Ok, I know I often write about “exotic” locales that are on your dream list (like Galapagos in Ecuador, Machu Picchu in Peru, Thailand, or South Africa) and places that perhaps you hadn’t even thought of as somewhere to take a holiday (e.g. El Salvador or Tunisia). And I love those places.

But there’s something to be said for destinations that are more well known (there are times we all need a relaxing all-inclusive on the beach in Mexico!). And one of those destinations is Orlando.

Those of you who know me know that I’m a huge Harry Potter fan, so of course you know I was going to adore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal. I visited back when phase I opened and went again in fall 2019 to see phase II. It’s mind-blowing! I was also really impressed with the new Star Wars park at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Orlando had so much to offer beyond the theme parks too. Here are two articles published this week, with more to come:

• Unexpected Universal Orlando Resort, about things that delighted me at Universal, including how to unlock the secret playlist on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit rollercoaster (for Canadian Traveller’s winter 2019-20 supplement).
• For Matador Network, 7 exciting tasting flights if you’re over beer and wine, featuring deliciousness from several Orlando eateries.

And some older articles on Orlando:

• Two different FastPass systems for Disney parks, about California and Florida parks, for USA Today’s 10Best.
• Monday nights in Orlando 2018, for USA Today’s Travel Tips.
• US vacations in February, for USA Today’s Travel Tips, with a mix of places to go in the second month of the year (and any time). My suggestions are, for warm weather, Orlando, Florida, Gold Country, California and Texas indoor waterparks; for early spring weather, Hot Springs, Arkansas, Lexington, Virginia, and Seattle; and celebrating winter in Madison, Wisconsin and Ann Arbor, Michigan.
• Theme park treats: the weird and wonderful things you can find Walt Disney World and Universal Studios
• My opinionated review of thrill rides in Orlando’s Disney parks and at Universal Studio’s Islands of Adventure (pre-Wizarding World phase II, so I can’t tell you what it’s like inside Gringotts).