“CONGRATULATIONS you have been upgraded”– five words I’ve waited to hear all my life. I felt like I’d won the lotto.

As if jetting off to Orlando wasn’t magical enough, but now I had nine hours of drinking fizz to look forward too. The real reason they give you beds in Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class is to allow you to sleep off your mid-flight food and alcohol coma.

As the wheels touched down in the Sunshine State my hangover began to appear; I didn’t care though as the warm Florida weather gave me the greatest of welcomes.

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I had seven days to make the most of Universal Orlando Resort – with three theme parks to explore – and I wasn’t about to waste a single moment.

My base for the week was Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort which is just a five-minute water taxi away from the magic of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The hotel transports guests to a paradise in the heart of the tropics and is the ideal haven away from the busy theme parks.

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After a gut-busting buffet breakfast I was raring to go. Guests staying at this on-site hotel enjoy exclusive benefits including Early Park Admission one hour before the theme parks open.

There are movie-themed rides for every age and member of your family with each one being an unique assault on your senses.

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I was mega excited as the new Fast and Furious ride had just roared into action after taking four years to create. The wait was well worth it, as you are immersed in the high-octane, family-driven world of the film franchise.

However, what I was most looking forward to was spending time in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Diagon Alley. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of the boy wizard you can’t help be spellbound by the rides and experience Universal brings to life.

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If you are a fan of rollercoasters then your mind will also be blown by two of the best in Florida – The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

Having endless amounts of fun in the sun is hungry work and no nation does food – and portion sizes – quite like the Americans.

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The famous Voodoo Doughnuts just opened and the hour-long queue for their signature feasts was well worth it. I treated myself to a Memphis Mafia, which is fried dough with banana chunks, chocolate and peanut butter. And yes, it is as good as it sounds.

At night the best place to head to is Universal’s CityWalk which is a playground of restaurants, shops and bars.

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One of the best places to eat is Cowfish which is a “Sushi Burger Bar”. I had to order the famous “Burgushi” – a cutting-edge fusion of burger and sushi that offers the best of both worlds.

After two hardcore days of hitting the rides it was then time to relax at Universal’s Volcano Bay. The newly-opened waterpark is just breathtaking. I threw my towel on a beach lounger and listened to the waves and screams of the adventure junkies trying out the park’s incredible slides. I did meander the lazy river and soaked up the sun as I relaxed after one of the busiest but best ever weeks.

It was simply a trip of a lifetime!