Florida is home to some pretty incredible springs, and Alexander Springs just so happens to be one of the most beautiful! Alexander Springs is located in the Ocala National Forest. It is well known as a hotspot for camping, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Our favorite thing about this spring is the fact that it is super kid-friendly. It is the ultimate hangout for a sunny Florida day!
Our favorite part about Alexander Springs it that it is totally kid friendly. There are steps that lead down to the spring. This is a great spot for little ones to get acclimated to the temperature of the water. The water is a constant 72-degrees which can be quite an adjustment in the summer months. Once you’re in the water, it isn’t exceptionally deep (but still deep enough that they can swim). The launch site is also very close to the swimming hole, making it easy to go back and forth between the two.
Are There Alligators in the Springs?
Yes! There are most definitely alligators in the springs. And snakes. In fact, a rule of thumb here in Florida is that you should assume that there is an alligator in every body of freshwater. That being said, alligators typically want nothing to do with you. They are completely content laying on the bank of the spring catching some rays. As long as you don’t approach them, you’re typically fine.
Even during the summer, when the springs are jam-packed with people, there will be alligators present. They tend to situate themselves outside of the run (where you can’t swim or tube) so that they don’t have to deal with you. Chances are, if you kayak, canoe, or paddle board, you’ll spot a gator sunning on the banks.
Where is Alexander Springs located?
The springs are a part of the Ocala National Forest. Alexander Springs is easily accessible as a day trip from Orlando, Daytona, and Jacksonville.
What is there to do at Alexander Springs?
This is an excellent site for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and diving. If you bring your own water vessels, there is a handy loading area at the head of the parking lot that makes it easy to unload your equipment. The park also has carts to help you transport your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to the launch site. There are kayaks and canoes available for rent, seasonally, at the concession stand.
Swimming, snorkeling, and diving is permitted in the designated areas.
There is a 0.9 mile interpretive trail called the Timucuan Trail. The loop consists of a shady boardwalk that travels through the forest along the spring run.
The springs are phenomenal year round! If you want a glimpse of the manatees, come during the winter (January and February seem to be peak times). If you want to kayak, canoe, or paddle board you can do so year round, but you’ll find it less crowded in the cooler months.
If you’re brave, you can swim year round. The water temperature is the same all year. Florida’s weather is really inconsistent in the winter. We can go from being in the 80s one day to the 50s the next. As long as you can handle the outside temperatures when you exit the springs, you can absolutely swim in the springs 365 days a year.
Visiting Information
Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; may close earlier seasonally. Campers have 24-hour access to the gates with an access code.
Annual Day-Use Pass: $70 + tax
Single Day-Use Fees: Weekdays $7 per person; weekends $10 per person.
Campground Fees: $28 per campsite per night; $8.50 per extra vehicle per night (after two vehicles on campsite);
RV Sewer Waste Station: $8.50 per registered camper; $10.50 per non-registered camper.
Parking for Overnight Hikers: $6.50 per vehicle
Group Shelter (day use): $51 per day
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Sure, Jacksonville is pretty great, but sometimes it’s just nice to get away. If you’re looking for the perfect day trip, look no further. We’ve got you covered! Trust us, there are lots of adventures that are less than a tank of gas away. Some of our favorite day trips from Jacksonville are to St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach, but there’s plenty more to do outside of these popular locations. From wild horsesto ancient natural springs, there’s something for everybody within 100 miles of Jacksonville!
Best Day Trips from Jacksonville
Amelia Island State Park- Did you know that Amelia Island State Park is the only Florida State park that allows horseback riding on the beach? This makes it a popular destination for bucket listers.
Alexander Springs Recreational Area– Located in the Ocala National Forest, Alexander Springs is great for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and camping.
Anastasia State Park- One of St. Augustine’s greatest natural attractions is the Anastasia State Park. The park has 4 miles of sugary white-sand beaches. This location is great for paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, and boating. There is also a full campground.
Appleton Museum of Art– Located in Ocala, this museum features a permanent collection of 18,000 works including art and artifacts representing the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Pro-Columbia styles.
Big Shoals State Park- Located in White Springs, near the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center Park, is Big Shoals State Park. This park has the biggest whitewater rapids in the state making it popular for kayaking and canoeing. There are also 33 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park– This place is great year round! Located in Orange City, Blue Spring State Parkis home to hundred of manatee in the winter. During the summer months it is the perfect place to swim, float down the spring, paddleboard, kayak, or take a boat tour. This is one of our favorite day trips from Jacksonville!
Castillo de San Marcos– Located in St. Augustine, this well preserved fort is the centerpiece of the historic district. It is the oldest 17th century fort in North America and has the unique ability to absorb cannonballs! Castillo de San Marcos is a must-see for any history lover.
Cumberland Island- Head north from Jacksonville and cross on over the Florida/Georgia border for an opportunity to explore this magnificent island. The Cumberland Island National Seashore is home to a population of wild horses that inhabit this mostly undeveloped island.
Daytona Beach– Much like our Huguenot Beach, the hard packed sands of Daytona Beach allow you to drive your car on the beach. This popular tourist location features beaches, a ferris wheel, tons of restaurants, and a plethora of NASCAR themed sites.
de Leon Springs
De Leon Springs State Park– This park is an absolute must-see! The site has been home to a plantation, a glamorous hotel, and one of the state’s first eco-tourism sites before becoming a state park. There are hiking trails, boat tours, kayak and canoe rentals, and even a super trendy restaurant where you make your own pancakes. De Leon Springs State Park is a must!
