Purple Shell Travel (2024)

28/11/2024

Day 4

Our day started with breakfast at one of the most beautiful resorts on property: The Grand Floridian. When we arrived, we were greeted by gorgeous Christmas decorations, a large Christmas tree, and a gingerbread house so large that people work inside it! After browsing the shops, we went outside to pass a little time on the beach.

Breakfast was at 1900 Park Fare, a newly reopened buffet-style character dining restaurant. When you arrive, each child is given a postcard to write down a wish for the Wish Ceremony. The food was delicious (my personal favorite was the potato casserole and their signature strawberry soup) but the highlight is the characters (called Wish Makers). We met Mirabel from Encanto, Aladdin, Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, and Cinderella. Each character comes to your table, talks to your kiddo, signs autograph books, and poses for photos. Near the end of our meal, we were able to participate in the sweet Wish Ceremony where all the kiddos held their wish high in the sky in hopes the Wish Makers would make them come true!

After breakfast we went to the gingerbread house and picked up some delicious treats to take back to our room. Many of the treats qualified as snacks for the dining plan!

Once back at our hotel, we took a dip in The Big Blue Pool. This pool is widely considered to be one of the best pools for kids on property, mainly due to its phenomenal Finding Nemo theming. Directly adjacent to the pool is an equally amazing splash pad for littles! Everywhere you look, you are sure to see a character you recognize!! After swimming, we settled into our room for some quiet time in preparation for the main event: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!!

We parked at Magic Kingdom and took the ferry over to the park entrance, arriving around 3:30. While the party starts at 7PM, guests are invited to enter the park at 4PM. We entered the park right at 4PM and were given a party wristband and a keepsake ornament.

As we entered the park, we checked in for a dinner with friends at Liberty Tree Tavern. I always describe this meal as family style Thanksgiving food. It is so yummy and sure to please any picky eater!

Once we finished our meal my family and our friends went to ride Pirates of the Caribbean (walk on), Jungle Cruise (renamed Jingle Cruise at Christmas - short wait), and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. After the rides, we walked to Main Street to get a good spot for the first parade. Our kiddos took a much needed nap during this time!

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is one of my all-time favorite Disney moments. There is absolutely nothing like the music, parade floats, and snow (lovingly referred to as snoap by many Disney fans) on Main Street with the castle in the background. Our kids were in complete awe.

After the parade we rode the Tomorrowland Speedway (Christmas overlay) and then made our way back to MainStreet to watch Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. This was our daughter’s favorite moment from the party!!

After the fireworks, we picked up a refillable popcorn bucket, did some snack shopping, and debated staying for the second parade. Our four year old was strongly advocating for this but we thought keeping her in the parks until after midnight was probably asking for trouble 🙈. Instead, we hopped on the ferry and made our way back to the resort.

Tip: Magic Kingdom closes to non-party guests at 6PM on party nights. Always be sure to check calendars to make sure you are aware of this if you are planning your Magic Kingdom day during party season!

Reach out to me via message or at [email protected] for my FREE travel planning services.

27/11/2024

Day 3:

We once again walked to Sea World from our hotel. This time we started our day with a Christmas Breakfast with Elmo and Friends. The breakfast was an all-you-can-eat buffet. Before and after the meal, characters came to our table for photos (Cookie Monster, Zoe, Elmo, Bert, and Ernie). During the meal, the characters performed several Christmas songs on stage. My personal favorite was when Cookie sang All I Want For Christmas Is You to a bunch of cookies! 🤣

After the meal, we went to Sesame Street Land where the kiddos rode Abby’s Flower Tower, Elmo’s Choo Choo Train, Slimey’s Slider, and Sunny Day Carousel. The kids are 40” and 36”. There were plenty of rides and shows to keep them entertained!

At lunchtime we checked out of our hotel to head to Disney World!! We checked in to the Art of Animation resort in a Finding Nemo family suite. The family suites are fantastic when traveling with grandparents or even to give parents some separation from the kiddos at night. There is one bedroom with a queen bed, a living room with pull out couch, and a dining area with murphy bed. The bedroom has its own full bath and a second full bath is available in the common area. The theming is spot on and makes you feel like you are in the movie! Family suites are available in Finding Nemo, Lion King, and Cars. Little Mermaid theming is available in standard rooms as well.

