Orlando, FL
It is no secret we have been to Florida a time or two (aka every single year of my life at least once besides during the panny) so I have definitely learned a thing or two on how to travel to this metropolitan, tourist destination. There is obviously millions of things to do, places to stay, and new experiences to be had but this year was one of my absolute favourites. Going with the boys and having them experience a wholesome family vacay was just the best! This was Watty’s first time going anywhere since he was born during a pandemic. It felt extra special for all of us. Travelling during Covid had a different level of anxiety for me going into it but I have to say it was all relatively easy and stress free. Making sure we were prepared was the absolute key to panny vacation bliss. A lot of you have been asking for a round up of our tips and tricks and what we did with the babes in Orlando so that is what I am going to focus on here today. Hopefully it helps ease your Covid travel worries because I cannot say it enough, going on vacation after everything we have all been through the past few years was HEAVEN. Without further ado, our family vacation in full detail!
THE TRAVEL
Just to quickly touch base on the actual travel part of the trip because so many of your had questions about it this is what it was like . . .
Everything is constantly changing and actually while we were away the rules changed for us coming back so it is really just important to stay up to date on all of that information even while you are away. But the testing and everything was honestly super easy. PCR tests in Florida were no issue, we just drove through at the pharmacy 72 hours before our scheduled flight home and took a free test. The tests are not guaranteed for travel but between all the grandparents and us, three separate travel times, all our results showed up well in advance of when we needed them. You now only require a rapid test to come back into Canada but I actually found those harder to come by, not impossible but just make sure you book / plan this all PRIOR to going away. You need appointments for everything. As for the airports . . . Leaving Toronto was busy. Arrive three hours before. It is no longer a “suggested” timeline but a necessity, especially with kids. Customs was insane. Be sure to check-in 24 hours prior to your flight online especially now that you can add in all your vaccine information ahead of time instead of having to do it all at the gate. Again this could all change but from what we experienced this was easiest. Toronto was busy but everything ran smoothly. Getting into Orlando same thing, easy breezy. Nothing you have to do when you land besides grab your bags and be on your way. Leaving Orlando was also painless. We checked in prior to arriving at the airport again, showed proof of our negative tests upon arrival, security was quick and voila. Landing back in Toronto was also way less stressful than I anticipated. We filled out all our info on the “arrivecan” app, chatted quickly to customs and off we went. Again, and I cannot stress this enough, read the rules, stick to them, and you are GOOD TO GO!
THE GOOD STUFF
Let’s move on to all the fun shall we . . .
I have stayed within the Orlando area essentially all my life and always the best trips when we were younger were when my parents rented a house for us. House rentals are more affordable than hotels, provide you with all the privacy and amenities you need, and also having a pool and not having to go anywhere for days if you choose is absolutely amazing. There are so many awesome gated communities that really cater to tourists in the area that you almost cannot go wrong in renting a house vs staying in a hotel. It of course depends on the experience you want, IE. if you want a full on disney vacay that is something entirely different, but I digress. Be sure to read the reviews and check what is in that area, some areas are more ideal than others.
We stayed in the Davenport area in the community of Champions Gate this time and I have to say it was one of my favourite neighbourhoods we have ever stayed in. The clubhouse was great, the amenities were there if you wanted them but also not necessary. The homes were beautiful, and the proximity to almost everything was bang on. We stayed in a townhouse in the community and it was exactly as advertised which is always a pleasant surprise. I will say the pool was a little bit small if you have bigger kiddos or just adults but for us it was perfect. Beau thought it was made for him and rarely got out for more than 5 minutes at a time. I will link below where we stayed but highly recommend the entire area. We would definitely stay again and probably find a detached home in the neighbourhood with maybe a larger pool, especially when we will have one more babe in our group the next time we go.
Expect to have a bit of a drive anywhere in Orlando simply for the fact traffic is constantly crap. It really doesn’t matter what time of the day it is but the highways are busy (I-4 can suck it) and it is just a bumping place to be so plan accordingly even if it tells you, you are relatively close to where you need to be. Leave early. That being said there are endless choices for grocery stores, shopping, restaurants, bars, etc. You just need to know what places are really best for what you want. Don’t worry that is where I come in. We found some great spots this year that we will absolutely be visiting again, especially in the restaurant department. We also like to keep things simple when we are going out and don’t mind hitting the local “Cracker Barrel” for breakfast or Bahama Breeze for happy hour cocktails and coconut shrimps. The more laidback you are the better time you will have, truly. Here are a few of our favourite spots and why:
There is no shortage of chain restaurants everywhere you look so you will absolutely always be able to find a spot but we love something that feels a little more special. Bonus points if it’s insta worthy obviously.
Date Spot - The Hampton Social - This place was absolutely adorable from the decor to the drink presentation. It was a fabulous spot to get away for a romantic night on the town. They also had some great mocktails so that was an A+ for me.
A revisit kinda spot - The Wharf as Sunset Walk - This was somewhere we went twice during our stay and honestly I could have gone back for a third visit. It was great food for both adults and kids and an awesome location. Get the scallops if you ever visit, thank me later.
Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney for the OGs) has some of the best shopping, restaurants, bakeries, and overall atmosphere for a fun day / night out for kids and adults alike. We go to DS often and just find it an easy place to always find something new to see, do and eat. A few of my favourite things at DS are the movie theatre (it’s the kind you can order alcohol at people), bowling (love a good bowling date night), the World of Disney Store, all the shopping (Free People, Anthropologie, Kate Spade, the cutest Levi’s store with custom embroidery options, just to name a few), OH and you can buy a spicy margarita to enjoy while you stroll (obviously when I am not preggo). Also let’s not glaze over the newest bakery that offers 1/2 pound cookies, Gideon’s bakehouse. The restaurants are endlessly delicious and there aren’t many spots you can go wrong choosing, just be sure to book reservations, it is always packed everywhere! Getting that Disney vibe without too much Disney, for me at least, is always fun. You cannot go wrong exploring the goodness here. (linking Disney Springs so you can be transported directly to all the info, you’re welcome).
To say there is something for everyone is an understatement. There is a plethora of things to do for all ages and interests which can of course feel overwhelming. With Covid still being a bit of a concern this trip we found our groove hanging by the pool most days but we did enjoy a few fun outings that really helped us come alive after two years of being cooped up. A beach day was such a great outing with the kiddos and the one that is the closest to Orlando is Coco Beach. We love going here, especially with the babes, because the entire beach offers chair and umbrella rentals. TBH you could charge me anything at this point to be able to rent all of that directly on the beach instead of having to lug it to and from the car with my children so definitely bonus points for that. We also did make our way to St. Petersburg’s downtown and they have an amazing new pier with everything from a massive playground to gorgeous waterfront restaurants and live music. This was about an hour and twenty minute drive from where we were and made another great day out. Again there are endless options for all comfort levels and I cannot stress enough how much we loved every second of being away.
As many of you will have noticed if you follow me over on the gram we did make it to Disney, on our last day in fact, but Disney needs a blog of its own (obviously) so tune back in next week to get all the details on our day at Disney. My best tips and tricks for navigating the parks with your littles. I also happen to be quite the expert well outside of this single trip so if you have questions I am your girl. Until next time babes, have a wonderful week!
xo
