14/09/2026
🇺🇸✨ EILIDH'S ORLANDO FAM TRIP ✨🇺🇸
I’ve just returned from an amazing 5 night Orlando Fam Trip with our fab supplier Yalago and what a trip it was! 🎢🌴 Here’s a little look at what I got up to…
✈️ DAY 1 – ARRIVING IN ORLANDO
I met up with the group at London Gatwick, having stayed overnight at the Hilton, which is just a few minutes walk from the terminal... perfect for an early start!
We flew direct into Orlando’s new Terminal C and got through pretty smoothly before checking into Universal’s Stella Nova Resort.
That evening was Halloween Horror Nights at Universal! 👻🎃
I’ll be honest… I’m a BIG chicken 😂 so while the rest of the group tackled 4 haunted houses, I decided the coasters were a much safer option! I managed The Mummy and Gringotts which were much more my cup of tea!
🎢 DAY 2 – UNIVERSAL STUDIOS & ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE
A full day exploring both Universal parks, with Express Pass making a HUGE difference. We barely queued more than 10 minutes for anything!
I managed Hagrid’s, Hulk, VelociCoaster, Forbidden Journey and plenty more. Some absolutely brilliant rides!
We then had a hosted dinner at Rosen Shingle Creek and the steak was honestly some of the best food I’ve ever had! 🥩 We also got a sneak peek at some of their newly renovated rooms.
🌎 DAY 3 – EPIC UNIVERSE
Having visited Orlando last year shortly after it opened, it was fantastic to finally experience it once the 'new park crowds' had settled. Again, Express Pass was a game changer.
Mine Cart Madness had an 185 minute standby wait… we were on in just 16 minutes! 🤯
My personal favourite was How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. The rides are fantastic and I think this land is a little underrated!
We finished the day with dinner at Hard Rock Cafe on CityWalk. 🎸
💦 DAY 4 – VOLCANO BAY & VILLATEL
After a few hectic days, we slowed things down with a morning at Volcano Bay. Even without Express, most of the slides were only around 5–10 minutes, so we had a lovely relaxing time floating around the lazy river and trying some of the slides. 🌴
We then checked into Villatel Resort and had a tour of the resort and villas.
Our 4 bedroom villa was absolutely beautiful and SO spacious. 🏡 It would be perfect for families or groups, with water slides, a lazy river, sports courts and a kids’ playground - plus it’s only around 10 minutes from Universal.
We finished the day with dinner at Divina Carne Brazilian Steakhouse. 🥩🔥
🏰 DAY 5 – DISNEY!
The longest day of the trip… but definitely one of my favourites!
With a 1 day Park Hopper ticket, we started in Magic Kingdom, taking in the atmosphere, the Dapper Dans and all those classic Disney sights, sounds and smells. ❤️
We managed TRON, Space Mountain and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure before hopping over to EPCOT for Guardians of the Galaxy, Soarin’ and Ratatouille.
We also walked around the World Showcase and got to experience the Food & Wine Festival 🍴🍷 with all the food and drink stands around the park. Some of the group even got to try some exclusive drinks, which was a nice little bonus!
Then back to Magic Kingdom on the monorail for the new Starlight Parade... WOW! 🤩
We finished with Happily Ever After fireworks, which were absolutely incredible and definitely a bit of a tear jerker! 🎆
🛍️ DAY 6 – SHOPPING & HOME
Our final morning was spent at the Orlando Premium Outlets… and yes, I definitely did some damage! 😂🛍️
Then it was back to Villatel to check out before heading to the airport for our flight home.
🇺🇸 WHAT A TRIP!
I’ve come home with loads of new ideas, tips and most importantly, first hand experience that I can now use to help you plan your own Orlando holiday.
From theme parks and villas to hotels, Express Passes, dining and everything in between - if Orlando is on your bucket list, please get in touch with me 🎢✈️❤️
- Eilidh 🫶