After checking in, we grabbed lunch at the resort with our quick service dining credit (dining plan) and obtained our resort refillable mugs (included with dining plan). While my husband and mother-in-law unpacked, the kids and I met some friends to make tie-dye Mickey pillowcases and t-shirts!

For dinner, we drove to The Wilderness Lodge for a family favorite dinner at Storybook Dining at Artist Pointe. This is a three-course prix fixe meal where you meet Snow White, Grumpy, D***y, and The Evil Queen. It is one of your only opportunities to meet with a Disney villain! The desserts are my favorite (especially the gooseberry tart and “poison” apple)!

I strongly recommend checking out the activities that are available at your resort. They change monthly and add even more magic to your stay!!

Reach out to me via message or at [email protected] for my FREE travel planning services.

26/11/2024

Day 2

We walked from our hotel to Sea World. Our trip aligned with the start of their Christmas celebration, so the park was decked out in Christmas trees and lights!

We booked a Family Adventure Tour and made our way to the check in point. The Family Adventure Tour is recommended for families with children of all ages (especially little ones).

We got very lucky and were the only family in our tour group for the day. Our tour guide, Marty, was a retired science teacher and so much fun!! Our tour started at Pacific Point Preserve where we learned about seals and sea lions and the role Sea World plays in rescuing them.

We then moved on to the Manatee Rescue. Sea World rescues and rehabilitates manatees who would otherwise not make it in the wild.

After that, we were given a personal dolphin encounter. We helped feed our assigned dolphin, Sasha, and learned all the ways the Sea World team works with each dolphin to ensure they are properly cared for. This was a highlight of the trip for our kids. They were able to pet Sasha and play games with her!

Next, we visited Stingray Lagoon where we fed and pet stingrays! Marty was even able to show us what stingray teeth look like!

Our next stop was a meet and greet in Sesame Street Land! We were given priority access to the characters (Elmo and Zoe). The rotation of characters changes, so be sure to check who is available throughout the day!

As our last stop, we visited the Wild Arctic Encounter where we saw penguins and a walrus!

All in all, the tour lasted nearly three hours! Our whole family had a blast!!

We purchased the All Day Dining plan. With the dining plan, you can eat at specified restaurants every 90 minutes. You receive an entree, side dish or dessert, and a drink. We saved money by eating lunch and dinner with our plan (dinner was basically free).

To round out our day, we caught the Sesame Street Parade, went to the Dolphin Adventures, Flippers Facts and Fun, and Orca Encounter shows, and my husband and I even slipped away to walk on the Manta roller coaster (absolutely insane ride!).

While we focused our time on learning about animals and visiting Sesame Street Land, Sea World is starting to focus a tremendous amount of energy on roller coasters and thrill rides; they even offer a Coasters After Dark experience.

We highly recommend learning more about Sea World, their revitalized mission, and their thrill rides.

Reach out to me via message or at [email protected] for my FREE travel planning services.

25/11/2024

Follow along as my family travels to Orlando for one week of holiday fun!

Day One:

First Stop: Parkesdale Market in Plant City, FL. The market is the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy delicious strawberry treats! They are best known for their strawberry shortcakes, milkshakes, and cookies. Be sure to check the website before you go to be sure they are serving their shortcake and fresh berries!

After a short drive we checked in to the Hilton Garden Inn at Sea World. This is the perfect location if you plan to visit Sea World. Their prices are reasonable and you can easily walk to the park. If you need extra space, they offer a one bedroom suite that has up to three beds included. If you have a little one, be sure to call the front desk and ask to use a complimentary pack-n-play for your stay!

Once checked in, we made our way to Disney Springs for some holiday fun! Stop by one of the marked locations to pick up a Christmas Tree Stroll kit (free). Locate trees around Disney Springs, mark the map with the correct sticker, and return for a prize!

Once Upon A Toy can add to your holiday magic with their Letters to Santa activity (free). Your kiddos will write a letter to Santa on special paper and put it in the mailbox. After a quick trip and special music, Santa reads your letter, and returns it to you for a keepsake.

We finished our evening with dinner at T-Rex. This highly themed restaurant is fun for the whole family! Dinosaurs, mammoths, and ocean creatures are larger than life and all around you. Watch out for the meteor shower, the animals don’t like it and tend to roar!!

Stay tuned for day two of our holiday adventures.

Reach out to me via message or at [email protected] for my FREE travel planning services.

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