Florida part 1
It is safe to say that the retirement lifestyle is my dream aesthetic at the age of 32 (almost 33). Sadly for me a two week winter vacation is as close as I am going to get. We were lucky enough to spend two weeks with both sets of grandparents, a few aunts, and of course our babies, in Orlando, FL this February. This destination is not new to us but there is reason we keep going back to it. Travelling with kids is no easy feat but I must admit we have gotten pretty darn good at it over the last few years. This was our first time travelling with all three kids so there was definitely a learning curve, but overall this trip and travel experience was exceptional!
Let’s talk about why we choose Florida in the first place. We do plan to branch out as the kids get older but for right now this just makes the most sense. For starters Florida is the sunshine state for a reason and we have always lucked out with the weather. Going to somewhere like Florida allows us to afford to stay for two weeks instead of one week like we would if we went to an all inclusive for example. It gives us this massive break and reset that we wouldn’t be able to do in many other tropical locations. The amenities and things to do for the kids are awesome and with the ability to rent an entire house we are able to bring extra people (hello babysitting grandparents). Not to mention we have all the luxuries of being at home. I grew up going to the Orlando area (yes we are an annoying Disney family) so that is another large factor in why we choose there. But again there is just so much for everyone to do and it is just plain GREAT!
This year we booked via airbnb. We spend months tracking down the best neighbourhoods, deals, amenities, etc. Last year we booked on VRBO but it all depends on what availability we find for our selected weeks. If you have flexibility in your schedule and vacation time even better because you can really compare pricing etc. Having a pool at the house is definitely a must but also having a pool and other amenities in the neighbourhood/ clubhouse is topnotch. This gives you something different to do every day without having to actually go anywhere. There is your first hot trip tip. The more you can stay home and relax, the better. A few things we noticed since Covid is that the price of rentals of course has gone up but also they are charging for every little thing. I think being selective in the neighbourhood you choose and what is available to you from pools, to restaurants, to take-out, to grocery stores, etc, it can all really add to your experience without adding to the price tag. We don’t usually heat the pool at the house unless we know the forecast before or during our stay is cold (which obviously you hope is not the case). Our airbnb this year was charging $35 a day to heat the pool and to us that was just not worth it. Like can we just all agree having a too warm pool feels gross anyways, cause it really does, doesn’t it? BBQs are also an added cost and as nice as it is to sometimes have the option we did not feel like it was worth the price they were charging to justify using the BBQ here and there. Moral of the story here is pick and choose what is important to you and spend your money there. If you would rather go out and eat on vacation than pay for a BBQ to make your own food, well then do that (duh)!
Now let’s chat about what we like to do over the course of the two weeks! Orlando has a cornucopia of things to do and see. It can feel overwhelming and sometimes like there is too much. My next hot travel tip: knowing that you won’t get to do everything you want and really prioritizing the top, let’s say, 5 things on your list and focusing there. Everything else is a bonus! Having days with nothing to do, ie. full pool days can truly be some of the best days. The hustle and bustle is fun but don’t forget to sit back and relax too. Since we don’t make this an actual beach vacation that is something that we prioritize doing for at least one day. We usually go to Cocoa Beach but with the littles being so young I find that beach a bit overwhelming. The waters are super rough, it is much more of a “surfer dude” “party beach” kinda spot. When we went there with the boys it was not at all fun for me so this year we opted to go to St. Pete Beach. The beach itself was super packed but we went on a Saturday so that is a little bit on us. I would still say the vibe as a whole for me was way better and I felt more comfortable being there with the three kids. Plus they have amazing restaurants and cute little hangouts right on the beach. Cocoa Beach is closer proximity to Orlando so that certainly has its perks but our drive was just under two hours and the kids did totally fine. Bonus points after a beach day your children will sleep for at least 12 hours straight LOL.
We aren’t huge outlet shoppers, for obvious reasons, but there is lots of that available if that is your thing. You know your girl had to make a few Target runs though because even the best small business owners feel a little weakness when it comes to Target, like the home and baby stuff just GETS ME. I personally love to also go to Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney). Really cute shops, amazing restaurants, all the things, BUT I will say it is busier than ever so if you are going and want to eat, make a reso. On that note as well Gideon’s Bakehouse is to die for. The line-up and wait times are insane BUT trust me when I say it is worth it. Go get the 1/2 pound cookie and thank me later.
I am always looking up for new restaurants and dessert spots to hit up, IYKYK, so definitely use the powers of google because new spots pop up all the time. BUT, some highlights for us this time were The Wharf in Margaritaville, Little Greek (random Greek spot near our rental), The Edison at Disney springs (order the grilled cheese, you won’t be disappointed), Vanessa’s Coffee shop and the Hampton Social ! There are seriously so many more amazing spots. If you have any specific requests ask away, we have been to quite a few great spots over the years!
Hampton Social has the cutest Instagram spots!
Part two of this is going to be full on Disney for those of you who care but we typically save a day of our vacay for Disney. For us it is a traditional and something I personally cherish doing. We went for a day with the kids and my mom and I actually snuck off for a night event at Magic Kingdom and I am so glad we did! But more on that next time . . .
Other obvious, for a reason, things to do, mini-golf, a regular round of golf, patio drinks, Universal Studios, Ice Cream nights, etc. You can do any and all of the touristy things and truthfully you can not go wrong. Orlando is one of those places that you think is like a “been there, done that” kinda place until you have actually been there and realize that there are endless amounts of new things to do every single time.
Things to remember (apply to all vacations) - - - >
Less is more when it comes to bringing stuff unless you have kids than more is more and get over it because your satan spawn need a lot of stuff so just accept it and move on.
Lower your expectations for travel days. Sometimes they won’t be great but they get you to the destinations that will bring you some of the best experiences of your life so IMO, worth it!
Do your research. Research the area you are staying, the neighbourhood, what it has to offer. Do some planning, it will pay off in the long run when you are there.
Schedule in days that are relaxing. I know that sounds silly to say, it is vacation, but especially if you have kids, sometimes you just get caught up in the activities and trying to fit in so many things. Sometimes not everything you want to do gets done and that is okay. Spending days by the pool and having zero itinerary are truly some of my favourite memories both as a kid and an adult with kids.
If you are travelling with extended family take time to go on a date or two with your partner. Why the heck else are they there? (kidding, kind of).
Have more questions? Hit me up on the gram and let’s chat family travel. I would love to know your favourite travel destinations to go with your family. Do you bring your parents along or are you normal? I guess you could say we thrive in the crazy. Stay tuned for part two next . . .
Happy travels babes!
xo
