Our Florida Fusion: Theme Parks, Nature, and Everything in Between
- Kayla
- Sep 18
- 5 min read
When we started planning our Florida trip that we took in 2023, we knew we wanted an adventure that was uniquely "us." Our kids aren't big on princesses, and we're not exactly thrill-ride fanatics, but our family shares a love for Harry Potter and Star Wars. So, the main events were a no-brainer: a journey to Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter and a visit to Disney's Hollywood Studios Galaxy's Edge. We were also eager to explore Florida's natural side, making our trip an epic blend of fantasy and reality.
Our Florida adventure began not with a theme park, but with a peaceful escape to the coast. After flying into Orlando, we hopped in our rental car and drove straight for Clearwater, where our cozy Airbnb awaited. We wanted to ease into our vacation with a few days of relaxation before diving into the crowds.
Exploring the Clearwater area for the first time was an absolute treat- we fell in love with its charm and would go back in a heartbeat. On our very first evening, we made our way to Honeymoon Island State Park. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, we walked along the shore, watching a breathtaking Gulf sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. It was a perfect, serene moment made even more magical by the sight of a large church group holding beach baptisms. The evening was a beautiful blend of peaceful coastal vibes and a touch of something truly special.
The next morning, we rose with the sun, bundled up, and headed out to catch the ferry to Caladesi Island State Park. Florida was in the midst of a rare cold front, and the ride out was brisk, but it was absolutely fantastic. Our captain stopped the boat multiple times to point out pods of playful dolphins. He also gave us information about the local flora and fauna.
Stepping onto Caladesi Island felt like discovering a hidden gem. With three miles of untouched, uncrowded beach all to ourselves, we spent hours walking and relaxing along the shoreline. The shelling was incredible! The kids were in their element, happily digging in the sand and searching for treasures. It was a perfect day of simple, peaceful fun- just what we had hoped for. It did get a little more crowded after lunch, so if you plan to go- go early!
Some of our other favorite spots we found around Clearwater:
After a few wonderful, sun-filled days in Clearwater, it was time to begin our journey back toward Orlando. We decided to break up the drive with a stop at a local gem we discovered: Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland. We stretched our legs on the beautiful trails, grabbed a delicious lunch at The Depot right inside the park, and let the kids explore. They were thrilled by the huge treehouse, the Canopy Walk, and a nice Children's Museum. It was the perfect detour, a little slice of tranquility that made our drive so much more enjoyable.
After our relaxing days on the coast, it was time for the main event, our theme park adventure! We checked into Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and the kids' faces lit up with surprise when they found out Grandma and their aunt were there to meet us, sharing an adjoining suite! We loved the resort's fun, retro vibe. Being on the first floor gave us easy access to the pool and dining areas, and the free shuttle to Universal was a huge plus. We ate several meals at the diner and found them to be delicious!
Our days at Universal were nothing short of magical. As big Harry Potter fans, we started our journey on the Hogwarts Express, sipped on sweet Butterbeer, and explored the enchanting streets of Diagon Alley. The kids especially loved using their wands that they picked out at Ollivanders at the interactive stations, bringing the world to life with a flick of the wrist.
While we aren't big on roller coasters, we were thrilled to find so many rides we enjoyed. We loved the exciting journey of the Jurassic Park River Adventure, soaring through the sky on the Pteranodon Flyers, and the charming E.T. Adventure Ride. Our favorite meal of the entire Universal trip was at Thunder Falls Terrace in Jurassic Park. It was so much more than just theme park food! It was a uncrowded sit-down option that had healthy, delicious options for everyone.
One evening, Grandma treated us to a night out at Halloween Horror Nights. My husband, sister-in-law, and I braved the spooky fun. The lines were incredibly long, but we loved the Stranger Things and Phantom of the Opera haunted houses. The themed food stalls were a tasty treat, too! While it was a great experience, the long waits made it a one-time event for us. It was a fun night, though, and we were so thankful to have the chance to experience it.
Our final full day in Florida was all about a new kind of magic- the movie magic of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Since we were staying at a Universal hotel, we pre-scheduled a large Uber to take us to the park and pick us up later that afternoon.
The moment we arrived, we had a huge surprise in store for the kids. We had a special morning appointment at Savi's Workshop, where they got to build their own lightsabers. It was an incredible, immersive experience for them, and they each came away with a one-of-a-kind souvenir they'll cherish forever.
While we loved our lightsaber experience, our day at Hollywood Studios was a little different from what we'd expected. Despite using the virtual queues in the Disney app, we spent a lot of time waiting in long lines for the rides we wanted to try. If you're hoping to ride a lot, the best advice we could give is to get a Lightning Lane Pass.
Still, we made the most of our day by taking in some fantastic shows. The two that really stood out were the thrilling Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and the lively For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. We made sure to do all the classic Disney things, too! We tried the famous Mickey Mouse ice cream, ate lunch at Woody's Lunch Box, and watched the Toy Soldiers march by. Even with the crowds, it was a special day filled with unique memories.
As our Florida adventure came to a close, we found ourselves filled with a unique blend of memories- from the serene tranquility of Clearwater's sunsets to the magic of stepping into our favorite movie worlds. Our trip wasn't about a single destination, but about the joy of experiencing so many different sides of the Sunshine State together. It was a reminder that the best adventures are the ones we create as a family, whether we're on a quiet beach or in a galaxy far, far away.
When it comes to planning a trip, especially one with theme parks, the details can feel overwhelming. That's why the best decision we made was working with a professional Travel Advisor. It took away all the stress of coordinating park logistics, from tickets to reservations, which freed me up to focus on the parts of the trip I love planning the most- the road trip and exploring nature. As an added bonus, we even got a welcome gift when we arrived at our hotel, which was such a thoughtful touch! So, a huge thank you to our advisor, Kim, for all her help. Her expertise and dedication to making our trip seamless was truly inspiring. In fact, it's one of the things that has motivated me to become a Travel Advisor myself, so I can help others create their own unforgettable travel experiences.
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