Universal, Disney, Miami and The Keys
We started with a whole week at Universal’s Sapphire Falls Resort, which turned out to be the perfect family base. The resort’s laid-back Caribbean vibe was a refreshing retreat after long park days, and the kids couldn’t get enough of the huge pool with waterfalls and water slides.
Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure were nonstop excitement. Our kids were thrilled to explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, running between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, sipping butterbeer, and riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey multiple times. Meanwhile, my husband and I loved the mix of classic movie-themed rides and big roller coasters like the Incredible Hulk and Jurassic World VelociCoaster.
We had an action packed day at Volcano Bay, Universal’s water park. We spent hours sliding down twisting water slides, floating the lazy river, and jumping into the wave pool. The kids especially loved the kid-friendly splash zones, while the adults appreciated the swim-up bars and relaxing cabanas. It was the perfect way to cool off after the busy theme park days.
Having a whole week allowed us to take it slow—no rushing, plenty of breaks, and lots of time for poolside chilling.
Even though we’ve done Disney a few times before, we couldn’t resist spending a couple of days there while we were in Orlando. Walking down Main Street USA with the castle towering ahead never gets old. We hit all the family favourites like It’s a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Pirate's of the Caribbean. The kids were over the moon meeting Mickey and friends, and the parade was a highlight that had all of us clapping and dancing along. Ending the day with the spectacular fireworks show was pure magic and an emotional moment for the whole family.
The next day, we explored Hollywood Studios, which felt like a whole different world. The kids were starstruck by Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, exploring the Millennium Falcon and trying the interactive rides. We loved the mix of thrilling rides and live shows, and it was great to revisit Disney with a bit more grown-up appreciation while still seeing the wonder through the kids’ eyes.
After the excitement of the parks, we headed east to the Kennedy Space Centre for a completely different kind of adventure. The kids were fascinated from the moment we stepped inside—the giant Saturn V rocket hanging overhead was awe-inspiring. We spent hours exploring hands-on exhibits, watching documentaries about space exploration, and walking through the shuttle launch experience simulator that made us all feel like astronauts blasting off. Meeting a real astronaut and hearing about life in space was unforgettable for the whole family. It was a perfect mix of fun and education that sparked all our imaginations.
Next, we hit the road for Miami and stayed two nights at the Palm Hotel in South Beach. The hotel had a great pool and was just a short walk to the beach, which kept the kids happy and active while we soaked up the city’s unique energy. We wandered Ocean Drive’s colourful streets, enjoyed fresh seafood dinners at waterfront restaurants, and took time to explore the Wynwood Walls—a vibrant outdoor gallery with incredible street art that made for some awesome family photo ops. The kids loved sampling different ice cream flavours from local shops, and the sunsets on the beach were some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.
From Miami, we drove down the stunning Overseas Highway to Key West, a highlight of the trip. The kids were amazed driving over so many bridges with water on both sides, and we stopped often just to soak in the views.
At Parrot Key Resort, where we stayed for four nights, we found the perfect family-friendly tropical hideaway. The multiple pools and laid-back vibe meant the kids had plenty of space to run around and swim, while we enjoyed relaxing by the water and sipping cocktails.
One of the highlights was the sunset dolphin-watching cruise. Cruising along the calm waters as the sun dipped low, the sky turned fiery orange and pink, creating the most stunning backdrop. Dolphins kept popping up alongside the boat, leaping and playing right in front of us. Watching the sun set over the ocean while surrounded by playful dolphins was one of those unforgettable moments you wish you could freeze in time.
We also toured the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, which was surprisingly fun for the kids, especially spotting the famous six-toed cats. And, of course, we made the classic stop at the Southernmost Point buoy, the southernmost tip of the continental USA, a must for a selfie!
After Key West, we headed back up the Keys to spend five peaceful nights at Isla Bella Resort. This was the perfect way to wind down after all the excitement. The resort’s white sandy beaches and calm turquoise waters were ideal for family beach days filled with kayaking and paddleboarding. We also spent some quality family time playing football on the lawn and challenging each other to chess games—perfect for those relaxing moments together. One afternoon, we took a quiet boat ride nearby to observe manatees in their natural habitat, which was a magical experience for all of us.
Evenings were slow and relaxing, with stunning sunsets and dinners by the water. The kids loved chasing crabs on the beach, and the whole family soaked in the peaceful vibe.
This trip was a perfect mix of action, discovery, and relaxation, made even more special by sharing it with my husband and our two kids. From our week at Sapphire Falls and splashy fun at Volcano Bay, to magical moments at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, inspiring space adventures, and road tripping through Miami and the Keys—Florida really has something for everyone.
If you want help with family-friendly itineraries, packing lists, or tips for visiting Florida with kids, just let me know—I’m happy to share what I’ve learned!
