Florida Christmas Season Guide

No rushing, no marathon walks — just a chill holiday vibe. Big temperature swings — bring a warm coat for after 4 PM! Dec 22 | New York ✈️ Orlando 📍 Universal Studios Florida + Islands of Adventure Stayed at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel — one night stay came with 2-day Express Pass! 🎫 Hottest rides had only 10–20 minute waits. ✅ Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure — so thrilling! ✅ Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey — rode it twice! ✅ Butterbeer — yes, it’s as good as they say! 🍻 🛶 Hotel offers boat shuttles to the parks — super convenient. Dec 23–25 | Disney Time 📍 Magic Kingdom + Animal Kingdom 🎆 Magic Kingdom fireworks — the highlight of the night, pure magic and happiness! 🦁 Animal Kingdom — scored a last-minute Avatar Flight of Passage Lightning Lane pass! Tip: Keep refreshing the app — passes do pop up! Dec 26 | Orlando 🚙 Tampa (1 hour drive) 📍 Silver Springs State Park 🛶 The most anticipated activity, but reality had some quirks: ⚠️ Book in advance on the official website. ⚠️ Arrive early (10 AM–2 PM) for the best light and warmth. ⚠️ Bring spare clothes — you will get soaked, whether in shorts or pants. ⚠️ Clear-bottom kayaks require removing shoes — your feet will touch muddy ground, and shoes could get lost (prepare mentally!). Manatee sightings: A friend spotted a manatee pod in the main river, while I saw otters and ducks in a smaller stream 🦦🦆. Dec 28 | Tampa 🚙 Miami (4 hours) 📍 South Beach 🏖️ 📍 Vizcaya Museum & Gardens 🪴 Miami Food Highlights Three great Latin spots — all recommended! Cviche 105 Besides the popular steak-spinach pasta, try the beef & chicken rice bowl — shredded chicken melts into the rice, so flavorful! 📍 105 NE 3rd Ave Pollos & Jarras Right next to Cviche 105 — you can even order some dishes from 105 here. 105 = upscale vibe | P&J = street-style, meat-heavy feast 🥩 ✅ Grilled beef heart and steak — must-order! ❌ Chicken was just okay. 📍 115 NE 3rd Ave Tapelia Portions are HUGE — their paella could easily feed four! ✅ Pork Osso Bucco with mashed potatoes — absolutely order this! 📍 551 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach A sunny, savory, and smooth holiday escape across Florida — where theme park magic meets coastal calm and delicious bites. #US #Florida #Miami