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Cruise Travel Florida Jacksonville United States

Things for Cruisers to do in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida

Are you cruising out of Jacksonville, Florida? There are plenty of things for cruisers to do in Jacksonville, near the cruise port. Our city is the largest city in the United States, square milage-wise which means that everything is spread out. You’ll either want to have a car or have to rely on Uber to get around because our public transportation system isn’t the greatest.

The cruise port is located in the northern part of Jacksonville, north of downtown, and relatively close to the airport. The closest hotel to the port is a Holiday Inn Express and Suites, but there are plenty of options near the airport.

Things for Cruisers to do in Jacksonville

Shopping

The closest shopping to the cruise port is the River City Marketplace, which is just under 9 miles away. Here you’ll find a wide range of stores where you can pick up anything you may need before your trip. There is a Walmart here along with clothing stores, makeup stores, etc.

Beaches

The cruise port is located in an industrial area, so you’ll have to drive a few miles east to hit the beaches. Nearby beaches include:

Huguenot Park

Honestly, this is the beach that we frequent the most. During the spring and summer months, you can find us here at least 2 days a week. You’re able to drive on the beach, which makes it super convenient if you’re traveling with kids or if you are bringing along a bunch of stuff.

Huguenot Memorial Park is a 450-acre horseshoe-shaped peninsula that is surrounded by 3 bodies of water: the Fort George Inlet, St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean. The park is famous for birding, the ability to drive on the beach, and for the one mile of jetty rocks that are used to guide ships into the mouth of the St. Johns River. The jetties, as well as other areas of the beach, are well-known for fishing.

Blackrock/Boneyard Beach

Shhh, this is one of Jacksonville’s best-kept secrets! This secluded beach is located just off of Heckscher Drive. A 1/2 mile trail through the woods dumps out onto a photographer’s paradise. The beach is covered with sun-bleached fallen trees. The beach is named after rock-like soil formations. This Mars-like beach is out of this world!

Our Guide to Blackrock Beach will help you find this hidden gem and give you all the info you’ll need to plan your trip.

Little Talbot Island State Park

This park has 5 miles of premier beaches and 3 miles of biking trails. It’s a little more of a drive to get there (compared to Huguenot) but it’s worth it! A long boardwalk empties out onto a spectacular beach that is a bit less crowded than Huguenot. Plus, you won’t have to worry about looking for cars when you’re walking out to the water.

History

Jacksonville is full of historical sites for visitors to explore. A quick Google search would tell you that Yellow Bluff Fort and the El Faro Memorial are both located very close to the cruise port. I promise you, you’ll regret taking the time to visit Yellow Bluff Fort. Honestly, it’s just a grouping of earthworks (man-made mounds) that are remnants of an encampment from the Civil War. I’m a history nerd and I found it boring.

We suggest visiting Kingsley Plantation, instead. The plantation is located several miles down the road from the cruise port, but it is worth the visit. The property belonged to Zephaniah Kingsley who spent 25 years there. The plantation was originally 1,000 acres, most of which has been overtaken by mother nature. The owner’s house was built between 1797 and 1798 and is the oldest surviving plantation home in the state. There are 25 slave cabins that are still remarkably pretty well intact.

Across the river, you’ll find Fort Caroline, a site that memorializes the short-lived French presence. Although the fort is a replica, it’s still a pretty neat place to visit. There are a handful of trails nearby that are great if you love spending time outdoors. Just down the road is the Ribault Monument which commemorates the 1562 landing of Jean Ribault near the mouth of the St. Johns River.

Zoo

The zoo is located just a couple of miles away from the cruise port, making it easily accessible to cruisers. If we had a few hours to kill before our ship pulled out, this is where we will spend our time.

The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is one of our favorite hangout spots. The zoo is one of our city’s main attractions, with more than a million visitors checking it out each year. The zoo has over 2,000 animals and just as many plants in its gardens.

Food

If you’re looking to grab a bite nearby, the closest place to eat to the cruise port is Wendy’s. There are plenty of other options at the River City Marketplace, less than 10 miles away.

Some of our local favorites include:

Palm’s Fish Camp– Great seafood, pizza, and incredible drinks.
Green Papaya– Delicious Thai Food.
New Berlin Fish House & Oyster Bar– A great seafood menu and a wonderful brunch menu, as well.
Happy Taco Feliz- This food truck has an incredible selection of authentic Mexican food.
FujiYama– The best Japanese and sushi in the area.

But wait, there’s more!

