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Florida really does promise the Moon

10th April 202610th April 2026 funtime65

Everything they say is possible in the Happiest Place on Earth and America‘s most cosmic state but Florida really does promise the Moon, particularly this weekend.

As the four Artemis II astronauts head home after travelling farther from Earth than anyone in history.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is inviting holidaymakers to enjoy a space adventure of their own – in Florida!

Where their mission started at the start of this month from the Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39B.

And where we’ve been seeing those out of this world pictures and feeds.

Now Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is, I don’t have to tell you, at an hour’s drive from Orlando, is the closest you can get to space without leaving Earth.

Where you can stand where real missions launch, though obviously not in live time (yet).

Fly me to the moon

Guests can get a hands-on feel for the story of humans in space.

Through thrilling simulators, behind-the-scenes tours, interactive exhibits, and larger-than-life 3D space films.

From standing nose‑to‑nose with the legendary Space Shuttle Atlantis and feeling the rumble of lift‑off on the Shuttle Launch Experience.

To walking beneath the awe‑inspiring Saturn V Moon rocket at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

The complex brings NASA’s most iconic achievements to life.

In The Rocket Garden, Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

And the chance too to meet a real NASA astronaut.

The magic bus

Door to other worlds: Kennedy Space Center

Now while the showcase transport at Kennedy is obviously the rocket it is reassuring to see that there will always be a need for the humble bus.

And your Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour will take guests behind the gates of America’s most storied spaceport.

And offer you an up‑close look at the restricted areas where space history has been – and continues to be – made.

Guests travel through NASA’s working launch facilities.

Passing the Vehicle Assembly Building and the Launch Complex 39 – the very site from which Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen left Earth.

For their ten‑day journey around the Moon, complete with their own loo challenges.

Then there is The Gantry at LC‑39, a reimagined observation gantry offering 360° views across active launch pads.

And NASA’s working spaceport, placing guests at the heart of the action.

Build your own rocket

To infinity and beyond: Buzz for kids & big kids

Visitors can design and virtually launch their own rocket at the Rocket Build Interactive, feel the intensity of a Test Fire Simulation.

For a glimpse what lies ahead, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex showcases the spacecraft, missions and innovations defining the next era of exploration.

Guests can explore a range of modern spacecraft, interact with robotic explorers, peer into the James Webb Holotube, and board Spaceport KSC.

For one of four motion‑theatre ‘journeys’ to destinations such as Mars, Saturn and the Horsehead Nebula.

Thrillseekers can push the experience even further with the New Shepard Flight to Space simulator, the and Hyperdeck VR Mission Moon.

Which is a high‑intensity, multi‑sensory virtual reality adventure which sees four players compete with one another in a race across the lunar surface.

And all for very little of your Earth money

And new for 2026 is Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure.

An original live show that brings the Fraggles face-to-face with NASA’s real-life space explorers.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex also offers the closest public viewing of live rocket launches.

Giving guests the chance to witness real spacecraft lift-off from just a few miles away.

And all of this without breaking your piggy bank of earth money, with single-day admission at $77 per adult, $67 per child.

And a two-day ticket available for $91 per adult and $81 per child. For more information on Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

And, of course, Orlando is an airline hub and is well-served with other other-worldly attractions like Pluto who is still miffed that he doesn’t share his name with a planet any more.

America, Countries

Harry Birthday to JK Rowling, happy birthday to you

31st July 202531st July 2025 funtime65

And because Potterheads always make me smile we raise a glass on your 60th birthday and say Harry Birthday to JK Rowling, happy birthday to you.

Now we imagine that JK gets whatever she wants around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.

And would have no need for a birthday pin announcing to everybody that it was her special day, and a very good number 60 is too.

But you should as it will afford you extra good will going around Universal Studios and even a sprinkling of magic.

Such as when you visit Ollivanders Wand Shop on Diagon Alley.

And you catch the eye of Ollivander himself as he encourages the wand to find you as its owner, in front of the gathered shoppers.

Just like my old colleague Emma Jane, now an esteemed political editor, but then, and probably still a Potterhead first.

Whose mouth fell when Ollivander chose her, or rather the wand did.

And all without it being her birthday too.

Be our guest

Now Emma Jane being the honest journo that she is would never have thought of blagging her birthday date anyway.

And nor would you because we’re the good guys here.

