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If you were one of the 12,000 people searching for ‘Orlando Holiday’ in the past three months, you might have been inspired by Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, ahead of the grand finale and lucky ‘place on the plane’ winners who will be jetting off to Universal Studios on Saturday 8th April.

Inspired by the Geordie duo, the experts at AttractionTickets.com have compiled the *ultimate* 14-day itinerary that allows you to get the very most out of your trip to the sunshine state.

Day 1: Relax & Adjust

You’ve just landed and the local time is 5 hours behind GMT, so take it easy and adjust to your surroundings. Most flights arrive in Orlando in the afternoon, so we’d suggest leaving the theme parks until tomorrow and spending your first night relaxing and getting ready for 13 days of fun.

Image credit: AttractionTickets.com

Day 2: Magic Kingdom Park (Walt Disney World Resort)

Home to the most rides of any of the four parks in Walt Disney World Resort, it's the perfect place to kickstart your trip – take your time and absorb the magic, spread across six lands, there really is so much to see here.

Day 3: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

World-class rides and beautiful animal encounters are just some of the key attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Race around the track on Cheetah Hunt, the park’s longest ride, or come face to face with the 80-foot-tall King Cobra on Cobra’s Curse. If you’re feeling brave enough, try the new Serengeti Flyer, the tallest and fastest of its kind in the world. Located about 1.5hrs drive outside of Orlando, it’s a long day so get an early start and pack plenty of delicious snacks for the journey.

Top tip

Be sure to try the Serengeti Safari Tour: Here you get up-close and personal with the wild habitat, you might even get to hand-feed a giraffe.

Day 4: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (Walt Disney World Resort)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is the biggest of the Disney parks spanning over 580 acres and home to around 1,700 animals – it’s the perfect place to spend the day getting closer to nature. Not only that, it features iconic rides such as Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, and you can meet iconic Disney characters in the finest jungle attire.

Top tip

Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. The slightly cooler weather usually means that the animals are more active than they are in the middle of the day.

Image credit: AttractionTickets.com

Day 5: Universal Studios Florida (Universal Orlando Resort)

One key thing to keep in mind is that if you stay at one of Universal’s Premier hotels, guests can get perks including passes to skip queues and early park admission.

At Universal Studios Florida you can jump right into the action of your favourite films and TV shows. Universal Studios is also home to several thrilling rides like Transformers: The Ride- 3D. Booking a 3 Park Explorer ticket gives you park-to-park access meaning you can jump between all 3 Universal parks in one day, but we recommend dedicating a whole day to each one for the maximum experience. Single day tickets are over $100 at the gate so you can save a lot of money by pre-booking multi-day tickets in advance.

Day 6: EPCOT (Walt Disney World Resort)

Discover the culture and cuisine of 11 different countries as you journey around the World Showcase in EPCOT. Try some traditional fish and chips in the United Kingdom Pavilion, quench your thirst with a German beer and indulge in some sweet treats at a French patisserie. If you’re up for a challenge, you can eat your way around the world, trying something from each country.

Day 7: And breathe…

Make room for a more relaxing day so that you don't run out of steam before the end of your holiday.

Whether you choose to enjoy a little retail therapy and souvenir shopping, at The Florida Mall or spend the day relaxing by the pool, there’s plenty of magic in taking a mid-holiday breather to recoup before you jump right back into the action tomorrow.

Image credit: AttractionTickets.com

Day 8: Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Walt Disney World Resort)

Prepare for an unmissable day of thrill seeking at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Home to some of the most famous Disney rides of all time including the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the heart-racing Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

Top tip

Arrive at this park early and ride the most popular attractions first before the queues start to build up. Most people will head to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land first, so Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway will often have shorter queues despite it being one of the park's newer rides.

Day 9: Universal’s Volcano Bay (Universal Orlando Resort)

This is the place where water park meets theme park, and luxurious relaxation shakes hands with thrilling attractions. The tropical paradise also promises little-to-no queuing thanks to the innovative TapuTapu wearable that lets you virtually wait in line (as well as triggering special effects throughout the park!)

The Krakatau Aqua Coaster is the main attraction, and sends guests racing through the heart of the park’s striking centrepiece – a 200-foot-tall Volcano!

Day 10: SeaWorld

SeaWorld Orlando combines the thrill of a theme park with the wow-factor of under-the-ocean animal encounters – ride on world-class roller coasters inspired by beautiful sea creatures, like Kraken and Mako, whilst getting closer to nature amongst the colourful aquariums.

Day 11: Universal’s Islands of Adventure (Universal Orlando Resort)

This park is home to The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man, The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Skull Island: Reign of Kong amongst plenty more. Any superhero fans will be at home here.

