June 14 2025, 08:15 Upon first learning I’d be traveling to Florida — specifically Orlando — I was hesitant. A mix of trepidation and curiosity best describes my state of mind.
Florida, after all, has become emblematic of Trump-era conservatism. Sarasota-based political consultant Jamie Miller even dubbed it the “model for conservative government” and a template for Trump’s second term – troubling news for anyone in a marginalised community.
Known for its regressive “Don’t Say Gay” law, which, following a settlement, re-establishes a principle that kids in the US are entitled to an “education at a public school where they feel safe,” but which was previously expanded in what Equality Florida described as an “insatiable lust for government censorship,” the state has a reputation that precedes it.
An annual report by home security and safety blog SafeHome.org ranked Florida as America’s worst state for LGBTQ+ safety, with a score of just 35.69 out of 100. Travel advisories have even warned people not to visit the state due to its legislation.
Orlando, however, boast a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with the Pulse nightclub almost a decade ago shooting only making the city’s queer community more unified and vocally defiant.
Known as the theme park capital of the world, Orlando draws millions to Disney Springs, Magic Kingdom, and more. Political tensions rose when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis revoked Disney’s control over the Reedy Creek Improvement District in response to Disney’s opposition to his “Don’t Say Gay” bill. In 2023, the district was renamed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. After legal disputes, Disney and the board reached a settlement with a 15-year development agreement approved in mid-2024.
‘We will not back down’
Despite DeSantis putting Florida in the headlines for all the wrong reason, there are reasons to be hopeful. Last year, 21 of 22 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were defeated in the state. This year, four were filed—and so far, every one has failed.
Executive director of Equality Florida, Nadine Smith, said the civil rights organisation is devoted to “undoing damage” and “building a Florida that truly belongs to all of us.” Speaking on the defeats, she added: “That’s not luck — that’s the strength of our grassroots movement. It’s students and seniors, faith leaders and frontline workers, parents and teachers, standing together and making sure lawmakers hear us loud and clear: we will not back down.”
So, should you travel to Orlando, Florida? You may be surprised that my answer is a resounding yes – and it’s all down to the people, rather than the politics.
Getting there
I flew to Orlando from Gatwick, London, with Norse Airways in just under nine hours.
Orlando International Airport (MCO), just 13 miles from downtown, is the city’s busiest airport. Direct year-round flights to MCO are available from London Heathrow, Gatwick (with Norse Atlantic), and Manchester. Seasonal options include Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast. Gatwick offers 11 weekly BA flights and daily Norse flights in peak summer.
Economy Light fares from Gatwick to MCO:
- £358 (late May–early June)
- £310 (12–26 June 2025)
- £430 (2–16 July 2025)
- Prices nearly double from late July into August. Flights can be booked at: flynorse.com.
Where to stay
Upon arriving, I was instantly wooed by the subtropical climate, a blissful shift from London’s chiller atmosphere. Then came the opulence of our hotel: The Ritz-Carlton.
The nature-inspired luxury resort is faultless and sits within the expansive Grande Lakes resort, perfectly located between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Its 5-star status is evident from the moment you arrive, with elegant rooms featuring thoughtful touches, marble bathrooms, dual vanities and private balconies overlooking the lake and golf course.
Amenities include a destination spa, multiple pools (including a heated outdoor one), a renowned 18-hole golf course, full gym and three outdoor tennis courts. While it caters well to business traveller’s, couples and families are also warmly welcomed, with a dedicated Ritz Kids designed to make family stays effortless.
Dining is a highlight, with seven restaurants, including the MICHELIN-starred Knife & Spoon, plus two bars, a poolside bar, coffee shop and ample lounge spaces.
- Standard Room: £416 / $559
- Club Room: £939 / $1,259
- Executive Suite: £1,237 / $1,659 (includes Club access)
Next door is the sleek JW Marriott, which shares the Grande Lakes resort with The Ritz-Carlton.
It’s a perfect location for Disney fans — just 15 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort and 10 from Universal Orlando Resort. The hotel features contemporary rooms in earthy tones reflecting the natural surroundings, while guests can choose from resort-view guest rooms to spacious family, executive, and presidential suites.
Highlights include a lazy river pool, waterpark with three heated slides and VIP cabanas. Dining options span at least seven venues, including the excellent Italian restaurant PRIMO.
Business travellers are also well served with a full business centre and over 50 meeting rooms, one of which holds up to 3,200 guests. Families and couples will also find plenty to enjoy at this upscale resort.
