What to Know Before You Go
What to Know Before You Go
What's New at Florida Theme Parks
When the world went on pause during 2020, so did many projects across Florida's theme parks. However, with world tourism now revived, you can expect new rides, restaurants, renovations and themes to arrive in time for your 2026 holiday. Here are a few of our favourites...
At
Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Park, the highly anticipated TRON Lightcycle/Run has finally launched. Reaching speeds of nearly 60 miles per hour, it is one of Disney's fastest-ever rides, racing through a digital frontier both indoors and out that brings the TRON film franchise to life.
At Disney's
EPCOT park, citizens of Earth are invited to explore the wonders of planet Xander aboard the brand new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Specially filmed footage featuring Rocket, Groot, Gamora, and the Star-Lord himself has already helped make this attraction a fan favourite. Plus, when you are rotating at 360 degrees and reverse launching, you will be experiencing the first Disney ride of its kind.
Staying at Disney's EPCOT, Journey of Water is set to open in late 2023. This will be Disney’s first Moana-based attraction and invites guests to explore an interactive maze of water that promotes the preservation of the natural world. Plus, the chance to catch a glimpse of the glorious Te Fiti will undoubtedly please all Moana fans.
Meanwhile, over at
Universal Orlando Resort, one of the best rides in recent years has been the addition of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™ at
Universal's Island of Adventure. First, you choose whether you want the motorbike seat or the sidecar before being driven deep into the wilderness of Forbidden Forest and beyond the grounds of Hogwarts Castle on a whirlwind adventure that starts and ends in sixth gear.
We also love Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal's Island of Adventure. This apex predator or rides launches you 155 feet into the air before plummeting 140 feet at a hair-raising speed of 70 miles per hour. That makes Jurassic World VelociCoaster the fastest ride at Universal Orlando Resort and a must for all thrill seekers.
Better yet, by the time of your 2026 Florida holiday, there should be a whole new Universal Orlando theme park. Epic Universe was originally planned to open in 2023 but is now set to open by the summer of 2025. Situated on 750 acres, Epic Universe will also offer hotels, shops, and dining options.
Best Orlando Hotels for 2026
During times like these, where every penny counts, we're pleased to say there's a new Orlando hotel that not only offers a prime location next to Disney but offers bang for your buck.
The Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando is an Official Walt Disney World Hotel partner hotel that delivers exceptional amenities, comfortable accommodations and free meals.
Ocean Florida guests also receive free parking, and what's more, there is no resort fee to pay. Surrounding hotels charge up to $39 per night plus tax, so this often overlooked expense is a game changer.
For a longstanding Orlando hotel with enduring popularity, consider the
Blue Tree Resort at Lake Buena Vista. This award-winning resort is a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel and is set amid 16 acres of lush landscapes and exceptional on-site amenities. Or if Universal Orlando Resort is more your style, look no further than their
Endless Summer Resort. Inspired by sand, sea and sunsets, this wallet-friendly hotel offers the perfect combination of laidback coastal vibes only five minutes drive from the thrills of theme parks.
For any other Florida hotels near or far from Orlando's theme parks,
check out more of our most popular options here.
Best Orlando Area Villas for 2026
Across our collection of over 2,000 Florida villas, there's a home for every kind of holiday. To give you some inspiration, see a few of our most popular Orlando villa communities below.
Best for families with small children - ChampionsGate Resort
ChampionsGate lies on 900 acres of pristine greenery, providing not just a tropical home with a private pool but access to the luxurious Oasis Club, featuring almost all the amenities you could imagine. However, the resort's standout feature for young families is the Oasis Kids Club. Here, kids can not only play but discover new things to capture their attention - including the chance to engage with an array of motor skill toys, colouring books, mini construction sets, board games, reading books, and gaming consoles.
Best for large groups - Solterra Resort
Solterra Resort offers a vast collection of 10 to 14-bedroom homes and leisure facilities designed to accommodate large gatherings. From the resort clubhouse to the community swimming pool to the waterpark to the hot tub - here, bigger really is better.
Best wallet-friendly option - BellaVida Resort
BellaVida Resort is a prime location for a wallet-friendly villa holiday that prioritises peaceful, nature-filled surroundings over extravagant resort amenities. Located just 8 miles from Walt Disney World, the resort is nested among 15 acres of calm lakes, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of southern Europe that is completed by its cosy Mediterranean-style homes.
Best for luxury - Reunion Resort
Reunion Resort offers all the holiday worth having, boasting three PGA golfing greens, rolling meadows, and grand mansions that are more often seen in MTV Cribs. Inside your home, prepare to indulge in amenities such as home cinemas, indoor bowling alleys and virtual indoor golf.
Disney’s Park Reservations Update
In recent years, Disney parkgoers have had to reserve their visit in advance. However, from 9th January 2024, this step is no longer needed for those with date-based tickets, i.e. ones that require a start date at the purchasing stage.
To save time and money, we also recommend pre-booking your tickets, whether it’s for parks, experiences or shows. There are exclusive benefits for UK holidaymakers, such as Disney 14-day Magic Ticket for the price of a Disney 7-day Magic Ticket when you book in advance with us.
Should I Rent a Car in Florida?
Whether it's best to hire a car in Florida often depends upon where you are staying and your travel interest. If you’re planning a Florida villa holiday, car rental is both convenient and economical. However, there are some villa resorts – such as Encore Club at Reunion – that offer free shuttle services to major attractions.
On-site Universal and Disney hotels provide in-resort complimentary shuttle services as standard. And Florida’s Amtrak rail service is also an option for travelling around the state, but it lacks the freedom to go exactly where you want, when you want.
The good news is that reasonable car hire prices have returned now that demand is back and stocks have been replenished post the pandemic.
We offer
Fly Drive holidays with 24-hour roadside assistance, free drop-offs, and comprehensive coverage.
Better yet, we now proudly offer Brightline train tickets for your Florida holiday. This new high-speed train line lets you travel from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and more upcoming destinations onboard the fastest train in Florida.
Just get in touch with our Travel Specialists today, and we can help you see the USA your way. 
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