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park- Located in Gainesville, this is the place to go if you enjoy the great outdoors. The park features a rainforest, trails, and a 120-foot deep sinkhole that draws visitors from all around.
Farm Tours of Ocala– Located in Ocala, get an insider’s tour of Ocala’s working farms and learn why Marion County is the “Horse Capital of the World”.
Fernandina Beach– Just north of Jacksonville is one of the oldest towns in Florida. The downtown area has been meticulously restored and features tons of shops and restaurants.
Flagler College
Flagler College-Located in St. Augustine, Flagler College was once a bustling hotel known as the Ponce de Leon Hotel. It was built by Henry Flagler in 1888. It is free to roam around the campus but we suggest booking a tour to appreciate the site (and my alma mater!).
Florida Museum of Natural History– Located in Gainesville on the University of Florida Campus is one of the largest natural history museums in the area. Your kids will love the Prehistoric animals on display at the Florida Museum of Natural History!
Fort Clinch
Fort Clinch State Park– Located in Fernandina Beach is one of our favorite State Parks, Fort Clinch. This place is great for sharks teeth, shelling, hiking, bicycling, and camping. Oh…and there’s a really cool Civil War era fort to explore complete with re-enactors.
Gainesville- Gainesville is more than just a college town, it is home to many great museums, restaurants, and buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Gamble Rogers State Park- This stunning park was named after a famous folk singer that rescued a man from drowning at the nearby beach. The park has magnificent beaches and hiking trails. Bring plenty of water and bug spray!
Gilchrist Blue Springs
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park– Meet Florida’s newest state park! It is still in it’s early development stages however it’s already pretty amazing. There is a campground, RV park, and a shop to rent canoes and kayaks. The highlight of the park is, of course, the springs. The springs are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Be sure to hop on a water vessel and paddle out to the Sante Fe River for impressive sights.
Ginnie Springs- This is one of the most popular summer hotspots! It is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. This is also a prime location for divers since there is an extensive cavern system to explore. The waters here are crystal clear! There’s also a campground with private cottages.
Ichetucknee- Located near Lake City is one of the best place to beat the Florida heat. This is the place to visit for some prime river tubing. Get there early, this place gets packed on the weekends!
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens- Located in Gainesville, these gardens are a must-see. There’s a large scenic lake, bamboo stands, waterfalls, and a play area for kids. Be sure to pack your bug spray.
Marineland- This spot was once Florida’s largest tourist attraction. It was originally built so that Hollywood filmmakers could catch underwater shots of marine animals. Today Marinelandteaches about conversation and preservation. There are also dolphin encounters available.
Mudslinger Tours- Believe it or not we found more shark teeth in a creek in Gainesville than we have EVER found on the beaches here in Jacksonville! Join Mudslinger Tours for a day of shark tooth and fossil hunting.
Olustee Battlefield State Park- This park commemorates the site of Florida’s largest Civil War Battle. The Battle of Olustee took place on February 20, 1864. More than 10,000 troops engaged in a five-hour battle here. The battle ended with 2,807 casualties.
Sharks teeth discovered with Mudslinger Tours in Gainesville
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park- Where else can you see horses, bison, and gators all in one place? Located just south of Gainesville this preserve is a nature lovers paradise. Be sure to check out the Paynes Prairie State Park’s La Chua Trail for your best chance at seeing wild life!
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse- Located south of Daytona, is the tallest lighthouse in the state and one of the tallest lighthouse in the USA. The lighthouse and the keepers home have been restored and are open to the public. Visitors can also climb to the top of the lighthouse for a magnificent view.
Princess Place Preserve– Located in Flagler county, the park has 5 miles of hiking and equestrian trails free to the public. There are also docks for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. The preserve once belonged to Henry Cutting. After his death, his widow Angela married an exiled Russian prince. The two lived together on the property.
Ravine Gardens State Park-Ravine Gardens State Parksis one of the most beautiful state parks in north Florida. Thousands of years ago, two natural ravines were carved by a local spring. The ravines can be up to 120 feet deep and have steep banks covered with local plants. The stunning park has 60 acres open for exploring.
Rum Island Springs County Park– Right across from Gilchrist Blue Springs is a county park known as Rum Island. This park is the gateway to Rum Island Springs, one of the many springs on the Sante Fe River. This is a great place to launch a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The park is open year round.
Salt Springs Recreation Area- Salt Springs is one of the 4 spring parks within the Ocala National Forest. The tranquil blue waters are a great spot for swimming, floating on an inner tube, or snorkeling. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating is available from the dock adjacent to the park. The park is also known for camping and features two hiking trails.
Silver Springs State Park– This site in Ocala was once a private attraction. Today, Silver Springs is a state park where you can explore the springs on a glass-bottomed boat. This is a popular day trip from Jacksonville since there’s so much to do at this park!
Glass Bottom Boat Ride at Silver Springs State Park
St. Augustine Alligator Farm-Did you know that this is the oldest alligator attraction in Florida? Not only do they have gators and snakes, but they also have a sloth encounter and a super rad zip-line! Check out all of the awesome things they have to offer at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm!
St. Augustine Lighthouse- Are you looking for the best views of the Ancient City? Climb to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse!
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum- This place is cool for kids and adults alike. They have interactive maps and exhibits including a 4D mini-show depicting Blackbeard’s last battle. The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum also has props from pirate themed movies. It’s located right across the street from Castillo de San Marcos making it easy to pair the two together.
