This June I was lucky enough to spend two weeks sunning it up in Orlando, Florida with my family for my sister's 21st birthday. Being in Disney (and Universal) is like being in a wonderful dream, it really is the happiest place on Earth and made for a wonderful twenty-first birthday celebration!
WEEK ONE
The day we arrived it was a cool 30 degrees (yey!), we were staying in a villa so we headed to Publix (small supermarket) and bought supplies for the week. Publix is perfect for a quick shop as it's smaller than larger supermarkets such as Walmart; you'll find that you're only in your villa in the morning and night, so you'll only need to buy breakfast items, drinks and snacks.
Top Tips: If you ever find yourself in Publix you need to get a Publix sandwich because they are literally the best sandwich in the world!
We use Alexander Florida Holiday Homes to look for villas every time we go to Florida; clickable link here.
Animal Kingdom
Our first day was spent in Disney's Animal Kingdom. It's one of the smaller parks centered more specifically around younger children, I say this because there's more focus on smaller, less thrilling rides and is quite zoo-esque (as you may have guessed from the name), but still makes for a great day for all. Activities within Animal Kingdom include: safari rides, boat rides, dinosaur excavation and a number of shows to watch such as 'It's a bugs life', one larger roller coaster (Everest Expedition) and other smaller rides including a water ride. If you're visiting here you have to eat at The Rainforest Cafe, the menu is super appealing although quite pricey, but it's totally worth it for the atmosphere, with floor to ceiling jungle themed deco, and an indoor thunderstorm every half hour, it's an amazing and unforgettable experience!
Must: Go on the safari ride, it's always been a fave of mine.
Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM)
We visited Hollywood Studios on our second day which is centered more around shows and movies, with two big rides: Tower of Terror and Rock'n'Roll Roller coaster. If you are a big movie, television or music enthusiast then Hollywood Studios is ideal for you! It's a great place for adults and children alike with something for both. I would recommend The Great Movie ride and staying till the park closes to watch Fantasmic, an amazing 30 minute fireworks and water show!
Must: Watch Fantasmic atleast once!
Epcot
On our third day we traveled to Epcot: home to The World Showcase which represents 11 countries, including: Mexico, Italy, United Kingdom, Norway, United States, Canada, Japan, China, Morocco, Germany and France. Epcot is probably the most relaxed park in Disney. It's lovely to experience all the countries cultures, food and drink; Epcot doesn't miss a thing when it comes to properly representing each country, and it's almost as good as actually visiting each country separately (a lot less expensive too). Soaring is a ride you have to go on, which can be found in The Land, and also Spaceship Earth, which is located in the big globe (the icon of Epcot).
Must: Try to go when the Food and Wine festival is on, and buy perfume from Norway: Laila (my fave)!!
Hard Rock Hotel (Birthday Surprise)
Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure
For an additional birthday surprise my parents booked the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando, for 2 nights/3 days. The hotel is amazing; everything you would expect from such a renowned company and more (including the price, but totally worth it). The hotel was enormous and so easy to get lost in. The staff were super friendly and inviting and the food was also amazing! Literally the only word I have to describe the Hotel. It's located right next to Universal studios so you can spend a day in the park (with the bonus of 1 hour early entry from Islands of Adventure). While we were there we went on all the wet rides first (people tend to do this last of all and then go home) but because we were only a 10 minute walk away from the park, we would go on the wet rides while there was no queue and then go back to the hotel and get changed and spend the rest of the day chilling in Universal or Islands of Adventure. You have to visit both these parks when you're there, especially if you love roller-coasters (and Harry Potter). They are perfect for all ages and you can literally spend the day filled going on and off rides; there's so much to do!
Must: Eat at Bubba Gumps Restaurant and go to Margaritaville!
Chill Day
On the last day of the first week we just chilled out in the villa and had a little retail therapy session at Premium Outlets. Premium Outlets is the best outdoor shopping center ever! There always seem to be deals and sales on and it's home to the kind of shops that everyone knows such as: Adidas, Ralph Lauren, Nike, Pac sun and loads more etc..