Image credit: AttractionTickets.com

Day 12: Discovery Cove

If you’re looking for a day away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, laze the day away at Discovery Cove. Whether you choose to relax on the white sandy beaches, swim with beautiful bottlenose dolphins, or explore the colourful Grand Reef, there is plenty to keep you entertained here.

Top tip

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort which means food, drink, alcoholic beverages, lockers, wetsuits, towels and a souvenir snorkel are all included with your tickets.

Day 13: The Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter

There are two lands dedicated to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter spanning both parks in the Universal Orlando Resort, so you might need an extra day to dedicate to all the immersive experiences and attractions on offer, especially if you’re a big fan. Head to Universal Studios to explore Diagon Alley, before getting the Hogwarts Express to the village of Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Top tip

Play this day by ear. If you have an Orlando Freedom Ticket, you have the flexibility to park hop or revisit one of your favourite parks from your holiday again at your leisure.

Day 14: Tick Something Off Your Bucket List

Why not end your trip on a high (literally!) with an unforgettable hot air balloon flight over Orlando? If you’re not keen on taking to the skies yourself, watch the professionals do it, and witness an extraordinary live rocket launch at the Kennedy Space Center.

For more information on the Orlando Freedom Ticket, or for individual tickets and packages, visit the AttractionTickets.com site.

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If you grew up watching The Little Mermaid and Cinderella, then it was probably your dream to get married in Disney, under the enchanted castle and above all the fairy lights.

Disney World in Orlando made this dream possible to many brides last year, but now the theme park is taking it up a notch by making weddings available to couples after dark.

Yep, starting in early 2017, you can say 'I do' in the Magic Kingdom in front of 300 guests, just as the sun sets.

And after the ceremony, which you can customise 'til your heart's content, you can spend the rest of the evening celebrating in Fantasyland.

Sounds pretty amazing, right? But that's when the money comes in. 

If you want all of this, the most basic package price is $180,000 (€164,000) and a Disney rep told Huffington Post that it only goes up from there.

Our dreams will come true… someday…

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Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas proved they are all heart over the weekend as they treated employees from Pulse nightclub in Orlando to a very special concert.

A Facebook post on the club’s account yesterday revealed that the former Disney stars surprised the venue’s staff with free tickets to their sell-out show and to a meet and greet before it began.

The post – which was accompanied by a picture of those involved – said: “Nick Jonas & Demi Lovato, thank you for making the Pulse family smile #onepulse #orlandostrong #pulseorlando.”

A later share showed staff members in a human pyramid and was captioned: “We will rise and not be defeated! #onepulse #pulseorlando.”

According to TMZ, around 30 employees were also given a private suite at the Amway Centre where the concert was being held.

During the show, Demi and Nick – who are currently travelling together as part of their joint Honda Civic Tour – again paid tribute to those lost in what’s been called the worst mass shooting in US history.

As they were joined on stage by Andra Day to sing Rise Up, the names and ages of the Orlando shooting victims were shown on a big screen.

The move comes almost a month after lone gunman Omar Mateen took the lived of 49 people when he opened fire in the popular gay nightclub.

 

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Last week after the Orlando shootings, author JK Rowling took to Twitter to express her grief at learning Harry Potter worker Luis Vielma had been killed in the attack at Pulse nightclub.

At the time the author was praised for the compassion she showed towards 22-year-old Luis and his family but according to People the Harry Potter creator did more than just send a tweet.

JK Rowling also sent a wreath of red roses and carnations to the deceased’s friends and family with a handwritten note attached which said: “To Luis, who died for love…You will never be forgotten.”

A friend of Luis, Alma Almaraz Retana told BuzzFeed: “It was a beautiful gesture to see JK tweet about him…and when I walked in to church and saw the beautiful flowers that she has sent I knew he was in heaven dancing of happiness.”

Luis worked at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios while also studying to become a physical therapist.

According to his obituary: "Luis loved Star WarsStar TrekHarry Potter, and science fiction."

"He loved being able to go and be part of that every day he worked.  There was no greater experience for him at this time." 

This is not the first time the British writer has offered her support to those affected by extreme violence.

In 2014, she sent a letter from Albus Dumbledore to Texas shooting survivor Cassidy Stay who lost her parents and siblings in the attack.

Feat image: AP

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TV personality, Kelly Osbourne, has taken to Instagram to debut some very special ink.

The 31-year-old's latest post shows her new “Solidarity” tattoo, which is uniquely placed on the side of her partially shaved head.

In the accompanying caption – which includes a definition of the word "solidarity" – Kelly explains how she had been thinking of getting the tattoo for a long time, but was inspired to do so by the Orlando tragedy.

