I’ll admit it: I’m a man, and I like things traditionally associated with men, like rugby, beer and trying to put together flatpack furniture without reading the instructions.
But I wouldn’t say I’m a bloke, necessarily. So when I was presented with the option of a Guy’s Getaway tour in Orlando, I was a bit worried that I would find all that all-American whooping and high-fiving a bit much.
As it turned out, a day of golf, cigars and race cars was more than enough to help me find my inner caveman.
Pars
The day began on the driving range at the Brad Brewer Golf Academy at Shingle Creek Golf Club.
As a rather erratic golfer, I enjoyed my first lesson, and was impressed with the patience Brad and his coaches showed to some complete novices in the group.
The surroundings are immaculate, and an early morning session was a great way to get the day under way.
Cigars
After building up a bit of a sweat in the blazing Floridian sun, walking into the cool atmosphere of the world’s biggest cigar humidor was a blessed relief.
I’m an ex-smoker, so have that fear that a first puff will be the start of a slippery slope, but when you’re faced with 1.5 million cigars and a fine selection of beers, wines and ports, it seems churlish to decline.
The staff at the Corona Cigar Company are passionate about their products, and as I stood at the bar with a beer in one hand and a fat cigar in the other, life was starting to feel pretty good.
Cars
By now, I was allowing my inner bloke to come to the fore. Which was just as well, as the next stop was about as testosterone-filled as you can get.
The Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World is a petrol head’s dream – a chance to speed round an oval race track at 160mph-plus.
Although our lunchtime beers precluded us from getting behind the wheel, that didn’t stop us getting in the passenger seat for a pretty incredible ride.
The Disney Speedway was built to host Indy Car racing, and the ride-along experience gives you the chance to be driven in a Nascar-style stock car. The noise and speed combine to provide an exhilarating experience, and a fitting end to a day of manliness.
And not wishing to offend the many women who would no doubt have enjoyed the experiences too, I’m pretty sure this is precisely the type of Orlando day out which would bring a smile to the face of many a theme park-weary dad.
Sample product
The Richard Petty Ride-Along Experience costs £72 from Attraction World.
A one-hour private golf lesson including swing analysis at the Brad Brewer Golf Academy costs $175 with Brad Brewer or $130 with a certified instructor. Agents can earn 10% commission.
The Corona Cigar Company has three stores in and around Orlando.
