We have had quite an adventurous month! After being quarantined for four months, we became a bit stir crazy and began spending a lot more time checking out our local parks.
We took a few trips to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens where we got up close and personal with a ferocious tiger! We spent a lot of time checking out our favorite animals, the bonobos.
This month we also visited the El Faro Memorial where we accidentally acquired a new kitten. We named him Captain Independence in honor of the fallen seamen and the 4th of July (the day we found him).
We spent a long weekend exploring central Florida with stops in Gamble Rogers State Park, Disney Springs, and Blue Springs State Park. We also visited smaller parks like Gemini Springs.
Smiley and Mama Elle had a “Mommy and Me” day that included a day trip down to St. Augustine. We enjoyed yummy donuts on the walls of Castillo de San Marcos before heading south to Marineland.
Later in the week we visited The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Memorial Park and Riverside park in our hometown of Jacksonville.
We rounded out the month by spending some time at our favorite beach, Huguenot, and testing out our new paddleboard at our favorite lake.
Our family has been quarantined since the beginning of March. This weekend we did the unthinkable- we visited Disney Springs during COVID-19. Let me begin by saying we haven’t been out to eat at any restaurants, the kids haven’t been in any stores, and Ashley and I only run out to grab the essentials. We’ve been very careful about social distancing and are taking all of the precautions necessary to keep our kids safe. The fact that we ate at the Rainforest Cafe during our visit is a pretty big deal.
What is Disney Springs?
Disney Springs is essentially an outdoor mall and entertainment complex following many of the Town Center models found in most cities. It features countless Disney themed stores, as well as other shops and restaurants centered around Lake Buena Vista. It is a great place to get the “Disney Experience” without stepping foot in the theme park.
You could seriously spend a couple of days hanging out here and never get bored! There is a ton of things to do ranging from a bowling alley to a movie theatre, shops, and even boat rentals!
What is Rainforest Cafe?
The Rainforest Cafe is a kid-friendly restaurant chain that is sensory overload! From the minute you walk up to the volcano-shaped structure, you’re transformed into the rainforest. From the sounds of wild animals echoing through the building, to the rainstorms and orante decor- this place has it all.
Where is Disney Springs and Rainforest Cafe located?
Physical address: 1800 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Park in the Lime or Grapefruit parking garage for the closest access. Head right (towards the Marketplace) and you will quickly notice the giant volcano near the lake. That volcano is Rainforest Cafe!
Our Thoughts on Rainforest Cafe
The Rainforest Cafe has a super fun kid-friendly vibe. When we walk into traditional restaurants, the kids aren’t really all that excited. But one look inside of this place had them grinning ear to ear! They loved being able to watch the fish swim by in the massive and gorgeous tanks. They loved the fact that there were robotic animals screeching or roaring all around us. There were periodic “thunderstorms” while we were in the restaurant that scared our boys (aged 2). The animals all around us got loud and there was “thunder” and “lightning”. Our son, 82, is terrified by storms so he cried each time one started. Fortunately for him, the “storms” lasted for only about a minute.
The waitstaff was extremely friendly and accommodating. Our food came out pretty quickly. Our kids (6, 2, and 2) were so captivated by their surroundings that they didn’t mind the short wait. The menu is perfectly tailored to a child’s taste and isn’t ridiculously pricey like you might expect. We spent $100 on a turkey wrap, shrimp tacos, 2 kids meals, and 2 alcoholic beverages, which honestly isn’t bad- especially in a touristy area.
This is a perfect place to grab dinner as a family, especially if you’re in town to visit the theme parks. Be sure to spend some time exploring Disney Springs while you’re here, it has a ton of great things to do with the kids.
The wait here can get pretty long, I strongly suggest making reservations in advance.
Our family has been quarantined since the beginning of March. This weekend we did the unthinkable- we visited Disney Springs during COVID-19.
Let me begin by saying we haven’t been out to eat at any restaurants, the kids haven’t been in any stores, and Ashley and I only run out to grab the essentials. We’ve been very careful about social distancing and are taking all of the precautions necessary to keep our kids safe.
After doing a bit of research, we decided to venture out to Disney Springs during our mini-vacation to central Florida.
https://youtu.be/p0WeGtqQkws
What is Disney Springs?
