Travel Diary: Orlando with a Teen

 

After four days of sunshine and city life in Miami, we swapped rooftop views for rollercoasters, beaches for parades, and pastel art for pure theme park magic. Orlando is a world of its own – equal parts exhausting and exhilarating and somehow it still has us coming back for more.

 

Travel Diary: Orlando with a Teen

 

The Disney Days

There’s nothing quite like walking down Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom. No matter how many times we visit, the music, the smell of popcorn, and that first glimpse of the castle always stops me in my tracks.

But if Magic Kingdom is the heart, then Hollywood Studios is our park. The thrill rides, Star Wars, Slinky Dog and the buzz of the atmosphere it just feels most like us as a family.

We also had the chance to experience Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which was as crazy as it sounds in August! Parades, costumes, fireworks and George, at 14, still getting just as excited as he did at seven.

 

 

Universal Adventures

This trip was all about Epic Universe. The excitement was real as we stepped into the brand-new park with its five immersive lands – Isle of Berk for dragon lovers, The Ministry of Magic for Harry Potter fans, and so much more.

There’s just something about Universal that hits differently. The coasters are bigger, the worlds more detailed, and the rides had us all shouting “again!” before we’d even caught our breath. George was in his element – our ride buddy, keeping us in the queues longer than we probably would have managed on our own.

 

 

Beyond the Parks

Of course, Orlando isn’t all Disney and Universal. We managed a couple of rounds at Top Golf, braved the huge coasters and had incredible animal interactions at Busch Gardens and Seaworld, and enjoyed a few evenings out and enjoyed some great food that reminded us it’s worth exploring beyond the gates.

If you love Italian Food we recommend Mia’s at ICON Park, we also loved Yard House at ICON Park – they had an incredible happy hour offer which included food! Raising Canes was awesome and we cannot wait for their Chicken Tenders to come to the UK. And let’s not forget Summer House at Disney Springs, another incredible happy hour offer which also included food and drink. And lastly – Morimoto Asia Street Food at Disney Springs, a great spot to sit and enjoy a relaxed meal.

 

 

With a Teen in Tow

Visiting Orlando with a seven-year-old was magical. Visiting again with a fourteen-year-old? Even better. George went from just tall enough for the rides last time to dragging us straight back into the queue this time. The laughter, the adrenaline, the “let’s go again!” energy – it made the whole trip feel even more fun.

Tip: Theme park days are intense. Build in downtime, a pool morning here, a slow breakfast there – and you’ll enjoy the big days so much more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travel Diary: Orlando with a Teen

 

Theme parks are tiring, yes, but they’re also unforgettable. The thrill of the rides, the little moments in the queues, the fireworks that leave you wide-eyed no matter your age. Orlando has a way of pulling you back in. For us, it always feels magical.