There’s plenty of stuff to do in the River City! From wildlife sanctuaries to art museums, we have it all. We have plenty of more suggestions in our 10 Fun Things to Do in Jacksonville article if you have a bit more time and are able to venture further away from the cruise terminal

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Categories
North Carolina United States

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park: Golden Valley, North Carolina

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Golden Valley is a must-do if you’re visiting western-North Carolina.  This camp-resort features cabins as well as RV and tent sites nestled in the scenic mountains between Charlotte and Asheville.

What is there to do at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park?

We were incredibly impressed by how much there was to do at the park.  From sunup to sundown (and beyond) we stayed busy!

  • Water Park with slides and a splash area
  • Swimming Pool & Hot Tubs
  • Lake
    • Swimming
    • Kayaking
    • Canoeing
    • Paddle Boarding
    • Pedal Boating
    • Fishing
    • Inflatable Obstacle Course
  • Gem Mining
  • Putt Putt Golf
  • Laser Tag
  • Zip Line
  • Hiking Trails
  • Playground
  • Jump Pillow & Pad
  • Planned Activities

The park also has two restaurants, Scout’s Table and Creekside Café.  

 The Scout’s Table features a brunch menu and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9AM until 3PM.  It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.  There is a coffee bar in the restaurant if you’d like to just grab a cup of coffee or a la carte breakfast.  Scout’s Table also serves mimosas and cocktails.

The Creekside Cafe is located right by the pool and water park making it super convenient for lunch.  It is open daily from 11AM until 8PM.  They serve pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream, and more.

Right across from the Creekside Café is the Blue Ridge Tavern.  Here, you can grab an adult beverage from 12PM until 8PM on Sundays through Tuesdays, and from 12PM until 10PM.

The Attractions

Water Park–  The water park features 2 large slides, 2 medium-sized slides, and a small toddler splash area.  There are water cannons and a large water tour that periodically dumps out water at the center of the water park.

Swimming Pool & Hot Tubs– Adjacent to the water park, you’ll find the swimming pool and hot tub.  The pool is shallow and has basketball hoops and a few built-in benches and seats for you to relax.  Rental cabanas line the pool area.  The cabanas feature patio furniture, a fan, a tv, and a refrigerator and would be great for those who want/need a bit of shade.  

Lake- Not far from the pool and water park, you’ll find the centerpiece of Yogi’s Jellystone Park, the lake.  The lake is a great option for swimmers who want to get away from the crowds.  Visitors can also fish or rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, or pedal boats for $5 an hour.  

Obstacle Course-  New in 2022, the super awesome inflatable obstacle course is sure to become your favorite thing to do on the lake.  Climb, crawl, and leap to make your way around the whole course!

Gem Mining-  You can’t visit western North Carolina without doing a bit of gem mining.  Lucky for you, you can now mine for gems without even leaving the park!  Several bags and buckets, ranging in various prices and quality, are available for purchase at  the Ranger Station (shop) or at registration.  

Putt Putt Golf-  Who doesn’t love a round of mini-golf?  The park has an 18-hole course that is free to play.

Lazer Tag– Want to know what’s cooler than hide and seek?  Playing hide and seek with laser guns!  The laser tag sessions last 30 minutes.  A fee is required to play.  

Zip Line-  Sure, jumping off the dock into a lake is great, but imagine zip lining into the lake.  Now you can!  The zip line starts at a tower on the edge of the lake and drops you in the center of the lake!  AWESOME!

Hiking Trails-  The park as an extensive trail system the weaves throughout the park.  We suggest hitting up the trails before heading to the water park.

Playground- Our kids loved the playground at the park.  Our oldest kid was a huge fan of the Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course.  

Jumping Pillow & Pad-  While the pool and splash park may be hoppin’ during the day, the inflatable jumping pillow and jumping pad are where it’s at during the evening hours.  And yes, grown ups can jump, too.

Planned Activities- Throughout the day there are various activities throughout the park.  These include character meet and greets, ice cream socials, wagon rides, crafts, relay races, parades, and much more!

Our Experience

We had no idea what to expect when we booked our trip to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park.  Sure, we had seen all of the amenities that they offer but, we didn’t realize quite how awesome this place was going to be.    We were super impressed!

The kids loved the waterpark, the pool, and the lake.  We rented kayaks, paddleboards, and a pedal boat.  I will say that the paddleboards that they had on site were not nearly as stable as my paddleboard.  I imagine it would be tricky to maneuver for a newbie!  

We really enjoyed swimming at the lake.  Smiley had a blast jumping off the dock.  It was such a nice change of pace from the Florida beaches.

Each day we would look at the schedule of planned activities.  We got to meet Yogi, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear pretty much every day.  We’d eat breakfast at Scout’s Table every morning and then head next door for arts and crafts.  Our favorite art activity was creating boats out of cardboard boxes for a boat race on the lake.  Other activities included a jump party, tractor rides, ice cream socials, and much more.

