I had a close call in alligator capital of the world with fantastic resort, great activities & €291 Aer Lingus flights
With my bags packed to the brim and waivers signed, I hop on an
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Lauren enjoyed a night-time paddleboarding session with Epic Paddle
Credit:
4
Before a close call with a gator
4
The Ritz Carlton is a great resort that's more than two times the size of Dublin's St Anne's Park
Credit: PR Handout image
I've been to
The closest I get to
After a not-so-early night at the five-star Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes
Often called 'the Alligator Capital of the World' Gatorland is a 110-acre wildlife and theme park located just south of
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READ MORE IN TRAVEL
The park is not only a
After meeting the team, I get suited and booted for ziplining with a major twist.
The Screamin' Gator Zip Line does what it says on the tin as I hold on for dear life 1,200 feet above alligators and crocodiles.
Delighted with myself, I decide it's time to relax for a bit while looking at the reptiles from a very safe distance.
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MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN
Breaking
But I am so wrong. Next up, it's off to venture into an alligator pit for feeding time.
As Gatorland's Brandon Fisher closes the gate behind us he shouts: 'Bogie, Turnpike, Buddy… let's go, let's go!'
And like a scene from
ADVENTURE RIDE
I put my hand into a bucket of chicken legs and hope that the gators would be more interested in those ones over my own.
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After all that excitement, it's now off to the Stompin' Gator Off-Road Adventure ride, and a 12-foot-high custom-made monster truck takes us around the swamps and we meet some wacky characters on the way.
After working up an appetite, we go to the on-site cafe to try some gator bites. They are surprisingly nice and
At this point, Brandon is quick to let us know that we aren't eating Turnpike's friends. The gator bites are actually shipped in from elsewhere.
We leave Gatorland and head for a guided airboat ride through Orlando's wetlands.
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The Spirit of the Swamp trip is an excellent whistle-stop tour of Florida's Everglades — Captain Dale helps us search for gators in the wild and we spot a rare bald eagle sitting in a tree on the way back.
The next morning the group head to Harry P Leu Gardens for the Origami in the Garden experience.
SPIRIT OF THE SWAMP
The outdoor exhibition showcases over 20 monumental metal sculptures inspired by the
The unique sculptures, crafted from aluminum, bronze and steel, bring to life intricate designs of butterflies, ponies and winged horses and celebrate themes of transformation and harmony with nature.
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And as we walk through the serene spot that feels like
Snakes — as they rustle through the grass near the trees.
We also spot baby turtles having some fun in the sun on a lake.
In the evening, we dine at Russell's on Lake Ivanhoe before a night-time paddleboarding session with Epic Paddle.
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With blue and red lights on our boards, we tread water in the dark passing under city bridges and take amazing photos.
Afterwards, we go back to the Ritz Carlton's Club Lounge for a few Whispering Angels to finish up the day.
RESORT PERKS
Born and raised in North Dublin, I feel like Annie staying in Daddy Warbuck's house for a few days.
With its own waterpark, luxury swimming pools, golf course, spa with a robot masseuse, fishing, bikes, tennis courts, pickleball, falconry experiences, eco-tours, sunrise safaris and top restaurants, you don't need to leave the resort that's more than two times the size of Dublin's St Anne's Park.
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But there's one activity I'll remember forever — kayaking at the resort's beautiful Shilling Creek.
After a trial run on land, our activity leader warns that we might meet 'Mrs Margaret' — a six-foot alligator that hangs around the creek.
At this point, I think that Margaret is like the Boogieman, either she didn't exist or we wouldn't see her. But I was wrong again.
I hop in the boat and float downstream. All is going well until I start to head for the marsh and get stuck.
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FACT FILE
GET THERE: Aer Lingus operates daily flights from Dublin to Orlando International Airport. Fares start from €291pp each way as part of a return journey, including taxes and charges.
STAY THERE:
The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes Hotel May rate for standard RC room €476.01 (incs Club access).
DO THERE:
Try paddleboarding with Epic Paddle Adventures: €55 ($65)
Take a spin on The Orlando Eye: €25 for an adult ticket online ($29.99).
A day ticket for Gatorland to see Turnpike and his pals: €29.82+tax ($34.99+tax).
Ziplining price includes full day in the park: €59.66 ($69.99+tax) per person.
Spirit of the Swamp airboat ride — one-hour private airboat tour: €46.88 ($55pp).
Harry P. Leu Gardens, adult ticket: €12 ($15.
Trying not to panic, I hear a big splash. I hit 'Mrs Margaret' with my kayak. In mating season. She freaks, and ventures under the water.