Fort Frederica, Saint Simons Island
St. Simons Island- We love St. Simons Island (SSI). The island is dotted with a ton of incredible places to explore. We recommend looking for Tree Spirits at Mallery Park (and other sites), visiting Fort Frederica, picnicking at the Wesley Memorial Monument, and spending some time at Christ Church. Make sure you also check out the stunning lighthouse!
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park- This park is a real gem, it’s one of our favorite in north Florida. They have several trails that are perfect for hiking or biking. The parks trails offer great views of the Suwannee River Valley. The park also has a stunning campground. The is also a hotspot for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
Summer Waves- Summer Waves is hands-down the coolest water park in the region. They have tons of great water slides, a lazy river, a splash zone, and our favorite- the Frantic Atlantic wave pool.
Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area- Located in St. Augustine, this park has just under 3 miles of trails that are great for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park- Tucked in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River is a stunning park called Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. The park preserves 425 acres of coastal scenery. Within the hammocks is an immaculate and extremely impressive 20-acre formal garden. Don’t forget a swimsuit and towel so you can hit the beach!
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You know, I have to admit; I didn’t think I’d enjoy the Seattle Great Wheel as much as I did. I’ve never been one for heights, or rides involving heights, but I caved and rode my first Ferris wheel when I was in London. Ferris wheels, like the Seattle Great Wheel and the London Eye, are a great way to get a birds-eye-view of the city.
The Seattle Great Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel at Miner’s Landing Pier 57 overlooking Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington. The overall height of the wheel is 175 feet making it the tallest on the West Coast of the United States.
The look at the Wheel from the pier
What Can I Expect from the Ride?
The Seattle Great Wheel has 42 climate-controlled gondolas. Each carries eight passengers (with the exception of the luxury VIP gondola). This means that you could potentially share your gondola with another group. We visited on a busy day and they did not pair us up with anyone else.
The 12-minute three rotation ride soars over scenic Elliott Bay. The ride offers remarkable views of the bay, especially on a clear day. You’ll also have an aerial view of the pier, the Seattle Space Needle, and downtown Seattle.
Wheel Light Shows
Did you know the wheel is covered in half a million LED lights? Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening until 10 PM there is a colorful light show on the wheel. On game nights and holidays, there are special themed light shows.
View from Seattle Great Wheel
Cost of the Seattle Great Wheel
Tickets are $14 for adults (age 12 & up); $12 for seniors (65+); $9 for kids (ages 3-9); and anyone age 2 or younger rides for free.
Kingsley Plantation is the oldest remaining plantation home in the state of Florida. It was once the home to Zephaniah Kingsley, a slaver who established plantations between South Carolina and Spanish Florida. The home is maintained by the National Park systemas part of the Timucuan Preserve. It is a great place for visitors to stop in and learn about our nation’s dark past.
The site features 25 of the remaining 32 slave quarters, the main house, a barn, and a dock. There is plenty of signage throughout the site that tells the story of the people that once lived and worked here. Access to the main home is limited in order to help preserve the home. However, the ruins of the slave quarters are available to tour.
A restored slave cabin at Kingsley Plantation
Who was Zephaniah Kingsley, Jr?
Zephaniah Kingsley, Jr was a quaker born in England. When he was a child, his family immigrated to South Carolina. He was a slave trader and merchant who built several plantations in Spanish Florida.
Kingsley established Kingsley Plantation where he resided for 25 years. Kingsley was known for being a “lenient slaveholder”. He “allowed” his slaves to be hired out for odd jobs and gave them the opportunity to purchase their freedom.
The slaves who worked on the plantation followed the task system. Each had a quota that they had to achieve each day- once they met their quota they were free to go about their day. Some of the slaves had personal gardens which they tended and sold their vegetables.
The plantation owner was also in favor of interracial marriage… and polygamy. Four of his enslaved women served as his concubines. He had nine children from these relationships.
Kingsley claimed to have married one of these women. 1806, on a trip to Cuba, he purchased Anna Madgigine Jai, a 13-year-old girl from what is now Senegal. In 1811, he petitioned the colonial Spanish government to grant Anna and their three children freedom. Once Anna gained her freedom, she was awarded five acres in Florida. She purchased slaves to help farm it.
The Kingsley’s owned several plantations included one on Drayton Island, Laurel Grove, Kingsley Plantation, and several locations on the opposite side of the St. Johns River including St. Johns Bluff, San Jose, and Beauclerc.
Kingsley Plantation
Kingsley Plantation main house and walkway to the kitchen.
In 1814, Kingsley and his wife, Anna, moved to a plantation on Fort George Island. The island is located in modern-day Jacksonville, Florida. The plantation featured a main house and a two-story structure called “Ma’am Anna House” where Anna and her four children lived.
Thirty-two cabins were constructed from tabby about 1/4 mile from the main house.
The plantation produced oranges, cotton, indigo, okra, and other vegetables.
Where is the Kingsley Plantation Located?
Kingsley Plantation is part of the Timucuan Preserve. The plantation home is located on Jacksonville’s northside just off of Heckscher Drive.
The Timucuan Preserve is managed by the National Park Service and includes Fort Caroline National Memorial, Theodore Roosevelt Area, American Beach, and Cedar Point. One of our favorite local beaches, Blackrock, is also part of this preserve.
Visiting the Kingsley Plantation
Kingsley Plantation is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on Wednesday through Sunday.
It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. It is open on MLK Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day.
Ravine Gardens State Parks is one of the most beautiful state parks in north Florida. Thousands of years ago, two natural ravines were carved by a local spring. The ravines can be up to 120 feet deep and have steep banks covered with local plants. The stunning park has 60 acres open for exploring.