So when you visit Guest Services inside of either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure be honest with them if it actually is your special day.

As they won’t check your driving licence or passport.

Let Universal entertain you

Check out your hotel: The Loews Portofino

Birthday boys and girls (of all ages) will also be spoiled in any of the restaurants in CityWalk but carry age verification here.

Some outlets have birthday clubs where you could get a discount or freebie that you can use on or around your birthday.

But be sure to send an email you can print out or show on your phone to get your deal.

While it is also letting your Orlando hotel know that it’s your special day.

Drink up: And Emma Jane is ready to get her sip

Now today’s birthday heroine never needs to worry about a dime or a penny again.

But still her memory of her hardships, trying to make ends meet as a single mother while inventing a boy wizard in an Edinburgh cafe to magic her up in the world have never left her.

So Harry Birthday to JK Rowling, happy birthday to you.

America, Countries, Music

The stage at the Rising Star Karaoke Bar

1st July 20251st July 2025 funtime65

I was set up, not for the first time, when Bev from Glasgow took the stage at the Rising Star karaoke bar in CityWalk Orlando.

I blame our hosts Visit Orlando and our party PRs Natalie and Fiona, who kept refilling our shots glasses when our backs were turned.

Bev ‘Lady’ Lyons and I had formed a bond being the only two Scots in our international party of travel writers to the Sunshine State and were poring through the music menu.

To pick what tracks we would sing up there on the stage with the professionals.

If I’d have had my wits about me I would have sussed out that Bev might have sung before.

When she said her Karaoke go-to was The Carpenters.

Rolling down the river

But there was no mistaking that Bev was well practised in performing.

When she introduced herself to the 2,000 crowd as ‘Bev from Glasgow’.

And launched into a rendition of Proud Mary, complete with motions, that would have done well Tina Turner, well proud.

With the sounds of encore ringing out the next act was called up to sing Lady Marmalade.

Only for that someone to be your tone-deaf favourite Bandanaman who proceeded to murder the song.

Of course, the fun-loving Floridians are always there to give you a gee-up.

And the Emcee called on the audience to give me a big cheer as ‘a dude doing a girl’s song.’

Mr Brightside Bandanaman

Not put off, though, I was back for more with an equally vocally challenged colleague, Eoin, later in the week to mangle Mr Brightside.

Eoin, the then-showbiz editor of our esteemed newspaper titles did put a spin on it.

When he met Brandon Flowers on tour.

Only for The Great Man to shoot his eyes up to heaven.

Make Bev a hit

My old friend Bev, who has also made a career on the other side of showbiz as the Showbiz Lion, is equally adept front of stage as evidenced in Orlando.

And the exciting news is that she is taking her first nervous step into her own musical career.

With the release of her first single, I’m Leaving You.

She tells me that the more presaves she gets the more likelihood there is of it charting): https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bevlyons/im-leaving-you/.

And that would mean the guy who took the stage at the Rising Star Karaoke Bar after her.

Well, he might well force his way into being her support.

When we go on tour!

America, Countries

Holidos and Don’t sensors working overtime in the US

15th June 202515th June 2025 funtime65

You can look but don’t touch. This is Holidos and Don’ts sensors working overtime in the US.

Now, despite being a seasoned traveller I am always learning and even the stuff I know I have to remind myself.

Particularly when you arrive in the country jet-lagged and travel-weary at Stupid O’Clock.

And more about my journey to Chicago, which like every trip I do was an odyssey, in due course.

Follow the Dorothy road

Over the Rainbow: Hilton Palmer House Hotel

But back to the iconic Hilton Palmer House Hotel on E Monroe Street in Downtown.

You are reminded of the area’s rich theatre history.

By the framed pictures of the greats who have stayed and played the hotel.

And there are few bigger than Judy Garland, whose Wizard of Oz tour stopped off here.

I doubt mind that Judy, who is waiting for me outside my room had to fuss herself.

With negotiating the snacks and water tray atop the mini-bar.

Look but don’t touch

Look carefully, and again no touching, and you’ll see a small note on said tray.

Saying that it is sensory and if your curiosity, hunger, thirst, or all three get the better of you.

You will be billed.

Magic water in Orlando

Drink up: This one was free with our party

Which many moons ago cost me while staying at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando Universal.

And I had innocently and noisily reached for the Fiji water only to change my mind about drinking it when I saw the price.