At this stage, I think I'm a goner. The kayak moves downstream, and I don't know where Margaret is until I see her in the flesh on the other side of the creek as if nothing had ever happened.
Maybe my late granny Margaret was with me. I am just lucky I didn't meet her pal, 'Dinosaur', on the golf course.
While it was certainly a trip I'll never forget, I'll leave you with this advice: 'How do you know there's an alligator in the water in Florida? If it's wet, then yes.'
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Lauren went to Gatorland, a 110-acre wildlife and theme park
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The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I had a close call in alligator capital of the world with fantastic resort, great activities & €291 Aer Lingus flights
WHEN you think of a holiday to Florida you conjure up images of rollercoasters and incredible rides galore — but what if I told you that adrenaline junkies can get their fix outside of the major theme parks? With my bags packed to the brim and waivers signed, I hop on an Advertisement 4 Lauren enjoyed a night-time paddleboarding session with Epic Paddle Credit: 4 Before a close call with a gator 4 The Ritz Carlton is a great resort that's more than two times the size of Dublin's St Anne's Park Credit: PR Handout image I've been to The closest I get to After a not-so-early night at the five-star Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes Often called 'the Alligator Capital of the World' Gatorland is a 110-acre wildlife and theme park located just south of Advertisement READ MORE IN TRAVEL The park is not only a After meeting the team, I get suited and booted for ziplining with a major twist. The Screamin' Gator Zip Line does what it says on the tin as I hold on for dear life 1,200 feet above alligators and crocodiles. Delighted with myself, I decide it's time to relax for a bit while looking at the reptiles from a very safe distance. Advertisement MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN Breaking But I am so wrong. Next up, it's off to venture into an alligator pit for feeding time. As Gatorland's Brandon Fisher closes the gate behind us he shouts: 'Bogie, Turnpike, Buddy… let's go, let's go!' And like a scene from ADVENTURE RIDE I put my hand into a bucket of chicken legs and hope that the gators would be more interested in those ones over my own. Advertisement After all that excitement, it's now off to the Stompin' Gator Off-Road Adventure ride, and a 12-foot-high custom-made monster truck takes us around the swamps and we meet some wacky characters on the way. After working up an appetite, we go to the on-site cafe to try some gator bites. They are surprisingly nice and At this point, Brandon is quick to let us know that we aren't eating Turnpike's friends. The gator bites are actually shipped in from elsewhere. We leave Gatorland and head for a guided airboat ride through Orlando's wetlands. Advertisement The Spirit of the Swamp trip is an excellent whistle-stop tour of Florida's Everglades — Captain Dale helps us search for gators in the wild and we spot a rare bald eagle sitting in a tree on the way back. The next morning the group head to Harry P Leu Gardens for the Origami in the Garden experience. SPIRIT OF THE SWAMP The outdoor exhibition showcases over 20 monumental metal sculptures inspired by the The unique sculptures, crafted from aluminum, bronze and steel, bring to life intricate designs of butterflies, ponies and winged horses and celebrate themes of transformation and harmony with nature. Advertisement And as we walk through the serene spot that feels like Snakes — as they rustle through the grass near the trees. We also spot baby turtles having some fun in the sun on a lake. In the evening, we dine at Russell's on Lake Ivanhoe before a night-time paddleboarding session with Epic Paddle. Advertisement With blue and red lights on our boards, we tread water in the dark passing under city bridges and take amazing photos. Afterwards, we go back to the Ritz Carlton's Club Lounge for a few Whispering Angels to finish up the day. RESORT PERKS Born and raised in North Dublin, I feel like Annie staying in Daddy Warbuck's house for a few days. With its own waterpark, luxury swimming pools, golf course, spa with a robot masseuse, fishing, bikes, tennis courts, pickleball, falconry experiences, eco-tours, sunrise safaris and top restaurants, you don't need to leave the resort that's more than two times the size of Dublin's St Anne's Park. Advertisement But there's one activity I'll remember forever — kayaking at the resort's beautiful Shilling Creek. After a trial run on land, our activity leader warns that we might meet 'Mrs Margaret' — a six-foot alligator that hangs around the creek. At this point, I think that Margaret is like the Boogieman, either she didn't exist or we wouldn't see her. But I was wrong again. I hop in the boat and float downstream. All is going well until I start to head for the marsh and get stuck. Advertisement FACT FILE GET THERE: Aer Lingus operates daily flights from Dublin to Orlando International Airport. Fares start from €291pp each way as part of a return journey, including taxes and charges. STAY THERE: The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes Hotel May rate for standard RC room €476.01 (incs Club access). DO THERE: Try paddleboarding with Epic Paddle