If you’ve been following my Instagram, @AriTheHeiress, then you know that Disney is one of my favorite places to visit and hang on the weekends. I was so excited to do a press trip with them for my birthday weekend and bring along my girls for some true adulting. When it comes to Disney, we automatically think it’s a place for kids only, but in today’s post I’m excited to share how to get away with your crew and have some fun!
Where to stay
The Beautiful Grand Floridian
The Grand Floridian is absolutely magical. From the moment you step inside the lobby, there is beauty every where you turn. As an Orlando local, I’ve wanted to stay at this resort for the longest, and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. My favorite part was getting up early in the morning to go to breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe with the girls. We heard the pancakes were really good, so we all decided to get them. They were good, but my favorite was actually the all american style breakfast (I think that’s what it’s called) with an egg, sausage, bacon and hash brown. It’s definitely a beautiful experience worth paying for. I wish we would have had time to dine at 1900 Park Fare, which is actually right next to the cafe, as it offers buffet style breakfast and tea with Disney Characters. I’ll definitely be back to do that!
Animal Kingdom
Finding the best Instagram Walls at Animal Kingdom
Day 1 started off at Animal kingdom at the land of Pandora. If you are an Avatar fan, OMG this is something to write on your travel goals list. It literally feels like you are stepping into the movie the minute you enter. We kicked off our adventure riding the Na’vi River Journey, which happened to be my first time getting on. I know that’s probably surprising being that I go to Disney every other week. It’s just that the line for it is always 3 hours long, and I save it for the next trip which turned into never riding it. Thank God for the fast pass, I was able to get on the ride within minutes. I could feel the eyes of those who had been in line for hours starring at us walking right to the front.
Next, we went on Avatar Flight of Passage, which I had been on a few times. This is one of the best rides ever and I would suggest getting on this one if you had to choose between the two. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it felt like to be an Avatar on a banshee, then you can’t miss it. It’s like a 4D experience filled with amazing aromas, movement and sounds. Definitely mark this ride as a must do. After riding, we had time to ourselves and made our way to the Satu’li Canteen for lunch. If you are into Chipotle bowls, then you’ll love this place. It’s like that, but better!
Magic Kingdom
Check out my Mickey Nails! Thanks to @shes_erica
Trying out all the Instagramable foods at Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is that iconic park that I’ve always done over the years, but this time felt so different. I was introduced to something they call “Lite Bites”, which are actually Instagramable treats. Yeah, it’s totally a thing. They provide amazing foods that are aesthetically pleasing for the gram, and I was so glad to experience some of it. My favorite was the Mickey Waffle with powered sugar and the Rose Gold Cupcake. How cool is that? The minute they said Rose Gold, I was sold!
Of course, I got on a few rides like Space Mountain. Usually a long wait, but well worth it. My favorite part of the evening was having a fabulous dessert party with other fellow bloggers while watching the gorgeous fireworks to end the night.
Epcot
Stopping in Morocco for some fun and pics
You must try the matcha mixed with lemonade at the Japanese Pavilion
Day two we headed to Epcot for the first stop and it was so much fun. They currently have Festival of the Arts going on, and it was my first time ever going. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was such an eye-opening and of course cultural experience. Along with walking around the world, you are able to experience art from different cultures and local artists. Of course, I couldn’t go there without bringing my Style & Travel Girl Razzberry Rome Passport Cover to take with me around the globe in just a day. (We also brought along the floral print passport cover which you can find here)
*If you are a travel lover, Epcot is definitely a must. Grab your girls and act as if you are visiting all your favorite countries. Try the food, intake the aromas and engulf yourself in the language and experiences all around.
Hollywood Studios
Enjoying the preview of Toy Story Land
Fun with my fellow bloggers via the Photo Pass – Available at a variety of places around each park. You are able to get your pictures taken with professional photographers, which is a plus if you don’t want to lug around your camera.
Lastly, we visited Hollywood Studios and got to see a preview of Toy Story Land, which will be opening this summer. I’m so excited about all the things to come. I’ll definitely be there opening weekend! We also got to preview the new Star Wars Land (not sure if it’s really called that, lol), that looks so awesome. If you are a fan of the series, then you are in for a treat as you’ll be stepping into the movie. After experiencing Pandora at Animal Kingdom, I know this Star Wars experience will be over the top!
The two rides you must do at this park are the Tower of Terror and Aerosmith. They are extremely exciting and so fun to do with your friends. We got on these rides several times, and it was such a thrill. There are so many amazing rides and shows to see like, Frozen Ever After, but those two are my favorite. Also, take some time to stay for the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular show. It’s fireworks on steroids and definitely something to see!
**There are so many more awesome moments from my trip that if I kept going, this blog post would never get published! Check out more of the fun we had via video and more pics on my Instagram page and Disney highlight at @AriTheHeiress.