Planning a trip to Orlando, Florida

La, la, la, la, la, l’America!

I love to plan and trip, and there is nowhere with more planning resources and forums available than for a trip to Orlando.

We have just booked a trip to a villa in Florida for next February (around half-term) with help from Jonathan Millar, Bryan Somers Travel. Until recently I was a great advocate of booking my own travel and accomodation, car hire etc – but when I got a great quote from Jonathan – meeting all our requirements and having the bonus of the entire trip being covered by ABTA/ATOL it was an easy decision.

We spent our honeymoon in Florida WAY BACK in 1992.

In January 2006 we returned to Florida with our 3 kids, our girls being 9 and 7, and our son being about 15 months.  Our daughters were definitely in the “princess” stage back then.

We focused on the Disney parks, and really enjoyed Sea World.

In February 2009 we took a 4 day break to DisneyLand Paris ……. seeing the parade in sleet and snow was definitely memorable (and freezing!!!).

And my son was a much better stage to appreciate the characters.

This time the kids are definitely at a different stage, so we plan to venture beyond the House of the Mouse to include Universal Studios, and beyond.  When I was at a blog conference in June I was chatting to representatives from Universal Studios and Visit Orlando, so am even more excited about this trip.

Here are a few things I am really looking forward to

• A villa with a pool (heated!) (I know for some of you Florida in February can be relatively chilly but it’s all relative!)

• Quite a bit of shopping –

1. clothes (the kids love A&F, Hollister and Aeropostal …. and I love the prices),
2. homeware shopping (Anthropology, Pottery Barn, The Pier etc …. not necessarily to buy, just to window shop!)
3. supermarkets (I love wandering up and down supermarket ailses in other countries marvelling at the different products and flavours – Publix, Walmart, Target etc)
4. makeup – Mac, Bobbi Brown etc – all much better value

• Meeting up with bloggy friends – of course Elizabeth (who will be just about to relocate from Florida to Donegal!) and Kimberly too (assuming she is still living in Orlando then!)

• Universal Studios – although most of us aren’t into the thrill rides, and the one who is probably isn’t quite tall enough (I hope – cos I’m not going on with him!)

• Sea World and Discover Cove (hopefully)

• Eating out – especially breakfast! We love Cracker Barrel and the like.

So, bloggy readers with experince of Florida, what have I missed out?  Any shops or restaurants you recommend?

If you have any recommendations – either of shops, restaurants, or just some aspect of American life you think we should experience during our trip – I am open to suggestions.