Orlando is so much more than theme parks — though let’s be honest, Disney magic is always a major draw! From thrilling days at Walt Disney World to splashing around in world-class water parks, our time here was packed with fun. But what surprised us most was the adventure beyond the parks: kayaking through crystal-clear springs, spotting gators on an airboat tour, and discovering the wild, natural side of Central Florida. Whether you’re chasing characters or wildlife, Orlando offers nonstop excitement for every kind of explorer.

And speaking of magic — we kept our Disney plans a surprise! As we drove under that iconic Walt Disney World sign, the kids were already buzzing with wonder… then Mickey appeared on my phone to deliver the surprise himself. Their reactions? Pure, wide-eyed joy. It was one of those moments we’ll remember forever — the kind that makes all the planning worth it.

Disney tradition

For the past three Disney trips (2016, 2021, 2023), I’ve kept a little tradition going — magical surprises from Mickey Mouse that “just show up” in our room with a note signed by the big mouse himself (thanks, Etsy for your help!). It’s become one of my favorite ways to add a little extra magic and create fun, unique memories for the kids (plus, it helps cut down on impulse souvenir shopping!). Over the years, Mickey has left beach towels, Mickey ears, gift cards, snacks, and special stuffies with sweet notes, each one adding a special touch to our trip.

This year, with RV life in full swing and limited space, Mickey kept it simple — each kid received a tiny stuffy and a character-signed hat featuring signatures from characters we didn’t get to meet in person. He even included a gift card so they could pick out one meaningful item to remember our trip. I also discovered some bubbles hidden under our bed that we forgot to give them earlier… so we will pass them out during our Seaside beach day! I’m not sure how much longer the kids — especially Hawkins — will fully believe in the magic, but I’ll soak up every bit of it while I can and have so much fun playing along.

Blizzard Beach

We scored free tickets to Disney’s Blizzard Beach through a special promo just for resort guests — and honestly, it turned out to be the best water park we’ve ever been to. Maybe it’s the Disney magic talking, but everything from the theming to the rides to the layout was incredible. Blizzard Beach blends snowy ski resort vibes with tropical fun, and somehow it works perfectly. What made it even better was that there was something for every one of our kids — from Hawkins, who prefers the chill side of things, to Emmie, who was laser-focused on every thrill ride and kept asking, “Am I tall enough for that one?” Spoiler: she was, and she rode them all — with me right beside her, screaming and laughing the whole way!

Our family favorite was the Teamboat Springs family raft ride — which happens to be the longest raft ride in the world! It was the perfect mix of fun, speed, and teamwork, with just enough splashes to cool you down without soaking you head-to-toe. Between the lazy river, wave pool, and thrill slides, it was a full day of fun we’d repeat in a heartbeat. Disney does it again — even their water park left us with magical memories and big smiles.

Easter

Our Easter was simple, sweet, and full of meaning — just the way we love it. We began the morning gathered in the peaceful back area of our campsite, where my dad led us in an intimate, heartfelt church service. Surrounded by nature, it was the perfect setting to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Easter — the hope and redemption we have through Jesus, and the incredible gift of His love. As a family, we prayed, sang, and gave thanks, reminded again how much grace we’ve been given and how deeply loved we are.

Afterward, the kids raced around for a joyful Easter egg hunt and beamed as they found their baskets filled with little surprises.

Then came one of the day’s magical highlights: brunch at Topolino’s Terrace. We were all smiles meeting Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in their charming European artist outfits, and Emmie was practically glowing with excitement. We enjoyed a delicious meal (those sour cream waffles and steak & eggs were amazing!) with stunning rooftop views — and the whole experience felt like Disney had wrapped the morning in its own kind of joy and wonder.

That evening, we laughed and played during Chip & Dale’s campfire singalong, toasted marshmallows under the stars, and ended the day with sticky fingers and full hearts. From meaningful moments of worship to pure family fun, it was an Easter overflowing with what matters most: faith, togetherness, and love.

SeaWorld

Our day at SeaWorld Orlando was honestly a bit disappointing. Between the long lines, frequent ride shutdowns (even after we had waited forever), and a real lack of customer service when things went wrong, it just didn’t feel like the experience we had hoped for. We only managed to ride about five rides the entire day, and with the Florida heat blazing down and very little shaded areas to escape to, it made the downtime feel even longer. The real highlight ended up being the dolphin and orca shows, which were beautiful and impressive — but overall, we left unsure if we would ever choose to return.

