Destination guide
Orlando with kids: Disney, Universal and Florida family fun
Orlando is still the gold standard for a first big family holiday abroad. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort sit side by side — here’s how we help UK families get both parks, pools and downtime in the right order.
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When to go
Florida sunshine is reliable most of the year, but heat and crowds change the feel of the trip. School holidays are busy — especially Easter, July and Christmas — so book parks and hotels early. For shorter queues, aim for late winter or autumn half-term if you can flex. Hurricane season runs roughly June to November; we’ll talk through insurance and flexible tickets.
Walt Disney World
Four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom), plus water parks and Disney Springs. Ideal for younger children and anyone who wants classic character moments, parades and fireworks. On-site resorts bring early park entry and the easiest mornings with little ones.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal is a full resort destination in its own right — not an afterthought. UK families often come for the thrills and stay for the theming:
- Universal Studios Florida — movie-based rides, shows and the Wizarding World Diagon Alley side
- Islands of Adventure — bigger coasters, Hogsmeade and lands that suit older kids and teens
- Epic Universe — Universal’s newest park (check opening and ticket options for your dates)
- Volcano Bay — the on-site water park for a splash day between coasters
Universal hotels can include Exclusive Park Access / early entry benefits depending on the property. We’ll weigh Disney vs Universal hotel bases against your park mix and budget.
Where to stay
- Disney resort area — simplest for Magic Kingdom mornings and little ones
- Universal Orlando hotels — best if Universal and Volcano Bay are the priority
- International Drive — flexible middle ground with plenty of food options
- Kissimmee / Celebration — often better villa value for larger families
Beyond the parks
- Kennedy Space Center for a memorable day with older children
- Cocoa Beach or another Atlantic beach day away from queues
- Resort pool mornings so nobody burns out
Practical tips from Aaron
- Aaron can include Disney and Universal tickets (and any Express / Lightning options) in your package — tell him what you need when you ask for a quote.
- Alternate “big park” days with gentler mornings — Orlando rewards pacing.
- Pack refillable bottles, sun cream and comfy shoes.
- Factor in jet lag: a late arrival plus an early park day is a recipe for tears.
We don’t quote made-up “from” prices — Orlando packages swing with school holidays and ticket type. Once we know your dates and who’s travelling, you’ll get a clear personalised quote.
Photo credits: Theme Park Tourist · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0); Gzzz · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0); Benoît Prieur · Wikimedia Commons (CC0).
Tickets and extras: Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort park tickets, Express/Lightning options, water-park days, Kennedy Space Center, transfers and selected excursions can all be built into your package — you don’t have to buy them separately. Tell Aaron what you want included when you ask for a quote.
Why book with Cuxton Holidays
We’re a home-based travel agency in Rochester, Kent, trading under Travel by Inspire. You deal with Aaron from the first chat to the day you come home — no call centres. We’ll build a trip around your dates, budget and how you like to travel.
Ready for Orlando?
Tell us who’s travelling, when you’d like to go and what matters most. Aaron will reply personally with ideas and a free quote.
Get a free personalised quote for Orlando
Or call 0333 032 3409 · sales@cuxtonholidays.co.uk
FAQs
Should we do Disney, Universal, or both?
Many UK families split the trip: a few days at Walt Disney World and a few at Universal Orlando Resort. We’ll match ticket types to ages and how intense you want the thrills.
What is Epic Universe?
Epic Universe is Universal’s newest park in Orlando, alongside Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay. Availability depends on your dates — Aaron will check what’s open and ticketed when you travel.
How many days do we need?
Most UK families are happiest with 10–14 nights. That covers several park days across Disney and Universal, a water-park or beach day, and quieter pool mornings.
When is the best time for UK families?
Late February to early April and mid-September to mid-November usually mean nicer queues. School holidays work if you book early and plan indoor breaks.
