Today is a relaxing day to just explore Orlando. Or it should have been. It’s really nice to take the time out to explore what Orlando has to offer. There are so many things to do and experience that every trip you take to Florida you can enjoy something different.
Before heading out into Orlando we first need breakfast! So are off to the Polynesian Village Resort.
Capt. Cook's breakfast at the Polynesian Village Resort
I love the Polynesian Village Resort! The theming is incredible, it is just so beautiful. Along with Animal Kingdom Lodge this is one of my top resorts that I would love to stay in. So if I am not staying there I will always visit!
Capt. Cook’s is a quick service restaurant. I love a breakfast bowl and at Capt. Cook’s they have the power breakfast bowl which sounds right up my street! As well as being delicious it is also filling which is perfect for a day of exploring Orlando!
TOP TIP!
Polynesian Village Resort has great dining options and if you are going to Magic Kingdom for the day you can easily hop off the monorail, have breakfast here, and then get back onto the monorail and go straight to Magic Kingdom! It is also great to do this for dinner when you are leaving the park.
Whilst at the Polynesian Village Resort I also like to take advantage of the fact you can get Dole Whip here! Head to Pineapple Lanai to get your fix! Just look how delicious it looks!
What Is There To Do In Orlando?
There is so much to do in Orlando that it is impossible to do it all in one trip, let alone one day! Here are some of the options I enjoy for a non theme park day out.
You can explore all that International Drive has to offer, including: Wonderworks, Fun Spot America Theme Park, Dave & Buster’s for some awesome arcade games, plus water parks, adventure golf and shopping.
Also on International Drive is ICON Park where you will find Madame Tussauds, The Wheel, (a massive Ferris wheel with views all over Orlando), and for the brave the StarFlyer!
Orlando also has the amazing Orlando Science Center, which is really interesting and a great way to spend a fun, and educational, day.
The Crayola Experience is a fab day out for the whole family (and young at heart adults!). Located in The Florida Mall you can make a full day of shopping, dining and crayons! This experience is really interactive and very fun!
Old Town has become a popular location for tourists to visit for it’s Americana vibe. There is a range of independent shops selling unique items. I love the 1950’s, the clothing, the styling, the music and there is a fabulous shop that has everything 50’s themed you could want!
There is also an amusement park with some rides if you need a thrill fix!
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Try to visit on a day where there is a classic car or muscle car meet and cruise. People bring along their vintage and muscle cars for everyone to enjoy looking at!
If you are visiting during a holiday season such as Halloween or Christmas then a trip to the Disney community of Celebration is a great call! The residents and town centre put on beautiful displays and decorations. During the rest of the year this charming locale is great for a relaxed afternoon to stroll around, enjoy the shops and grab some ice cream!
Orlando Stores for One of a Kind Disney Goods
Orlando has lots of great places to grab Disney items - everything from rare merchandise to items that were part of the parks and resorts! You can literally bring a bit of Disney home with you! I think this is such a cool option for souvenirs and your items are totally unique with an amazing history! This is number one on my list of things to do when I am next in Orlando!
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Paging Mr Morrow has a whole selection of different videos on where to buy Disney props and unique Disney items. Be sure to check out his Youtube channel to watch these, as well as amazing videos of the Disney Parks and Resorts as well as other Orlando attractions. You can find Paging Mr Morrow's Youtube channel here!
NASA
If you would like to explore further afield then NASA is a fantastic day out and something I highly recommend. It is just so interesting and exciting and definitely a highlight of any trip!
Storybook Dining with Snow White at Wilderness Lodge
After a day of exploring it it time for dinner back at Disney. This dining experience I had been so excited for! Snow White is one of my all time favourite Disney films and the Evil Queen is one of my favourite villains so when it was announced that this character dining meal would be happening at Wilderness Lodge I could not wait to try it! This will be my number one dining reservation to book next time I am at Disney World!
Storybook Dining at Artist's Point is at Wilderness Lodge, which is the final Disney Resort in my top three dream resorts to stay in! I love nature and Wilderness Lodge is such a beautiful setting. I love the fact that you can see rabbits and deers whilst walking around. Just incredible! So because of this I had planned to arrive early to get to walk all around the woodland trails.
The interior of the restaurant is decorated to look like an enchanted German forest and I love how highly detailed it is! You can tell as soon as you walk in that this is a dining experience rather than a meal with characters walking from table to table.
The menu is also themed to Snow White, with dishes such as a Poison Apple dessert and Miner's Treasures. The photos I have seen of the food and drinks look so spectacular!
It is also the only place at Disney World where you can meet the Evil Queen! This was a must for me! I could not wait for this experience and the photo we would take together!
And that brings to an end another awesome day!
In tomorrows blog I will be heading back to Hollywood Studios to eat some galactic fare, ride Rise of the Resistance and get the all important Kylo Ren photo!
If you are planning a trip to Disney World and want to fit in everything Disney and Orlando has to offers be sure to check out the full range of Most Magical Guides that will help you plan every detail of your trip whether it be itinerary planning, budgeting, dining and much more! View the Most Magical Guides and Planners here!