Hollywood Studios

Our day at Hollywood Studios was everything we hoped for and more — truly one of our favorite park days! We rope dropped with early entry and made a beeline for Rise of the Resistance, walking right on with no wait (a Disney miracle!). That smooth start set the tone for the rest of the day. Next, we hit Slinky Dog Dash, which had just a 20-minute wait — the shortest we saw all day. The kids loved it so much they begged to ride again, but with the line never dipping below 60 minutes, we persuaded them to head to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Smugglers Run instead, which kept the excitement going.

Our family’s Top THREE at Hollywood Studios

Slinky Dog Dash – A rollercoaster that’s just the right amount of thrill and whimsy. We all laughed (and maybe screamed a little) as we zipped through Andy’s backyard!
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Mind-blowing from start to finish. It’s more than a ride — it’s an experience. The kids felt like true Rebels on a secret mission.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Pure Disney magic! We loved every zany twist and turn through Mickey’s cartoon world — and the music is still stuck in our heads!

We managed to ride every major attraction at least once — and many twice! Emmie and I were thrill-seeking buddies, tackling Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror with big grins (and maybe a few screams).

Top Food Highlights at Hollywood Studios

Woody’s Lunch Box

Raspberry Lunch Box Tart
A gourmet take on the classic Pop-Tart—filled with raspberry marmalade and topped with strawberry fondant and crispy pearls. Sweet, nostalgic, and satisfying.

Ronto Roasters (Galaxy’s Edge)

Ronto Wrap
A hearty and portable wrap with roasted pork, grilled sausage, peppercorn sauce, and tangy slaw in warm pita. Savory and full of flavor.

Docking Bay 7 (Galaxy’s Edge)

Batuuan Beef and Crispy Topato Stir-fry
Smoky braised beef glazed with tamarind, served with stir-fried veggies, crispy yucca, pickled onions, and cilantro. Unique and satisfying.
Endorian Fried Chicken Tip Yip
Crispy chicken paired with creamy house-made mac & cheese and roasted vegetables. Comfort food with a galactic twist.
Outpost Puff (Dessert)
A chocolate pastry filled with guajillo chocolate mousse, topped with Thai tea panna cotta, spiced pineapple, and edible décor. Rich and beautifully balanced.

ABC Commissary

Surprisingly great variety with fresher, more elevated quick-service options (you can mention specific favorites if you'd like to expand this section).

Must-Try Drinks at Hollywood Studios

Oga’s Cantina (Galaxy’s Edge)

Fuzzy Tauntaun (Adult)
Peach vodka, orange juice, and schnapps topped with “Buzz Button” foam for a tingling lip sensation. Fun, interactive, and unforgettable.
Carbon Freeze (Kid-Friendly)
Powerade Lemon Lime with wild strawberry, blueberry, and green apple popping pearls. Bubbles and fog make this one a hit with kids.

Walking into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios feels like stepping straight into a galaxy far, far away. The towering spires of Batuu, the life-sized Millennium Falcon, and the sounds of droids whirring and ships flying overhead completely transport you. Every detail — from the weathered buildings to the characters roaming the streets — makes it feel real and immersive. You’re not just visiting a theme park; you’re part of the Star Wars story. Whether you're sipping blue milk, building a droid, or facing off with the First Order, the magic of this land surrounds you at every turn. It's awe-inspiring, unforgettable, and easily one of the most incredible themed experiences Disney has ever created.

But one of the absolute biggest highlights for the kids? Hands down — building their own droids at Droid Depot! From the moment we stepped into the buzzing workshop in Galaxy’s Edge, their eyes lit up like hyperspace. Conveyor belts rolled by with colorful droid parts, and the kids got to hand-pick every piece — from heads to legs to personality chips. The assembly process felt like a scene straight out of a Star Wars movie, complete with sound effects and flashing lights. They were totally immersed, turning bolts, connecting wires, and bringing their custom sidekicks to life. By the end, they weren’t just holding droids — they were showing off new best friends with glowing pride and giggles that could power a whole star cruiser.

No day at Hollywood Studios ever feels truly complete until you visit Mickey and Minnie! There’s just something so magical about seeing the classic duo in person — their warm hugs, big smiles, and timeless charm bring out the kid in everyone. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, ending your day with Mickey and Minnie is like the perfect Disney bow on top of an unforgettable adventure.

