How To Do Florida In Style
Dreaming of miles of sandy beaches and great nightlife? Modern art deco style combined with Latin American flair? The funhouse paradise that is Walt Disney World Resort? A trip to Florida is on the bucket list for many, long held as the ultimate family. Our founder and CEO Elly Stancliffe recently visited the Sunshine State and found it lived up to the hype and more.
From the dreamiest coastal location in Miami to queue-skipping tips and tricks at Walt Disney World, here is how to do the ultimate Florida holiday in style.
Florida’s USP
Embarking on a family vacation with five children is no small feat, requiring meticulous planning ; I knew our trip to Florida would be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Its attractions for the kids are obvious – Walt Disney World is number one on the bucket list for anyone with kids. But there’s also so much enjoyment for adults, from soaking up the sun at the beach to unlocking your inner child at a theme park, it’s impossible not to be thrilled by Florida. Beyond that, Miami is the ultimate stateside destination for cool, with its art deco architecture, public art, and endless resplendent beaches.
I cannot stress enough how much I loved America. There is so much to see, but if you’re traveling with family to Florida, you need to do it right. My advice? Start with the busy bits and end with the calm – if there is any calm or downtime when away with small children.
I cannot stress how much I loved America. There is so much to see, but you need to do it right
Getting There
Flying transatlantic these days is much more convenient than it used to be, which means you have a variety of routes and options to consider. We opted for Tampa, which is a great cost-saving tip as it can be cheaper and is close to Walt Disney World. So, flying in from London, and after a very turbulent flight, we touched down ready to begin the adventure.
What To Do
Walt Disney World
There is so much to experience at Walt Disney World. My tip is to get up early, go for the Lightning Lanes if you have the budget, and if not, just be that early bird that catches the worm. My husband is an early riser and was first in line for the parks, so we managed to do very little queuing. The shuttles are great, especially if you want to have a glass of wine at lunch.
There’s a host of great parks at Walt Disney World, including Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom. There really is an endless amount to do, from iconic, once-in-a-lifetime rides like Space Mountain and The Haunted Mansion, to an end-of-day, showstopping fireworks display. Of course, a highlight for the younger kids is seeing their favourite characters. Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Disney Princesses are all around the park and there are ample photo opportunities to make the memories last a lifetime.
We particularly loved the Animal Kingdom, a unique and immersive resort designed to resemble an African wildlife reserve lodge focusing on the natural world and wildlife conservation. As well as great rides and activities, there is a vast savanna surrounding the resort with over 30 species of African animals, including zebras, gazelles, and giraffes.
There really is an endless amount to do, from iconic, once-in-a-lifetime rides like Space Mountain and The Haunted Mansion, to an end-of-day, showstopping fireworks display.
The Kennedy Space Centre
Also on the itinerary were Universal Studios and the Kennedy Space Centre. For me, the Kennedy Space Centre was the highlight, providing a wow factor beyond what I expected. The birthplace of human space flight, it combines rich history, an immersive visitor experience, and awe-inspiring attractions. You can get up close to the real Space Shuttle Atlantis and witness live rocket launches – safe to say we were all utterly mesmerized.
Miami
After two days of complete rest and relaxation, we did the four-hour drive to Miami. Word of warning: driving in America takes bravery! Familiarise yourself with the traffic laws before you go; some of the road signs and symbols are different.
We headed to Wynwood Walls, where colorful murals and eclectic galleries await. The children had an opportunity to channel their inner artist and create their own graffiti masterpieces in this cultural hub. The absolute highlight was the Everglades, an unforgettable eco-adventure. Get up close and personal with alligators, birds, and other native wildlife as you explore and learn about this unique ecosystem. Be prepared to get within a foot of an alligator!
Attend a Basketball Match
As they say, when in America…
Basketball is more than a sport in the States. Similar to football in the UK, it plays a vital role in the country’s identity and culture, and going to a match is an absolute must for anyone visiting.
We went to the NBA match between Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies (the team names in America are great) which was an incredible experience – we even got on the big screen. Thankfully, the local team won, so the mood in town was great both before and afterward. This was a true highlight and well worth the expense.
Where To Stay
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Our first stop was in Kissimmee in a holiday house. This was great as allowed us to soak up some sun in our own space, and get over any jetlag. From here we had easy access to both Universal Studios and the Kennedy Space Centre, and is a highly recommended, super convenient option.
At Walt Disney World, we stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is brilliant for families, as you can open your bedroom doors, and there is a vast savanna surrounding the resort with over 30 species of African animals, including zebras, gazelles, and giraffes – plus doorstep access to the park itself!