Later we ordered takeout from Carrabba's which honestly cooks the nicest italian food. (You can also eat in)
Must: Eat from Carrabba's.
Look out for part two of my holiday. In the meanwhile check out my travel inspo on Pinterest!
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WEEK ONE
The day we arrived it was a cool 30 degrees (yey!), we were staying in a villa so we headed to Publix (small supermarket) and bought supplies for the week. Publix is perfect for a quick shop as it's smaller than larger supermarkets such as Walmart; you'll find that you're only in your villa in the morning and night, so you'll only need to buy breakfast items, drinks and snacks.
Top Tips: If you ever find yourself in Publix you need to get a Publix sandwich because they are literally the best sandwich in the world!
We use Alexander Florida Holiday Homes to look for villas every time we go to Florida; clickable link here.
Animal Kingdom
Our first day was spent in Disney's Animal Kingdom. It's one of the smaller parks centered more specifically around younger children, I say this because there's more focus on smaller, less thrilling rides and is quite zoo-esque (as you may have guessed from the name), but still makes for a great day for all. Activities within Animal Kingdom include: safari rides, boat rides, dinosaur excavation and a number of shows to watch such as 'It's a bugs life', one larger roller coaster (Everest Expedition) and other smaller rides including a water ride. If you're visiting here you have to eat at The Rainforest Cafe, the menu is super appealing although quite pricey, but it's totally worth it for the atmosphere, with floor to ceiling jungle themed deco, and an indoor thunderstorm every half hour, it's an amazing and unforgettable experience!
Must: Go on the safari ride, it's always been a fave of mine.
We visited Hollywood Studios on our second day which is centered more around shows and movies, with two big rides: Tower of Terror and Rock'n'Roll Roller coaster. If you are a big movie, television or music enthusiast then Hollywood Studios is ideal for you! It's a great place for adults and children alike with something for both. I would recommend The Great Movie ride and staying till the park closes to watch Fantasmic, an amazing 30 minute fireworks and water show!
Must: Watch Fantasmic atleast once!
On our third day we traveled to Epcot: home to The World Showcase which represents 11 countries, including: Mexico, Italy, United Kingdom, Norway, United States, Canada, Japan, China, Morocco, Germany and France. Epcot is probably the most relaxed park in Disney. It's lovely to experience all the countries cultures, food and drink; Epcot doesn't miss a thing when it comes to properly representing each country, and it's almost as good as actually visiting each country separately (a lot less expensive too). Soaring is a ride you have to go on, which can be found in The Land, and also Spaceship Earth, which is located in the big globe (the icon of Epcot).
Must: Try to go when the Food and Wine festival is on, and buy perfume from Norway: Laila (my fave)!!
Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure
For an additional birthday surprise my parents booked the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando, for 2 nights/3 days. The hotel is amazing; everything you would expect from such a renowned company and more (including the price, but totally worth it). The hotel was enormous and so easy to get lost in. The staff were super friendly and inviting and the food was also amazing! Literally the only word I have to describe the Hotel. It's located right next to Universal studios so you can spend a day in the park (with the bonus of 1 hour early entry from Islands of Adventure). While we were there we went on all the wet rides first (people tend to do this last of all and then go home) but because we were only a 10 minute walk away from the park, we would go on the wet rides while there was no queue and then go back to the hotel and get changed and spend the rest of the day chilling in Universal or Islands of Adventure. You have to visit both these parks when you're there, especially if you love roller-coasters (and Harry Potter). They are perfect for all ages and you can literally spend the day filled going on and off rides; there's so much to do!
Must: Eat at Bubba Gumps Restaurant and go to Margaritaville!
On the last day of the first week we just chilled out in the villa and had a little retail therapy session at Premium Outlets. Premium Outlets is the best outdoor shopping center ever! There always seem to be deals and sales on and it's home to the kind of shops that everyone knows such as: Adidas, Ralph Lauren, Nike, Pac sun and loads more etc..
Later we ordered takeout from Carrabba's which honestly cooks the nicest italian food. (You can also eat in)
Must: Eat from Carrabba's.
Look out for part two of my holiday. In the meanwhile check out my travel inspo on Pinterest!
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