When it comes to family travel, Florida’s theme parks hadn’t exactly topped my personal bucket list—but with one Star Wars-obsessed teen and another who lives for roller coasters, it was firmly on theirs!
Beyond the parks, Florida has something for everyone, so we designed a trip combining the thrills of Orlando with the laid-back luxury of the East Coast.
We travelled in October, towards the end of hurricane season, and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect—warm, but not stifling.
Getting there: Tampa vs. Orlando
We flew into Tampa and out of Miami, a combination that worked well for our itinerary. While flying into Orlando is a shorter transfer to the theme parks (about 30 minutes), Tampa often offers more flight availability and better prices, and it’s only about a 90-minute drive from Disney. Plus, Tampa’s smaller size means fewer crowds and a quicker exit after a long flight.
Our Florida Itinerary:
· 4 nights at Four Seasons Orlando (Disney)
· 3 nights at Loews Portofino Bay (Universal)
· 3 nights at Four Seasons Palm Beach
· 2 nights at St. Regis Bal Harbour (Miami)
The Logistics: Transfers, Ubers and Car Hire
We arrived late, so I pre-booked a transfer to our hotel for a stress-free start. While in Orlando, we didn’t need a car—our hotels provided complimentary shuttles to the parks, and Ubers were readily available when needed.
We only rented a car when leaving Universal for our drive along the East Coast, with a stop at Kennedy Space Center. Once we arrived in Miami, we dropped off the car and used Uber again to explore. It’s worth noting that US hotels often charge steep overnight parking fees, so factor that in if you’re considering car hire.
Disney: Magic for All Ages
Disney World has four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios—and two waterparks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach). How long you spend in each depends on your family's interests. From our experience, the parks seem geared more toward younger children, but I know plenty of adults who love soaking up the Disney atmosphere!
I recommend buying Park Hopper tickets, which allow you to visit multiple parks in one day. The parks aren't within walking distance of each other, but shuttle services make hopping between them easy.
For an extra-special experience, consider a private VIP tour where a personal guide can customize your day and help you skip the lines.
Universal: Thrill Rides Galore
Universal Orlando has two theme parks—Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure—plus the popular Volcano Bay waterpark. Unlike Disney, the two parks are adjacent, so walking between them is a breeze.
My teens loved Universal—there are far more thrilling rides here than at Disney. I recommend purchasing the 3-Park Explorer Ticket, which grants access to all three parks. If you stay at a premium hotel, you'll also get Express Passes, which were invaluable for skipping lines. Compared to Disney, the whole process at Universal felt much simpler and more efficient.
Kennedy Space Center: A Fascinating Detour
If your family has an interest in space exploration, don’t miss the Kennedy Space Center, about an hour’s drive from Orlando.
Famous for the Apollo 11 moon landing, this site offers a much more educational experience than most Orlando attractions, but it's just as captivating. Plan to spend a full day here if possible.
Time to Relax: Palm Beach Bliss
After the non-stop excitement of the theme parks, Florida’s beaches provide the perfect opportunity to relax. We drove about 2.5 hours from Kennedy Space Center to Palm Beach, breaking up the journey with a food stop along the way. Palm Beach, especially at the Four Seasons, is a slice of paradise. We spent our days lounging by the ocean, biking around town, and exploring the area in complimentary electric MOKEs.
Miami: Art Deco & South Beach Vibes
We wrapped up our trip with two nights in Miami, staying at the St. Regis Bal Harbour. While we loved our stay in the serene Bal Harbour area, we spent most of our time exploring South Beach. From its iconic Art Deco architecture to its vibrant shopping and dining scene, there’s so much to see and do in Miami. Next time, we’ll definitely stay longer!
Ready to Plan Your Florida Adventure?
Whether you're looking for theme park thrills or beachside relaxation, Florida offers the perfect mix for a family holiday. Get in touch to discuss the best times to visit and to plan a custom itinerary that suits your family’s needs.
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