The countdown is almost over as we reach 1 week away from our scheduled flight out of beautiful Virginia to Sunny Orlando Florida. This trip has been a crazy one to prepare for, but luckily all these months later I have a full itinerary to share with all of you. Read my full 2018 Orlando Florida Family Trip Itinerary using the #JayTravelsOrlando.
2018 Orlando Florida Family Trip Itinerary
Read all about what my family plans to do during our trip to Orlando Florida. I’ve added some new stuff to our itinerary that I know the kids will love. We will be visiting some places we missed during our last visit, along with some stops at our favorite spots. I can’t wait to get this trip started!
If you love Universal Studio’s Florida as much as I do then you might want to check out some of my other Universal theme park-related articles. I share hotel reviews, theme park reviews, restaurant reviews, and more! Including Top 9 Things To Do at Diagon Alley, Universal’s Loews Saphire Falls Resort Review, and our dining experience at The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar in CityWalk.
Our Magical Ride with Spirit Airlines
We have partnered with Spirit Airlines to create this awesome adventure in Orlando. Spirit Airlines now has direct flights from Richmond VA RIC Airport to Orlando Florida. This is awesome since we spent last year driving to Florida, which was a fun adventure but did take up a huge hunk of our vacation time.
Thanks to Spirit Airlines everyone can save money on their adventures. Read how you can Go More For Less and Travel On A Budget. Find out how you can save some serious Moolah on your next Family Vacation Here.
Where We Plan To Play
Universal Studios Orlando
I snagged us 5 days of play at 3 different Universal Studios Orlando parks throughout our 2-week stay. I decided to split up the park days and focus on doing more with the kids and not rushing them through all of the attractions. My goal for this visit is to make sure everyone gets to ride every ride they want at least one time.
I also opted to explore 1 park a day versus park hoppers, simply because it gives us the opportunity to take our time and see things we missed last year.
Diagon Alley – Wizarding World of Harry Potter
With just a few steps you are transported to the world of Harry Potter where butterbeer is endless and magic is in the air. Both locations offer amazing experiences that we just barely got to tap into during our last visit.
This year we are sending mail at the Post Office and trading money at Gringotts Bank. Make sure you are following the #JayTravelsOrlando Hashtag for all the live updates on where we are at and what we are doing on all our social networks.
Universal’s Volcano Bay Waterpark
The new Universal’s Volcano Bay™ water theme park is truly a sight to see when you visit Orlando Florida. It’s hard to miss when you driving by as you see a towering Volcano next to the highway. Don’t let this Volcano intimidate you though, it’s actually a drop waterslide called The Ko’okiri Body Plunge™ that gives you a weightless sensation like no other.
During our Family Forward 2017 trip in August, we got to see what all the hype was with this Waterpark. Let me assure you that it will definitely not disappoint even the pickiest waterpark lover.
We can’t wait to go back and experience other parts of the park we didn’t get a chance to see last time. To read more about the park during our last visit as well as check out more photos head over Here.
Where We Plan To Stay
CoCo Key Hotel and Waterpark Resort
A resort packed with a complimentary waterpark for guests staying overnight, oh yes! The CoCo Key Hotel and Waterpark Resort is a family-friendly destination packed with fun things to do on the property. With 391 guest rooms, a 54,000 sq. ft. canopy-covered outdoor water park, a 6,500 sq. ft. state-of-the-art arcade, 3 on-site restaurants, a convenience store, and a short drive to Orlando theme parks and shopping
As an official Universal Partner Hotel, you will receive complimentary shuttles to and from Seaworld and Universal as well as discounts on food and merchandise.
We will be staying for 2 nights in this wonderful location, we are so ready to play and stay at CoCo Key Hotel and Waterpark Resort. Head over HERE to learn more about the CoCo Key Hotel and Waterpark Resort.
Universal’s Loews Saphire Falls Resort
The Universal’s Loews Saphire Falls Resort sits just next door to Universal Orlando. Just a short boat ride or walk away from all the fun. My family stayed at Universal’s Loews Saphire Falls Resort for 4 nights during the 2017 Family Forward event.
I love staying here because not only do you get to have a scenic ride to the park, but you get to enter the park an hour early! Oh and don’t worry we are utilizing our extra hour for Diagon Alley of course.
See more photos plus our full Universal’s Loews Saphire Falls Resort Full Review Here.
Stay Sky Suites I Drive Orlando
If you’re looking for a comfortable home-away-from-home while you explore the magic and excitement of Orlando, our large and well-appointed hotel suites in Orlando, Florida will fit the bill perfectly. Located near Walt Disney World® Resort and the other theme parks in Orlando, we offer one-bedroom suites, two-bedroom suites, or executive guestrooms. StaySky Suites – I Drive Orlando Hotel Orlando offers Orlando Hotel Suites with Kitchens and separate living areas.
We will be resting and stretching our legs at the Stay Sky Suites I Drive Orlando hotel for 2 nights during our Orlando Adventure. To learn more about the Stay Sky Suites I-Drive Orlando Hotel head over Here.
Where We Plan To Eat
I’m excited to be able to visit some local restaurants that we didn’t get a chance to see during our last visit. Since we will be dining Large Family Style I can expect there will be lots of food photos to share with yall very soon.
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is full of decadent treats as well as some delicious food. I have heard all good things about this location and how just walking through the restaurant was an experience all on its own. I’m excited to be dining here with the kids and try out some of those crazy milkshakes everyone raves about.
Hard Rock Cafe
I have stayed in a Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego before but actually, haven’t had any opportunities to dine at a restaurant location. I’m excited to see what is in store for us at this live and hopping restaurant. Oh did I mention they have Live entertainment on select nights?
Voodoo Doughnuts
Voodoo Doughnuts is now available at the Orlando Citywalk location, and just in time for our vacation! I absolutely LOVE Voodoo Doughnuts, I previously visited their LA location and instantly fell in love. They are fresh and oh-so-cute, I can’t wait to see what the kids pick and which ones they end up falling in love with.
Cowfish at CityWalk
If you have ever walked in Universal CityWalk Orlando then you can definitely say that the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar restaurant sticks out like a sore thumb. Not only does the name catch you off guard, but the location definitely has its perks. Located in the heart of Universal CityWalk Orlando visible from the water taxis you can find this delicious restaurant.
Check out more photos of the restaurant, as well as photos of some of the delicious food we tried during our visit to Cowfish on my blog.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co
If you are looking for some seafood served in individual and family style, this is the location for you. I previously got an opportunity to try them out while in LA last year, and couldn’t get them off my mind. I’m excited to see what the kids think of their shrimp as well as some of the other menu items that I haven’t had the opportunity to try yet.
More Possibilities Coming Soon!
Although our trip is pretty much finalized at the moment, make sure you are following that #JayTravelsOrlando hashtag. Sometimes really great opportunities come in spontaneous packages, so we will definitely be open to adding some fun spots to our foodie checklist.
That’s it for now so make sure you are following that hashtag on all of our social networks for up-to-date information and photos about our trip. I hope you follow along and have a blast!