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Florida Family Holiday

The Ultimate Florida Holiday Guide for UK Families

Hi, I'm Lewis — a Florida-obsessed dad from Gloucester who's been visiting the Sunshine State since 1991. Back then I was an 11-year-old from Cheshire stepping off a plane in Orlando for the first time, completely blown away. Thirty-five years later, I still get that same feeling every single time.

Since 2009 I've been taking my wife and three kids to Florida regularly, and over the years I've learned what works, what doesn't, and where British families can get the most out of every penny they spend.

If you're a UK family planning a Florida holiday, this blog is for you. Honest advice, real budgets, and no-nonsense tips from someone who's been making the same trip for over 35 years.

New here? Let me point you in the right direction. If it’s your first trip to Florida, start there. Trying to work out what it’ll cost? My budget calculator does it in about 30 seconds. Choosing your tickets? I’ve broken down Disney and Universal for UK families. And if you’re planning a full two weeks, my 14-day itinerary maps the whole thing out.

And if you’d rather browse by topic, that works too — I’ve organised everything into four areas: planning your trip, theme parks, beaches, and Florida beyond Orlando.


Theme Parks

Stranger Things at HHN 2026: What UK Families Need to Know

The Final Season haunted house is coming — and for UK families with teenagers, this changes everything about HHN 2026


Beaches

Ron Jon Surf Shop Cocoa Beach: Worth It for UK Families?

That enormous neon building is impossible to miss — but should you actually stop, or just drive on by?


Planning

MCO Airport to Your Villa: What Happens in the First 2 Hours

A honest, step-by-step timeline from wheels-down to villa door — so you know exactly what to expect


Beaches

Cocoa Beach: The Honest UK Family Guide (Atlantic vs Gulf)

Is Cocoa Beach worth the drive from Orlando — or should UK families head to the Gulf Coast instead?


Planning

Do You Need an eSIM for Florida? Honest UK Family Guide

Will your phone just work in Florida, or do you need to sort something before you fly? Here's the honest answer.


Planning

Florida Car Hire Insurance: What UK Families Need to Buy

Confused by CDW, LDW and SLI at the rental desk? Here's exactly what to buy — and what to skip.


Theme Parks

Best Orlando Parks Beyond Disney & Universal: SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Gatorland or Legoland?

SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Gatorland and Legoland honestly reviewed for returning UK families


Theme Parks

Is a Park Hopper Ticket Worth It for UK Families in 2026?

The honest answer to whether UK families should pay extra to move between parks on the same day


Planning

Best Area to Stay in Orlando for UK Families: Kissimmee vs Davenport vs International Drive

Kissimmee, Davenport or International Drive? My verdict on the perfect Orlando base for UK families


Planning

Villa vs Hotel in Orlando: Which Is Best for UK Families?

Cost, pools, space and convenience — I break down both options and explain why we always choose a villa