There are few places in the world that offers as much to movie-lovers as the Sunshine State. From iconic filming locations to fantastic theme parks, Florida promises a cornucopia of treats for every fervent film buff and franchise super-fan. In fact, Orlando has been named one of the top ten cities for movie-lovers in the United States – making this a perfect location to absorb yourself in the flickering dreams of cinema.
If you love the silver screen and have booked yourself a week or two at a villa resort in Florida, make sure to take in a few of these film-themed must-sees on your vacation.
Art Deco Delights At The Birdcage
Based on the French comedy La Cage aux Folles, this mid-nighties cult classic stars Robin Williams as Armand Goldman, the owner of a nightclub and drag show venue The Birdcage. When Armand’s son reveals his girlfriend’s ultra-conservative family are coming to stay, Armand and his amusingly histrionic partner Albert are compelled to play it straight – all set against the glittering backdrop of Miami’s Art Deco District.
A distinct part of the city that’s home to a vibrant and diverse community, this historic area enjoys one of the greatest concentrations of 1930s architecture in the world. Take a walk around and you’ll be able to spot The Birdcage itself (actually known as The Carlyle) on Ocean Drive. You can also visit the open-air mall on Lincoln Road in the heart of Miami Beach, where we see Armand and Albert have a romantic stroll.
Learn About The Real-Life Titanic
Whether you have an interest in history or a lasting affection for Jack and Rose, the Titanic Museum in Orlando is a fascinating place to visit. With genuine artifacts from the sunken ship as well as facsimiles of the Grand Staircase, a First Class Parlor Suite and the Promenade Deck, you can explore the exhibition by yourself or choose a guided tour. You can even take part in a dinner event which recreates the retirement party of the Titanic’s Captain, Edward John Smith – featuring a three course meal and the company of Margaret “Molly” Brown.
“You’re a Wizard, Harry!”
We tend to think that Orlando is all about Disney, but if you head to Universal Resort you can immerse yourself if everything that’s wizardly at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Journey through Hogwarts, fly on a Hippogriff and visit Hogsmeade, with thrilling roller coasters, spectacular light shows and tasty Butterbear all there to keep you entertained.
For people of a certain age group, the nostalgia brought on by the opening bars of the Harry Potter theme tune is so strong that it usually results in tears, shortly followed by requests for all the accompanying paraphernalia. So be warned, if you are a Harry Potter fan, that a visit to this theme park may lead to you coming home with more Omnioculars, Fizzing Whizzbees and Firebolts than you bargained for.
Explore Tampa with Magic Mike
Loosely based on Channing Tatum’s experiences as a 19-year-old exotic dancer, Magic Mike mainly focuses on a group of young men who insist on wearing ties without shirts and wiggling about on stage. Here Matthew McConaughey takes another spin as eye-candy (after his typecast-breaking role in Killer Joe) as the owner of ‘Club Xquisite’ – the exteriors of which you can visit in St Petersburg, where it’s known as the rather less racy Wilson’s Bar.
With Tampa native Channing Tatum insisting on the film showing off his hometown, an exploration of this city and beachfront will unearth lots of Magic Mike gems, should you fancy a break from Florida’s larger cities.
Visit a Galaxy Far, Far Away
From August 29th of this year, everyone who’s ever looked at an Ewok fondly can dive into the Star Wars universe with Disney’s whole new land, Galaxy’s Edge. Ride the Millenium Falcon, join the Resistance and drink in Oga’s Cantina, and hit levels of happiness that you probably haven’t experienced since you were nine years old.
Grit, Glamour and Scarface
The genre-defining and endlessly quotable Scarface is another film that showcases the pastel-coloured, art deco aesthetic of Miami. If the mood takes you, you can take a trip to Ocean’s Drive to spot the ‘Sun Ray Apartments’ building where poor old Angel ended up on the wrong side of chainsaw. But perhaps the most infamous Scarface location is the Fontainebleau Hotel, where you can splash some cash and experience all the stereotypical glitz and glamour of Miami. Because as we all know, first you get the money, then you get the power…
Learning About Space Travel With Apollo 13
Apollo 13 is a film based on the dramatic third mission to the moon, starring Tom Hanks and directed by Ron Howard. The real Apollo 13 took off from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center and it’s also where some of the movie was filmed, so this is a great place to visit if you’ve been inspired to find out more.
All-American Dining in Moonlight
A surprise winner of the Oscar for Best Picture, Moonlight is a love story told in three time frames and awash with the sound of the Atlantic ocean. Painting a saturated, dreamlike picture of a poverty-stricken Miami that we rarely get to see, Moonlight offers both bleak realism and swoon-worthy beauty. Experience some of this otherworldly loveliness with a trip to the beach on a warm evening, and eat at the very well regarded Jimmy’s Eastside Diner in Upper Eastside – where the two main characters poignantly reconnected after years apart.
This post was written by luxury villa specialists Top Villas, who help people create their perfect Florida holiday with villas across locations such as Reunion Resort Orlando, and many more.