When this hidden gem opened on July 4, 1933, it consisted of 270,000 plants in a formal garden and planted along the slopes of ancient ravines. Today, the park is a combination of formal and natural gardens. It is one of the nine Florida parks featuring New Deal era structures. The fieldstone terrace, rock gardens, and entrance are all reflective of construction during this time period.
At the park’s entrance, there is a 64-foot obelisk dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt who spearheaded the New Deal and served as President during the park’s opening.
Hiking at Ravine Gardens State Park
Ravine Gardens State Park is home to the famous Azalea Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile trail that winds throughout the park’s ravines. The trail features two suspension bridges and about a gazillion stone steps. The trail is considered to be strenuous because of its narrow and steep paths, roots, muddy bottoms, and stairs.
You do not have to complete the entire two-and-a-half-mile trail- there are lots of entry and exit points that take you down to the springs where the trail is easier to navigate and you can sneak back to the parking area.
If you’re looking for a less challenging hike, try out the Main Park Drive Loop. This paved path is 1.8-miles long and follows the rim of the ravine systems. You’ll still be able to enjoy all of the scenery of the ravines, just from a different point of view.
Visiting the Park with Children
This is a great space to visit with your family. The park has a playground and several spaces that are perfect for a picnic. Admittedly, the trails can be a little tough (many hikers that we passed had trekking poles). However, we also saw a family with 6 kids (all under the age of 12) that handled the trail like pros. I think it all boils down to experience.
Smiley (7) did great on the trails. It was an excellent work out for both of us. At the end she remarked that she “felt the burn” (meaning her muscles were burning from the exercise). I think the steps would have been hard to navigate for the twins (3).
If you do plan on visiting with kids, you may want to consider the Main Park Drive Loop. Probably one of the coolest thing about the park is the suspension bridges. One of these bridges is easily accessible at the very beginning of the trailhead. You could easily walk across the suspension bride and then head down the neighboring steps to walk along the creek bed.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
If you’ve ever been to Florida in the summer, you know how miserable our weather can be. The summer months are hot, humid, and often wet. The best time to visit Ravine Gardens State Park is during the cooler months. During the park’s blooming season (January through March), visitors will be surrounded by the park’s signature flower- the azalea. This is our favorite time to visit.
Visiting Information
Ravine Gardens State Park is open from 8 AM until sundown, 365 days a year.The park uses an honor box to collect fees- exact change is required.
$5 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
$4 single-occupant vehicle
$2 pedestrians and bicylclists
Where is the Ravine Gardens State Park Located?
The park is located in Palatka, Florida. The park is just over an hour from Jacksonville and 45 minutes from St. Augustine.
Our First Family Ride at Disney- The Mad Tea Party!
Disney World is truly a place for everyone! Honestly, nobody is too young or too old to visit the House of Mouse. There is something there for everyone to enjoy. Many people think that toddlers are too young to enjoy Disney, but boy are they wrong! Since kids under the age of 3 get in for free, they are the perfect age to visit the theme park. In fact, Disney has a ton of rides that will be perfect for your toddler. We’ll be highlighting the Best Disney World Rides for Toddlers at the Magic Kingdom.
There aren’t just one or two rides that your toddler will love. We’ve come up with a list of 13 Disney World Rides for Toddlers!
Scoop and Stinky at Magic Kingdom
Best Disney World Rides for Toddlers at the Magic Kingdom
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Height Requirement: Any Height
Ya’ll! This is my favorite Disney World ride! Blast off into outer space and help Buzz defeat Emperor Zurg and his army of bad guys. This ride is just like being trapped in the middle of a live-action video game. You’ll board a two-seater spaceship equipped with laser guns which you’ll use to blast targets to earn points.
Pro-Tip: Seat your kids on the right to give them an opportunity to score more points. Or don’t and totally kick their butts!
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Height Requirement: Any Height
This high-flying, classic ride seats two passengers per elephant. You’ll soar high into the air and gently dip down. This ride is sure to bring out a ton of giggles!
The indoor portion of the ride queue is an air-conditioned play area that will help keep your kiddo occupied while you wait in line.
Pro-Tip: Get a FastPass+ for this ride early in the day. This ride is perfect for photo ops! You can also ride it later in the day when your toddler needs the ability to run around a little bit.
It’s a Small World
Height Requirement: Any Height
Like the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride (below), this iconic ride is a slow-moving indoor boat ride. Take a 10-minute, fully air conditioned, trip “around the world” in this fan favorite attraction. Yes…the song will get stuck in your head but the air conditioning and ability to kickback and relax will be an welcomed relief.
Pro-Tip: Use a FastPass+ and book this ride mid-day. It’s a great way to escape the heat.
Disney World Rides for Toddlers: Mad Tea Party Ride
Mad Tea Party
Height Requirement: Any Height
This was the first ride we rode at Disney World as a family. It was an amazing way to kick off our trip, and introduce our kids to the magic of Disney. On this two-minute ride, you’ll hop into a tea cup and whirl around. Sound sickening? It’s not horrible. Riders control the speed and direction of the tea cups— you’re able to make it slow down, if needed.
Disney World Rides for Toddlers: Aladdin’s Magic Carpet Ride
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Height Requirement: Any Height
Similar to the Dumbo ride, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin bob up and down offering you aerial views of the park. The main difference between this ride and Dumbo is that Dumbo seats only 2 people whereas the Magic Carpets seat 4. Also, there is a joystick that allows you to control the up and down movements of the ride. Pretty rad, right?
