HURRICANE Milton’s gusts of swirling wind reached 100mph.
But it was the speed of which the brave people of Orlando got back to normal, after one the worst ever tropical storms to hit Florida, that was more powerful than anything.
Universal Studios Florida entrance[/caption]
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort[/caption]
Robert with wife Arleen and kids Melissa and Joel[/caption]
The impending doom, as we awaited the gales and pouring rain, was like something out of a disaster movie, before it battered the State known for its sunshine in October.
We thankfully survived to tell the tale and our hearts went out to the unfortunate ones whose lives were affected by the devastation and destruction that racked up a bill of $50billion.
Mother Nature did her worst and yet we saw the very best of folk, which saw millions evacuated one day and then get to work the next — when, incredibly, the gates to the theme parks reopened.
Many of Universal Studios’ 26,000 members of staff clocked in and stood smiling like nothing had happened as they welcomed us.
This wasn’t our first family trip to Florida.
My wife Arleen and I love the place with our children, Melissa and Joel, still desperate to go at every opportunity even though they’re young adults studying at university.
There’s just so much to see and do in Florida that it’s difficult to come back disappointed. And that’s even with a hurricane!
When it comes to the parks, let’s be honest, they can be exhausting.
But the Express Pass tickets are like an investment in your sanity.
They don’t whisk you to the front of the queue of all the rides. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure ride, for instance, is one of the biggest and best attractions they’ve got.
But there is no quick way to experience it. No fast lane for this one, folks.
Yet, for all that, it’s worth the long wait. The ride, named after the character created by the late, great Robbie Coltrane, is tremendous fun.
The fact is, if the park could bottle the feel-good factor they give millions of families who visit every year, they could sell it for a fortune and certainly more than they’re charging to get in through the gates.
And it’s not just kids. You’ll see far wider smiles on the faces of the adults as they watch their ‘little ones’ have the time of their lives.
My two still get a buzz from going to Universal and stepping onto the same thrill rides that they did when they were just tall enough to be allowed on.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure[/caption]
Jurassic World VelociCoaster[/caption]
The VelociCoaster ride in the Jurassic Park area must be one of the most thrilling attractions anywhere in the world right now.
The acceleration literally pins you back in your seat as it takes off.
Universal is constantly updating itself too with new and improved attractions to keep people coming back for more, including the brand new park Epic Universe opening this May.
GO:ORLANDO
GETTING THERE: For the best fares to Orlando see skyscanner.net.
STAYING THERE: Universal Florida currently has 10 hotels with their new Helios Grand Hotel (above) opening in May 2025.
MORE INFO: Universal’s 3 park Explorer Ticket starts at £339 for kids and £349 for adults. See universalorlando.com. For prices at Evermore Resort’s Grand Cypress Golf courses see evermoreresort.com and for all the info you need on Orlando see visitorlando.com.
Of course, there’s more to Orlando than just the theme parks.
My son Joel and I packed our golf clubs this year and we were mightily impressed by the standard of the two courses we played at the new Evermore Resort’s Gran Cypress Golf Club.
The first course, named the Links Course, has a first hole that’s modelled on the opening tee shot at St Andrews’ historic Old Course.
Coming up the last for the 18th even has its own Swilcan Bridge too.
Robert Grieve and Joel on the recreated Swilcan bridge at the Grand Cypress Golf club at the Evermore Resort, Orlando[/caption]
The Cypress Course is even more swish and, despite the fact we played on a stormy day as Hurricane Milton approached, it was spectacular.
The Evermore Resort is in a great location, too, just off the I4 motorway at the Lake Buena Vista exit, 20 minutes away from Universal.
They have their own 5* hotel and luxury villas and apartments, something I’d certainly love to experience in the future.
Because there is no doubt I’ll be back at Universal Studios. Hopefully some day sooner rather than later.
Weather permitting, of course.
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