When I first learned, I would be traveling to Florida, especially Orlando. I hesitated. The mixture of fear and curiosity best describes my state of mind.
After all, Florida represents Trump-era conservatism. Based in Sarasota Political consultant Jamie Miller dubbed it “Model of Conservative Government” and Trump’s second term template – nasty news for anyone in the marginalized community.
Known for the boring “don’t say gay” law. Following the settlement, American children will reestablish the principle that they are eligible for “education in public schools that they feel safe,” but why was it expanded before? Florida equality is called the “insatiable desire for government censorship.” The state has a reputation ahead of it.
Home Security and Safety Blog Annual Report by Safehome.org Ranked Florida as America’s worst state for LGBTQ+ safetywith a score of just 35.69 out of 100. Travel advisories warn people not to visit the state because of its law.
But Orlando boasts a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Filmed almost a decade ago by Pulse Nightclub, filming the city’s queer community more unified and voice-rebellious.
Known as the world’s theme park capital, Orlando attracts millions of people to Disney Springs, Magic Kingdom and more. Political tensions rose when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis revoked Disney’s control over the Leady Creek Improvement District in response to Disney’s “not gay” bill. In 2023, the district was renamed the Florida Central Tourism Supervision District. After the legal dispute, Disney and the board 15-year development contract It was approved in mid-2024.
“We won’t step back.”
Desantis has put Florida in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, but there is a reason to hope. last year, 22 anti-LGBTQ+ bills lost in the state. Four have been submitted this year. So far, everything has failed.
Nadine Smith, executive director of Florida Equality, said civil rights groups are dedicated to “cancelling the damages” and “building Florida, which belongs to us all.” Speaking about her defeat, she added: “It’s not luck. That’s the strength of our grassroots movement. It’s students and seniors, faith leaders and frontline workers, parents and teachers, and we’ll stand together and make lawmakers hear us loudly and clearly. We won’t back down.”
So, do you need to travel to Orlando, Florida? You might be surprised that my answer is a fuss. And it all depends not on politics, but on people.
I’ll get there
I flew from Gatwick in London to Orlando and Nordic Airlines sailed within just nine hours.
Just 13 miles from downtown, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the busiest airport in the city. Direct annual flights to MCO are available from London Heathrow, Gatwick (with the Nordic Atlantic Ocean) and Manchester. Seasonal options include Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast. Gatwick offers weekly BA flights and daily Scandinavian flights during peak summer.
Economy Light has fares from Gatwick to MCO:
- £358 (Late May to June)
- £310 (June 12-26, 2025)
- £430 (July 2-16, 2025)
- The price is almost doubled from late July to August. You can book your flight as follows: flynorse.com.
Where to stay
Upon arrival, I was immediately pleaded with a subtropical climate, a blissful shift from the London chiller atmosphere. Then came the luxury of our hotel: The Ritz Carlton.
The nature-inspired luxury resort is perfect, located within the vast Grande Lakes Resort between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. That 5-star status is clear from the moment you arrive. There are elegant rooms with thoughtful touches, marble bathrooms, dual vanity and private balconies overlooking the lake and golf course.
Amenities include a destination spa, multiple pools (including heated outdoor pools), the famous 18-hole golf course, a full gym and three outdoor tennis courts. It is well-equipped for business travelers, but couples and families are also very welcome. Ritz Kids It is designed to make your family easier.
The dining is a highlight, with seven restaurants including two bars, a poolside bar, a coffee shop and ample lounge space in addition to Michelin-starred knife and spoons.
- Standard Room: £416/$559
- Club Room: £939 / $1,259
- Executive Suite: £1,237/$1,659 (including club access)
The next door is refined JW Marriottshares Grande Lakes Resort with the Ritz-Carlton.
It’s the perfect place for Disney fans. It is just 15 minutes’ walk from Walt Disney World Resort and 10 minutes’ walk from Universal Orlando Resort. The hotel has contemporary rooms in rustic tones that reflect the natural setting, with guests choosing from resort view rooms to spacious family, executives and presidential suites.
Highlights include a lazy river pool, a water park with three heated slides, and a VIP cabana. Dining options will take you to at least seven venues, including the excellent Primo from Italian restaurants.
Business travelers are equipped with a full business centre and over 50 meeting rooms. One of them can accommodate up to 3,200 guests. Family and couples can enjoy a lot at this luxury resort.
