Orlando & Gulf Coast Florida Multi & Twin Centre Holidays

You may be tempted by a summer break, but to avoid the hurricane season (which hits in early June and lasts through to late November), as well as escape the tourist high season, we recommend a spring getaway. Temperatures are warm year-round in Orlando and the Gulf Coast, but from March to May, Orlando sees temperatures of 26°C-31°C.

The Gulf Coast is similar, too, with highs of 28°C in Pensicola and 24°C in Naples in May.

Or plan your Orlando and Gulf Coast Florida multi-centre holiday for early December, after the rainy season ends and before the mid-winter rush. But, be warned, the theme parks will be busy with the holiday season spectaculars, so book early to avoid disappointment. December temperatures average at 24°C in Orlando and 18°C-25°C in the Gulf Coast, depending where you visit.

Most of Florida is generally 5 hours behind the UK, observing Eastern Standard Time (EST). This includes Orlando and much of the Gulf Coast. Some areas of Florida, including what is known as the Emerald Coast region of the Gulf Coast (from Panama City to Pensicola), are on Central Standard Time (CST), which is generally 6 hours behind the UK.

If you’re travelling in March or November, look out for when the time zones change to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and Central Daylight Time (CDT), as US clocks go forward or backward an hour on different Sundays than in the UK.

UK travellers can fly directly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) from the following British airports: London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), and Manchester Airport (MAN).

If you’re starting your twin-centre holiday in Florida’s Gulf Coast, there are plenty of airports to choose from, with anywhere from Fort Myers up to Clearwater easily accessed by the airports of Tampa, Sarasota and Fort Myers. From the UK, you can enjoy a direct flight to Tampa (TPA) from London Heathrow (LHR).

Orlando is within a relatively easy driving distance from much of the Gulf Coast — perfect for your multi-centre holiday to Orlando and Gulf Coast Florida.

The distance depends on where on the coastline you’re planning your visit. For example, Clearwater is 105 miles (just under a 2-hour drive) and Venice is 144 miles (approximately 2 hours 20 minutes). The Florida Panhandle Gulf Coast cities are further afield, with Panama City 357 miles away and Pensacola 450 miles (although you can fly from Orlando to Pensacola International Airport (PNS).

We are proud to offer guaranteed prices up to 36 months ahead of your multi-centre holiday. You can secure your perfect package with an initial low deposit today and pay the remainder of your holiday in monthly instalments.

Florida enjoys warm weather all-year-round, so you can never go wrong with packing t-shirts and shorts. Be sure to have comfy clothes for those days at the theme parks and swimwear for the water parks and beaches, as well as waterproofs if you’re visiting during the summer rainy season. 

Planning your visit for winter? Maybe park a light jacket or jumper, too; the nights can drop to 15°C in Orlando.

You can’t visit Orlando without a trip to at least one of the city’s famous theme parks. But with so much to see and do at each of them, allow us to share our favourite spots to help you plan your perfect itinerary.

First, Walt Disney World must be on the agenda. Possibly the world’s most iconic park, you’ll find a host of different parks and districts to discover, offering something for everyone. Little ones will love the wonder and fairy dust of the Magic Kingdom, home to those incredible parades, enchanting fireworks, and their favourite Disney characters. Wildlife-lovers, meanwhile, should head to the Animal Kingdom for exciting rides, safaris, and more.

Next up, Universal Studios, where you can ‘apparate’ into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Head to Diagon Alley™, explore Hogsmeade™, or join Hagrid™ as you fly beyond the grounds of the Hogwarts™ castle and deep into the Forbidden Forest. You can also cause mayhem with the Minions, crush through Krustyland with The Simpsons™, and save the city on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®.

SeaWorld Orlando and Legoland are also worth a visit… if you have the time!

Let us know what you and your family love, and we’ll help you create a tailor-made theme park itinerary just for you. Want to visit only Orlando? You can view all our Orlando multi-centre holidays here.

To put it simply: yes! Booking in advance can help save money (so you have more pennies to spend on snacks and souvenirs), plus you can enjoy exclusive benefits. For example, buy a 14-Day Magic Ticket and you’ll get a Park Hopper — allowing you to visit multiple parks on the same day; unlimited downloads of precious family photos with Memory Maker; and you can tee-up at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course!

Plan in some R&R with a beach day during your Orlando and Gulf Coast Florida multi-centre holiday, with a staggering 825 miles of beach to discover on Florida’s Gulf Coast. To help you narrow down which spots to visit, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites.

Starting in the North on Florida’s Panhandle, visit Blue Mountain Beach in South Walton and soak up the incredible natural beauty. Cross the sand dunes and you’ll be greeted with an unforgettable vista, then head down and relax on the sweeping white sands.

Next, head to Honeymoon Island State Park, just 8 miles North of Clearwater. Don’t worry, it’s not just for couples, but with such a stunning stretch of unspoiled beaches, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re on a private honeymooners’ island. We recommend this beach for swimming, fishing, or finding seashells, making it great for families.

A little further south is St. Pete Beach — named TripAdvisor’s “No.1 Beach in the U.S.” in 2021. With clear waters and pristine sands, plus plenty of spots to eat, drink, and shop, this family-friendly spot has everything you need for a great beach day.

Fort Myers Beach is also not to be missed. A watersports lover’s dream, you’ll enjoy snorkelling, kayaking, or even paddle boarding in the area’s tranquil waters. 

Finally, Venice Beach offers a great spot for a peaceful day on the sands. Little ones will love hunting for fossils while the adults laze on the shore.

Wherever you’re visiting on your multi-centre holiday to Orlando and Gulf Coast Florida, we highly recommend a trip to the incredible Everglades National Park. Known as one of the world’s “most beautiful natural assets”, there are 1.5 million acres to discover, with the parks accessed from multiple points across southern Florida. 

Spot the local wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, birds, and deer, or hire a canoe and take to the water. There’s even a science course for those who want to learn a little more about the park’s environment and nature — a great addition to your day out.