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FLORIDA PLEASE

There's tons of choices to help you savour the Sunshine State

YOU'VE seen pictures of the Orlando attractions, the theme parks and the rollercoasters and now you're gagging to go - but where to stay and what package do you choose?

The three main US holiday specialists in Ireland, Tour America, American Holidays and Sunway all do package holidays ranging from the basic with flights and accommodation outside the theme parks to on-site hotels with park tickets thrown in.

If you want to get close to the Harry Potter action it's best to stay in one of the three top class hotels at Universal.

The whole complex is set around a lagoon with the theme parks and hotels all connected.

When you stay there you can get a free water taxi, coach or simply walk to the attractions. And because you are on site you don't need passes to get into the theme parks - but keep your room key handy as it lets you into the parks an hour before they're officially
open and you can use it as an Express Pass to skip the queues.

The Hard Rock Hotel is right beside the parks and has a huge collection of rock memorabilia, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is the most elegant while the Loews Royal Pacific Resort is truly exotic with hula-girls greeting you in the foyer.

SUNWAY HOLIDAYS

A winter sun family package in Universal's five-star Hard Rock Hotel for seven nights for two adults and two children including flights, accommodation costs from €3345 per family with Sunway.

Sunway are also offering late August deals to Orlando from €2340 per family including flights and seven nights in the 3 star Radisson Orlando.

Tara Flanagan, USA product manager for Sunway Holidays recommend that holiday makers pre-purchase their theme park tickets before they go.Visit www.sunway.ie or call 01-2311800.

TOUR AMERICA

Tour America have a Universal holiday deal for this December starting at €689pp based on two adults and two children sharing.

The price includes return flights to Orlando, seven nights in Loews Royal Pacific Resort. They're also offering the two-park Universal Pass from €99 per adult and €95 per child.

AMERICAN HOLIDAYS

For a different option you can combine a trip to Universal Studios with a leisurely cruise.

American Holidays will fly you from Dublin to Orlando, transfer to Universal's Hard Rock Hotel, for three nights including breakfast, drinks and admission to Universal parks and early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Then you hop on board Royal Caribbean's 'Freedom of the Seas' for a seven night Caribbean cruise where all meals and almost all entertainment are included. Prices vary but if you travel in Feb 2011 you pay from €1749pp (four sharing).

For more information on these and other great Florida Holidays visit www.americanholidays.com or call 01 673 3800.

AER LINGUS!

Our national carrier is the only airline to fly direct from Dublin to Orlando and operate three weekly direct flights every Tues, Thurs and Sat. Orlando is one of over 60 American destinations you can now book on aerlingus.com.

When you book your flight on aerlingus.com, you can also book your hotel, buy theme park tickets and hire a car.

DISCOVERY COVE

No visit to Orlando is complete without a trip to Discovery Cove. More 'exclusive resort' than theme park, it is a full day out which also lets you get up close with dolphins and swim with them.

The ultimate package includes a day at Discovery Cove, with unlimited visits to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica. Visit
www.attractionticketsdirect.ie for details.

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