STEPPING through the floo network into the Ministry Of Magic, I feel like I’ve been transported straight on to the Harry Potter film set.
The attention to detail is next-level, even down to the sheer size of the building I’m standing in.
Surrounded by green subway tiles, ginormous gold ornate statues of magical creatures and hanging banners featuring some of Azkaban’s Most Wanted, the magic really has come alive.
So much so that, as a huge Potter fan, I find myself choking back tears.
Feeling Epic
My friends and I are at Epic Universe, which opened in Orlando last year.
After exploring 1920s Paris, Fantastic-Beasts-style, we head to Nintendo World to ride on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, where VR really does make me feel like I’ve been dropped into the game.
Later, in the How To Train Your Dragon zone, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a super-fun coaster I want to ride again and again.
However, nothing quite hits the adrenalin high of Stardust Racers – a mega coaster in the park’s centre that reaches speeds of 62mph and heights of up to 133 feet, with spins and turns aplenty.
All this excitement leaves us needing a tipple, and the best place to take in the view of the park at night with a glass of pale rosé, £13, in hand, is Bar Helios at the top of the Helios Grand Hotel.
We’re staying a five-minute shuttle ride away at Terra Luna Resort, which also opened last year.
Designed in the colours of the solar system, my room features a spaceship-style window looking out on to Epic Universe.
Double rooms at Terra Luna start from £119 per night (Universalorlando.com).
Walt a ride
Orlando is, of course, also home to Walt Disney World, where each park brings its own adventure.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, its new Zootopia: Better Zoogether! 4D film inside the Tree Of Life theatre entertains, and at EPCOT, I adore the thrills of “omnicoaster” Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, before sipping champers, £16, in the recreation of Paris and tucking into fish and chips, £10.75, in the park’s nod to England.
No trip would be complete without visiting Magic Kingdom, home to the Cinderella Castle, and we’re soon flying around on motorbike rollercoaster Tron Lightcycle.
The new night-time parade, Disney Starlight: Dream The Night Away, makes the already dazzling performance even more breathtaking, too (Disneyworld.co.uk).
Meanwhile, stepping into our villa at Villatel Orlando Resort brings back MTV Cribs vibes.
Located on International Drive, these sleek, modern, self-catering pads can sleep up to 26, and all have private pools – many even have cinema rooms.
There’s a large resort swimming pool, too, with water slides and a lazy river, which I sit beside, sipping frozen margaritas, £12.60, as I dive into a good book.
Stays at Villatel Orlando Resort cost from £48 per person per night (Villatel.com/villatel-orlando-resort).
That’s mall, folks!
One evening, we visit nearby entertainment complex Activate Orlando at Pointe Orlando, where teams face physical and mental challenges using interactive technology.
My favourite is one which involves dipping and dodging a network of lasers.
Hour-long sessions cost £22 per person (Playactivate.com/pointe-orlando).
It proves great fun and leaves us ravenous.
Luckily, Palm Tree Club Orlando close by offers a party atmosphere alongside delicious Lavender Hugo Spritzes, £12, rigatoni smothered in a vodka sauce, £14.80, and sides of charred broccolini, £9.60, which are a fitting reward for our energetic endeavours (@Palmtreecluborlando).
Orlando’s huge shopping malls are almost as famous as the theme parks, and as Fabulous’ Fashion Editor, it would be remiss of me not to visit one.
I pick The Mall At Millenia, home to designer boutiques and US faves Pottery Barn, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s (Mallatmillenia.com).
Yet I still end up buying a pair of boots from H&M for £35!
The real souvenir of my trip, however, is the magic feeling this city gave me, theme parks and all.
FYI
Plan your trip at Visitorlando.com.
Universal park tickets cost from £54 per person.
Disney park tickets cost from £75 per person.
UK flights to Orlando cost from £530 return.