My favorite family Florida vacation, we discovered the perfect mix of beach days, Disney fun, and unforgettable hidden gems. I can’t wait to share it with you! We wanted a mix of adventure, relaxation, and ways to stay cool.
We started our trip in West Melbourne, just about an hour from Walt Disney World, and it was the best decision. Staying there gave us access to gorgeous beaches and more affordable lodging to kick off the trip. We spent time at Indialantic Beach, which was quiet, peaceful, and perfect for families. The kids built sandcastles, swam in the waves, and were able to just relax and enjoy family time. We also ventured to Cocoa Beach, which had more of a fun vibe. The sand, the waves, and watching cruise ships leave port, it was exactly what we needed to ease into vacation mode.
While we were on the Space Coast, we spent a full day at Kennedy Space Center, and it was a huge highlight for our whole family, especially my son. He was completely fascinated by everything from the rocket garden to the astronaut training exhibits. Seeing the actual launch pads and learning about space travel made a big impact, and the moment he got to touch a real moon rock was one he’ll never forget. It was such a cool mix of education and adventure!
After our beach days, we went to Walt Disney World for the second half of our trip, and the Disney magic began. We did a split stay at two Disney resorts, which gave us a chance to experience more of what Disney has to offer. First, we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside, and it was such a hidden gem. The resort itself is beautiful, but one of our favorite moments was discovering Yee-Haw Bob, the live performer in the River Roost Lounge. He had everyone singing, laughing, and clapping along. It felt like such an authentic Disney moment that not everyone knows about!
Next, we moved over to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The theming here is incredible, especially if you have kids who love Disney movies. The larger-than-life characters, fun pools, and colorful design made it such a fun and whimsical place to wrap up our vacation. Since we wanted to slow things down from the regular park hustle, we made time to enjoy both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Each had its own vibe, and the water park days gave us the perfect chance to cool off and relax. Lazy rivers, wave pools, and water slides? Yes, please!
Of course, we couldn’t go to Disney without a day at Magic Kingdom. Walking down Main Street, seeing Cinderella Castle, and riding classics like Jungle Cruise and Space Mountain brought back all the nostalgic magic. The kids were in awe the entire day, meeting some rare characters: Captain Hook, Smee, and Jack Sparrow. They also loved watching the fireworks light up the sky.
We also spent a day at Hollywood Studios, which was a big hit. We rode Slinky Dog Dash, explored Galaxy’s Edge, and cooled off with some indoor attractions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. It was an action-packed day and worth every moment.
This trip showed us that with a little planning, you can have the best of everything: beach days, Disney fun, hidden gems, and time to unwind. Starting off on the coast in West Melbourne, exploring space and the beaches, and then wrapping up the trip with Disney magic was the perfect combination.If you’re looking for a way to blend adventure, affordability, and a whole lot of family fun, I’d love to help you plan something just like this! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned beach and Disney enthusiast, I can provide expert guidance and personalized service. If you are not yet working with a Smart Moms Travel Agent, let’s team up to plan your perfect vacation. Fill out my form, and we can start creating your magical vacation together!
