Quite the newest, biggest and best development this year in Orlando is the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal. As soon as you walk through the entrance arch to the theme park, turn right. From the moment when you see the steam churning out of the funnel of the Hogwart’s Express, you will be all set for an amazingly realistic visit to Hogsmeade. To enter into the spirit of the whole thing, buy a magic wand from the old-fashioned shop before going into The Three Broomsticks and sampling Harry’s Hot Butterbeer. Don’t be surprised if you meet Harry, Ron or Hermione. After that, explore the castle. The Dragon Challenge is a great ride but there are others too. Lots of special effects will keep you on your toes.

Universal’s Flexiticket also gives visitors access to SeaWorld, where you can enjoy spectacular displays, including sealion shows and whales. This does not eclipse, though, all that nearby Disney World – with its six theme parks, including two water parks – has to offer. Blizzard Beach, amazing and unusual, is not to be missed and neither is Epcot.

You’ll find it difficult, too, to tear yourself away from Animal Kingdom, the world’s largest animal-themed park where you can enjoy lots of adventures and see a wide variety of animals. Stay at nearby Animal Kingdom Lodge, and watch giraffes wandering past your window. There is an authentic African feel to the lodge, to the extent that there will be a mosquito net tucked away behind the bed.

Also interesting are Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A visit behind the scenes gives an insight into how films and programmes are made. Stay on into the evening to watch the amazing firework displays.

But the big surprise to me was the other face of Florida, little known and therefore crowd free. First came Downtown Orlando, a pleasant place with tree-lined streets and lots of trendy eateries. As well as a full menu, The Black Olive serves wonderful seafood brought daily straight from the Atlantic Ocean. I, for one, much appreciated the great goblets of iced tea on every table.

Strolling along the street, you’ll come to the original train station. A must for railway buffs, it houses steam engines complete with impressive cowcatchers.

Next on your list could be the Mad Cow Theatre on Magnolia Avenue; it stages a wide range of productions. Sit at candlelit tables and enjoy cabaret or one of the big productions, such as The Broadway Boys.

If you head about 16 kilometres (10 miles) north on Interstate 4E (that’s right!), you’ll find yourself in the leafy little town of Winter Park. Still maintaining its original role as a haven for sunseekers in the winter, it is also a pleasant place to stroll with lots of small shops and boutiques. The sculptor Albin Polasek made his home here and you can visit, or even volunteer to work in, the gardens. If you are a fan of Tiffany artefacts, the Morse Museum is for you. A boat trip will take you through some of the six lakes, linked by shady canals. Here, as elsewhere in Florida, there is a profusion of flowers, plumbago, oleander and bougainvillea, with many others vying for attention.

Back in the world of theme parks, Loews Hard Rock Hotel is a good base for exploring Universal’s CityWalk, with its cafés and shops, as they are linked by a little footpath. If you don’t feel like walking, jump into a cycle rickshaw and a well-muscled rider will get you there in no time. Or, if you prefer, free and frequent boats will transport you.

Go in the other direction and you’ll come to Portofino, a replica of its Italian namesake. The waterfront is so like the original that, as I ate a pizza in the piazza, I had to pinch myself to remember that I was in the USA. But then – that is Orlando!

Fact file:

Virgin Atlantic flies from London Gatwick to Orlando twice a day. Visit www.virginatlantic.com

Also visit:
www.visitorlando.com/uk
www.universalorlando.com
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com
wwwmadcowtheatre.com
www.morsemuseum.org