Snapshots from Disney World
📍 EPCOT and Magic Kingdom

Dress (Similar) (Similar) || Sneakers || Hat || Earrings

Although I have so many fond childhood memories from Disney World, I wouldn’t exactly call myself a “Disney Adult.” Yes, I always like to watch the latest Pixar flick and sometimes have a hankering to watch old favorites, but that’s pretty much my limit. It’s been years since my last visit to the Happiest Place on Earth. With all of the recent changes that have taken place around the parks, it’s incredibly different from my previous visit. Still, when one of my dearest friends, Sydney, told me she was taking a long weekend, I just had to visit myself. After all, it’s just a short 90 minutes away. Let’s look at a few snapshots from our Disney World trip.

Check-In at Coronado Springs

I’ve stayed at many different Disney properties throughout the years, but this is the first time I received a “Welcome Home” at Coronado Springs. The resort received extensive renovations over the past few years, and it feels like a brand new hotel. The space is absolutely gorgeous! I wish I could go into details about the hotel, but it was just a place for us to lay down our heads for the night. In fact, we didn’t even get to our room until 10 pm, after a long day of navigating the parks. Coronado Springs has a great location, pristine rooms, and the beautiful grounds you expect from Disney. If we ever take an extended trip, I would have no problem re-booking here.

Start the Day at EPCOT

After a quick breakfast from our hotel, we began our day at EPCOT. Although it’s a favorite, there’s a lot of growth and change going on here. In the next few years, I’m sure it’s going to be incredible! We opted to pay a little extra to access Genie Plus. Consider it a new and improved answer to the Fast Pass that my family could take advantage of when I was a kid. If I’m being frank, I don’t think the App is as user-friendly as it could be, but maybe I would have gotten used to it if I had been there for more than one day. I loved being able to see wait times around the park and being able to “book” a Lightning Lane pass every two hours. At EPCOT, we had passes for Soarin, Space Ship Earth, and Mission: SPACE. We had to skip Test Track, but I know there’s always next time! 

Lunch Around the World

My favorite element of EPCOT is easily the World Showcase. Visiting each Country’s Pavilion is such a treat and something that seems to get better the older I get. If you enjoy an adult drink, you’ve probably heard about the Drink Around the World Challenge. As someone who has attempted it before, it’s not for the faint of heart. Since we were meeting friends, David and I were satisfied with just a few drinks to help us cool off in the warm Florida sun. Since the crowds were insane this weekend, we found the spots that had the shortest line. Because that means Cherry Limoncellos in Italy and Chai-Mint Mimosas in Morocco, I’m not complaining! We ended with Lunch in Morocco and Dessert in Germany before finding our friends at Magic Kingdom.

A Magic Kingdom Evening

After lunch and several miles, we took the monorail from EPCOT straight to Magic Kingdom. Honestly, is there anything more Disney than that? Because we booked the Park Hopper option, we could visit any other park we wanted after 2 pm. The timing worked out perfectly because we found our friends right on Main Street USA, enjoying the afternoon parade. From there, we booked a few Lightning Lanes and enjoyed our time in the park, although the 2 hours wait for Haunted Mansion wasn’t ideal. Eating any Mickey Ice Cream isn’t required, but still highly recommended. The evening ended with fireworks on Thunder Mountain and at least one more dessert. It was certainly a magical day if you ask me. David and I finally got back to Coronado Springs at around 11, and it was lights out. I think we walked about 20 miles and we were exhausted!

This blog post is just a quick PSA to listen to your inner child and make plans for the sake of nostalgia. Although I have a lifetime of childhood memories from Disney World, the 24 hours I just spent with friends may very top that list!

Love from Florida,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here. 

How to Survive a Winter Beach Day
📍 Seaside, FL

Tunic Dress (Similar) || Sandals ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Similar Clutch || Sunglasses || Earrings || Bracelet

Let me set the scene for you. You like in the Northeast or Midwest, and there’s nothing but snow and below-freezing temperatures in the forecast for the next few months. You haven’t seen the sun in weeks and desperately need a vacation to somewhere warm after the stress of the holiday season. I know it’s no secret, but Florida is probably the easiest destination that you have your eyes set on. As I write this blog post, it’s 60 degrees and sunny in St. Pete. This time of year is also my favorite to take advantage of our beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, but it takes a little bit of planning. Here are my best tips to fully enjoy and survive a Winter beach day in the Sunshine State.

