We are travelling to Orlando for our summer holiday and we couldn’t be more thrilled. I’ve visited Orlando several times and every trip has been different, making it one of my top family holiday destinations. In Florida it feels as though the sun is almost always shining, apart from the occasional cooling downpour which is refreshingly welcome.

We can’t wait to have a break from everyday life and experience the massive range of activities that are just not possible in the Yorkshire climate. We’ll be visiting the four SeaWorld parks; SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark. Amongst other things we’ll be swimming with dolphins, watching shows in the parks, feeding giraffes on the Serengeti Safari, trying out new roller coasters and visiting some old favourites too.

Excitement has been palpable in the Driver household in the past few weeks in preparation for our holiday. The 10 year old has thoroughly researched, on You Tube, the newest SeaWorld roller coaster, Mako, which covers two of his favourite things in the world – sharks and speed. Meanwhile the 12 year old is eagerly hoping to realise her dream of swimming with a dolphin, something she never thought she’d get chance to do.

Orlando is the ‘Theme Park Capital of the World’ and although theme parks aren’t everyone’s cup of tea I’ve found that there is something for everyone from the daring thrill-seekers to the more laid back sedentary sort.

Away from the parks you can enjoy a game of golf, go horse riding and take an airboat ride. Orlando has hundreds of lakes perfect for the 12 year old’s most recent hobby, which she discovered during a recent camping trip, fishing. She’s yet to catch anything, so I hope she’ll have better luck in Orlando than on our camping trip to the Lake District.

Because I’m ever so slightly obsessed with food I am really looking forward to eating authentic southern food. Dining in Orlando always feels far more relaxed and as an adventurous family, with one super fussy eater, we know that we’ll all be catered for.  The three more intrepid members of the Driver family are looking forward to discovering new restaurants, while our fussy eater will spend his time trying to find THE perfect burger.

We’ll be stopping by shopping malls on International Drive, before we head home, to bag some bargains, and for a hit of air conditioning. We’re contemplating buying another suitcase while out there to bring back the inevitable shoe/clothes/handbag haul. The malls in Florida are vast so it’s a good idea to have a list of the things you need, and make sure you have plenty of refreshment breaks where you can take time out to rest your feet! We also fancy visiting the new I-Drive 360 retail park which is home to The Orlando Eye (I’d love to see the theme parks in all their glory from high up!).

Most of all during our trip to Orlando we’re looking forward to us spending quality family time together, creating new memories, trying new things and taking part in activities that we wouldn’t normally have access to at home.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.