Why a getaway to Orlando should be at the top of your wish list

Looking for the ULTIMATE family holiday? Why a getaway to Orlando should be at the top of your wish list (Hint: it’s the Theme Park Capital of the World®!)

Ad Feature by British Airways and Visit Orlando

When it comes to thrilling holiday destinations, Orlando really is in a league of its own.

Boasting seven of the world’s top theme parks, more than 100 attractions, 6,000 restaurants and 450 hotels, this sun-drenched Florida city makes for an unforgettable family trip.

Now long-haul holidays are back on the agenda, you can fly to Orlando in confidence with British Airways to explore everything The City Beautiful has to offer.

Ride mind-boggling roller-coasters, splash about in first-class water-parks, enjoy phenomenal shows, sensational shopping, vibrant nightlife and renowned restaurants.

And you can enjoy it all safe in the knowledge that your health and safety is a priority. Businesses across the city are working together with county leaders to help ensure Covid-19 precautions are in place, to provide you with a healthy travel experience. Click HERE to find out more.

And here’s why Orlando should top your ultimate family holiday wishlist…

Thrilling theme parks

There’s non-stop family fun to be had at LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Orlando is the Theme Park Capital Of The World®, with breathtaking thrills and twists at every turn.

Immerse yourself in the magic of Walt Disney World Resort, the endless excitement of Universal Orlando Resort and the non-stop family fun of LEGOLAND Florida Resort. 

But which to visit first?

For the next year, 50th anniversary celebrations will take over the Walt Disney World Resort, with plenty of new attractions, and lots of surprises in store, so make it your first stop.

Enjoy the just-launched Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure 4D ride experience at Disney’s EPCOT, where you will feel like you’ve shrunk to the size of Chef Remy for a daring culinary caper.

Or why not explore a galaxy far far away, on the groundbreaking immersive Rise Of The Resistance at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? It’s sure to be a ride you’ll never forget.

And at Universal Orlando Resort, you can jump on the new Jurassic World VelociCoaster. It’s the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in Florida, catapulting you 155 feet in the air at 70mph, with a gobsmacking 80-degree drop so is definitely one for the fearless!

While The Bourne Stuntacular is a new, cutting-edge, live-action show that’ll have you gripping the edge of the seat, as you follow Jason Bourne on his awesome adventures.

Little ones will be excited to visit the new Peppa Pig World which is opening in 2022!

For something a little less tense, head to LEGOLAND Florida to watch the new Brickbeard’s Watersport Show with its gravity-defying stunts and iconic ski pyramid, or create the world of your imagination at Planet Legoland.

The six-foot-wide LEGO globe built out of more than 200,000 bricks, is the starting point for your very own masterpiece!

And little ones will be excited to visit the new Peppa Pig World which is opening in 2022! Definitely one to put on your must-do list!

Must-see attractions

Hop on the The Orlando StarFlyer, the world’s tallest stand-alone swing ride

Orlando’s thrills don’t stop at theme parks.

Hop on an airboat for a high-speed ride exploring the nearby Everglades; wander marvellous museums taking in everything from fascinating facts to incredible magic; or go skydiving without jumping out of a plane – there really is something for everyone.

Start on International Drive in the heart of Orlando’s tourist district. The Wheel, a 400ft-tall observation wheel at the brilliant ICON Park will give you an astounding birds eye view.

Next, hop on the The Orlando StarFlyer, the world’s tallest stand-alone swing ride at a breathtaking 450ft, while the Drop Tower which opens December 2021, carries you an exciting 430ft before free falling at 75mph.

And if that’s still not enough thrills for you, get launched 450ft into the sky by the new Slingshot attraction – if you dare!

Dezerland Park is International Drive’s just-launched indoor entertainment centre, boasting the longest indoor dual go-karting tracks in Florida – as well as a new axe-throwing game.

Fun Spot America is home to rides all the family will love

Test your nerve on some of the thrilling rides at Fun Spot America

There’s also bowling, arcades, a trampoline park and the Auto Experience, with 2,000 vehicles to explore including the world’s largest collection of Batman vehicles.

And the whole family will love the amusement park rides at Fun Spot America, home to Orlando’s only wooden rollercoaster, teacups, a suspended steel coaster, and bumper cars and boats.

Marvel at the heights of human endeavour at the Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is only an hour’s drive from Orlando

Fancy a day trip? Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Merritt Island is only an hour’s drive from Orlando and will make a truly memorable excursion.