Don’t Skip Sunscreen

I have to put this tip first because it’s just so important to your overall health. Even if the day isn’t as warm or sunny compared to the summertime, don’t skip sunscreen! Sometimes it’s days like this when you need a healthy slathering of SPF the most! Trust me, the sunburn will hurt just as bad, and you’ll be kicking yourself for not applying when you had the chance. I recommend opting for a reef-friendly variety, like this Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion from SunBum, to help our aquatic friends stay healthy. 

Expects Some Crowds

Since so many people flew the cold weather for a sunny escape, this is high season for many parts of Florida. We call it Snow Bird Season because many are flocking to their vacation homes for the season. What does this mean for you? Well, don’t necessarily expect empty beaches and shops. Plus, be extra careful while driving and parking. This is also my obligatory reminder that locals aren’t on vacation and have to get through their standard workday. Just be polite to everyone you come across, especially those in the service industry, and maybe skip being the crazy partier. 

Pack A Few Layers

If the weather report calls for a warm day, coastal winds can tell a very different story. There’s nothing worse than being cold and shivering on the beach. Especially during this time of year, I always wear a long-sleeve tunic dress that could potentially keep me warm while sitting in the sun. This dress from SZ Blockprints has long been my favorite and comes in several colors. Another great option at a lower price is the famous (or maybe infamous) Amazon boho dress. If you’re brave enough to get in the water, also consider having a change of clothes handy in case the first set gets wet.

Bring Your Own Seating

Remember how blistering hot the sand can be in the Summer sun? Well, the opposite is true in the winter. The sand does an incredible job of staying cold on chillier days. If you find yourself sitting on the ground, there’s a good chance you’ll get cold quickly. To skip that feeling, be sure to pack your own beach chair. If you’re staying at a resort or beach house rental, they will most likely have one for you. If not, these sling chairs from Serena & Lily are easy to pack and are surprisingly comfortable. I’m also a huge fan of a similar style from The Inside. Don’t forget to throw in a beach blanket for those particularly windy days for good measure.

Consider a Unisuit or Rash Guard

Since we know that layers can be crucial on a winter beach day, you may want to consider investing in either a unisuit or rash guard. I mean, if it’s good enough for surfers, it’s good enough for me! Think of it as one additional layer of protection from the sun and cold. The good news is, there are so many cute options out there now because caring for your skin is very chic! Cabana Life, J. Crew, and Lands End are some personal favorites. Find the style and pattern that works best for your personality! 

Schedule for the Later Afternoon

Typically, during the summertime, I sing a very different tune. I get to the beach first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds and peak heat of the day. In the Winter, I have a slightly more relaxed approach. Because I actually want to be in the sun and sand during the hottest point of the day, I aim for a post-lunchtime excursion and am happy to stay until just before sunset. While I’m still avoiding the crowds, I can stay comfortable while sitting with the best seat in the house.

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Double Check Local Laws

This tip almost falls into the bucket of “locals live here.” Double-check that you know the laws regarding the local beaches. Some have designated hours, while others require special permitting for bonfires or don’t permit that all. Others still even have sound ordinances that you should definitely be aware of. The big one to keep in mind is local about open containers and adult beverages. Those, in particular, have been known to cost tourists and locals alike hundreds or thousands of dollars!

Keep Moving Around

Here’s one final tip that’s more common sense than anything. On these cooler winter days in Florida, keep moving! As tempting as it is just to sit back and relax, you may find yourself getting cold pretty quickly. Yes, even in the sun! Even just going for a walk down the shoreline will help you stay warm and get the blood pumping. Not to mention, it’s such a good workout. One of our favorite beach games is just good, old-fashioned Kadima. It’s just as fun as tennis or pickleball, but no net to fuss with! Pack these into your beach bag for kid and adult-friendly activity. 

No matter what sunny destination you end up visiting, I hope you have an incredible time! Even though Florida is almost warm, I still have the wanderlust to go to an even more tropical beach. Should it be Bermuda, Harbour Island again, or Mexico? How about all three!

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.