Pro-Tip: Ride at night for absolutely spectacular views.
In Line at the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Height Requirement: Any Height
Seriously, this ride is a gift from the Disney gods! Your toddler will love it! The queue is lined with interactive play areas including drums, a super cool digital wall, and all kinds of Hundred Acre Wood inspired hands-on activities.
The ride itself is a six-seater honey pot “roller coaster” that stars Pooh Bear, Tigger, Piglet, and the gang. There are parts of the ride that are dark, but our toddlers didn’t seem to mind.
The ride is four-minutes long and the lines can get lengthy. With all of the interactive activities, your toddler probably won’t mind.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Height Requirement: Any Height
Climb aboard a flying pirate ship and venture off to Neverland with Peter Pan. This classic Disney tale comes to life as you fly to the home of the Lost Boys.
Pro-Tip: Get a FastPass+! This is one of the most popular rides at Disney. Book your Fastpass+ ASAP.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Height Requirement: Any Height
If your kids are anything like mine, they will love this ride. Our kids are obsessed with boats and pirates! I thought that this ride might be a little too dark and scary for the twins but they loved the slow-moving boat ride and the music that went along with it.
Yo-ho, yo-ho, it’s a pirate boat adventure ride for the entire family! Kids will love the pirate aspect of it and parents will enjoy it too! The ride lasts 8.5 minutes- that’s almost 10 minutes of relaxing in air conditioning.
Pro-Tip: Use a FastPass+ and book this ride mid-day. It’s a great way to escape the heat.
Note: There is a little waterfall drop at the end and the ride is dark compared to most other indoor rides.
Disney World Rides for Toddlers: Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel
Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel
Height Requirement: Any Height
Listen, I was honestly skeptical about taking the kiddos on the carousel. I mean, we have a carousel at home. But they absolutely loved the Prince Charming Regal Carousel. There is something magical about riding up and down on a gallant steed in front of Cinderella’s castle.
Pro-Tip: The ride lasts less than two minutes and the lines are fast-moving (which is great because it’s not shaded). Visit early in the morning or late in the day for a minimal wait.
The Barnstormer
Height Requirement: 35″
This popular Goofy-themed kid-friendly rollercoaster is a favorite with young kids.
Tomorrowland Speedway
Height Requirement: 32″ to ride, 54″ inches to ride solo
It’s time to hit the track! Zip around the Tomorrowland Speedway in a super awesome racecar! Kids will love the feeling of “driving” around the track.
Pro-Tip: Space Mountain is right next door. If you have someone in your group who is dying to ride Space Mountain, this is a great place for the younger kids to hang out until they are done riding!
Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
Height Requirement: Any Height
Growing up this was one of my favorite rides at Disney. It still is, but now for a totally different reason. Parents, let me introduce you to the “Sleeper Mover”…ugh sorry, People Mover. This is the perfect place to unwind, sit down, relax, and possibly catch a quick nap. You’ll go on a slow, 10-minute ride through Tomorrowland. There are even some dark parts (BONUS!) to help your little one relax a bit more.
Pro-Tip: Space Mountain is right next door. If you have someone in your group who is dying to ride Space Mountain, this is a great place for the younger kids to hang out until they are done riding!
Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
Height Requirement: Any Height
Travel beneath the surface of the ocean as you join Ariel on her quest to meet her prince charming. You’ll join her for five-and-a-half-minutes on board a three-seater clamshell. Toddlers will love all of the vibrant colors, bubbles, and popular songs.
Do you want to know all of the best Disney FastPass Secrets? Of course, you do! Nobody in their right mind wants to spend their entire visit to the park waiting in line. Walt Disney World is one of the best vacation spots (for all ages!), but let’s face it, the lines are terrible!
Visitors often talk about visiting during the “off-season” however, at Disney, there’s really no such thing anymore. Thanks to all of the year-round events that the parks host, people flock to the parks by the thousands each and every day!
So how does one navigate the 4 massive parks with over 60+ rides and attractions? Well, you use the FastPass, of course! These Disney FastPass Secrets will help you plan your trip and maximize your time in the park.
Our Disney FastPass Secrets will help you navigate the lines, reduce your wait time, and make the most out of your next Disney World trip!
Prince Charming Regal Carousel
What is FastPass+?
With the purchase of all Disney World tickets, you get 3 free FastPasses a day! Yes, free! A FastPass means that you are reserving your spot for a ride or attraction during a one hour window of time. Now, this doesn’t mean you won’t be standing in line, it just means that it will be a much shorter line.
We like to use them to secure spots for 2 rides and 1 character meet and greet.
How Do You Get FastPass+?
Once you purchase your park tickets, or if you have an annual pass, you can set up your FastPasses. You can use the My Disney Experience app, or the My Disney Experience section of the Disney World website. You can also hit up one of the kiosks in the parks.
Our First Family Ride at Disney- The Mad Tea Party!
When Can You Book FastPass+?
You can book your FastPass+ slots 30 days in advance, or 60 days in advance if you are staying at a Disney Resort. The earlier you try to book these time slots, the more likely you’ll be able to reserve your favorite ride. Some Fastpasses go quickly! The time slots become available at 7 AM EST so set your alarm!
Disney FastPass Secrets
Book Your FastPass For the Busiest Time of the Day
One of the best secrets to Disney FastPasses is knowing when to use the pass. The best time to use your FastPasses is when the park is the busiest. Makes sense, right? More people in the park = longer wait times. The best window of time to book your FastPasses is from 10 AM to 3 PM when the park is hoppin’.