It’s the only place you can see the real Space Shuttle Atlantis, touch an actual moon rock, see a Saturn V rocket, view a launch and browse captivating exhibits showcasing US space travel.

Showstopping shopping

Orlando Premium Outlets is the place to go for incredible bargains on big name brands

Whether you’re looking for designer outlets, luxury boutiques or outlet stores, Orlando has you covered.

Start your shopping spree at The Florida Mall. It’s the state’s largest with more than 250 shops as well as restaurants and entertainment, just minutes from Walt Disney World.

Browse the rails at Macy’s, JCPenney and Dillard’s – iconic stores you can only find in the States.

The Mall at Millenia is perfect for those looking for the finer things in life and it’s just a 10-minute drive from Universal Orlando.

Shop ’til you drop at Orlando Premium Outlets

Bloomingdale’s is, of course, a must for fashion lovers, or treat yourself to some designer pieces at Hermes, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, or Gucci, before indulging in a slice of heaven at the famous Cheesecake Factory.  

And before you leave Orlando, make one last shopping stop at Orlando Premium Outlets. It’s the place to go for incredible bargains on big name brands.

For something more unique, the tree-lined streets of Winter Park, just 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, are brimming with eclectic boutiques, antique stores and vintage clothing shops, so there really is something for everyone.

First-class foodie scene

Enjoy the freshest fish and fruits de mer at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

From A-list chef hotspots and gourmet food trucks, to sports bars, brewery tours and dazzling nightclubs, whatever you fancy eating, this city has a restaurant serving it.

Want to sample delicious delights created by the biggest names in the business? Head to Disney Springs where you’ll find the largest concentration of celebrity chefs in Orlando. José Andrés at JALEO and Guy Fieri at Planet Hollywood are just two of the must-visit restaurants that should be on your list. 

Or over at International Drive you’ll find an array of eateries to suit all budgets, while Blake Shelton’s Ole Red in ICON Park, serves classic pub food with fantastic live music and you can even get a taste of home, at Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips.

The Restaurant Row district, on a stretch of West Sand Lake Road in downtown Orlando, is a destination in its own right, dishing up everything from sushi to steak.

For special occasions, enjoy an authentic taste Italy at Christini’s Ristorante Italiano or enjoy the freshest fish and fruits de mer at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood. 

And for dinner with a spectacular view, book a table at Capa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando, a steakhouse on the 17th floor. While at the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek, you can dine on the rooftop at the trendy Ilume, watching the sunset as you sip on a smart cocktail.

Dine at the upscale Four Seasons Resort Orlando for a truly special evening

Universal CityWalk also offers an array of dining options; the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is heaven for those with a sweet tooth!

So is Carlo’s Bakery at The Florida Mall, where you can sample creations from TV’s Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro.

There’s also a new signature steak and seafood restaurant led by award-winning Chef John Tesar, at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.

While Knife & Spoon is perfect for a luxurious and romantic date night – perhaps the perfect finish to what will be an incredible holiday, making memories to last a lifetime.

You can travel in confidence with British Airways

Book your Orlando holiday now with British Airways and experience thrills for all the family.

Thanks to British Airways’ ‘book with confidence’ policy, you can change your date or destination if you need to. 

Fly to one of it’s three Florida airports – Orlando, Miami and Tampa for an incredible holiday.

 All holidays are ATOL protected and you’ll have access to a 24-hour holiday helpline. 

You’ll only need to pay a low deposit and you’ll have a 23kg baggage allowance per person too. 

With protective measures on the ground and in the air, your safety remains at the heart of everything British Airways does.

So what are you waiting for?

Click HERE to discover your dream holiday to Florida with British Airways. T&Cs apply*. See ba.com/florida for details 

*Subject to availability. Price stated is per person based on 2 adults sharing, inclusive of all airport taxes, fees and charges, and includes return economy (World Traveller) flights from London Heathrow to Orlando Airport and a minimum of seven nights 3* accommodation in Orlando for travel on selected dates between 01 January 2022 – 31 January 2022 inclusive only. Book by 5 December 2021. Amendment and cancellation fees are set-out at the time of booking. Full terms and conditions at ba.com/florida. British Airways Holidays reserve the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time. Package Holidays from British Airways Holidays Ltd are ATOL protected (No. 5985). British Airways Holidays standard terms and conditions and conditions of carriage apply. All information is correct at time of publishing, errors and omissions excepted (E&OE).   

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