Weirdly, the kids favorite part was riding the golf cart we rented.  We zoomed all over the hillside and park on that bad boy.

Where is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Located?

Address:  

182 Jellystone Pkwy
Bostic, NC 28018

Day Trips from Jellystone

There are a ton of fantastic day trips from the park.  Here are some of our favorites:

  • South Mountains State Park (20.6 miles)
  • Lake Lure (33.5 miles)
  • Chimney Rock (36.8 miles)
  • Linville Caverns (41.9 miles)
  • Biltmore Estate (54.6 miles)
  • DuPont State Forest (64.7 miles)

For more information about Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, check out the parks official website.

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Post updated:  6/17/22

Categories
Georgia National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Dungeness Ruins, Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island is one of the places that I will never grow tired of visiting.  The Cumberland Island National Seashore is the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles.  The island features sugary white sand beaches, marshland, and stunning forests.  It is world-known for its population of wild horses that inhabit the island.

The island is known for being the home to important families including James Oglethorpe, the Carnegie family, Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, and for being the site of JFK Jr’s wedding.

Getting to Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island is only accessible by boat.  There is a ferry that leaves from St. Marys, Georgia.  The Cumberland Queen Ferry runs three times a day from March to September and twice a day from October through November.  During the months of January and February, the ferry runs twice a day but only leaves Mondays through Thursdays.  

The National Park Service limits the number of visitors to 300 per day.  Campers may remain on the island for up to one week.  

Getting Around Cumberland Island

Coleman Avenue, Cumberland Island

Plan on doing a lot of walking while visiting the island!  There are no paved roads or trails on the island and the use of vehicles on the island is limited to private residents, contractors, and National Park employees.

One way many visitors choose to get around Cumberland Island is by bicycle.  Bikes are allowed on the ferry for a $10 fee, but space is limited.  You can also rent bikes on the island for $16/day.  Bikes are only permitted on certain parts of the islands (you’ll see signs).  Several spots on the island are hard difficult to navigate by bike because of the thick sand.

On our most recent visit, we hiked just over 7 miles and we stuck to just the southern tip of the island!

What is there to See on the Island?

The Ice House Museum was once one of the original Carnegie service buildings.  Today the small museum houses original artifacts (and replicas) from the island’s prehistoric, colonial, early-American, and Gilded Era history.  

Dungeness Ruins, Cumberland Island
Dungeness Ruins, Cumberland Island

The crown jewel of Cumberland Island are the Dungeness ruins.  James Oglethorpe (founder of the colony of Georgia) first built a hunting lodge on the island in 1736.  He named the lodge Dungeness.

Afterwards, Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene acquired 11,000 acres of the island in exchange for a bad debt.  He moved to the island with his wife, Catharine Littlefield Greene.  After his death, she built a four-story tabby mansion over a Timucuan shell mound.  During the War of 1812 the British, who occupied the island, used the house as a headquarters.  

 

In 1818, Major General Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a Revolutionary War hero and father of Robert E. Lee, came to the island and stayed in the Greene house until his death later that year.  He was buried in the Greene-Miller cemetery.  The home was abandoned during the Civil War and later burned to the ground.

Light-Horse Harry Lee's grave stone

In the 1880s, the property switched hands again when it was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.  He built a 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds which he also called Dungeness.  After his death, in 1886, his wife Lucy continued to live in the mansion and built other estates on the island for her children including Greyfield, Plum Orchard, and the Stafford Plantation.  The Carnegies owned 90% of the island.  The family moved out of Dungeness in 1925 and the home was burned down in 1959.

The historic district comprises of the main house, servants quarters, utility buildings, laundries, cisterns, and other structures like the Nathanael Greene home.

Nathanael Greene's House, Cumberland Island

The beach on Cumberland Island is absolutely stunning!  There is sixteen miles of white sand that wild horses roam alongside sea turtles and horseshoe crabs.

While most day-visitors tend to stick to the south end of the island, there are other sites on the island.  These include  Greyfield (now the Greyfield Inn), and Plum Orchard.  

The 5-6 hour long “The Lands and Legacies Tour” will take you to the north end of the island and visit sites such as Plum Orchard and The Settlement where John F. Kennedy Jr got married in the First African Baptist Church.  

Things to Know Before Visiting...

There are no stores and very few amenities on the island.  You’ll need to pack in and pack out everything that you’ll need for a day trip.  Pack in and pack out means that you’ll need to take it with you when you arrive, and take it with you when you leave.  Even garbage cans are hard to come by on the island!