The lines before 10 AM won’t be too outrageous since the park is just opening. They also decrease after 3 PM when people head back to their hotels to escape the crowds of hot Florida heat.
Pick the Most Popular Rides First!
Obviously, FastPasses for the most popular rides are going to get snagged first. Booking the hardest rides first is a quick and easy Fastpass secret that people may not even think of. The most popular rides, right now, are Frozen Ever After, Flight of Passage, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Slinky Dog Dash.
Book your FastPass for these rides later in the day– chances are, there will be more FastPasses available.
If you are dying to ride one of these rides, and don’t have a FastPass, you should plan on spending at least an hour waiting in line.
Aladdin’s Magic Carpet Ride
Use Single Rider To Save Your Disney Fastpasses For Other Attractions
If you can’t resist some of the big kid/adult rides that your toddler or kid can’t go on- don’t worry, Disney has a plan! They have a system called Rider Switch Passes. See a cast member at one of the qualifying rides and they’ll hand you a Rider Switch Pass. Basically, one grown-up waits in line and goes on the ride while the other grown-up hangs out with the kids. Once, they’ve exited the ride, you pass off the kids and they hand you the pass. You get to ride the ride without having to wait in line again! Holla!
If just one of you wants to ride one of these rides, some rides offer a single rider line. Basically, you’ll fill in any empty seats on the ride. There are 4 rides in Disney World that offer single rider lines. They are Expedition Everest, Test Track, Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, and Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run.
This is also a great option if you don’t mind splitting up with your group! You and your travel companions can all do this, ride the ride with some random person, and meet back up!
Refresh Your App To See If Your Desired Fastpass Comes Available
If there’s a ride you must do or a princess you must meet but can’t find a Fastpass for it, don’t give up. People cancel their Fastpasses because their kids are having a meltdown, or decide they want to ride another ride, or change their mind for a plethora or reasons. The minute someone forfeits their FastPass, it becomes available for someone else to snag. That someone could be you!
Just keep refreshing the app!
Check the morning of your visit (since people modify their selections the night before or even early that morning!). Also check after 10 AM because people may decide to alter their plans.
Think Things Out
When you pre-arrange your FastPasses, you’ll want to make sure they are near each other. Do yourself a favor and scope out a park map before you book your passes. If you’re hitting up Space Mountain at noon and then Splash Mountain at 1:15, you’re going to have to haul ass from Tomorrowland clear across the park to Frontierland.
It would make so much more sense to cluster rides like Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin together.
Peter Pan’s Flight, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Character Meet & Greets also make a great trio!
Not Everyone in Your Group Needs to Use the Same FastPasses
Anyone over the age of 13 can manage their own FastPasses. If half of your group wants to ride Splash Mountain, and the other half wants to take it easy on Pirates of the Caribbean, you can choose which people will use which FastPasses.
Be Smart About How You Use your FastPass
Remember, you only get 3 FastPasses that you can pre-book (more on why I say “Pre-book” in a minute). Think of these 3 FastPasses as a precious gift. For the love of God, do not waste them on silly things like parades, fireworks, or unpopular rides. It’s not that Dumbo, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, It’s a Small World, and the Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor aren’t great attractions, because they are… they just aren’t worth using a FastPass for.
You Don’t Need to be at your Ride at the Exact Time You’ve Rserved Your Spot
Your FastPass window is actually an hour-long. This means you can arrive at the ride or attraction any time within that hour long window and be let in.
If you’re early for everything, like me, you can arrive 5 minutes before your FastPass window opens. Or…if you’re one of those people who is late for everything, you can arrive 15 minutes after your window. This comes in handy if you’re fighting over what rides to use your FastPass on and you have to bolt across the park to get from one ride to another.
Too Cool for School
You Won’t Lose Your FastPass
Okay, so say you didn’t listen to my advice and you booked FastPasses on opposite sides of the park from one another in a short time window. Then, theoretically, you didn’t make it to the second ride. Don’t freak out, if you miss your FastPass window (and the grace period), you can hop back on to the app and there will be a new pass available for you tto book.
You Don’t HAVE to Use Your FastPass
If you get to a ride that you have a FastPass for and the wait is only 15 minutes, you can always pull up the app and cancel your FastPasses. Or, if you have a MagicBand, just don’t scan it! Once you’re in the line, ditch your reservation and pick something else.
The Biggest Secret, EVER!!!
What if I told you that you actually can get more than 3 free FastPasses? If you book your 3 Fastpass for early in the day, you can book another once you’ve tapped your MagicBand for the last one.
While you’re in line, open up the My Disney Experience app on your smartphone and book that 4th Fastpass! After you tap your band for your 4th ride, you can book a 5th FP, and so on. This Disney Fastpass secret will lead you to “unlimited” Fastpass possibilities for the rest of the day!
Amazing, right????
Another option is to stay at Club Level in certain Disney World resorts. You can pay $50 a day to get three more FastPasses. This will give you a 90-day window to book 6 FastPasses per day.
Research the Tiers for Rides
Did you know Disney rides are ranked into tiers? Rides that are in Tier 1 are the most popular and in demand, and typically the harder to FastPass for. Tier 2 rides and attractions are essentially everything else. When you pre-book your 3 Fastpasses, only one of them can be for a Tier 1 attraction.
Fortunately, Magic Kingdom doesn’t use this system so all of the rides are fair game. However, the other parks do, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Tier 1 Rides By Park
Animal Kingdom: Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey
Epcot: Soarin’, Frozen Ever After, and Test Rack
Hollywood Studios: Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, Toy Story Mania!, Slinky Dog Dash, and Alien Swirling Saucers.
