Harry Potter functions his sorcery in a new Orlando thesis play ground

For most of us Britons, Orlando is so linked to theme parks it probably came as a surprise to discover that real people actually make it their home. If the Tiger Woods affair had any plus points, at least it helped put the area on the map as an interesting place to live.

While 2009 turned out not to be much of a year for the Tiger, it wasalso hardly a vintage time for Orlando"s theme parks. In the aftermathof the credit crunch, it was inevitable that business would suffer,particularly the vital US domestic business.

But the parks have, appropriately enough, long been on something ofa rollercoaster themselves - years of plenty interrupted by theoccasional tourist famine. And while last year may have been tough,they console themselves with the traditional comfort - good times arejust around the corner.

A New Broom: Universal hopes The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will leave visitors spellbound

Previous upturns have been built on extensive investment in newrides and attractions and it is significant that the past few yearshave seen the Orlando theme parks resting on their laurels.

If there is one overriding feeling at the moment, it is theconviction that the place is in need of some fresh showbiz stardust.And if you were looking to put a little magic back into the Floridatheme park business, who better to turn to than a wizard? More...Orlando: Not just for kidsOrlando"s alternative attractionsFlorida: Where relaxation is the key

Harry Potter may have finished his literary career since J.K.Rowling"s completion of the seventh and final volume, but this springhe will begin a new life with the opening at the Universal OrlandoResort of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

From the front archwayof Hogsmeade to the "immensity" of Hogwarts castle, the park willfeature assorted Potteresque delights, starting with "the arrival ofthe Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade station" and including Zonko"s jokeshop and the Hog"s Head pub (with "traditional British fare and drinksincluding Butterbeer and pumpkin juice" - which most of us Britishenjoy at our local on a daily basis).

At the heart of the new attraction will be the traditional themepark delights of highspeed rollercoasters and plenty of places to eat,drink and shop. "It is yet another way that fans will be able toexperience and enjoy Harry Potter for years to come," says DianeNelson, of Warner Premiere, presumably with her fingers very tightlycrossed .

Flying high: The Flight of the Hippogriff ride will simulate Harry"s ride on Hagrid"s giant, affectionate pet

Such is the competition in Orlando between Universal and Walt DisneyWorld that it was inevitable Disney would look for ways to raise itsgame to match the rival opening.

At the end of last year, Disney"s Jay Rasulo detailed plans for future lands, attractions and adventures that "will be delighting Disney guests for years to come". Among the announcements was the confirmation of an all-new, 3-D version of the Star Tours attraction that will be launched at Disney"s Hollywood Studios in 2011.

Based on the blockbuster films, the attraction will include new elements that will take visitors to many familiar places in the Star Wars galaxy.

Rasulo also outlined plans for the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom, vastly increasing the size of Fantasyland by 2013.

This will allow guests, for example, to visit their favourite Disney princess in her castle; to share a dance with Cinderella; celebrate Sleeping Beauty"s birthday with the Good Fairies; or join Belle in the Beast"s castle library.

Back to school: Hogwarts will be ready to accept a new generation of wizards

The Dumbo ride will be enhanced to allow people to fly with the bigeared elephant high above new circus grounds, twice the size of the existing attraction, with a new interactive three-ring tent.

There will also be a journey under the sea with Ariel, the Little Mermaid, in her own attraction, and a chance to meet Tinker Bell and her friends in the magical world of Pixie Hollow.

Orlando has much more to offer than Disney or Universal Studios. Interestingly, a glance at the top-rated Orlando attractions listed by TripAdvisor shows that its reviewers are more enthusiastic about less mainstream places. The top-rated attraction, for example, is SeaWorld"s Discovery Cove, followed by La Nouba, the Cirque du Soleil show based at Downtown Disney. In third place is The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show on International Drive.

You can also opt to enjoy the Orlando experience in more style and elegance following the opening of some luxury hotels in the city.

The Ritz-Carlton (001 407 206 2400, www.ritzcarlton.com) at Grande Lakes, Orlando, for example, features fine furniture, art and exotic cuisine, including private dining in the spa pool area.

With rates starting at about 250 a night, it is well worth paying the extra to stay in the peace and quiet of the Ritz-Carlton to have somewhere that offers the traditional charms of a holiday resort.

Travel facts

Seven nights in Orlando with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick direct to Orlando, accommodation at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal, Orlando, on a room only basis with basic car hire and 2-Park Universal Bonus ticket, starts from 1,275 for adults and 490 for children. Prices are based on departures between April 11 and June 30. www.virginholidays.co.uk, 0844 557 3875.

... or you could bypass the rides and head straight to the Gulf

What has Florida got to offer tourists? Apart from Orlando and the theme parks ... and Miami Beach... and the Keys ... and the Cape Canaveral Space Coast ... oh, and the Everglades with its alligators and wildlife refuges.

It might be hard to overlook Florida as a destination, given its famous list of attractions, yet many are guilty of neglecting some of its more appealing places.

The Gulf Coast resorts such as Marco Island, Naples, Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva Islands and Tampa appear on many itineraries merely as an afterthought to a week in Orlando - seven nights there and seven on the Gulf. Wear yourself out in Disney World and then recover on the beach.

Holiday snaps: There"s more to Florida than theme park rides

For many, however, the revelation of this type of break is not the thrills of Orlando but the old-world charm of the Gulf.

Sarasota, for example, is a chic, sophisticated city bristling with cultural attractions and packed with boutiques, award-winning restaurants and cafes.

The downtown areas of many American cities have become places to avoid, yet downtown Sarasota is a delight, boasting dozens of historic buildings such as the Kress Building, the Roth Cigar Factory, the American National Bank and the Sarasota Opera House.

But what makes the area so special is that it offers plenty of attractively priced accommodation, particularly in the summer, which has traditionally been low season.

Combined with cheap car hire and low-cost flights to Orlando - 90 minutes away by car - this is a smart option for this summer.