She wrote: “I have wanted to get this tattoo for a long time. The tragedy in Orlando devastated me and reminded me that every moment of our lives is precious. Every human is precious.”

“Love hard. Live gracefully, authentically and with conviction, respect, purpose and compassion. Together we achieve what is impossible to those who stand alone.”

“Those of us who embrace and respect freedom stand together, progress together, celebrate together and grieve together. You are not alone.”

 

#FearlessAndProud Happy Pride : @jeremykoststudio

A photo posted by Kelly Osbourne (@kellyosbourne) on

The post appeared on the Dancing with the Stars contestant’s social media account last night and has since received over 25,000 likes.

Kelly is one of a host of stars to pay tribute to the 49 people killed in an Orlando nightclub last weekend.

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A toddler is missing in Florida after seemingly being taken by an alligator at his hotel near the Disney World resort. 

US authorities led by the Florida Fish and Wildlife, Reedy Creek Fire Rescue, and the Sheriff’s Office, are desperately searching for the two-year-old, who was snatched at around 9.20pm local time.

It is being reported that the boy was dragged into the Seven Seas Lagoon near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

The child's Nebraska-based family of five was relaxing on the shoreline when the alligator attacked.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that his father entered the water and tried to grab the child from the animal, but was unsuccessful. He had scratches on his arms after the ordeal.

Rose Silva, spokeswoman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed recently that the child has still not been found.

Witnesses say the reptile was more than 2metres long.

The search continues this morning.

 

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Singer-songwriter Adele is well known for her emotional performances, but her concert in Belgium last night was particularly poignant as she struggled to fight back tears while speaking about yesterday's mass shooting in Orlando.

The Hello singer dedicated her entire performance to those killed when lone gunman Omar Mateen opened fire in popular gay nightclub Pulse in the early hours of Sunday morning, killing 50 and wounding 53.

She said: “I would like to start tonight by dedicating this entire show to everybody in Orlando and at Pulse nightclub last night.”

“The LGBT community…they’re like my soulmates since I was really young,” she explained.

The Grammy-winner's voice wavered with emotion as she spoke and she eventually turned away from her audience and cried for a moment before composing herself and continuing her show.

Adele is one of a series of well-known faces – including Adam Lambert and JK Rowling – to voice their upset over the incident.

Last night’s Tony Awards ceremony was also devoted to those who lost loved ones in the attack, with host James Corden paying tribute to those who died in his opening speech.

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Since the Orlando gun attack on Saturday night, people around the world have been expressing their shock, grief and condolences online.

Now, author JK Rowling has shared her devastation over the death of Luis Vielma – a 22-year-old victim who worked on the Harry Potter ride at Universal Studios.

The British novelist tweeted: “Luis Vielma worked on the Harry Potter ride at Universal.  He was 22 years old.  I can’t stop crying. #Orlando.”

A colleague of Luis then tweeted the author letting her know that Luis was a Gryffindor and that another Universal staff member is still in intensive care after the attack which left 50 people dead and 53 injured.

The message read: “I worked with Luis he was a gryffindor who would make you proud.  We have a slytherin who’s still in icu.  His name is Tony.”

The Harry Potter creator responded by saying: “I’m praying Tony pulls through.  My thoughts are with all of you #LoveIsLove #Orlando."

 

Harry Potter fans are now showing their solidarity with victims of the attack by sharing quotes and images online accompanied by the hashtag Orlando.

 

 

 

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On Saturday, Late Late Show presenter James Corden revealed he was feeling anxious about hosting his first Tony Awards ceremony this weekend.

And as news of the worst mass shooting in US history broke that night, the British comedian's task was made all the more difficult.

Yesterday afternoon a tweet was posted to the Tony's official Twitter account stating that the entire ceremony would be dedicated to those affected by the mass shooting which left 50 people dead and 53 injured.

It read: “Our hearts are heavy for the unimaginable tragedy that happened last night in Orlando.  Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected.  The Tony Awards dedicate tonight’s ceremony to them.”

And 37-year-old James met the challenge perfectly as he paid tribute to the victims of the Orlando shooting in his opening speech.

With his back to the audience, speaking directly to the camera, he said: "On behalf of the whole theatre community and every person in this room, our hearts go out to all of those affected by this atrocity. All we can say is you are not on your own right now. Your tragedy is our tragedy.”

“Theatre is a place where every race, creed, sexuality and gender is equal, is embraced and is loved."

“Hate will never win. Together we have to make sure of that. Tonight’s show stands as a symbol and a celebration of that principle. This is the Tony Awards."

Numerous attendees on the night were spotted wearing a special translucent ribbon in remembrance of the victims of the attack.

Among them was How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris and Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett.

Centre Image: Evan Agostini

Feat Image: Getty

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