Make sure to pack plenty of water (more than you think you’ll need- especially during the hot months!), and lots of food and snacks.  You’ll be surprised at how hungry you’ll get doing all of that hiking or biking!

Dungeness Ruins, Cumberland Island

To answer your question; yes, there are bathrooms on the island!  There are 4 bathrooms available on the south tip of the island.  You will find one at the Sea Camp Dock, one in the Historic District, one near Sea Camp Campground, and one by the Greene-Miller cemetery.

The Horses of Cumberland Island

Perhaps even more famous than some of the humans that have inhabited the island are the wild horses that now call this paradise home.  Horses have lived on Cumberland Island since the 1500s.  They were left behind when the homes and plantations on the island were abandoned. 

Cumberland has the only herd of feral horses on the Atlantic coast that is not managed- no food, water, veterinary care, or population control. 

 

Staying Overnight

Camping

Reservations for camping can be made up to six months in advance with a limit of staying up to 7 consecutive nights.  Sea Camp is the most developed campground on the island.  It is located half mile from Sea Camp Dock.  There are four additional campgrounds on the island.  A permit is required to camp.

Upscale Lodging

Thomas and Lucy Carnegie built Greyfield for their daughter, Margaret.  The home was converted to an in in 1962 by her daughter Lucy R. Ferguson.  The Greyfield Inn is the epitome of sophisticated, Southern charm.  

What Should I Take With Me?

When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.

Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks


Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.

If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.

Learn more about Georgia’s 11 National Parks!

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Post Updated: 11/7/21

Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Springs State Parks United States

The Ultimate Florida Springs Packing List

Blue Spring State Park,

Florida Springs Packing List- Did you know that Florida has more than 700 natural springs? That is more than any other place on Earth! From the largest springs (Wakulla Springs which is the largest and deepest freshwater spring in the world) to tiny trickles, the springs hold eight billion gallons of water.

Florida has 15 state parks that preserve the crystal-clear springs and the creatures that call these springs home. They also help protect the animals that call these springs home. Florida’s natural springs are home to manatees, otters, Florida gar, alligators, eels, turtles, and countless specifies of fish.

In order to make the most out of your visit, you need to pack a few essentials, plan accordingly, and be prepared to totally unwind. Our Florida Springs Packing List will help ensure you bring along the essentials!

Click here to order this awesome float!

What is there to do at the springs?

Freshwater springs are the ultimate year-round Florida attraction. With Florida’s warm climate and the water temperature maintaining a constant 72 degrees, you can visit the springs 12 months out of the year.

In fact, the springs were actually Florida’s original tourist attraction. Long before people came to Florida to visit Disney World, Legoland, and Universal Studios, they hopped on steamboats to explore the waterways. Silver Springs was once one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire country.

Today, many of Florida’s springs offer swimming, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, paddleboarding, tubing, and kayaking in constant temperatures of 72 degrees. Many springs also offer hiking trails and camping.  

Our kids love floating down the spring runs.  The current slowly takes you from the launching point to the ending point.  Once you get used to the cold water, it is extremely relaxing!  Of course, you can paddleboard, kayak or canoe on top of the water to avoid getting wet, all together!

Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs also offer glass-bottom boat tours that give you a unique view of the springs and the animals that inhabit them.

As I stated above, the springs are a year-round attraction in Florida.  During the winter months, hundreds of manatees flock to the springs.  Since the water is a constant 72 degrees, it is warmer than the nearby rivers.  Blue Spring seems to be a favorite for the West Indian Manatees.  In fact, as many as 360 manatees were recorded at the springs on March 1st, 2020!

 

Blue Springs State Park

Florida Springs Packing List

Floats and Rafts

SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float
Inflatable cooler– for drinks and snacks

More Fun Stuff!

Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Safety

Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit

Skin Care & Insect Repellent

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Towels & Swim Suits

Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

De Leon Springs

When is the Best time to Visit? 

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.

Are There Alligators in the Springs?

Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses.

There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking around.

However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.

Glass Bottom Boat Ride at Silver Springs State Park

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Springs State Parks United States

13 Best Florida Springs to Visit with Kids

Alexander Springs

Did you know that Florida has more than 700 natural springs? That is more than any other place on Earth! From the largest springs (Wakulla Springs, which is the largest and deepest freshwater spring in the world) to tiny trickles, the springs hold eight billion gallons of water.

Most of the natural springs in Florida are in the north and central regions- meaning that they make for great day trips from Orlando, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville.

Florida has 15 state parks that preserve the crystal-clear springs and the creatures that call these springs home. They also help protect the animals that call these springs home. Florida’s natural springs are home to manatees, otters, Florida gar, alligators, eels, turtles, and countless specifies of fish.