Disney Springs is essentially an outdoor mall and entertainment complex following many of the Town Center models found in most cities. It features countless Disney themed stores, as well as other shops and restaurants centered around Lake Buena Vista.
What precautions is Disney Springs taking for COVID-19?
Masks are required for everyone 2 and older. This rule applies to not only in the stores but in the outdoor areas as well. This is strictly enforced. You may remove masks while eating or drinking. There are several places where you can social distance, remove your masks, and simply breathe.
All visitors have their temperature checked before entering the property. When we arrived (in the late afternoon) there was no wait time. Several staff members were on hand to check your temperature.
There are hand sanitizer stations at the entrance of every shop and restaurant.
At the entrance to each shop and restaurant, a “cast member” is keeping track of how many people enter the building.
There are reminders posted everywhere about maintaining social distancing. There are also markers on the ground indicating which way to walk (in some areas).
Did we feel safe?
In a word, yes. We were very impressed by all of the precautions that Disney has taken to keep its patrons safe. Honestly, every single person that we passed (that was over two) was wearing a mask. Even little toddlers being pushed around in strollers were wearing masks. We took advantage of the countless hand sanitizer stations and washed our hands before we ate. Honestly, everywhere you looked there was someone wiping down a surface. It was quite impressive.
The only times we didn’t have our masks on is when we were rehydrating, sharing a Dole Whip (mmm, Dole Whip), and when we ate dinner at Rainforest Café. We did find a place by Lake Buena Vista where no one else was around so we were able to sit down, take our masks off, and cool down a moment.
I will say that wearing a mask for long periods of time in the Florida heat is uncomfortable, and this is coming from a pro-mask Florida girl. Keep in mind that although the thermometer might read 95, you have to take into account the humidity. Florida, in the summers, can be miserable. I imagine that it is even more unbearable for people who are not accustomed to high humidity. Make sure that you stay well hydrated, especially since you’ll be required to wear a mask.
Word of Disney- the largest Disney character store in Walt Disney World Resort-and on Earth!
Goofy’s Candy Company
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Disney’s Day of Christmas (store)
Where is Disney Springs located?
Physical address: 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Hours: 10 AM- 10 PM
Our Thoughts on Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a great place to visit if you want a watered-down version of the Disney experience, without the steep ticket price. This, by no means, means that Disney Springs is cheap. We bought the kids each a stuffed animal (that was “on-sale”) and they were $25 each. We also had dinner at Rainforest Café and spent $100 on a turkey wrap, shrimp tacos, 2 kids meals, and 2 alcoholic beverages.
This is a fantastic location to pick up souvenirs. There are a ton of Disney themed stores that offer anything you can think of; candy, kitchen accessories, clothes, toys, bags, etc. Be sure to check out the World of Disney store- it’s the largest Disney store on the planet.
Although the world around us is slowly opening up, our little family is still self-isolating The twins, Scoop and Stinky, both have weak immune systems and respiratory problems, so we’re doing everything we can to keep them safe and healthy. Since our entertainment options are limited, we’ve been taking virtual field trips. One of the kid’s favorites has been a virtual trip to Disney.
This January, we made our first trek down to Disney with the kids. Naturally, they fell in love with the fairytale wonderland. Our plans were to take them back to Magic Kingdom once the adoption was finalized however, 2020 had other plans.
Instead, we broke out our Mickey Mouse shirts and hats and plopped down on the couch. I pulled up YouTube and we took a virtual trip to Disney. Honest to God this was the quietest they have been since the beginning of March. The kids had such a blast “riding” the rides and were absolutely mesmerized by all of the colors.
How does this work, you might ask? Tons of YouTubers have shared videos of “ride thrus” of some of Disney’s most popular attractions. Rides like “Frozen Ever After” and “Space Mountain” come available with just a click!
Grab your Fast Pass and join us on some of our favorite rides!
The Little Mermaid
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Frozen Ever After
Space Mountain
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Peter Pan’s Flight
Slinky Dog Dash
Pirates of the Caribbean
It’s a Small World
We hope you enjoy this virtual trip to Disney as much as we do! Although a virtual trip isn’t nearly as exciting as a real trip to Disney, it will have to do for now. And let’s face it, you can’t beat the wait times!
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