TUI launches new flights to lesser-known US airport – it’s right by the beach

MELBOURNE Orlando International may not be a US airport many holidaymakers have heard of.

But after my laidback getaway to Florida, I reckon it could be the future for British theme park fans.

7

7

7

I was visiting the Sunshine State for an action-packed and adrenaline-pumped adventure to a destination that draws millions of visitors each year.

And Tui’s new route from Gatwick and Glasgow to Melbourne Orlando, which launched last year, gave me easy access to not just Disney World but seemingly the whole of Florida.

This lesser-known airport may be farther from the big-hitter theme park attractions, when compared with the more popular Orlando International Airport, but it’s great for those looking to explore.

Hire a car at the airport and you’ll be over an hour closer to southern Florida’s beach hotspots of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Plus, you will start your trip without those lengthy queues at passport control — on the day I landed I was off the plane and out of the airport in just 25 minutes.

For me, though, one of the biggest benefits of this airport is being just a 30-minute drive from the Cocoa Beach area, home to seemingly never-ending sands that offer a tranquil contrast to the chaos of the theme parks.

Resorts in this region may not be as flashy as those in Orlando but they certainly provide escapism.

Cocoa Beach is crammed with excellent restaurants, too, including Flavour Kitchen known for its fresh seafood dishes and Tiny Turtle which serves quirky Caribbean and Mexican cuisine — do be sure to try the shrimp tacos.

I was staying at the modest Hampton hotel by Hilton, which is right on the beach and offers modern rooms with super-comfy beds — essential for anyone pounding the streets of those Orlando theme parks all day.

7

If you’re after something more than just roller coasters, the Hampton by Hilton on Cocoa Beach is also a great launchpad from which to visit the jaw-dropping Kennedy Space Center, just a 30-minute drive away.

Here you can marvel at humankind’s conquering of the great unknown — at a complex run by Nasa itself, with information on historic launch sites and a thrilling, behind-the-scenes look at space-flight facilities.

Take a humbling walk among the rockets and spaceships displayed around the park, and if you’re lucky you may be able to earwig on a retired astronaut giving a VIP tour.

Of course, you can’t come to Florida without visiting Disney World and Universal Studios.

We bought queue-jump packages that came with handy VIP guides who whisk you to the front of the line.

As expected, these don’t come cheap — tours at Disney are £105 per hour for up to eight guests.

Terrifying dragon

But you don’t need to spend a small fortune on a guide to have fun, and horrific queues only really occur in peak season.

Universal is an absolute blast — from the doh-lights of all things Simpsons, to the scream-for-your life thrills of the Incredible Hulk Coaster.

7

7

7

But for me, the highlights were Harry Potter-themed roller coaster Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and the wonderful wizard-themed shops of Diagon Alley.

The street is a Potter fans’ dream, where they can wander through replicas of buildings that appear in the films and marvel at some of the creatures featured.

Look out for the Gringotts Wizarding Bank, on top of a which sits a terrifying dragon that roars flames over the alley every 15 minutes.

This Harry Potter area is just one of nine enormous themed lands at Universal Studios, and you could easily spend weeks getting lost there.

But Disney is always on the horizon and a visit to the land of Mickey Mouse is a must.

But the gigantic resort is twice the size of Manhattan.

So if you’re a little overwhelmed and don’t know where to head first, start at the Magic Kingdom.

This area of the park is instantly recognisable to fans worldwide and, even as a cynical 34-year-old, it was hard not to get swept away by childhood nostalgia, especially when I clapped eyes on the magnificent Disney castle with those glowing fairytale turrets.

The rides are where the fun really starts for adults, though.

The Tron Lightcycle Power Run and Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coasters are not to be missed by adrenaline junkies.

But it was the incredible Avatar Flight of Passage 3-D experience in Animal Kingdom that impressed me most of all.

Climbing aboard a large, dragon-like banshee, you will soar over the fictional world of Pandora, weaving through trees and past mythical creatures.

You won’t be short of rides and attractions to keep all of the family entertained, although it is worth booking a fast pass for the rides that you know you want to try — especially the most popular ones

Of course, another way to avoid those queues is by arriving early when the doors open.

And Disney is unsurprisingly not short of great hotels to stay at.

Magical picture

The four-star Contemporary Resort in the Magic Kingdom features rooms inspired by hit animation The Incredibles, with charming views across the park.

But the real joy of this place is the fantastic California Grill restaurant on the 15th floor.

The food is simply delicious — try the wagyu beef and truffle pizza — then from the balcony watch the famous Disney fireworks paint a magical picture as they explode into the night sky in time with tunes from favourite films.

It’s certainly not called the Magical Kingdom for no reason.