What is there to do at the springs?

Freshwater springs are the ultimate year-round Florida attraction. With Florida’s warm climate and the water temperature maintaining a constant 72 degrees, you can visit the springs 12 months out of the year.

The springs were actually Florida’s original tourist attraction. Long before people came to Florida to visit Disney World, Legoland, and Universal Studios, they hopped on steamboats to explore the waterways. Silver Springs was once one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire country.

Today, many of Florida’s springs offer swimming, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, paddleboarding, tubing, and kayaking in constant temperatures of 72 degrees. Many springs also offer hiking trails and camping.

Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs also offer glass-bottom boat tours.

13 Best Florida Springs to Visit with Kids

Three Sisters Springs- Crystal River, Florida

This park is home to absolutely crystal clear water. In fact, it’s so clean that you can see straight through it! Three Sister Springs is the perfect place to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Due to the high population of manatees, there are no motorized water vessels are allowed inside the park.

If you want to view the springs without getting wet, you can walk along the boardwalk at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, which offers 57 acres of wetlands to explore.

Weeki Wachee Springs- Weeki Wachee, Florida

You won’t believe what makes this State Park so famous. Mermaids. Yes, mermaids! Weeki Wachee Springs is home to the world-famous mermaid show! The mermaids have been entertaining guests since 1947.

While you can kayak and canoe at the springs, swimming is not permitted. Don’t fret because the park is also home to Buccaneer Bay. Buccaneer Bay has white sandy beaches and water slides! If water slides aren’t your thing, you could also take a riverboat cruise.

Oh, and another cool thing about these springs? Weeki Wachee Springs has a bottom so deep that it has yet to be found!

Experienced divers can also explore the freshwater cave system that is the deepest in all of North America.

Ichetucknee Springs- Fort White, Florida

Ichetucknee Springs is one of the most well-known springs in the state. The Ichetucknee River is the ultimate place to grab an inner tube and simply let the current take you away. This no-frills adventure is fun for all ages. This is also a great spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.

The park is also home to Blue Hole Spring. Trust me, this is natural Florida at its finest!

The main spring (a.k.a. the Ichetucknee Head Spring) has been deemed a national natural landmark and is home to many of Florida’s most precious wildlife species.

Wakulla Springs- Wakulla Springs, Florida

Wakulla Springs State Park is located just 15 minutes south of Tallahassee. This is the deepest and largest freshwater spring in the world! After being featured in classic movies such as “Tarzan” and “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” this spring became a popular tourist attraction.

This is the place to spend the day swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Experienced scuba divers can explore the system of underground caves. Be sure to take the famous river cruise during your visit!

It has also been deemed a National Natural Landmark and a National Archaeological and Historic District.

Ginnie Springs- High Springs, Florida

Like Ichetucknee, Ginnie Springs are some of the most popular in the state. This is pure, natural Florida! The park boasts magnificently clear turquoise water that entices visitors to dive in. Snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and rafting are all popular here. To make things even easier, you can rent the equipment on-site!

Experienced divers can check out the caves.

Drinking is allowed at Ginnie Springs because it is privately owned, unlike other popular springs, which are city or Florida State Parks. This means that it tends to draw a more party-type crowd.

Madison Blue Springs- Lee, Florida

Voted the #1 swimming hole in the country by USA Today, Madison Blue Springs is considered to be one of the best springs in Florida. Head about 70 miles east of Tallahassee to this stunning blue, clear, freshwater spring. This popular swimming hole is 25 feet deep and 82 feet wide. You can hop on a raft to enjoy a float down the 150-foot run, or you can hop on a paddleboard or canoe to experience the springs from the water’s surface.

Like Three Sisters Springs, this is the perfect spot to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive. If you’re an experienced diver, you can even hit up some underwater caves!

Rainbow Springs- Dunnellon, Florida

Rainbow Springs is 90 miles northwest of Orlando, making it the perfect spot for a day trip! These springs are more than 10,000 years old, making them one of the oldest and largest in the state! Native Floridians regularly visited these sapphire waters, believing that they had healing powers. And, perhaps they do? The only way to find out is to get your toes wet!

Rainbow Springs State Park is a popular haven for tubing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and camping. There is a gigantic swimming area with white sand. The park is also home to nature trails that are surrounded by man-made waterfalls and natural gardens.

Alexander Springs

Alexander Springs- Altoona, Florida

Tucked away in the Ocala National Forest is Alexander Springs. This is one of the best places for families to visit because it is relatively shallow, with gradient slow slope that eases swimmers into the stunning water.

Popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. This is also a great spot for hiking and camping.

Silver Springs, Silver Springs, Florida

Hop aboard a glass-bottom boat for a unique view of the spring’s creatures, including manatees! Or, hop in the water for a bit of swimming and snorkeling.

You can also rent a kayak or a canoe onsite if you’d like to add to the fun!

The Silver Springs is located in Ocala National Forest and are a notable archeological site. Be on the lookout for fossils!

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early in the day, as capacity is limited!

Gilchrist Blue Springs

Gilchrist Blue Springs- High Springs, Florida

Gilchrist Blue Springs is one of Florida’s youngest state parks. Located just 25 miles south of Lake City, this park is ideal for a day of snorkeling, swimming, and paddling. The park also has hiking trails.

This park is so much fun that it often fills up to capacity (okay…the fact that the park is smaller may have something to do with that, too). Plan on getting there very early or go late in the afternoon. Gilchrist Blue is considered to be one of Florida’s greatest hidden gems! If the park is full, we recommend heading to nearby Ginnie Springs. Ginnie Springs is larger, so it is less likely to reach capacity.

Blue Spring- Orange City, Florida

Blue Spring is a state park located in Central Florida. What was once a hub for steamboats is now a winter refuge for manatees. Temperatures in the spring run remain at 72 degrees year-round, making it a safe haven for the West Indian manatee. In fact, as many as 360 manatees were recorded at the springs on March 1st, 2020! When the weather cools down, manatees congregate in the natural spring where the water temperature is warmer than in the surrounding areas.

This place is great for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. There are also trails that you can hike or bike.

 

The Old Spanish Sugar Mill at De Leon Springs State Park

De Leon Springs- De Leon Springs, Florida

De Leon Springs State Park is AMAZING!  The site is a former plantation and fancy schmancy hotel.  There are remnants of both periods of the property’s history on the ground.  De Leon Springs was one of the first eco-parks in the state of Florida.  There are hiking trails, kayak and canoe rentals, and a swimming area.

 

The park is famous for its Old Sugar Mill Restaurant.  People come from all around to make their own pancakes at the griddle-topped tables.  It’s a super fun experience!

Salt Springs, Ocala National Forest

Salt Springs- Fort McCoy, Florida

Salt Springs is located in the Ocala National Forest.   Most of the swimming area is actually quite shallow, once you get away from the entrance area. The park also permits floats, which makes the springs extra fun for kids!  We found a cove across from the entranceway, and it was the ideal spot for our littles.  The closer you get to the spring vent, the deeper and rockier the water gets.  

Are there alligators in the springs?

Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses.

There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking around.

However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.

Dealing with the Crowds

The springs get packed on holidays, weekends, and summer months. In fact, several springs often reach capacity early in the day. Plan accordingly. You may want to consider camping, if it is available, or staying at an Airbnb close to the springs so you can get there early.

For the least crowds, go during the off-season or shoulder season such as October or April.

de Leon Springs

Our Spring Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

Free Family Road Trip Starter Kit

🎶 Ready to hit the road with magic in the speakers?

Don’t forget to grab our FREE Family Road Trip Starter Kit — packed with printable checklists, kid-approved games, and snack ideas for your next adventure!

🎒 Includes:

  • Packing checklist

  • I Spy game

  • Travel Bingo boards

  • Snack list

  • Activity ideas

👉 Click here to download yours now!

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Post updated: 4/29/25

Categories
Seattle United States Washington

Experiencing The Seattle Great Wheel

Photo by Michael Pearl on Pexels.com

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.

While you can purchase your tickets onsite, we recommend buying them in advance.

Visiting Information

Address:

Pier 57- Miners Landing
1301 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101

View from Seattle Great Wheel

What else is there to do nearby?

  • The Crab Pot (restaurant)
  • Pike Place Market
  • Wings Over Washington
  • Waterfront Park
  • Seattle Aquarium
  • Pioneer Square & Occidental Square
  • Seattle Underground Tour

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

12 Disney FastPass Secrets to Help You Maximize Your Time

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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Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

Rides You Should Use a FastPass On- Magic Kingdom

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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Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

Disney Springs Has 20+ Totally Awesome Kid-Friendly Things to Do

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. There’s also a splash pad, train ride, hot air balloon ride, movie theatre, bowling alley, and a ton of other really cool things!

The Layout

  • The West Side– Tons of restaurants, AMC Movie Theatre, and Splitsville Bowling Alley
  • Town Center– Over 30 shops plus more dining options
  • The Landing- More restaurants and shopping
  • Marketplace- Shops, restaurants, splash pad, train, carousel. and more kid-friendly stuff.