The thrills, spills and entertainment of Universal soon took over.

And I put it out of my mind until I was informed on check-out that I had drunk said water virtually and would have to pay.

Fear not, of course, the trick is to ask at the desk for bottled water which the kindly staff will gladly provide.

And so refreshed after a sleep of sorts with my body clock all over the shop.

Chicago-go-go

I’m channeling my inner Judy Garland/Dorothy and exploring Gay Chicago on an LGBTQ+ tour.

Satisfied to have avoided and able to share the first in this Chicago series.

Of Holidos and Don’ts sensors working overtime in the US.

I travelled with Aer Lingus through Edinburgh and Dublin with pre-clearance to attend the American Travel Fair IPW.

Countries

Karman feel the force at Kennedy Space Center

16th April 202516th April 2025 funtime65

Since we don’t all have Katy Perry’s connections a chance to feel the force our friends at Kennedy Space Center are inviting us all to Karman feel the force for free.

Without having to fork out $28million for the privilege.

Unless you’re a space nut you probably only found out about the Karman Line this week while following the Blue Origin New Shepard rocket and capsule launch.

Named after the Hungarian Theodore von Karman, born Karman Todor in Jewish Budapest, who defined the start of space as 100 kilometres above sea level.

Visitors to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida can enter a near-perfect replica of the New Shepard capsule.

In Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex on a VR journey beyond the Karman Line.

The New Shepard psalm

The Blue Origin VR experience, which opened in 2023, uses actual data and imagery to authentically mimic the voyage to space, and back home again.

By leveraging VR technology, including high-resolution graphics and advanced hand and motion tracking, the capsule ensures a deeply immersive experience.

To allow those who can’t physically enter the capsule on their own to have the same launch experience.

The capsule includes an accessible flight seat and VR headset external to the capsule.

The New Shepard experience is included with admission.

But a time should be booked via the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex app or via a QR code on arrival at the visitor complex.

Virtual space

Dome from home: The Kennedy Space Center Capsule

At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, less than 1 hour from Orlando, guests can go beyond their imagination and discover something real.

From the dawn of space exploration, to current and ongoing missions.

Visitors can get a hands-on feel for the story of humans in space.

Guests of all ages will love getting up-close to real flight flown artifacts, going on inter-stellar VR and simulator experiences.

And meeting a veteran NASA astronaut, as we’ve done on their travels when Kennedy Space Center. came visiting our shores.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9am, with closing times varying by season.

Single-day admission is $75 per adult, $65 per child.

A two-day ticket is available for $89 per adult and $79 per child.

Amazon adventure

Inner space: And channel your inner astronaut

All of which would have saved Katy, former Nasa rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, film producer Kerianne Flynn.

And journalist and girlfriend of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez of a few bucks.

But then there’s worlds of difference between their wherewithall and our own.

So Karman feel the force at Kennedy Space Center.

Of course, if you do have millions of dollars down the back of the couch.

And you get the taste for space travel on your VR journey.

Then get yourself to West Texas for the next trip to around 106km above the Karman Line.

Before reentering the atmosphere as the capsule parachuted to the desert floor.

America, Countries

Universal is coming to Britain

9th April 20259th April 2025 funtime65

And good news out of America… Universal is coming to Britain and it will be the biggest theme park in Europe when it launches in 2031.

Yes, they’re regular visitors in these shores and in Ireland, spreading the gospel on hospitality nights promoting upcoming features.

And also inviting us over to Orlando and Los Angeles to immerse ourselves in their worlds.

So what can we expect… well, like a Ron Weasley trick all will be revealed but just not yet.

In with the bricks

Tracks of time: With pal Colin in Orlando

But what we do know is that it will be built in Bedfordshire on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site, 45 miles north of London, and will spread across 473 acres.

And it will attract 8.5million visitors in its first year alone.

That British Universal will be built on a former brickworks site brings to mind a story told to us.

By those behind the Wizarding World of Harry Potter on our first visit.

That when Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley were being recreated in Orlando 15 years ago a designer was passing through the airport.

Only to be stopped and asked why there was a brick in his luggage.

Of course they told Homeland Security that it was for the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

And that JK Rowling had insisted that it had to be exactly the same brick that she had imagined for his books from back home in Britain.

Rowling with it

Buttering up: With butter beer in Universal Orlando

It is that exact detail that sets Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley apart with every brick, fixture and fitting, merch and butter beer passed first by the author.