Adventures: €55 ($65) Take a spin on The Orlando Eye: €25 for an adult ticket online ($29.99). A day ticket for Gatorland to see Turnpike and his pals: €29.82+tax ($34.99+tax). Ziplining price includes full day in the park: €59.66 ($69.99+tax) per person. Spirit of the Swamp airboat ride — one-hour private airboat tour: €46.88 ($55pp). Harry P. Leu Gardens, adult ticket: €12 ($15. Trying not to panic, I hear a big splash. I hit 'Mrs Margaret' with my kayak. In mating season. She freaks, and ventures under the water. At this stage, I think I'm a goner. The kayak moves downstream, and I don't know where Margaret is until I see her in the flesh on the other side of the creek as if nothing had ever happened. Maybe my late granny Margaret was with me. I am just lucky I didn't meet her pal, 'Dinosaur', on the golf course. While it was certainly a trip I'll never forget, I'll leave you with this advice: 'How do you know there's an alligator in the water in Florida? If it's wet, then yes.' Advertisement 4 Lauren went to Gatorland, a 110-acre wildlife and theme park
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
How Jack P Shepherd's ex really feels about his VERY public wedding to Hanni – as one very important guest is missing
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Their son Reuben, 11, was, however, present - acting as his right-hand man as he entered the cathedral to much fanfare. But their daughter Nyla, 16, wasn't seen at the church or the bash later on that evening at the Lowry Hotel. An insider told The Sun: 'Lauren can't help but raise eyebrows about the whole thing. She has known Jack for a very long time and has two children with him, so she knows him very well. 'The wedding is not what she or anyone really expected, and the whole pomp and grandeur has left people scratching their heads. 'Her friends have been mocking him for acting like royalty, and she can see why. 'People seem to forget that Lauren went through a lot when she was with Jack - a secret love child and public fallouts over seeing the kids. 'She knows the real Jack.' Before the David Platt actor's romance with Hanni, he was engaged to childhood sweetheart Lauren. The pair were just 14 when they started dating, and they were together for 15 years before Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd marries Hanni Treweek in stunning star-studded ceremony Their relationship was rocked when it emerged that Jack had a secret love child, after a one-night stand with a sales executive called Sammy Milewski. Jack is said to have never met the child, who suffers from an incredibly rare and painful condition called AHC (Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood). Lauren initially threw Jack out, but she later decided to forgive his infidelity and just a month later, he presented her with a £3,000 engagement ring. The pair were never to marry, though, and six years on they announced their split in 2017. While they insisted they were still friends, things started to go downhill, and when Jack gushed about having a blended family in a magazine interview, Lauren hit back. What is AHC? Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC) is a rare neurological disorder. It causes repeated, transient attacks of hemiplegia (paralysis of a portion of the body, including the face) and can be very painful for the child. Triggers for attacks include environmental conditions, water exposure, light, physical activities, foods, emotional response, odours, fatigue and medications. Although named 'of childhood', those affected by AHC do not grow out of it. But episodes may change and sometimes decrease in frequency with age. While it can be managed with medication, there is currently no cure. 9 Jack was with Lauren for 15 years before their split Credit: Getty Images - Getty 9 Lauren, who is now in a very happy relationship, has previously spoken out about Jack In 2020, she alleged that he wasn't seeing their children, telling The Sun at the time: 'It made me laugh. We're about as blended as a breeze block in a cement mixer. 'I'm speaking out now because Jack has used his celebrity status to give an interview which portrays a false image of how he behaves. 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Despite being one of the longest-running cast members on Corrie, Jack has previously shied away from the public eye. But all that changed when he launched a podcast with best mates Hanni also upped her game with content creation, sharing much of her life with Jack - including swanky holidays and fancy meals out. Then this year, Jack shocked his inner circle when he revealed he was going to do Celebrity Big Brother - a move said to be spurred by a desire to make more money for his upcoming wedding. The star, who makes £250,000 a year playing David, is said to have earned £100,000 for doing the show, which he ended up winning. And after seeing their wedding day, it's now clear to see why he wanted to make as much as he could. It was a no-expense-spared event, and they then jetted off for a luxurious and no doubt 9 Jack proposed to Hanni while they were on safari Credit: hannitreweek/Instagram 9 He is best loved for his role in Coronation Street as David Platt
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Lauren Goodger flashes her bum in thong swimsuit after revealing plans to reverse ‘abnormal' BBL
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