Options for Family & Adult Holidays in Orlando

One Big Happy Family in Orlando

By Richard Jones

Now more than ever, families are making holiday plans for their whole clan – grandparents, parents, kids and grandkids, to bond, share new experiences and create unforgettable memories.

Orlando’s world-class attractions and hidden gems offer something for every age, from little ones to adults.

The destination is home to seven of the world’s top theme parks – as well as refreshing water parks, outdoor thrill rides, activities to connect with nature, and a dynamic dining and entertainment scene.

Plus, there are over 450 hotels and lodgings to choose from, spanning multi-acre resorts to themed boutique hotels.

A trip to the ‘Best US City for Families’ is now easier than ever, so we take a look at some of the best new and existing attractions for people of all ages in the Sunshine State.

Peppa Pig World

INFANTS & TODDLERS

The world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park has just opened at LEGOLAND Florida Resort and features exciting rides, interactive attractions, fun live shows, themed playscapes and water play areas, all catered toward little ones.

Meanwhile, at Disney’s Epcot, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure shrinks guests to the size of the ‘Little Chef’ to race through Gusteau’s restaurant.

Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando is an immersive opportunity to meet Big Bird, Elmo and Cookie Monster, enjoy themed attractions like Abby’s Flower Tower, and dance along with the Sesame Street Party Parade.

And finally, Aquatica Orlando’s Kata’s Kookaburra Cove is a family play area for kids under 48in tall and features the Zippity Zappity tube ride, beginner’s body slides and waterspouts for little ones to splash under.

Universal’s Volcano Bay water park

TWEENS

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the new Marvel-themed storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees, opens during the summer at Epcot.

Meanwhile, Aquatica’s newest water slide, Reef Plunge includes twists and turns through 330 feet of fibreglass while zooming past a vibrant array of marine life.

On LEGOLAND’s Pirate River Quest, guests embark on a treasure hunt and journey through uncharted waters while discovering the secrets protecting its canals.

Fan favourite Toy Story Land is a colourful 11-acre world in Disney’s Hollywood Studios that contains three themed attractions – Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania!

And Universal’s Volcano Bay water park offers thrill-seeking rides including the Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides, the Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides and the Krakatau Water Coaster.

Avatar Flight of Passage

TEENAGERS

The new Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster and sends riders catapulting up to 70mph.

The recently opened Ice Breaker at SeaWorld also features four launches, culminating in a 93-foot tall spike, the steepest vertical drop in Florida.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, also at Islands of Adventure, hurls guests past beasts on a freewheeling rollercoaster flight that brings them up close with some of the JK Rowling’s Wizarding World’s rarest magical creatures.

And then there’s the Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom which sends explorers soaring on a state-of-the-art 3D simulated flight above the awe-inspiring world of Pandora on the back of a winged banshee.

Finally, for Star Wars fans, Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios is home to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

The Bourne Stuntacular at Universal CityWal

ADVENTUROUS ADULTS

Dezerland Action Park features the Orlando Auto Museum, one of the largest privately-owned collections of automobilia in the world.

The Bourne Stuntacular at Universal CityWalk Orlando is a cutting-edge live-action show based on the blockbuster film franchise.

Epic Paddle Adventures offers a variety of one-on-one tours along with guided group experiences featuring bioluminescence journeys on spring-fed waters and floating night glow yoga adventures.

TopGolf Orlando is home to 102 climate-controlled hitting bays that can host up to six players at one time, while advanced technology tracks the accuracy and distance of players’ shots.

Discovery Cove, Orlando’s much-loved all-inclusive day resort, lets guests drift down a scenic river, hand-feed exotic birds, snorkel with tropical fish and rays, and swim with bottlenose dolphins. One of its newest experiences is Flamingo Mingle.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

ADULTS LOOKING TO RELAX

Away from the theme parks, Steinmetz Hall at the Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is the perfect place to catch a show.

Meanwhile, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art features the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including his famed leaded-glass lamps.

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour provides relaxing narrated cruises through the lakes and canals of the historic park, showcasing natural wildlife and mansions that line the waterways.

And finally, The Wheel at ICON Park invites guests to soak up incredible views of the Orlando area while having a champagne toast in their own private capsule on board the largest observation wheel on America’s East Coast.

Six nights in Orlando, with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, including scheduled Virgin Atlantic economy flights direct from Manchester to Orlando from £2,920 for a family of four. Price is based on two adults and two children travelling on May 7, 2022, and sharing a Standard Room at Avanti Palms. Price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Virgin Atlantic Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected. To book: virginholidays.co.uk or call 0344 557 3859.

For more information on holidays to Orlando, Florida, visit: visitorlando.com