US (Florida)

Posted: Dec 2021
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Florida is the southeasternmost U.S. state – most people know of the theme parks in Orlando which hosts 4 Disney Parks including Walt Disney World, Epcot… and several parks affiliated to Universal Studios (which host the World of Harry Potter). However, did you know that just west of Miami sits Everglades National Park?

Chapters

At-A-Glance

We landed first into Miami where we explored the Everglades. Then we boarded the best cruise in the world – the Disney Cruise – which took us to Bahamas and its private island Disney Cay. Finally, we drove up north to visit Daytona International Speedway and the many themed parks in Orlando.

Main Highlights

Everglades National Park: We explored this 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve and enjoyed roasting marshmallows under a blanket of shooting stars! We also went deep into the coastal mangroves on a mud buggy and rowed less than a metre away from floating gators!

Disney Cruise: Happiest cruise in the world – award winning shows, never ending food, beautiful smiles.
Daytona International

Speedway: The history of Daytona International Speedway began in 1950s when huge race crowds prompted the construction of this racing track (and shifted the races from the beach). Today, this “World Center of Racing“ hosts the Daytona races on its famous 31-degree highbanks and is an inspiration for some childhood racing games at the arcade!

Orlando Amusement Parks: No destination has more theme parks than Orlando. From Walt Disney, you have Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon… and then you have those from Universal Studios, where you have Harry Potter at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Mind you, there’s plenty more!

Photo Reel

Daytona International Speedway Everglades National Park Orlando Theme Parks Port of Miami
Daytona International Speedway Everglades National Park Orlando Theme Parks Port of Miami
Private tour above the gators:

Taking us deep into the mangrove on a swamp buggy

BBQ under the stars:

Nothing beats burnt marshmallows in the wild

Kayak:

Self-paddle into the mangrove, metres away from the gators

Motorboat around the Everglades:

Boat captain allowed our little Beans to steer his boat to chase dolphins, visit a private island and spot the manatees

Disney private island:

Our little Beans chilling by the sand looking out at our cruise

Around the island:

Finding our own magic on bicycle as we explored the island on wheels

Life is good:

Watching movies, french fries for dinner, sun set in the backdrop

Family on a podium:

All smiles on the victory lane!

Steep bend:

Did you know that the famous 31-degree highbanks were included so higher speeds could be achieved and fans can see cars race around the 2.5-mile tri-oval more easily?

Car heaven:

Boys loved this place – cars with exciting and flashy stickers, what more can they ask for?

Magic Kingdom:

Light shows and fireworks to wrap up the night at the most magical place on Earth

Epcot:

A picture for memory lane as we lost the youngest boy for a full hour – only to find him flirting with a young girl, unafraid of getting lost

Wizarding World of Hogwarts:

No one was more excited than papa