We wrapped up our epic day the only way Disney knows how — with the nighttime spectacular. Fireworks lit up the sky, music swelled with emotion, and we stood there in awe, hand in hand, soaking in every magical moment. It was one of those perfect endings that leaves your heart full, your camera roll overloaded, and your cheeks sore from smiling.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Our day at Wekiwa Springs State Park was the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and parenting humility. We kicked things off with a peaceful kayak trip down the crystal-clear Wekiva River, surrounded by lush greenery and the occasional turtle sighting. The twins crushed it… for the first 15 minutes. Then they fully embraced vacation mode, laid back like royalty, and transformed me into their personal paddling servant for the next 75 minutes — I got the workout, they got the breeze. After the kayak cruise (and my unsolicited arm day), we cooled off with a dip in the spring’s refreshingly crisp 72-degree water. The kids had a blast jumping off the steps and splashing around while I tried to feel my arms again. It was the perfect escape from the Orlando buzz — natural, beautiful, and full of memories we’ll laugh about for a long time.

Magic kingdom

There’s just something about Magic Kingdom that hits different — the nostalgia, the joy, the feeling that anything is possible. We soaked up every bit of Disney magic and truly made the most of our day, riding literally everything in the park at least once (yes, even the classics and the thrill rides!). I started the day with a solo ride on TRON using a single lightning lane — it was sleek, fast, and completely epic. But the real magic came later when Emmie begged to try it, so we stood in line together, and it was just as thrilling the second time — maybe even more so because I got to experience it with her. We ended the night the best way possible: under a sky full of fireworks, then one last ride on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to close out the perfect Disney day.

*Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.*
– Walt Disney

Between all the rides, we made it our mission to snack our way around the park, sharing bites so we could taste as many Disney treats as possible. Some of our favorite food finds included:

The Lunching Pad:

Sweet cream cheese-filled soft pretzel
Salted caramel stuffed pretzel

Cheshire Café:

Pepper jack cheese-stuffed “teacup” pastry
Cheshire Cat Tail (flaky pastry with chocolate & icing)

Aloha Isle:

Coconut Dole Whip with POG juice
Raspberry Pineapple Swirl Dole Whip
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Spring Roll Cart:

Cheeseburger Spring Rolls

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café:

Pork Carnitas Nachos

Westward Ho Refreshments:

Candied Bacon Skewers

Sleepy Hollow:

Nutella Waffle Sandwich with fresh fruit
Chicken & Waffle “Sandwich” with slaw and syrup

Our family’s Top Rides at Magic Kingdom

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – A smooth, swaying coaster through the diamond mine! It’s fun, fast, and full of Disney charm — we rode it with grins from ear to ear.
Haunted Mansion – Spooky, silly, and packed with ghostly surprises. We love the creepy details and catchy tunes (“Grim Grinning Ghosts” lives rent-free in our heads).
TRON Lightcycle / Run – The newest thrill on the block! Racing through the Grid on glowing bikes was next-level cool — definitely a must-do for thrill-seekers.

The Magic Kingdom parade is pure Disney enchantment in motion — a dazzling blend of music, color, and character moments that bring smiles to every face lining Main Street, U.S.A. Whether it's the vibrant floats, the wave from Mickey, or the sparkle of Cinderella's gown catching the sun, there's something magical about seeing your favorite characters come to life right in front of you. The energy is contagious, the music unforgettable, and for just a few joyful minutes, you feel like you're part of the storybook too. It’s one of those iconic Disney moments that leaves both kids and grown-ups a little starry-eyed.

By the end of the day, we were full of food, full of joy, and full of memories we’ll never forget. Magic Kingdom truly delivered — thrills, laughter, fireworks, and so much magic in between.

Together is our favorite place to be — especially at the most magical place on Earth.

Disney springs

We finished our trip with a quick stop at Disney Springs, just enough time to pop into the World of Disney store for souvenirs and visit the Coca-Cola Store. The kids loved browsing all the Disney merch, and we each made our own custom Coke bottles — a fun and unique keepsake to take home. It was the perfect low-key ending to a magical trip!

Resort hopping

One of our favorite fun (and mostly free!) Disney experiences is resort hopping — a great way to explore different resorts, try new food, and soak up all the Disney atmosphere without a park ticket. We started with free parking at Hollywood Studios, then caught a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge, one of the best resorts to visit thanks to its public savanna viewing areas and incredible dining. It’s a bit out of the way, but totally worth it for the chance to spot giraffes and zebras up close! From there, we hopped on the monorail loop, stopping at the Polynesian, which is super accessible from the TTC and always buzzing with island vibes. Captain Cook’s has some of the best quick service food on property, and of course, we had to grab a Dole Whip while taking in the views. We even managed to catch both Epcot and Magic Kingdom fireworks from the monorail — a total bonus! We originally planned to end the night with dessert and street performers at the Disney Boardwalk, but tired feet won out and we made our way back to Hollywood Studios to grab our car. Still, it was a magical evening of exploring, snacking, and soaking in all the resort magic!

