A few things we did on our trip, and frugal alternatives to Disney for those of you planning your next vacation:
- Meet up with long-time friends and create a few more memories
- Stay at a resort with a great pool and spend the warmer days swimming
- Visit the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - it's a small zoo, but unique and very nicely done; Gentry was able to hug a llama and pet an armadillo
- Visit the Orlando Science Center - be sure to check out the real half a brain (eek!), the hurricane force winds simulator, and the real volcano model
- Walk the boardwalk and see the manatees at Blue Spring State Park; if your children are older, take out kayaks (available hourly) or snorkel the spring
- Stroll the kid-friendly shops and restaurants at Downtown Disney - it's free
- Enjoy massive ice cream sundaes at Ghirardelli
- Venture up to St. Augustine, the oldest city in America
Here are a small handful highlights from our twelve day trip:
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| Time in the resort with friends. |
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| Little do these two know, we are secretly plotting their wedding |
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| I was thankful for a kitchen so that I could cook up yummy breakfasts and also for a whole foods store nearby; here is my omelett, with sprouted grain raisin bread, and the best turkey bacon ever. |
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| I was so proud of my oldest son in this photo - we took him out for a rather unique dinner, and he bravely tried (and enjoyed!) goat cheese, lamb, crab, and much more. This made me smile |
We made great memories, but it's good to be home.
Warmly,
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Welcome home honey pie. So glad you had a great trip.
Thanks for the ideas. Although Disney will be on our itinerary, these ideas are great for our trip. Good to know that the science center is a must-see!
@Melissa, we go to Florida every winter, and try to budget for the Disney parks every couple of years… I'm so glad you were able to get some ideas from my list! xoxo
It looks like you had a fabulous time. These are some great alternatives! It's easy to forget that there is more to do in FL besides Disney.
Your website is so refreshing! The web can be hectic, even in its silence, with all the hurry-up-and-spend, the news flashing on our screens, and a constant sense of “pursuit”. The sweet music, and artistic photos, and the godly emphasis on God’s created order for our lives as women, wives, and mothers is such a blessing! You have a real gift.
Thank you, Kristie. I am humbled that you think so… if this site brings any glory to Him by encouraging the precious mamas that visit, then I count it a blessing. So glad you are here!