Pre-Trip *Explorewithethan2021 3rd birthday trip - 2 weeks to go*

Hi all

I absolutely love reading peoples trip reports so I thought I'd share my own. We are 2 weeks out until our trip and we are super excited.

Who's going

Mummy (AKA Becky, me) - I've visited DW twice and DLP three times.
Daddy (AKA Peter) - never visited DW but has visited DLP once.
Ethan (the birthday boy) - visited DLP once and newbie to DW.

Staying at

We've decided to stay at Coco Key Water Resort. The reviews are a mixed bag so we're going with an open mind. We love the fact there's a water park onsite and the location.

Transport

We've hired a car and I'll be the one driving. Hubby had an accident last year and isn't allowed to drive (however totally fit to ride!). Any tips you have for a UK driving on US roads will be welcomed. I'll also be bringing our own reward-facing car seat.

Itinerary

Day 1 - arrive early evening. Straight to the hotel to sleep and hopefully beat jet lag (I can live in hope!).
Day 2 - spend some time at the water park then head to get some groceries and possibly lunch at the big McDonalds. A total novelty for my husband who loves McD's. Dinner at Disney Springs (no reservation so hoping for a walk in).
Day 3 - Magic Kingdom. Wanting to ease into the parks so no rope drop plans. Dinner at Jungle Canteen.
Day 4 - Blizzard beach water park. Head to Universal Walk for dinner (walk in).
Day 5 - Hollywood Studios. Dinner at 50s Prime Time Diner.
Day 6 - Rest day. Fun at the hotel water park and go shopping.
Day 7 - Ethan's birthday! Breakfast at Crystal Palace and spend the day at Magic Kingdom.
Day 8 - Animal Kingdom.
Day 9 - Epcot. Dinner at Garden Grill.
Day 10 - Kennedy Space Centre.
Day 11 - Possibly Magic Kingdom if we haven't done all the rides or a different park. Our flight home doesn't leave until 20:50.

Food

We have the following reservations booked.
- Breakfast at Crystal Palace (Ethan's birthday).
- Dinner at 50s Prime Diner (so we have the VIP show seats).
- Dinner at Jungle Canteen.
- Dinner at Garden Grill.

We plan to buy breakfast to eat in the room but possibly a couple of breakfasts out too. Thinking IHop and hotel buffet (on our first morning for ease). Lunch will be bits from Walmart and some quick eats. Any suggestions welcomed. I've seen lots of videos on cheeseburger spring rolls And other dinners possible some chain restaurants such as Chili. But anywhere else you recommend is greatly appreciated.

We will also be stocking up on snacks.

Recommendations please

This is where I'm hoping you lovely lot will be able to assist me please.

1. Any other restaurants you recommend please?
2. Are there any chains that offer birthday offers/freebies please? I understand Sprinkles offers a cupcakes.
3. Best shopping mall. We'd like to get some clothes to bring home. No major designers just regular high street.

I'm not sure if it's best to share trip reports on this thread or set up another? I will also be sharing lots of social media (Instagram and Tiktok) so feel free to give us a follow (Explorewithethan2021) to follow along. Ethan has visited 31 countries so far and we love sharing our adventures.

 

[littleroo]

Looks like A wonderful trip that you have planned. I hope you have a magical time! Driving tips, stay on the right hand side of the road and use GPS in Orlando. You got this!

 

[Explorewithethan2021]

Thank you so much. I'll be using Google Maps on my phone so hopefully that'll work well as I have data available plus I'll download the area to work offline too.

 

[Wicked Sisters]

Welcome to a fellow UK resident. Looking forward to your adventures. We haven’t been to the Florida Mall for years but it was good for normal priced clothing so maybe worth a look around.

 

[Zipadeelady]

Well, since you called us a lovely lot I'm more than happy to put in my two cents.

Your choices for your reservations are excellent. Those are some of my favorites.
I also recommend that if you just want to sit and relax for a bit with a drink then stop by Nomad Lounge in AK and request an outdoor seat. So relaxing.
I'm not a fan of the Outlets. Parking is a nightmare and to me, the deals aren't the best. I would pick some stores you want to go to and visit them rather than the outlet. Just my opinion.
Be safe driving. Orlando traffic is crazy

Have a wonderful time. I can't wait to hear about your holiday.

 

[Tiggertoo56]

Hi - another Brit here. For the birthday boy I would also suggest asking for a birthday button (badge). They provide these in various places in the parks (also first visit butyons) as it help gain a few bits of 'pixie dust' whilst in the Disney parks - especially when you go for breakfast.
We've been to a few malls over the years and would recommend Florida Mall as per @Wicked Sisters. Also Vineland Outlets were pretty good too.
Link here may be useful :

Shopping in Orlando | Find the Best Malls, Outlets & Boutiques

Shop Orlando's luxury malls, boutiques, designer outlets, outdoor centers, theme park stores and more.

www.visitorlando.com

Whatever you do I hope you have a magical time. I'll be back in September and can't wait.

 

[Explorewithethan2021]

Thank you so much for the replies and suggestions.

 

[Minnie1986]

I too would suggest the Birthday button for the little guy, and a first time button for your husband. Nothing is guaranteed, but don't be surprised if they/you all get a little extra pixie dust as a result of having them. Have such a great time, and I look forward to following along!