If there’s one thing I’m unapologetic about it’s doing things that make me happy. When I was in Orlando a few weeks ago I took two days out of my writing schedule to visit Disney World and Universal Studios and have fun!

I’m going to save you from the boring details of how I spent ages walking around the various parks, and instead I am just going to share some of the highlights of the two days.

Disney World – Hollywood Studios

I heard that Hollywood Studios had some great shows and rollercoasters so I started my day there.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror made everyone scream with the randomised drops but rewarded us with views of the entire park. I made sure to get a fast-pass ticket which allowed me to explore and return later in the day when it was my turn to ride.

The Rock’n’Roller Coaster may have looked basic but the screams told me to expect something fun. We took off into the darkness and immediately were taken upside down in the first of many loops. Who knew an indoor roller coaster could be so much fun!

The Indiana Jones stunt show was great to watch, but was overshadowed by the Beauty and the Beast musical performance. As a die-hard Beauty and the Beast fan I couldn’t go past a great sing-along!

Disney World – Epcot

I was taken into the world of yesterday on the Spaceship Earth ride as it displayed the history of communication from the stone age through to the early computers of the 1980’s.

The majority of rides were aimed at kids or had closed early due to poor weather which was disappointing. However, there was one ride by Chevrolet that allowed you to build a car (on a computer) and test it out on a high-speed track.

The Festival of Food was happening so most of my time at Epcot was spent trying incredible treats from around the world.

The food from the Australia stall included lamb cutlets and lamingtons (both got the nod from me), but then they ruined the true Aussie spirit by having ‘shrimp on the barbie’. Nobody told them that we eat prawns, not shrimp.

Disney World – Animal Kingdom

As night time approached I headed to Animal Kingdom to try out a few last rides. Some were closed but Expedition Everest (a rollercoaster) more than made up for it. It was definitely the highlight of my day!

The Tree of Life (pictured) reminded me of Rafiki’s tree in The Lion King. It’s lit up at night and beautiful music is played as people relax and watch the light show.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

I’m a fan of fast roller coasters which meant the highlight of my day had to be the Incredible Hulk Coaster. With seven loops I rode on it three times and screamed every time.

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls was Universal’s answer to Splash Mountain. I went on it three times and only gave up after I was completely soaked from head to toe. It was hilarious to watch people trying to not get wet. I’m not sure what they expected from the ride but you were guaranteed to get wet.

I ventured into Hogsmeade and joined Harry Potter and his friends on the Forbidden Journey before enjoying the thrills on the Dragon Challenge a high-speed roller coaster.

It was time to let my head and stomache settle so I enjoyed lunch and a cold Butterbeer before boarding the Hogwarts Express to Universal Studios Florida.

Universal Studios Florida

As the sun disappeared and the clouds rolled in I explored Diagon Alley and joined Harry and friends on the Escape from Gringotts ride.

I narrowly avoided getting drenched again, this time from the rain, as I ran into Krustyland and went on The Simpsons ride.

Due to a thunderstorm the two big roller coasters had been closed leaving only the indoor rides open. That left me with the Transformer’s ride, The Revenge of the Mummy ride and the E.T. Adventure.

I’ve visited Universal Studios in Hollywood three times before so I knew what to expect from some of the rides, but it’s always good to go on them again!