Of course Universal like the big milky way we live in is always evolving.

And Potterheads are besides themselves in anticipation.

For the Floridian funspot’s unveiling of 1920s Paris and the British Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe on 22 May.

Five new worlds

Now we’ve been keeping you up to date with Universal’s mega plans in the Oo Es of Eh.

And its five unique new worlds including Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe.

And, of course, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.

Now just think then what they might have in store for all of us on this side of the pond with six years to go.

And that Universal is coming to Britain.

America, Countries

Kennedy’s Hall of Fame.. watch this space

18th March 202518th March 2025 funtime65

As we wait for the stranded astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to return to Earth we anticipate that one day they too will be inducted in Kennedy’s Hall of Fame… watch this space.

And join the latest deserving NASA astronauts, Bernard Harris and Peggy Whitson, on May 31 getting their moment in the sun

At the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

All held against the stunning backdrop of the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

And best of all, we’re invited too with general admission to NASA.

I’m a Spaceman

Guests who attend the two-hour ceremony can pick up a 2025 poster.

Signed by the inductees at the Information building.

The monumental Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is less than an hour from Orlando.

And guests will be able to get up close to real flight flown artefacts.

And an inter-stellar VR and simulator, and meet a veteran NASA astronaut (tick).

Every day’s a schoolday

Shoulders of giants: At Kennedy Space Center

British travellers planning to visit Florida this May Half-Term can combine the induction event.

With a package with Virgin Atlantic Holidays.

Prices are starting from £3,431 for a family of four.

So two adults and two children will share a standard room for seven nights at Delta Hotels by Marriott Orlando Celebration.

Virgin Atlantic Economy flights direct from London Heathrow to Tampa.

Four two-day passes to Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex.

And all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges.

The price is based on a departure on 24 May and overnight return on 31 May (landing into London Heathrow on 1 June).

Space cadet

And having tried to land in JFK airport on the Turkish Airlines simulator in Istanbul.

And having joined a real-life astronaut on tour.

Then I’d not be surprised to be hauled up from the audience to join Kennedy’s Hall of Fame.. watch this space.

America, Countries

Riding the hurricane rollercoaster at Disney

10th October 202410th October 2024 funtime65

Our thoughts are obviously with relatives and friends in Florida, and travel buddies and how they’re riding the hurricane rollercoaster at Disney.

Floridians are battening down the hatches, or the American equivalent, as Hurricane Milton batters its south-eastern peninsula.

For the safest sanctuary in the storms then Orlando is built to last, and always has been.

Walt Disney we know thought of everything when creating the Happiest Place in the World.

Right down to the choice of an inland locale for Disney World.

Safe as houses

All four of Disney World’s theme parks and Disney Springs have closed down temporarily — only be its 12th in its 53-year history.

But don’t just take our word for it.

Well do, but Orlando Weekly has done the heavy lifting to show us that Disney World is built to resist even a Category 3 hurricane.

With its showpiece the Cinderella Castle its most durable… and that’s no fairytale.

The official Disney Parks Blog details the material it’s made of… concrete, steel, cement, plaster, and fibreglass.

Disney Castle fortress

The Three Caballeros: Staff will clean up

And to show how seriously Disney takes the destructive force of Mother Nature they used the occasion of its 50th anniversary to double down.

With Disney’s Elaine Schomburg-LaFleur focusing in on the new pieces adorning the castle, including 10 fibreglass ribbons.

All of which were designed to “handle any hurricane.”

And for those of you always thought that Disney was powered by magic here’s some disclosure.

The power of magic

Acting Goofy: And a big dog in Disney World In Orlando

Power lines are buried underground so they’re not susceptible to being taken out by fallen trees during wind storms.

And the Disney family weigh in too to protect their Magic Kingdom before and after the storms.

All of which the prescient Walt took on board when locating his idyll.

Walt had started out considering Miami but opted instead for an inland setting to avoid the worst of the region’s hurricanes.

Controlling the scary things

More than most they know about riding the hurricane rollercoaster at Disney.

And that we all want to control the scary things in our lives and few do it better than Disney.

America, Countries

Monster fun at Universal’s Epic new world

14th July 202414th July 2024 funtime65

And because we keep being asked and keep coming back we’re all invited for even more monster fun at Universal’s Epic new world.

