I have to be honest that I am a massive Disney geek, even at the age of 24! So when the opportunity came up to visit for the 6th time - it was just too hard to say no! We flew with Virgin Holidays and before I even got on the plane I was amazed - the plane had an upstairs and downstairs scenario which I have never seen before. It honestly blew my mind. It was a very comfortable flight, I am a very anxious flyer but with the help of morning mimosas, cuppla vodka cranberries, sour cream and chive pretzels and The Greatest Showman, I was quite content. I thought I would collate my pics into the post for y'all to check out.
When we landed we were absolutely exhausted. I personally can't sleep on transport so jetlag is always a bitch for me. Our first night consisted of getting into the room and going straight to bed. The next day we woke up at 4am .. (9am here) and that is pretty much the time I got up everyday .. it was still dark outside. Our first official day we went straight to Walmart for water, snacks and in my case lots of random stuff I didn't really need. After Walmart we decided to hit ground running with the shopping and headed to the Florida Mall. It was actually raining so a pool day didn't suit until Day 2!
As you can probably tell - our first park was the Magic Kingdom. Oh what a day! Going back as an adult I have more appreciation for the detail, imagination and the stressed out parents. If I am honest, I felt like the oldest person in the park without kids but it still has the same effect on me every time I walk down Main Street. Sheer excitement. I have to say a massive shout out to the all the parents (especially my own) who bring their kids to these fabulous parks. Florida is a very expensive holiday and if I'm honest I have no idea just how expensive it really was. You are at least $100 dollars a day in these parks and that is just food and drinks. That price is based on a family of 3. So if you're part of the Von Trap family and are reading this and you've been to Disneyworld in Florida, GO GIVE YOUR MUM AND DAD A HUG NOW!
Disneyworld has not changed one bit since I last visited about 11 years ago however the new rides are are absolutely fantastic ie Seven Dwarfs Mine Train as well as the old family favourites Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain. I wasn't dressed up as a Disney princess to which I regret but to see the wee girls all dressed up made me even more excited for my wee niece's first visit to Florida in a couple of years time.
I highly recommend checking into Chillies if you are in the states. I had been to the one in North Carolina too and the Florida did not disappoint. Very reasonably priced, the food was outstanding and the staff were super helpful and friendly. (Craving fajitas now)
Next it was onto my fave park, Universal. Universal (aka Neverland as I like to call it) has hours of fun for everyone of all ages. Universal is easy a two day park as there are two parks within it. Universal and Islands of Adventure. I didn't make it to Islands of Adventure this year as I was bed bound with the flu which I am gutted about but I honestly could not recommend it enough to all those Marvel fans out there. Universal was amazing - it has The Simpsons land, Harry Potter world, a mini Hollywood 1950s section. Something for everyone! The waiting times are a bit lengthy at both these parks so I really recommend booking your fast passes well in advance - especially for the newly opened rides. (That advice goes for all parks)
There are 3 main locations to shop til you drop - The Florida Mall and the two outlets either end of International Dr. The Florida Mall is good to go and see but I'd recommend saving your dollars and spending them at the outlets. The outlets have all the same shops and in near enough all of them you will get an absolute bargain. I went mad as I am a shopaholic but I can't help but wish I had bought more.. YES.. MORE! I couldn't help but be a little paranoid at the weight of my case going home which definitely controlled some of my spending. I shopped for myself, my family and of course my pending little niece.
Hollywood Studios doesn't have much is the form of rides but it is super retro and very much a must do! The Toystory ride was my favourite ride there and it well worth the wait. I believe they are actually building a Toystory land that is due to either open this year or next, I'm not quite sure so if you are heading to Florida this summer - look out for it and let me know!
Animal Kingdom
Epcot
Discovery Cove
Disney Springs - STK
I had a really wonderful two week holiday in Florida and I would just like to take the opportunity to thank both Ross and his Mum for inviting me along! It's a wee family tradition of theirs and it was really lovely to be included! Please leave your comments below if you enjoyed this post! Rx
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