From shopping 'til you drop to climbing the highest rollercoasters - is any holiday more of a whirlwind than pairing the City That Never Sleeps with the Theme Park Capital of the World? We don’t think so. When Orlando’s tropical weather and theme parks meet New York’s cooler climes and culture, the "best of both worlds" claim is settled.
Take a look at when to go, what to do and where to stay on this once-in-a-lifetime twin-centre trip...
When’s the best time to visit New York and Orlando?
Spring is a great time to visit both New York and Orlando, for the best sightseeing weather, fewer tourists and affordable prices. From March, things start getting a little warmer in New York, after the chilly winter season. Temperatures continue to rise to around 18°C in April, 22°C in May and a toasty 27°C come June.
It’s a similar story in Orlando. In spring, the temperature tends to hover in the mid-20s – ideal for traipsing around the theme parks. Plus, the parks are less packed out with tourists, but you can still look forward to some exciting events. Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration runs until the end of April, while the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, at Disney, is on from March to July.
Top things to do in New York
• Shop 'til you drop on Fifth Avenue
• Take in the views from the Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building
• Hire a bike or explore Central Park on foot
• See a show on Broadway
• Catch the ferry to the Statue of Liberty
Top things to do in Orlando
• Work your way around Walt Disney World Resort’s theme parks
• Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Resort Orlando
• Hit up the attractions, museums and restaurants along International Drive
• Tee off at one of Orlando’s 25 golf courses
• Learn about rockets and the race to the moon at the Kennedy Space Center
Where to stay in New York
The possibilities are endless, but here's a small selection of our favourite New York hotels to kick start your holiday inspiration...
You don’t get much more central than this New York hotel. It’s just a few blocks from Fifth Avenue, Times Square, the Empire State Building and the theatre district, so getting the family out and about is easy.
Plus, when you stay here, there are some great family-friendly perks. Kids under 18 stay for free when sharing their parent's room, and children 11 and under eat for free in the restaurant, too. The restaurant’s open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks.
The Hotel Edison is an old classic with plenty of romantic charm. The Art Deco hotel was among the first to pop up in the Big Apple’s theatre district in 1931. And its interiors are so iconic that you might even recognise some spots from films like The Godfather or Birdman.
The hotel’s famous Rum House bar nods to its Jazz Age past with dark wood bar stools, dim lighting and tiled flooring. It regularly makes the cut for Best New York Cocktail Bar lists. And it’s no surprise with a superb rum-centric menu and live music every night from the very best jazz musicians and pianists.
Slick and modern, the Row NYC Hotel is a top pick for groups of friends. It’s in a great spot – one block from Times Square. And you’ll find plenty of shops, bars and restaurants in the surrounding neighbourhood.
But its biggest draw is the attached indoor food market, which was even voted the Best Food Hall in NYC by Zagat. Sushi, lobster, burgers, doughnuts – you can grab it all here. It’s an ideal option when you can’t agree on where to dine as a group.
Where to stay in Orlando
All travel interests blossom in the Sunshine State, and from Central Orlando to Kissimmee, here's a teaser of where you could stay...
With the whole place themed around Disney’s favourite family flicks, the All-Star Movies Resort is perfect for families. Little ones will love the Toy Story, Fantasia and 101 Dalmatians touches throughout, along with the themed pools, daily campfires and nightly movie screenings.
The arcade and food court are another bonus. Plus, they’ll deliver pizza to your door, if you’ve had a busy day at the parks. Speaking of which, you get perks for staying at a Disney hotel, so you can catch a free bus to the theme parks.
This place is a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, which means you get exclusive theme park benefits, like early admission to the parks and complimentary shuttle buses there and back. But you also get a stylish Italian-inspired resort that’s geared up for grown-ups as well as families.
Experience the sweet life with al fresco cafes, a pretty-as-a-picture harbour and a spa. The three pools include an adults-only number and another with a manmade sandy beach and a waterslide. There are nine restaurants and bars to try. Plus, in true Italian style, there’s live music every night at the hotel’s piazza.
ChampionsGate Resort
This 8-bedroom villa, which sleeps over 16 guests, would be a whole lotta fun for large groups of friends – whether you’re bringing the kids or not. You can – quite literally – take to the stage in the games room, which comes complete with a fancy karaoke system. Or, for less wild evenings, there’s a home cinema with a popcorn maker. You can even enjoy movies under the stars, thanks to the outdoor projector. And don't worry, if this villa isn't available, we have plenty more like it at ChampionsGate.
The resort itself has a lot going for it – you’ve got a 36-hole golf course, a spa and a couple of pools – including Orlando’s only resort wave pool. What’s more, it’s easy to reach the theme parks. Walt Disney World Resort is just over 10 minutes drive away, and there’s a dedicated shuttle service if you don’t fancy driving.
Ready for a holiday that ticks all the boxes? Get in touch for an Orlando and New York holiday with a personalised package. 
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