Flying from the UK to Orlando International airport we completed our visa forms, collected our automatic hire car from Avis and took a half hour drive to a well-equipped house close to the Disney resorts. The roads in Florida are wide and straight and when you visit you'll find it less daunting than you think. Driving on the right hand side is a little different but not difficult. Our two week trip offered us plenty of time to relax and spread out our theme park visits. We purchased our passes back in the UK as it saved us queuing when we arrived. Early visits to theme parks proved a success and the evening firework displays are a must for any first visit. Ten day hopper passes offer good value and we'd recommend them as they allow you to try out different parks each day and return again during your holiday. The resorts tend to be quieter outside of the months of April, June-August or December as these months coincide with US holidays (Easter, July 4th, Christmas, New Year). The weather can be great any time of the year - in the south it's seldom cold. January is the coolest month (though temperatures can still reach 76F) whilst the hottest months are June to September with high humidity. June to September are also the wettest months and the hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th.

If you're addicted to shopping then Florida has the usual designer outlets and some real bargains. Clothes can be a third cheaper than back home and we've even brought back large items on the plane at no extra cost.

Eating out is a real experience and although you'll probably want to try something different from McDonalds you'll find that the US setup is totally alien from what you see in the UK. There's even a salad bar! Logans is a super steak restaurant and if you have children they will love the Rainforest Cafe in downtown Disney. Portions can be huge so if you want to save the waistline there are some novel excuses not to eat all that you're served such as "I'm on medication" or "I'm pregnant and the baby can only take so much". (I think the second excuse should only be used by women!).

It's true to say that the sights and sounds around you will stimulate the senses and prevent boredom from setting in. Everything is bigger, if not better, in the US and when you visit stand back to be amazed. Theme parks just cannot be covered in a day as each covers several acres. Magic Kingdom takes at least two days and you can enjoy live shows and a brilliant dinosaur ride. Animal kingdom is fabulous and MGM and Universal studios are also worth a visit. Take a trip to Typhoon Lagoon and if you really want to escape the theme parks try the Kennedy Space Centre or the Everglades. Florida is well known for its wildlife wonders - read the fabhols feature.

All in all you'll have a great holiday.

Fab Tips 1) Go to Walmart for genuine Disney tee-shirts as they are much cheaper.
2) Service is great in restaurants and you should tip at a rate of 10-15%.
3) Take travellers cheques in dollars. Shops will accept the cheques as currency and you'll get your change back in hard cash. This will save you commission charges.
4) Make sure you have at least 6 months left on your passport by the date you'll be returning.
5) Hire a car - we found Avis and Dollar car hire companies just great.
6) Purchase theme park passes at home to save queuing.