Universal Orlando will always hold a special place in my heart as my gateway to the great rollercoaster state that is Florida.

And we continue to catch up wherever we find ourselves in the world, which this week has meant my old stomping ground Dublin.

The word on everyone’s lips down Orlando just now is, of course, Epic Universe, the five-land new theme park, slated for 2025.

New worlds out there

Now we’ve dipped our toes into one of those universes, the Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, already this summer.

And we can report that it is a pizza-loving, coin-spinning karting thrill.

So you should be coins in when you transport yourself through the green tunnel next year and also explore the other Epic lands.

Muggles are already counting down the days until Ministry of Magic is added to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter experiences.

Dragonheads, and of course there’s a natural crossover here, will be hotfooting it to the Isle of Berk and learn How to train your Dragon.

Frankenstein & family

Monster family: And channel your favourite

Now those of us who grew up watching Dracula, Frankenstein and the Werewolf through our fingers will love Dark Universe.

There’s a new generation of monsters and characters now, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein.

I used to be a werewolf: But I’m all right now

She’s the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein.

And she has continued his misguided experiments.

Now guests will venture through Darkmoor – the ravaged village within Dark Universe – they’ll encounter her handiwork.

And even get made up to look like your favourite monsters.

Spin through the woods aboard a family coaster and enjoy the themed diners.

And Celestial Park is the verdant vista.

Of thrilling rides, entertainment, dining, shopping plus Universal Helios Grand Hotel,

Epic reveals

We could go on and will with Universal, a lead sponsor at our annual US Soiree travel assembly in Dublin.

And they have vowed to tell us first and fastest of all their Epic reveals.

What we know is what is always guaranteed that it will be Monster fun at Universal’s Epic new world.

And remember that the best way to travel through Ireland with pre-clearance.

America, Countries, Flying

Fly me to the moon at Kennedy Space Center

10th July 202410th July 2024 funtime65

It promises to be the feel-good romcom of the summer and you can be in on it too… so fly me to the moon at Kennedy Space Center.

For astrophiles Kennedy, a half-an-hour drive from Orlando, is holy ground where they cam marvel at NASA history.

Gawk at the rockets, lunch with an astronaut and even go into space yourself with a virtual flight.

Now as someone who has manned his own commercial flight from Istanbul into JFK I reckon I could be trusted.

And I promise not to overrun the landing strip this time and end up in the water.

Everyone’s gone to the Moon

Spelling it out: At the Kennedy Space Center

Now our friends at Kennedy give visitors the opportunity to ascend into orbit for an eight-and-a-half minute thrill ride.

All of which will get you in the mood for the Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum romcom which launches on Thursday.

While you can impress your friends if you can say you’ve visited many of the places featured in the movie.

Now to understand the scale of Kennedy then consider the size of the Vehicle Assembly Building which could house three Empire State Buildings.

It’s child’s play: Tomorrow’s astronauts

And that just the NASA logo on the exterior is 12,300sqft on the Vehicle Assembly Building.

And that the flag is 209ft-tall with 110ft wide stars and stripes.

Each star measures 6ft across, and the blue field is the size of a basketball court.

All of which is the centrepiece of your Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour.

We’re all movie stars

A good introduction to other features in the film.

Such as the Rocket Garden where NASA’s Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programmes represented in this garden of giants.

Nose for a story: And the Kennedy has it all

Visitors can enjoy a tour through the history of early rocket science, with a space expert communicator.

Saturn V Rocket, filmed for the movie, is on display at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Apollo/Saturn V Center.

Pick an astronaut: Friend of the spacemen

And then there’s the Astrovan, also located inside the Apollo/Saturn V Center, which was used to transport astronauts from crew quarters to launch pad where the movie stars sat inside it for certain scenes.

Now, of course, whether you’re a Scarlett or Channing or a visitor like us, then we all know that the real stars are the astronauts and the staff.

But, hey we can dream and pretend just like they did.

Top dollar

In a bubble: Kennedy Space Center on the road

Tickets to the visitor complex start from $75 per adult and $65 per child for single-day admission.

A two-day ticket, which can be used for up to six months from purchase and averages a cost of less than $45 per day, is available for $89 per adult and $79 per child.

So stick with Kennedy Space Center… they’ll fly me to the moon.

And Aer Lingus will fly me to Florida as they always do… through Dublin Airport with pre-clearance.