It was less than two hours after we had disembarked from our direct eight-hour Aer Lingus flight to Orlando, Florida. After retrieving our bags it was a short taxi ride to our hotel, some light refreshments and a welcome flop into bed. I had fallen quickly into a deep sleep. Moments later I was shaken awake by my 11-year-old son.

"I'm sorry Mum, but there's somebody knocking on my window," he said in some distress. It took a moment for my brain to compute. His room was on the 12th floor. There was no balcony. Sleepily I got to my feet and opened the blackout drapes. They parted to reveal a spectacular fireworks display courtesy of Seaworld located directly opposite our Hilton Hotel. The knocking was the pyrotechnic show exploding in a kaleidoscope of light. It was a good start to six days in the 'sunshine state'.

The purpose of the short trip (and yes, six days is enough to do the theme parks in Orlando) was the launch of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure.

Two years ago we undertook a similar mission to mark the opening of the Simpsons ride. That time we stayed in the 24-hour, non-stop, wall-to-wall colour and noise that is the Nickelodeon Hotel, researched and chosen by my son. This time it was my choice ? the much more sedate Orlando Hilton ? although it does boast a basketball court in the pool, a waterslide and a lazy river. For readers unfamiliar with a lazy river, it equates to peace on earth: you float on giant inflatables along a manmade river that propels you by way of overwater and underwater jets.

Four-day passes to Universal Studios allowed us ample time to sample the many delights on offer including the Potter experience. Although, if truth be told, it is more like an endurance test. The attraction is positioned in the furthest corner of the Islands of Adventure theme park. This is the park that was traditionally the less popular as it contains older attractions like Jurassic Park and the Cat in the Hat. The more exciting rides, including the Simpsons, Men in Black and Revenge of the Mummy, are located in the sister Universal Studios' park.

It's a 20-25 minute walk from the entrance to Islands of Adventure to Hogsmeade (already a 15-minute walk from your car or other transport).

That's hot walking in the Florida summer months where temperatures hover around the 38°C mark. It's practically coronary-­inducing for some of the larger Americans who struggled more than the rest of us.

We arrived at 8.30am to try to beat the crowds, but by the time we got within sight of Hogwarts Castle the queue to get in had already taken 60 minutes. As the day went on and the temperature soared, the wait time for the three rides contained therein ? Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff ? stretched to several hours. The attraction is spectacular, as only Orlando or Hollywood can do spectacular.

Once you enter Hogsmeade you are totally immersed in Potter land, from Ollivander's wand shop to the Three Broomsticks tavern offering Cornish pasties and butterbeer. But it's a lot of effort for a wander around the snow-dappled village, a picture by the Hogwarts Express and a journey into JK Rowling's imagination.

By contrast, the real highlight of the Universal experience was a live recording of TNA Impact wrestling, for which we again queued for over an hour in high temperatures to enjoy. Once we got into the air-conditioned auditorium, wrestling mania took over for the next three-and-a-half hours.

The broadcast we attended was subsequently transmitted on Bravo ? thankfully without the sound effects or TV spectacle of this mother shouting on wrestling stars to their highly choreographed victories.

To make it truly memorable, for $25 you could get an autograph and picture with one of the stars of the show. WWE legend Jeff Hardy actually took the time to sign three autographs for my son ? making him and his two best pals very happy boys.

universalorlando.com/harrypotter

Essentials

Where to shop

Shopping in Orlando is not to be missed, even during a short trip. Orlando Premium outlets and Lake Buena Vista Factory stores offer discounts from 25-65% off designer items.

Dodging Disney

It is also possible to find old fashioned family entertainment without the stamp of a global brand. Sleuth's Mystery Dinner, where you solve the crime over a meal is great fun.

Keeping cool

Don't overestimate your ability to withstand the heat of central Florida. Public transport is available but it is patchy. Expect to pay approx $100 for a car for three days.

Getting there

Aer Lingus is the only airline to offer direct flights to Orlando as opposed to connecting through New York or Philadelphia. It's a huge advantage especially on a short trip.