- Standard Room: £267/$359
- Family Suite: £1,274/$1,709 (includes 2 rooms)
Guests are welcome to use amenities at both hotels.
What to do
Honestly, staying in such a spectacular hotel made it harder to want to leave. And if you like to stick to the resort, there’s a lot to do.
One outstanding was the Kayak Eco Tour (£74.83/$100 per person). We followed the guide along Single Creek, an important source of water for Lake Tohopecaliga, part of the Kissimmee chain of the lake feeding Florida’s Everglades. The view was incredible in prehistoric times. On the way home, I passed Margaret, a crocodile. Thanks to my passionate guide, the tour was as relaxed as it was inspiring.
Coast fishing (£59.97/$80) offers a peaceful way to immerse yourself in the resort’s pristine scenery, even if you don’t catch anything. Still, I was able to see the charm.
There are plenty of adventures across the resort and Disney theme parks.
If the theme park is yours, give Orlando Star Flyer a spin. At 450 feet, you sit on a swing and spin into the sky at 45 mph. If you’re not a Heights fan like me, give it a try Orlando Eye – A more peaceful way to photograph the city.
Adventure seems to be Orlando’s way of life. I I boarded the paddleI got a The spirit of the swamp I got on an airboat with Dale through the Everglades and went with Gellan and Matthew The Adventure of Revolution (the person who radiated incredible energy) and Cycles through the picturesque West Orange Trail – I feel like I’m on a rom-com that is unimaginable.
That’s the must-see GatorlandI zipped over the crocodile at rest. The staff was a highlight, providing a sense of security and even gave me a laugh at the top of the zip line.
A peaceful way to spend the day was Harry P. Lou Gardens. It’s one of the cheapest activities I’ve done, but it’s also one of the most memorable. The lush garden felt like a paradise of flora. Current exhibition, Garden origami (Runs until September 3rd) features metal origami sculptures set along a wooden canopy.
Where to eat
Foodie, please – Orlando has it all.
Dinner at JW Marriott Primowas able to be led by award-winning chef Melissa Kelly. I had the slightly spicy spaghetti bolognese now ranked in my top 3.
BBQ lovers should go Pig Floyd’s city barbecue For appetizing briskets and tacos Jimmy Brothers BBQWe enjoyed the amazing fried pickles and fried oreo. The atmosphere was relaxed, fun and authentic.
We had lunch too Plant Street MarketIt boasts a wide range of delicious foods. I especially recommend the pizza fired with Hanger Street Tacos, Empanadas and Michael’s ant charcoal. Crooked Can Brewing Companythe staff once again were some of the friendly things I have ever met.
My favorite dining experience was Russell is on Lake Ivanho. I had mashed potatoes and traditional chicken kiev, but I couldn’t find any criticism of the dish. The Caesar salad, whipped to the server in a huge wooden bowl, was another hit. My only regret? There’s no more time to sample the rest of the menu.
Orlando’s LGBTQ+ scene
According to Gay siteOrlando has at least five LGBTQ-specific bars, both including the highly rated Hanks Bar and Savoy Orlando in North Orlando. Milk district, Ivanhoe Village and parts of North Mills Avenue are known for their lively LGBTQ+ presence.
Visit Orlando It also features a dedicated list of top LGBTQ+ spots, including recommendations for the Renaissance Theatre Company in Ivan Ho Village, known for its drug performance.
If you had to choose just one reason to return to Orlando, it’s for the people. Their kind of infectious energy continues to inspire my hope that the US can remain a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community and for all minority groups.
I usually carefully approach the new environment, step gently, and see how comprehensive they are. I was worried about visiting Orlando. Mostly because there is a lot of negative news I absorbed, but what I found was the opposite.
The people I met have shaped my views on the city. And of all the people I asked about Donald Trump, and I asked – no one said he supported him or supported the regression policy he was trying to push forward.
“Resist with joy, visibility, unity.”
But please don’t take my words. Executive Director of Come out with Pride OrlandoTatiana Kiroga told Pinknake: “Despite the challenges posed by regressing laws and divisive political rhetoric, Orlando remains a vibrant and positive destination for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“People come out with pride and countless local organizations continue to create acceptance, celebrations and inclusive spaces all year round.
“By visiting Orlando, LGBTQIA+ travelers not only support queer-owned businesses and advocacy activities, they also help them resist pleasure, vision and unity when their resistance is most important.”
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Source: PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news – www.thepinknews.com