Book your #1 choice for first thing in the morning and then set up all other passes for the peak period of 10 AM to 3PM.
Don’t forget, you can actually book a 4th, 5th, and 6th FastPass! Once you’ve used your FastPass on a Tier 1 Ride, you can book another!
Meeting Our Hero!
Wrapping Up Our Disney FastPass Secrets
We hope that these Disney FastPass Secrets will help you maintain your sanity and save you tons of time during your next trip to Disney World. After all, who wants to waste their time standing around in lines? And for the love of God, if you haven’t already done so- download the My Disney Experience App. If you keep refreshing it, it’s a total game changer!
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Nobody in their right mind wants to spend their entire visit to Disney waiting in line. Unfortunately, long lines are a part of visiting the park. For some rides, such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the line can be longer than 3 hours! There are some rides you should use a FastPass on to avoid standing around, twiddling your thumbs in the hot Florida heat.
What is FastPass+?
With the purchase of all Disney World tickets, you get 3 free FastPasses a day! Yes, free! A FastPass means that you are reserving your spot for a ride or attraction during a one hour window of time. Now, this doesn’t mean you won’t be standing in line, it just means that it will be a much shorter line.
We like to use them to secure spots for 2 rides and 1 character meet and greet.
Our Family at Disney World
How Do You Get FastPass+?
Once you purchase your park tickets, or if you have an annual pass, you can set up your FastPasses. You can use the My Disney Experience app, or the My Disney Experience section of the Disney World website. You can also hit up one of the kiosks in the parks.
When Can You Book FastPass+?
You can book your FastPass+ slots 30 days in advance, or 60 days in advance if you are staying at a Disney Resort. The earlier you try to book these time slots, the more likely you’ll be able to reserve your favorite ride. Some Fastpasses go quickly! The time slots become available at 7 AM EST so set your alarm!
In Line at the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Rides You Should Use a FastPass On
Obviously, FastPasses for the most popular rides are going to get snagged first. Booking the hardest rides first is a quick and easy Fastpass secret that people may not even think of.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a classic Disney roller coaster that is gentle enough that younger kids can ride it (and feel totally cool for doing so!). The line for the attraction is mostly outdoors which gets awfully hot in the Florida heat. If you want to check out this family-friendly coaster, you may want to grab a FastPass.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Climb aboard a flying pirate ship and venture off to Neverland with Peter Pan. This classic Disney tale comes to life as you fly to the home of the Lost Boys. Since there is no height requirement, this classic ride is popular with families.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Since this is a newer attraction, it draws a larger crowd. In fact, people will wait for hours to hop on the Snow White inspired roller coaster. The ride is super smooth and totally fun! Its thrill level is somewhere between Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the infamous Space Mountain.
Space Mountain
This indoor coaster takes you on a high-speed journey into the deepest, darkest reaches of outer space. It’s not deliberately scary but it’s dark, fast, and jerky- which makes it a bit more terrifying. Part of the line is indoors and has interactive features throughout, which makes the lines bearable- but you’ll still probably want to snag a FastPass for this popular ride.
Splash Mountain
It’s pretty obvious why this water ride is popular with visitors! Each day hundreds of people flock to Splash Mountain to escape the hot, humid, Florida climate. The lines for this ride tend to be long, but the thrilling drop at the end makes it worth the wait. If you don’t use a FastPass for this ride, make it one of your first stops in the morning to avoid long lines.
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Fort Caroline is one of the places that I have been visiting since my childhood. In fact, it’s only about 10 minutes from the house I grew up in. Fort Caroline is known as the Atlantis of Florida because nobody knows where its actual location truly was. Perhaps, it was actually hidden in the woods in my backyard the whole time!
Firing Cannons at Fort Caroline National Memorial
When most people think about forts in northeast Florida, they picture the Spanish fortress Castillo de San Marcos or the Civil War era Fort Clinch. It is often forgotten that the French had a short tenure in the area before they were almost completely wiped out by the Spanish.
The French in Florida
In 1562, the French landed on the banks of the St. Johns River in present-day northeast Florida. The encampment was to be a safe haven for Huguenots who were being persecuted in France because they were Protestants, rather than Catholics.
The Huguenots were led by explorer Jean Ribault who reportedly landed less than 1 mile from Huguenot Memorial Park. Ribault and his men established the settlements of Charlesfort and Fort Caroline (both named in honor of his king, King Charles).
The French came into conflict with the Spanish who established St. Augustine in 1565. Fort Caroline was ambushed by the Spanish, led by Pedro Menendez de Aviles on September 20th. The Spanish killed everyone but 50 women and 26 escapees. The French settlement in Florida came to a bloody end and the Spanish occupied the site as San Mateo until 1569.
What is Fort Caroline National Memorial?
The exact location of the fort is unknown. In 1953 the National Park Service established the Fort Caroline National Memorial along the southern bank of the St. John’s River near a point that commemorates René Goulaine de Laudonnière’s first landing. This structure is a replica of the fort, based on sketches of the 16th-century structure and believed to be a one-third scale model of the original. It is surrounded by hiking trails and other noteworthy historical sites on the 46,000-acre Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.
The preserve includes; the Theodore Roosevelt Area, with five different Florida ecosystems visible in one hike; the Fort George Island Visitor Center, which describes the natural and cultural history of the preserve’s island home; and Kingsley Plantation, which includes the oldest standing plantation house in Florida as well as several original slave quarters. One of our favorite local beaches, Blackrock, is also part of this preserve.
