Walt Disney World - February 2023
This was a daddy/daughter trip for a quick getaway.
Day 1 - February 17 - SFO > MCO (San Francisco to Orlando)
Today Mia and I left to San Francisco International Airport to take a red-eye flight on United Airlines to Orlando, Florida. Our flight left at 11pm and arrived into Orlando at 7:10am. Thankfully we do a decent job sleeping on the plane.
After a 5 hour flight we arrive in Orlando! My favorite place to be. There is something about Florida and the central Florida area that I love. Maybe it's the numerous theme parks and things to do, but I also love the weather.
Day 2 - February 18 - Our first day in Florida - Hollywood Studios
After we got off the plane, we had energy like we always do when we arrive in Florida. We picked up the rental car from the airport and headed to Disney World. A quick 20 minute drive and we arrived.
Since our Disney World resort room wasn't ready this early in the morning, we went to Hollywood Studios to meet up with the Darabans'. We waited outside the front entrance of Hollywood Studios for them to arrive from the boat transportation from their resort.
After we met up we enjoyed Hollywood Studios for the rest of the day, going on rides.
We ate at the Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater for dinner. This is one of my favorite places to eat because of the experience and food (and milkshakes). They have tables built into classic style cars from the 50s and 60s that you sit in while you watch old black and white Sci-Fi films. I like the food. It's classic American food. I always get a Flying Saucer Impossible™ Burger and a milkshake.
We ended the night ready for bed. We made our way to the resort and went straight to our room. The only issue was it's not easy to find since the All-Star Music resort has multiple buildings. We found our room eventually and fell asleep pretty much right away. This room had a queen size bed and a queen size Murphy bed, so Mia and I can spread out.
Day 3 - February 19 - EPCOT
Today we were rested from our previous day of flying, driving, and theme-parking. We went to EPCOT and rode all rides we could. Test Track, Nemo and Friends, Soarin', Spaceship Earth, and walked around the World Showcase. Mia and Bennett even rode Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind for the first time.
Day 4 - February 20 - Disney Outlet and Magic Kingdom
Today we said goodbye for now to the Daraban's, but first we went to the Disney Character Warehouse at the Orlando International Premium Outlets shopping center. Fun fact about the Character Warehouse, it's where all of the park inventory goes to be sold at a deep discount. So if you are looking for Disney ears, shirts, jackets, Christmas ornaments, toys, and so much more, check out the Disney Character Warehouse. They have two locations in Orlando, this is one of them.
Saying goodbye to the Daraban's.
After we had lunch at the outlets and said goodbye to everyone, we headed back to Disney World and went to Magic Kingdom. We spent half a day there going on rides and checking out different stores and experiences. We left as the fireworks were starting so we can beat the crowds to the busses.
One thing I learned is that when the parks are full, if you leave during an experience that has most people's attention, like the fireworks or the parades, you won't have to deal with the masses leaving all at once.
This is also true for rides. If the fireworks are starting or a parade is starting, head to the rides that are usually long and you will find that they have a much shorter wait time. This isn't always true, but it's a good rule of thumb.
Day 5 - February 21 - Animal Kingdom and back to the airport
Our last day. We had some breakfast at the resort before checking out and heading to Animal Kingdom.
We started out the day at Animal Kingdom by going on one of the rides Mia enjoys, TriceraTop Spin, we watched Finding Nemo: The Big Blue... and Beyond! show, and went to Rafiki’s Planet Watch to pet some farm animals and look at the vet hospital.
We didn't have a lot of time but we made our way around the Animal Kingdom park and eventually made our way back to Orlando International Airport to turn in the rental car and head back home.
All in all it was a fun trip. Now that Mia is a little older and can handle herself pretty well, it makes the trips to Disney World a little easier. She lets me know what she wants, if she's hungry or tired. She definitely lets me know when she wants a "stuffy". I think on this trip alone she got 3 from God mommy!
That wraps up another trip in the books.