Waldorf Astoria
Walt Disney World was incredible, but full-on, so we headed for a few days of relaxation at the Waldorf Astoria. Neslted within the serene Bonnet Creek nature reserve, it offers an idyllic tranquil escape from the non-stop action of the Disneyland parks. The pools are incredible and child-friendly, with a great holiday vibe (including cool music and cocktail service). They even have a free kids club, so those with families can totally shut off with clear minds.
Enjoy the sub-tropical environment of the lazy river, or lounge in the lagoon-style pool as the children splash in the Florida sunshine
Although still ideally located to explore Walt Disney World from, the Waldorf Astoria has more than enough for you to never even need to leave the hotel, such is the variety on offer. Enjoy the sub-tropical environment of the lazy river, or lounge in the lagoon-style pool as the children splash in the Florida sunshine. You can also hire a private cabana, where poolside attendants cater brilliantly to your every need.
The Bull & Bear restaurant is an absolute must, renowned for its impeccable steaks, and incredible seafood platter. As a guest of the Waldorf Astoria, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks such as early park admission to Walt Disney World and personalised concierge service. If you’re into golf, then tee off at the Waldorf Astoria championship golf course; if not, unwind at the luxurious spa or take a dip in the multiple swimming pools.
book at waldorfastoria.com
The Setai, Miami Beach
For Miami, being seaside is the way to go. We stayed at the Setai Hotel, which is in a prime location situated off Miami Beach and within a short distance of a host of cultural attractions and the town’s vibrant nightlife, like Ocean Drive and South Beach.
With a backdrop of Art Deco architecture designed by renowned architect Henry Hohausar and a buzzing vibe, it feels like the center of town. Unwind by checking out their Spa, and their laid-back, Asian-inspired hospitality makes for a dreamy destination. Miami is cool, the Setai is even cooler.
Hotel highlights were hard to choose from – on-site there is the Valmont Spa, fitness centre, and gallery shopping – but we loved the pools. The Setai has three climate-controlled infinity pools, including the 75-degree lap pool, the 85-degree centre pool, and the 90-degree family pool. In between swims, find respite in one of sixteen new poolside cabanas. This attention to detail is reflected across all the hotel’s impeccable service.
Book at thesetaimiami.com
Top Tips And Advice
Walt Disney World is incredible but can be hectic, and first-timers can lose out on a lot by being ill-prepared. Here are some tips to ensure your time is used for fun and not being confused!
- Plan ahead! Knowing where you’re going, how to get to and from each park, and how to navigate once you’re there is an absolute lifesaver. A bit of extra preparation work will save you loads of time in the long run.
- If budget allows, the VIP tour guides are hugely popular, meaning you can skip the queue but come at a cost (a pretty big one; prices vary depending on the time of year). We did five days at Disney, which was the perfect amount of time. We hopped between the parks and got to see everything.
- Do a maximum of one park per day. Trying to squeeze in too much can be stressful and will lead to you spending most of the time travelling. Just take your time and enjoy each park to it’s fullest!
- Stay late: There are loads of day-trippers and locals who go to the parks everyday, and you would be amazed how much they disperse late into the day. Also, queue times at the end of the day are almost always much shorter than they say – it’s designed to put you off.
- A warning – the food is not so great. It was difficult to get healthy food in the parks, and baby formula was even more impossible to get hold of, so come prepared. The Disney boardwalk deli is a great spot for a morning breakfast or ice cream treat, and explore outside the parks for some dinner. We particularly loved Crazy Crab for its seafood broil.
- Do a day at Discovery Cove. It’s the perfect rest between days at the parks themselves.
- Finally, if you can, I highly recommend using a travel agent to help with the planning. We used Suzie at Cochoa Travel, who was absolutely brilliant and took all the stress out of the trip. Not only were her recommendations all great, but knowing what is worth it and what isn’t means you don’t overspend – as a bonus, agents often get preferential rates.
- Getting your accommodation right is so important, which thankfully we absolutely did. Everywhere we stayed was great, but a special mention to The Waldorf Astoria – the service was impeccable and we absolutely loved our stay
The Verdict
Florida exceeded our expectations and is the ultimate vacation for anybody with kids. Walt Disney World is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it’s true what they say: the adults really do have as much, if not more fun, at the parks. Miami, the ultimate cool spot in America, feels chic and buzzy, and its range of activities (and perfect weather) means it suits whatever break you’re looking for, from a romantic destination to post-Disney family unwinding.