Visiting the Fort Caroline National Memorial
Fort Caroline is easily accessible, although it does require a short walk down a well-beaten path through the woods to access to fort.
Along the way, visitors will pass recently renovated replicas of Timucua structures including two huts and a canoe made out of a hulled-out tree. The Timucua were indigenous people that live in Northeast and North Central Florida and Southeast Georgia. The Huguenots befriended the Timucua and these structures serve as a symbol of their relationship.
The triangular wooden open-air structure is located on the banks of the St. Johns River. Throughout the fort, you’ll find signage explaining the history of the French Huguenots and their short stint in Florida.
Our kids had a blast climbing the steps, pretending to fire the cannons, and running up and down the embankments.
Fort Caroline is pet-friendly. In fact, our pups love hanging out at the fort and spending time on the trails nearby. If you bring your pooch, please make sure they are on a 6-foot leash, and be sure to clean up after then.
There’s an easy-to-moderate 1.3 mile hiking trail that loops from the parking lot, past the Timucua structures, by the fort, through the woods, and back to the parking lot. The trail is easy to navigate and is quite enjoyable
Meeting Disney characters is one of the highlights of a child’s trip toDisney World. In fact, as soon as you tell your kiddo about your trip they’ll probably start dreaming of all of the characters they’ll get to meet.
It takes a bit of calculating to meet characters at Disney these days. I started visiting Disney when I was a kid and I remember queueing up to meet Mickey, Pooh, the Disney Princesses, and other characters. Things have changed since then, you have to be a bit more methodical. In this post, we’ll outline for you how to meet characters at Disney World.
Our Family at Disney World
How to Meet Characters at Disney
The Basics
Chances are, you won’t see a ton of characters wandering around the park. If you do, it not likely that they’ll stop for photos, autographs, or a chat. Instead, the characters at Disney World host meet and greets in fixed locations periodically throughout the day. The locations, and their times, are posted and can be found via the Disney World app.
The Big Wigs
The most popular characters require you lining up and waiting your turn for a meet and greet. You can actually use a FastPass to bypass the line for some of these characters. In fact, we strongly recommend using one of your FastPasses each day on a character meet and greet!
Disney World Meet & Greet Locations with a FastPass
Magic Kingdom
Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater
Cinderella and Elena at Princess Fairytale Hall
Rapunzel and Tiana at Princess Fairytale Hall
Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto
Tinker Bell at Town Square Theater
Animal Kingdom
The Adventurers Outpost has two greeting rooms that have two identical sets of characters so the lines move quickly. We had our very best character experience here! Mickey and Minnie took their time with the kids, they didn’t seem to be in any rush and they were so welcoming and playful.
Most of the year, this is the only place to meet Mickey and Minnie together at Animal Kingdom!
Character Meals
Character dining is a huge deal at Disney. During a character meet you get to chow down on some tasty (and pricey) food while the characters circulate the room making pitstops at each of the tales.
We got to ride the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel with Cinderella’s sister, Anastasia!
Pop Up Greetings
At each park, there are greetings that are a bit more sporadic. They’re typically only listed in the app or times guide. The greets can be as quick as 15 minutes or last for half-hour or more. This is where we’ve met characters like Mary Poppins, Cinderella’s step-sisters, Buzz Lightyear, Goofy, Donald, Chip, and Dale.
Where to Find Information About Meeting Characters
Park Map & Times Guide
Most people’s instinct will probably be to check the park map and times guide for meet and greets. Honestly, this is probably the worst place to start. While, yes, the map does have some character greeting locations listed for the fixed character greetings, it doesn’t give you many details regarding times.
The times guide actually lists out what times certain characters hold their meet and greets. However, it doesn’t include every character. But you do you know what does? The My Disney Experience app.
My Disney Experience App
The app is the holy grail to finding out all of the details on meeting characters in the park. The app is available for iPhones and Androids and is essential to planning out your trip. You can use the app to view the park map, check wait times for lines, book FastPasses, order meals, look at photos, and check out information for character meet and greets.
Character Meals
If you visit the Disney World dining website, you can filter for restaurants offering character meals relatively easily. Just click “Dining Experience” and select “Character Dining.” Be sure to read the descriptions carefully, some restaurants only have characters available during certain meals or time periods.
Dining reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance. Trust me, you’ll want to book these way ahead of time because they fill up quickly.
When to Meet Characters
Some characters are only available during extremely short windows of time. If that’s the case, and you’re absolutely dying to meet them, you’ll have to plan accordingly. Otherwise, you have a bit of flexibility.
We recommend meeting characters between noon and 6 PM. Why? This is the busiest time of the day at the park. The wait lines get really ridiculously long and you can use this time do other things like eat, meet characters, and catch a show.
Arrive Early. Plan on arriving at least 5 to 10 minutes before the character. Many guests aren’t as savvy as you and might not know when and where the characters will be. As soon as they spot them they’ll haul ass to try and meet them.
Mickey and Minnie Plant Sculptures
Tips for Your Meet and Greet
You’ll want to have these things handy when you meet the characters: a camera, an autograph book, and a large pen. The larger pens make it easier for gloved characters (like Mickey and Minnie) to hold. Not all characters can sign autographs, but it is great to have the pens on hand, just in case.
A professional photographer will be on hand to capture your meet and greet. You’ll be able to view and order these photos via the app.
If there isn’t a photographer, the character’s handler will be able to take a photo using your phone or camera.
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