Kid-Friendly Things to do at Disney Springs

Build LEGO

Outside of the LEGO store, there are large bins of LEGO where kids can build whatever their heart desires. There are even racetracks where they can race their LEGO vehicles. This is a free activity however, there are tons of AMAZING LEGO kits available for purchase inside.

Take Photos with “Characters” and Lego Figurines

There are some unbelievable LEGO sculptures on the property. Grab your camera, pick your favorite filter, and Instagram away! There are also some pretty alright Disney Statues, as well. Sure, they aren’t real characters, but kids still love taking photos with them.

Splash Pad

There is a free splash pad located in the Marketplace section of Disney Springs. It’s nestled near the Earl of Sandwich and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  Be sure to pack your kids suits!  This is the perfect way to cool down and break up the day at Disney Springs!

Carousel

Isn’t it crazy how much kids love carousels? I mean, it’s truly one of those things that has stood the test of time. For just $3 a pop our kiddo can hop on the Venetian carousel and go for a bit of a whirl.

Train Ride

Choo choo! All aboard! Located in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs there is a small train perfect for little kids. Don’t worry grown ups, you can ride too! Rides are just $3. The train departs from just outside of the Star Wars Trading Post.

Face Painting

There is a popular face painting kiosk in the Marketplace. You can select from a menu of options or have a custom design painted. If you can dream it, they can do it.

Aerophile- Hot Air Balloon Ride

If your family is feeling a bit more brave, you can check out the Aerophile. This hot air balloon is the largest tethered helium balloon. The balloon will soar up to 400 feet giving you amazing views of Lake Buena Vista and the surrounding area. The cost is $15/child and $20/adult. The ride is located in the West Side of Disney Springs near Splitsville.

Catch a Movie

Okay, so maybe soaring in the air isn’t your thing. If you want to try something a bit more low-key (and air-conditioned!!), check out the AMC Dine-In Movie Theatre. You read that right, Dine-In! You can feast on delicious food while you catch a film- and escape the heat.

Food options include nachos, wings, sushi, loaded brisket fries, salads, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, churros, ice cream sundaes, and more.

Splitsville Bowling Alley

Dude, this place is MASSIVE! It offers 50,000 square feet of bowling, pool tables, live entertainment, food, and air conditioning. They serve pizza, burgers, sushi, and appetizers. They also serve beer, wine, and specialty drinks.

NBA Experience

Alright sports fans, this one is for you! Get in the game at this basketball themed venue. There are 13 interactive activities including dribbling and skills courts, the Replay Center, and arcade style games.

 

Inside Rainforest Cafe

Rainforest Cafe

Your kids will love the fun rainforest and jungle theme at the Rainforest Cafe. Just wait until you see their reaction when the rainforest comes alive for a thunderstorm! The restaurant serves American cuisine such as shrimp tacos, steak, ribs, burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, turkey wrap, and more. Reservations are recommended.  

T-Rex Restaurant

The restaurants pretty much explain themselves at Disney Springs…don’t they? So, obviously, this is a dinosaur themed restaurant. Your kids will freak out over the prehistoric atmosphere. There is also a giant sandpit with bones for them to excavate. If they are lucky, they may even find jewels! Menu items include nachos, flatbread, pasta, shrimp, salmon, meatloaf, ribs, chicken, steak, and burgers. Reservations are recommended.

Planet Hollywood

Disney Springs is also home to the infamous Planet Hollywood! If you’re a fan of the Food Network, make sure you pop in to try one of Guy Fieri’s burgers. Trust me, they are legit!

Build a Dino

Speaking of dinosaurs, there is a Build a Dino shop where kids can create their own dinosaur (like Build A Bear only…more ferocious).

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

If your little one isn’t the dirt under their fingers, dino-loving type, perhaps the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is more up their alley. Kids 3-12 are welcome to visit this fancy schmancy salon to get made over into princesses or knights. Reservations are strongly recommended. You can reserve your time slot up to 180 days before your visit.

Shopping

Okay….so normally kids don’t love shopping, but this is shopping Walt style. They will be amazed at all of the super cool Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars toys!

Here are some that your kiddo’s will probably love:

  • Word of Disney (the largest Disney character store on the globe…and probably the universe)
  • Marvel Super Hero Headquarters
  • Disney Style
  • Once Upon a Toy
  • The LEGO Store
  • Star Wars Trading Post
  • Star Wars Galactic Outpost

World of Disney

Yes…this is a store, but it’s not just any store. It’s a store that stands above all of the rest. The World of Disney is the largest Disney character store in the world! If you only go into one store while you’re in Disney Springs, it should be this one! It’s remarkable. It’s the perfect place to shop for Disney souvenirs, Mickey Ears, stuffed animals, clothes, toys, and even kitchen decor!