- Standard Room: £267 / $359
- Family Suite: £1,274 / $1,709 (includes two rooms)
Guests can use amenities across both hotels.
What to do
Truthfully, staying at such a magnificent hotel made it hard to want to leave – and should you prefer sticking to the resort, there’s plenty to do.
One standout was the Kayak Eco Tour (£74.83 / $100 per person). I followed the guide along Shingle Creek, a key source of water for Lake Tohopekaliga, part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes feeding the Florida Everglades. The sights were prehistorically phenomenal. On the way back, I even passed Margaret, the alligator. Thanks to my passionate guide, the tour was as relaxing as it was stimulating.
Shore fishing (£59.97 / $80) offers a peaceful way to soak in the resort’s pristine scenery, even though I didn’t manage to catch anything. Still, I could see the appeal.
Beyond the resort and Disney theme parks, adventures are abound.
If theme parks are your thing, give the Orlando StarFlyer a spin. At 450 feet, you’re seated in a swing and spun up into the sky at 45mph. If, like me, you’re not a fan of heights, try The Orlando Eye — a more gentle way to take in the city.
Adventure seems to be a way of life in Orlando. I paddle boarded, took a Spirit of the Swamp airboat ride with Dale through the Everglades, went ATVing with Jaelin and Matthew at Revolution Adventures (who radiated incredible energy), and cycled through the picturesque West Orange Trail — feeling like I was in a inconceivably perfect rom-com.
A must-mention is Gatorland, where I zip-lined above resting alligators. The staff were a highlight, offering reassurance and even getting a laugh out of me at the top of the zip line.
A peaceful way to spend the day was at Harry P. Leu Gardens. One of the cheapest activities I did, but also one of the most memorable. The lush gardens felt like a flora paradise. The current exhibit, Origami in the Garden (running until 3 September), features metal origami sculptures set against a canopy of trees, which offered welcome reprieve from the relentless sun.
Where to eat
Foodies, rejoice – Orlando has it all.
Dinner at PRIMO at the JW Marriott, led by award-winning chef Melissa Kelly, was delectable. I had a slightly spicy spaghetti Bolognese that now ranks in my top three.
Barbecue lovers should head to Pig Floyd’s Urban BBQ for mouth-watering brisket and tacos, or Brother Jimmy’s BBQ, where I surprisingly enjoyed fried pickles and deep-fried Oreos. The vibe was laid-back, fun, and authentic.
We also lunched at Plant Street Market, which boasts a variety of delectable eats. I especially recommend Hunger Street tacos, Empanadas, and Michael’s Ali Coal Fired Pizza — all best enjoyed with golden brews from Crooked Can Brewing Company, where the staff were, once again, were some of the friendliest I’ve ever met.
My favourite dining experience was at Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe. I had a traditional chicken Kiev with mashed potato, and could not find one criticism of the dish. The Caesar salad, whipped up by the server in a giant wooden bowl, was another hit. My only regret? Not having more time to sample the rest of the menu.
Orlando’s LGBTQ+ scene
According to GayCites, there are at least five LGBTQ-specific bars in Orlando, including the highly rated Hank’s Bar and Savoy Orlando, both located in north Orlando. The Milk District, Ivanhoe Village and parts of North Mills Avenue are known for their bustling LGBTQ+ presence.
Visit Orlando also features a dedicated list of top LGBTQ+ spots, including a recommendation for the Renaissance Theatre Company in Ivanhoe Village, known for its drag performances.
If I had to pick just one reason to return to Orlando, it would be for the people. Their kind, infectious energy continues to inspire my hope that the US can remain a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community and every minority group.
I usually approach new environments with caution, treading gently to see how inclusive they are. I was apprehensive about visiting Orlando, largely due to the plethora of negative news I’d absorbed, but what I found was the opposite.
The people I met shaped my view of the city. And of everyone I asked about Donald Trump — and I did ask— not one person said they supported him or the regressive policies he’s attempting to push through.
‘Resist with joy, visibility, and unity’
But don’t just take my word it. Executive Director of Come Out With Pride Orlando, Tatiana Quiroga, told PinkNews: “Despite the challenges posed by regressive legislation and divisive political rhetoric, Orlando remains a vibrant and affirming destination for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Come Out With Pride and countless local organisations continue to create accepting, celebratory, and inclusive spaces year-round.
“By visiting Orlando, LGBTQIA+ travellers not only support queer-owned businesses and advocacy efforts — they also help us resist with joy, visibility, and unity in a state where that resistance matters most.”
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