florida vacation Archives - Mommy Kat and Kids

Have Half a Day Free in Orlando? Try These 3 Fun and Affordable Family Activities

June 28, 2016 by Kathryn 18 Comments

In my opinion, one of the best things about a family vacation is finding a fun activity that adults and kids alike can enjoy during that inevitable free half day or so. And in the Orlando area, there’s no shortage of activities to fill a family’s extra time!

If you have a few extra hours to enjoy with your family and you’re wondering what to in Orlando, you’re in luck! These three excursions are affordable, tons of fun and sure to create lasting memories.

1) Wild Florida Airboat Rides

Getting out of the city and into nature is as easy as heading to Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park, just 45 minutes from Orlando. And once you’re there, an airboat ride is the perfect way to see the untouched natural beauty of Florida. Choose between a thirty minute or a one hour ride and get ready both for high speed thrills and serene natural beauty as you cruise through the Florida Everglades.

I’ve wanted to go on an airboat ride since my first trip to Orlando, so I was thrilled about finally getting the opportunity. I was surprised by just how loud the airboat was, and grateful that optional ear protection was included! We cruised over the water in search of wildlife and from birds to alligators, there was plenty to be seen.

I was surprised by how clear and shallow the water was and had a great time learning about the plant and animal life in the area. Best of all, once the ride ends, families have the option of checking out exotic animal shows, gator feedings and ranch buggy tours too! [Read more…]

Only Have Time to Visit One Walt Disney World Park? Here are 4 Reasons to Choose Disney’s Animal Kingdom

May 27, 2016 by Kathryn 57 Comments

When it comes to visiting Walt Disney World, spending a few days exploring the four different parks is almost a must. With so much to see and do, my ideal Walt Disney World vacation would involve spending at least one full day in each park. Sometimes, though, time just doesn’t let that be an option.

I’ve already shared my outline for exploring the best of all four Walt Disney World parks in one day.

But if you’d rather spend the day at just one single park this summer so that you can experience it to the fullest, make it Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Wondering why? Here are my four reasons this should be your must-visit Walt Disney World park.

You’ll Learn as You Explore

Like every park at Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom has plenty of fun rides and entertaining shows. But above and beyond that, the park has learning experiences and one of the best is the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride. Journey on an African safari so authentic that you’ll almost believe you’ve travelled to another continent.

The effort that Walt Disney World has made into both providing a natural habitat for its animals and preserving some of our world’s most endangered creatures is admirable. And the animals clearly feel at home in the environment, which means there’s ample opportunity to see them up close.

The guides on the tour are full of facts about the animals and it’s impossible not to come away from the ride feeling a deeper connection to the many fellow creatures that share our planet. For those that prefer walking, the Maharajah Jungle Trek lets visitors view tigers, birds and lizards up close on a green and pleasant walking trail. [Read more…]

Step Into the World of Knights for a Night at Medieval Times-Giveaway

April 15, 2016 by Kathryn 52 Comments

I have a lot of friends in the Toronto area, so I’ve heard of the Medieval Times experience in the past. In fact, I’ve often read about my best blogging friend’s trips to Medieval Times Toronto with her boys in envy…the idea of watching live jousting and sword fights while enjoying a medieval feast sounded like so much fun! So when I had the chance to visit Medieval Times Orlando with my boys and their grandparents on a recent trip to Florida, I was thrilled. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was sure the night would be entertaining!

The fun started as soon as we arrived and walked towards the towering castle. We all had the immediate impression of being transported back in time and Zackary couldn’t wait to get inside. When I picked up our tickets, we learned that we would be sitting in the green section and cheering for the Green Knight. After receiving our crowns and entering the main hall, we had just enough time to get a pre-dinner drink, buy the boys each a green flag and admire the suits of armour. Then we were ushered to our seats so the tournament could begin!

[Read more…]

Whether You’re a Kid or an Adult, Everything is Awesome at the LEGOLAND Florida Hotel!

March 18, 2016 by Kathryn 25 Comments

When I heard the news about the opening of the new theme hotel last year at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort, I couldn’t help but want to check it out firsthand. With two LEGO-crazed boys at home and a pretty solid love of the interlocking bricks myself, I was sure it would be a place to remember.

And recently, my dream came true when the LEGOLAND Florida Hotel invited us to spend the night on our recent trip to the Orlando area. With bags packed, my boys, their Nanny and I set off to see just what this new hotel had to offer.

Everything is LEGO!

From the second we drove up to the hotel, we knew that our experience was going to be an amazing one. The exterior of LEGOLAND Florida Hotel provides a vibrant, LEGO-filled welcome that illustrates the type of experience to be found upon walking through the doors.

Almost life-sized LEGO creations, including a dragon, a knight, a pirate and more dominate the front of the hotel, while brightly coloured brick detailing on the outer walls gives the entire hotel a LEGO look. But as much as the exterior of the hotel impresses, the interior is even better.

The check-in desk was one of my personal favourite features. Behind the large LEGO man riding a bicycle (a moving feature that’s an immediate draw for the eye), an entire wall of Minifigures are on display. LEGO Minifigures have always been something I loved, so I could have studied the wall in detail for hours.

The lobby also featured numerous large LEGO creations including a pirate bed big enough for a child, characters including a waiter and a porter, and another perching dragon. [Read more…]

Don’t Miss These Top 3 Orlando, Florida Activities for Adults

February 26, 2015 by Kathryn 30 Comments

Orlando is a favourite family destination for good reason. With a variety of fun-filled theme parks perfect for kids of all ages, from Universal Orlando to Walt Disney World, it’s easy to spend a full week in the area just checking out all the rides, attractions and entertainment available.

But there’s a lot more to Orlando, Florida than just amusement parks and activities for kids! These three adventures are fantastic things to do in Orlando for adults that want to enjoy some time in the area.

Orlando Balloon Rides

In front of the Orlando Balloon Rides hot air balloon basket, ready to head to the sky!

Sailing through the sky in a hot air balloon is something everyone should try at least once. There is nothing more peaceful than drifting on the breeze and looking down on the world below, especially in an area as picturesque as the Orlando region. Orlando Balloon Rides is one of the top companies offering hot air balloon adventures and provides an experience that you’re sure to remember for a lifetime. Just be prepared to get up early!

balloon assembly — Filling the balloon with air. I love how small the men holding the sides look!

For me, one of the highlights of the ride was watching and participating in the set-up and takedown of the balloon. I’d never realized just how big these balloons were until one was being filled right in front of me! And while filling the balloon with air was a job that could be done by just a handful of staff, packing it away after was a task that required everyone, participants included, to lend a hand! [Read more…]