The Candy Cauldron

This show kitchen lets visitors catch a glimpse of how Disney’s iconic candy creations are made. Of course, you can pick up some goodies, as well.  The candy apples are iconic and to die for! Other classic confections include chocolate covered strawberries, marshmallow wands, Rice Krispie Treats, cupcakes, and pre-packaged treats.

 

Mickey Mouse Rice Krispie Treats anyone?

Goofy’s Candy Shop

This place is heaven. Not only do they serve candy but they also serve Rice Krispie Treats, cake pops, cupcakes,  candy apples, flavored popcorn,  fudge, and other sweet treats and baked goods.

Sprinkles Bakery

This cupcake shop features made from scratch cupcakes. The flavor combinations are out of this world! Some favorites include, red velvet,  sprinkle, black and white, salty caramel, and triple cinnamon.  There is even a cupcake ATM! You can also get ice cream, cookies, and coffee drinks here.

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Updated: 11/14/21

Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

Free Disney Stroller Tag Printables

If you’re headed to Disney with littles in tow, a stroller is a must-have survival tool. Whether you’re packing your own or renting one at the park, it’s the only way to survive the miles of walking, lines, and midday meltdowns with your sanity (mostly) intact.

But if you’ve ever been to Disney before, you already know: strollers are everywhere. Like… hundreds of them. Just picture Fantasyland during nap time. Absolute stroller mayhem.

So how do you make your stroller stand out in the sea of Mickey ears and sippy cups?

Why Are These Disney Stroller Tag Printables Necessary?

Here’s the deal:

  • Strollers aren’t allowed in ride lines.

  • That means you park them in a designated stroller parking area.

  • Popular rides like Peter Pan, Dumbo, and Small World? They all share the same stroller parking zones.

  • Plus, Cast Members constantly move strollers around like valet attendants—trying to make space for more.

End result: Your stroller may not be where you left it. And searching for your black-on-black Chicco in a stroller jungle at 2 PM when your kid is hangry? Yeah… not the magic we’re looking for.

Our free printable Disney stroller tags are cute, practical, and help your ride stand out. Whether you want a subtle Mickey or a bold castle design, we’ve got you.

🧺 Supplies You’ll Need:

  • Your Free Printable Tag (download below)

  • Heavy-duty cardstock

  • Clear contact paper or a laminator + pouches

  • Scissors

  • Permanent marker

  • Hole punch

  • Zip ties or string

✂️ Instructions:

  1. Download & print your favorite stroller tag design on heavy-duty cardstock.

  2. Use a marker to write your family name or a fun nickname (“Team Smith” or “Stroller of Wonder”).

  3. Cover it with laminate or clear contact paper to waterproof it.

  4. Cut it out, punch a hole, and use zip ties or string to attach to your stroller handle.

  5. High-five yourself—you just outsmarted Disney stroller chaos.

 

Grab Your Free Disney Stroller Tag Printable

These printables are usually available in our shop, but right now, we’re giving them to our readers for free! 🎉

👉 Grab your favorite:

  • Red Mickey Sunglasses

  • Blue Castle Design

  • Classic Mickey Head

Looking for more designs? Check out our online store for tons of adorable (and affordable!) options.

Stroller Guidelines for Disney World

  • Before you roll up to Main Street USA, double-check that your stroller meets Disney’s rules:

    • Max Width: 31” (79 cm)

    • Max Length: 52” (132 cm)

    • No stroller wagons allowed

    • Strollers can’t go on escalators (elevators & ramps only)

    • Kids must be removed for trams and monorail

    • Don’t leave valuables in your stroller

    • Strollers may be moved by Cast Members (yep, again)

Renting a Stroller at Disney

Single Stroller

If you’re flying in or want to pack light, Disney offers single and double stroller rentals:

💼 Single Stroller

  • Best for: Kids up to 50 lbs

  • Daily rate: $15

  • Length of Stay rate: $13/day

👯 Double Stroller

  • Best for: Kids up to 100 lbs

  • Daily rate: $31

  • Length of Stay rate: $27/day

You’ll pay at the park entrance and pick up your stroller after entering. If you’re park-hopping, just show your receipt at each park to grab a fresh one.

Pro Tip: Strollers can’t leave the park, so plan ahead if you’ve got sleepy kiddos and post-firework legs.

 

Between the crowds, heat, and magic-induced exhaustion, finding your stroller shouldn’t be a scavenger hunt. Grab a free printable tag, prep ahead, and make your Disney day a little less chaotic.

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Updated: 5/30/25

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