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Florida Christmas Escape

Get ready for the ultimate winter getaway! This 10-day, 9-night trip covers the best of Florida during the magical Christmas season. We're taking a relaxed, "go-with-the-flow" approach—no rushing, just enjoying the sunshine and holiday cheer. 🌴 ⚠️ Weather Alert:​ December in Florida has major temperature swings! Days can be warm and sunny, but once the sun sets around 4 PM, the temperature drops significantly. Pack a thick jacket for the evenings!​ 🧥 Days 1 & 2: Orlando - The Wizarding World & Express Pass Magic​ ✨ 🏨 Accommodation: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel This is a game-changer! Staying at this premier Universal hotel for just one night​ grants you two full days of Universal Express Unlimited passes. This means you can skip the regular lines on most rides! 🎢 Experience:​ The most popular rides had wait times of only 10-20 minutes. We rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey twice—it's that good! 🧙‍♂️ Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure​ was thrilling and a must-do. Butterbeer​ is as delicious as everyone says—don't leave without trying it! 🍺 Convenience:​ The hotel has complimentary water taxis that ferry you directly to the parks. It's incredibly convenient and adds to the resort experience. 🚤 Days 3 & 4: Orlando - Disney Magic & Animal Kingdom​ 🏰 Magic Kingdom The fireworks show​ is the absolute highlight of Magic Kingdom, especially during the holidays. It's a spectacular, heartwarming display that will leave you feeling pure joy and happiness. 🎇🥰 It's worth planning your evening around it. Animal Kingdom Avatar Flight of Passage:​ We managed to snag a last-minute Lightning Lane pass by constantly refreshing the app. The experience is immersive and unforgettable—well worth the effort! 🚁 Pro-Tip:​ Keep refreshing the Disney app throughout the day; they often release additional Lightning Lane slots. Day 5: Road Trip to Tampa & Kayaking Adventure​ 🚗💨 Drive Time:​ Approximately 1 hour from Orlando. 🛶 Silver Springs Kayaking This was one of the most anticipated activities of the trip, but the reality had some... damp challenges. Here’s the real deal: Booking:​ Book your kayak in advance on the official website. Spots fill up fast. Timing:​ Arrive early, between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the sun is strongest and the air is warmest. ☀️ The Wet Truth:​ You WILL get soaked.​ It doesn't matter if you wear long pants or shorts—bring a complete change of clothes. 👖💦 The Shoe Situation:​ If you get a clear-bottom kayak, you'll be asked to remove your shoes​ before boarding. This means walking barefoot through mud to get in the boat. There's a real risk of losing a shoe in the mud, so be mentally prepared! 🦶🧱 Wildlife Sightings:​ 🦦🐄 Despite the logistical challenges, the wildlife was incredible. My friend saw a large group of manatees in the main river, while I spotted playful otters and various ducks in the tributaries. The water is beautifully clear! Days 6 & 7: Tampa to Miami & Urban Vibes​ 🌊 Drive Time:​ Approximately 4 hours from Tampa to Miami. 🏖️ South Beach The iconic Miami Beach experience. Stroll along the famous white sand, people-watch, and soak up the Art Deco atmosphere. 🏛️ 🏛️ Vizcaya Museum & Gardens A stunning waterfront estate that feels like a slice of Europe in Miami. The architecture and meticulously maintained gardens are perfect for a leisurely walk and amazing photos. 📸 🍽️ Miami Foodie Highlights​ 🥘 We focused on Peruvian and Spanish cuisine, and it did not disappoint! Ceviche 105 Address:​ 105 NE 3rd Ave Vibe:​ A more upscale, beautiful restaurant. Must-Order:​ Besides the popular steak and spinach pasta you see all over social media, we highly recommend the Lomo Saltado with Chicken Rice. The chicken is shredded into a fine, flavorful mince that melts into the rice—absolutely delicious! 🍚🐔 Pollos & Jarras Address:​ 115 NE 3rd Ave (Right next to Ceviche 105) Vibe:​ More casual and street-style, perfect for grabbing a quick, hearty meal. Must-Order:​ The Grilled Beef Heart (Anticuchos)​ is a must-try—incredibly flavorful and tender. The grilled beef is also excellent. The chicken was just okay in comparison. 🥩❤️ Bonus:​ You can order some dishes from the Ceviche 105 menu here too! Tapelia Address:​ 551 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach Warning:​ Portions are massively huge! The seafood paella could easily feed four people. Must-Order:​ The Pork Osso Bucco​ served with mashed potatoes is a showstopper. It's fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor. A definite must-order! 🐖🥔 This itinerary gives you the perfect blend of theme park thrills, natural wonders, and cosmopolitan delights—all wrapped up in Florida's glorious winter sunshine! 🌞 #US #Florida #Miami