The day before we left the magical place of Disney, we took a sweet detour and hopped over to Port Orleans French Quarter for one thing: Mickey-shaped beignets! Warm, fluffy, and covered in powdered sugar, they were worth every bite (and every dusted shirt). After our treat, we strolled the charming cobblestone paths, soaked in the New Orleans vibes, and enjoyed exploring another Disney resort full of character and quiet beauty.

A getaway from Disney

New Smyrna Beach

We spent a perfect 3 hours soaking up the sun at New Smyrna Beach — just enough time for the kids to dig in the sand, splash in the waves, and enjoy some good old-fashioned beach fun. After all that salty, sandy play, we walked straight up to The Breakers for early dinner, where we had some of the yummiest burgers around (seriously, so good!). With ocean views and casual vibes, it was the perfect way to refuel before heading out. Short and sweet, but totally worth it!

Kennedy space center

After our beach day at New Smyrna, we checked into a nearby hotel to rest up for a full day at the Kennedy Space Center — and wow, what an experience! We packed in so much and could have easily spent another day exploring. One of our favorite stops was the Space Shuttle Atlantis®, where we not only got up close to the real shuttle but also braved the Shuttle Launch Experience — a thrilling simulation that gave us a taste of what astronauts feel during liftoff (the kids were wide-eyed and loved it!).

We also explored the cutting-edge Gateway: Deep Space Launch Complex® and went on a futuristic journey through Spaceport KSC, which was like stepping into a sci-fi movie. The Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour was another highlight, taking us behind the scenes to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where the sheer size of the Saturn V rocket took our breath away. The kids enjoyed getting hands-on in Journey to Mars, playing and climbing in Planet Play, and learning fun facts in It’s A Matter of Fact. We wrapped up our visit with a stroll through the Rocket Garden, where historic rockets towered overhead. It was a day full of inspiration, wonder, and space dreams — the kind of learning adventure that sticks with you long after you leave. From the roar of rocket history to the excitement of future missions, Kennedy Space Center captured our imaginations and reminded us just how big and bold human exploration can be. It was the perfect blend of education and excitement—an unforgettable experience for both kids and adults alike.

Wild Florida

Our visit to Wild Florida was an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Sunshine State’s untamed beauty — made even better by scoring a significantly cheap deal on Groupon! We kicked things off with an exhilarating airboat tour, gliding across the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. With the wind in our hair and eyes peeled for gators, we spotted wildlife all around us — from sunbathing alligators to elegant wading birds, all set against a backdrop of untouched wetlands. After our wild ride, we explored the Gator Park, home to over 200 native and exotic animals. We strolled shaded boardwalks, caught entertaining live shows, and got up close to some seriously scaly locals.

Where we stayed

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern amenities within the Walt Disney World Resort. Spanning over 750 acres of pine and cypress forest, this resort provides a serene retreat with a variety of accommodations, including campsites for tents and RVs, as well as fully furnished cabins. Guests can enjoy a plethora of recreational activities such as horseback riding, archery, canoeing, and fishing. The resort also features two heated swimming pools, playgrounds, and evening entertainment like the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Chip 'n' Dale's Campfire Sing-Along. With its proximity to Magic Kingdom and complimentary transportation options, Fort Wilderness combines the tranquility of nature with the magic of Disney, making it an ideal destination for families seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Our time in Orlando was nothing short of unforgettable — a whirlwind of adventure, joy, and discovery. We rode every ride we could at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, filled our bellies with the most magical Disney snacks, and soaked in every character hug and firework finale. We cooled off with thrills at Blizzard Beach, paddled through crystal-clear waters at Wekiwa Springs, and got a taste of Florida’s wild side with gators and airboats. Even though SeaWorld didn’t live up to expectations, we still found beauty in the dolphin and orca shows. We wrapped it all up with a day at the awe-inspiring Kennedy Space Center, where rockets, shuttles, and hands-on exhibits left us dreaming bigger. From Disney magic to natural wonders to the edge of outer space, Orlando delivered a family adventure that will stick with us for a lifetime.

The Magical Orlando