I’ve been so lucky to say I have been to Florida more times than I can even remember. I have actually lost count. As a child, teenager, adult and parent. I’ve experienced it all ways. We even got married in Florida. So I’m going to blog all about Florida, from planning and travelling, to every park and experience I have been too, in the hope they help you prepare for your trip to Florida.
The most popular questions I get are “how did you travel to Florida with a baby?”, “Was it stressful travelling to Orlando with children”, “would you recommend Florida with a baby?” Simple answer is yes to all the above. Honestly. It took a little planning but it makes the trip worth it. So let’s break it down a little. Shout if I have missed anything as can always add to it for you :-)
Flying to Florida with a baby/children
When it comes to the airline, as soon as we booked our flights we contacted them to reserve the bassinet seats when we had a baby with us. They don’t tend to let you book those ones online and often are request only. These seats are generally at the front of the middle section so that the tray pulls down (an extra large tray), and then the cabin crew provide you with a detachable cot to place on top that can be secured on. It can only be used whilst the seat belt sign is off meaning take off and landing you hold the baby, and unfortunately during any turbulence too. I say unfortunate as it does mean picking them up/putting them down whilst sleeping and we all know how fun disturbing a sleeping baby can be. If you don’t have a baby as the kids are older, just ensure you book to sit together even if means paying to do so. I have been on so many flights where families didn’t do this and are sat separately on the flight. Now as fun as that sounds to have 9 hours peace and quiet, it doesn’t quite work like that does it ha ha!! Also pre book kids meals if you have the option to do so!
On the day of the flight itself, you are usually allowed to check in a car seat and take the buggy all the way to the gates. This does make life so much easier. They then take it from you as you board the aircraft. When travelling with a baby, and with regards to milk, check latest advice, but we were able to take through made up bottles that I had done already. They just asked me to taste them when they did our bag check.
I had a whole parent pack at the ready with everything I could think of, wipes, nappies, back up milk cartons (we used SMA and the spare cartons were amazing), nappy cream, snacks and more snacks, toys, blanket, (spare dummy if you use them, we didn’t but a family near us, their little one lost their dummy and well, with 6 hours to go you could tell they wish they had a spare). For the older kids, games to play, books to read, quizzes to do and also earphones. Whatever they are comfy with. Some children hate the over head headphones provided by the airlines and prefer inner ear ones so maybe pack those too.
What to pre book when travelling to Florida?
So obviously we all know to pre book those flights! Then I would suggest you book your hotel and park tickets! I never have never booked as a package as I prefer to arrange these separately myself to save money.
We have stayed at a villa in Florida lots of times when travelling with family and friends as it’s nice to have the place to yourself, own pool/kitchen etc. There are a few companies that offer villas but I would say research as much as you can. The company you use, location of villa, reviews of villa. We would contact them with questions and their response is what determined if we stay there or not. Was it quick, informative, happy to hear from you? Do they have things like high chairs, cots, spare buggy, wifi, air conditioning, pool safety net? Can you cancel? Refundable deposit? And so on. Lots to consider with a villa. We were lucky as once we booked one and stayed there, this became our regular villa to use whenever we travelled with my parents.
Which hotel to stay at in Orlando?
Big question when there are over 450 hotels and counting for you to choose from. International Drive properties are great for value for money and location. Often some provide free theme park transportation which is a bonus if you don’t want to hire a car. The winner for me every time is on-resort hotels at either Disney or Universal. You can’t beat them. If you are off to Florida to experience the parks, this is therefore the perfect way to stay to enhance that experience. There are more than 25 Disney properties and 8 Universal properties to choose from. I have created a separate blog all about my favourite hotels in these resorts to give you a full insight. Click here.
We use AttractionTickets.com to book our stay. We like that you can put down a deposit and worry about the balance 8 weeks before departure. They are also bound with ABTA so we know we are in safe hands. Therefore if you also add your tickets to your hotel order you are fully protected. (Plus no extra deposit to pay, just becomes part of the balance). I will mention this company again later when I tell you all about the parks and ticket options. Click here for more details on their site - https://www.attractiontickets.com/en?utm_source=TheWalterWays&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=blog
There are other extras you can add to make the trip to Florida that bit easier. Airport parking and hotels before you travel and car hire in resort if you wish to drive (or the iRide trolley and UBER are also great ways to get around without having to worry about parking fees).
Lastly don’t forget your ESTA. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta. It is $14pp but without it you won’t be able to enter the USA. So many don’t get told about this or forget, so make this a priority!
What to pack for Florida?
Most of this is obvious but here is my list that you may find handy, of course adapt it for seasons :
Passports
Driving licenses
Sunglasses
Sun cream and after sun
Comfy shoes!!! All those miles walking the theme parks, I’d suggest you need trainers
Flip flops and sandals
swimming stuff - towels/arm bands/costumes/goggles
Umbrella or poncho? I personally love a theme park poncho when it rains. Feels part of a Florida holiday!
Camera
Of course clothing. Go loose and comfy. So vests, T-shirt’s and shorts for all.
Cardigans or jackets - they love the air conditioner and inside restaurants/hotels can be chilly!
Beach toys for the kids (or can buy super cheap in places like Walmart and publix)
Draw string bag or rucksack for your theme park days
Hats
Water mister or fan for the super hot days in July and august
Refillable water bottles (water is free in all parks so worth taking)
Dollars
Adaptors
Phone chargers
Then of course for the babies in tow, nappies, wipes, snacks, formula, baby monitor, snuggles, potty, reins, dummy, travelcot bedding/sleep bags and toys! They need their own suitcase!!
So we are packed, ESTA done, flights booked, so let’s get onto the hotels....
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