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Riley Blake
Riley Blake
12 days ago
Riley Blake
Riley Blake
12 days ago
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Florida Christmas Escape

Get ready for the ultimate winter getaway! This 10-day, 9-night trip covers the best of Florida during the magical Christmas season. We're taking a relaxed, "go-with-the-flow" approach—no rushing, just enjoying the sunshine and holiday cheer. 🌴 ⚠️ Weather Alert:​ December in Florida has major temperature swings! Days can be warm and sunny, but once the sun sets around 4 PM, the temperature drops significantly. Pack a thick jacket for the evenings!​ 🧥 Days 1 & 2: Orlando - The Wizarding World & Express Pass Magic​ ✨ 🏨 Accommodation: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel This is a game-changer! Staying at this premier Universal hotel for just one night​ grants you two full days of Universal Express Unlimited passes. This means you can skip the regular lines on most rides! 🎢 Experience:​ The most popular rides had wait times of only 10-20 minutes. We rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey twice—it's that good! 🧙‍♂️ Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure​ was thrilling and a must-do. Butterbeer​ is as delicious as everyone says—don't leave without trying it! 🍺 Convenience:​ The hotel has complimentary water taxis that ferry you directly to the parks. It's incredibly convenient and adds to the resort experience. 🚤 Days 3 & 4: Orlando - Disney Magic & Animal Kingdom​ 🏰 Magic Kingdom The fireworks show​ is the absolute highlight of Magic Kingdom, especially during the holidays. It's a spectacular, heartwarming display that will leave you feeling pure joy and happiness. 🎇🥰 It's worth planning your evening around it. Animal Kingdom Avatar Flight of Passage:​ We managed to snag a last-minute Lightning Lane pass by constantly refreshing the app. The experience is immersive and unforgettable—well worth the effort! 🚁 Pro-Tip:​ Keep refreshing the Disney app throughout the day; they often release additional Lightning Lane slots. Day 5: Road Trip to Tampa & Kayaking Adventure​ 🚗💨 Drive Time:​ Approximately 1 hour from Orlando. 🛶 Silver Springs Kayaking This was one of the most anticipated activities of the trip, but the reality had some... damp challenges. Here’s the real deal: Booking:​ Book your kayak in advance on the official website. Spots fill up fast. Timing:​ Arrive early, between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the sun is strongest and the air is warmest. ☀️ The Wet Truth:​ You WILL get soaked.​ It doesn't matter if you wear long pants or shorts—bring a complete change of clothes. 👖💦 The Shoe Situation:​ If you get a clear-bottom kayak, you'll be asked to remove your shoes​ before boarding. This means walking barefoot through mud to get in the boat. There's a real risk of losing a shoe in the mud, so be mentally prepared! 🦶🧱 Wildlife Sightings:​ 🦦🐄 Despite the logistical challenges, the wildlife was incredible. My friend saw a large group of manatees in the main river, while I spotted playful otters and various ducks in the tributaries. The water is beautifully clear! Days 6 & 7: Tampa to Miami & Urban Vibes​ 🌊 Drive Time:​ Approximately 4 hours from Tampa to Miami. 🏖️ South Beach The iconic Miami Beach experience. Stroll along the famous white sand, people-watch, and soak up the Art Deco atmosphere. 🏛️ 🏛️ Vizcaya Museum & Gardens A stunning waterfront estate that feels like a slice of Europe in Miami. The architecture and meticulously maintained gardens are perfect for a leisurely walk and amazing photos. 📸 🍽️ Miami Foodie Highlights​ 🥘 We focused on Peruvian and Spanish cuisine, and it did not disappoint! Ceviche 105 Address:​ 105 NE 3rd Ave Vibe:​ A more upscale, beautiful restaurant. Must-Order:​ Besides the popular steak and spinach pasta you see all over social media, we highly recommend the Lomo Saltado with Chicken Rice. The chicken is shredded into a fine, flavorful mince that melts into the rice—absolutely delicious! 🍚🐔 Pollos & Jarras Address:​ 115 NE 3rd Ave (Right next to Ceviche 105) Vibe:​ More casual and street-style, perfect for grabbing a quick, hearty meal. Must-Order:​ The Grilled Beef Heart (Anticuchos)​ is a must-try—incredibly flavorful and tender. The grilled beef is also excellent. The chicken was just okay in comparison. 🥩❤️ Bonus:​ You can order some dishes from the Ceviche 105 menu here too! Tapelia Address:​ 551 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach Warning:​ Portions are massively huge! The seafood paella could easily feed four people. Must-Order:​ The Pork Osso Bucco​ served with mashed potatoes is a showstopper. It's fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor. A definite must-order! 🐖🥔 This itinerary gives you the perfect blend of theme park thrills, natural wonders, and cosmopolitan delights—all wrapped up in Florida's glorious winter sunshine! 🌞 #US #Florida #Miami

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