing. After this I don’t think I can travel any other way again!
While Amanda’s visit might have focused on Walt Disney World Resort, this is just one of Orlando’s amazing theme park destinations. Once you’re done exploring all 6 of Walt Disney World Resort’s fun-packed parks make sure to take in some of Orlando’s other holiday highlights like Universal Orlando and Seaworld Orlando.
Thinking of booking your next family holiday to Orlando? Check out the Cassidy Travel website for great deals on flights and hotels, or call us on 0818-332500 for expert travel advice!
About Cassidy Travel
This blog is powered by Cassidy Travel, one of Ireland’s leading travel agencies. Our team of over 100 expert travel advisors send 1000s of Irish holidaymakers around the world every year. And we love doing it! Visit our website to start planning your next getaway. If you’re Dublin-based, drop into one of our stores. With 33 years of experience we’ve mastered the art of easy booking. Whether it’s a city escape, US adventure or family holiday we’d love to help you plan, book and dream.
