After years of waiting, cancelled trips, and endless daydreaming, our long-delayed return to Disney finally happened in August 2022 — and it was every bit as magical as I hoped it would be.
✈️ The Journey Begins: Florida Beyond Disney
After two pandemic years, we were itching for adventure. This time, we extended our trip to three weeks, starting with a week on International Drive before heading into the Disney bubble.
I’d worried about the August heat, especially since May and October had already challenged us, but honestly — it wasn’t nearly as bad as I feared. The parks were quieter, and we quickly learned where to hide from the sun. Those brief moments of retreat at the resort became some of the most relaxing of the entire trip.
🧳 Travel Day
Determined to try something new, we travelled door to door using public transport — from wheeling our cases to the train station, hopping on the Megabus to Heathrow, and checking in at the on-site Hilton before flying out with British Airways.
It was our first BA flight (we’d always been loyal to Virgin), and we connected via Miami. Let’s just say — I’d do it again for the savings, but I’d aim for a longer layover! The storm delays meant we reached our Orlando hotel at 2am, exhausted but thrilled to finally arrive.
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🏙️ A Week on International Drive
We booked the Coco Key Resort through BA — a simple but comfortable hotel with its own water park. Despite some mixed reviews, we found it ideal for a relaxed base.
Our first day was all about exploring. The Titanic Museum, just next door, was a lovely surprise — deeply moving and beautifully presented. We also bought I-Trolley tickets, which made zipping up and down International Drive cheap and easy.
Meals were casual and family-friendly: Subway, Applebee’s, Cici’s Pizza, Denny’s, IHOP, Perkins, and Longhorn Steakhouse. The food was great everywhere, but Longhorn stole the show for quality, while Applebee’s was unbeatable for value.
🚗 Road Trip Magic
Halfway through our I-Drive stay, we hired a convertible Mustang for two days — the perfect Florida experience.
Our first stop was Kennedy Space Center, pre-booked via Attraction Tickets Direct. The drive was long but easy, and seeing Artemis on the launch pad (even though it never actually launched during our visit!) was unforgettable.
Afterward, we visited Cocoa Beach for a windswept walk — toes in the sand, hair everywhere, the sea stretching endlessly. It was beautiful but had zero shade, so we didn’t linger long!
Next day, we ventured to Wekiwa Springs State Park — a hidden gem of cool, crystal water surrounded by locals picnicking under the trees. We snorkelled, floated, chatted to Floridians, and soaked up the serenity. For about $6 a day, it was the best value experience of the trip.
On the way back, a dramatic thunderstorm forced us to shelter (happily!) at Miller’s Ale House for dinner, then dash to CityWalk for Voodoo Doughnuts before returning our Mustang — a bittersweet goodbye.
🏰 Our Disney Stay: Three Magical Resorts
Leaving I-Drive behind, we Ubered to Coronado Springs Resort, ready to re-enter our happy place.
As we drove under the Welcome to Walt Disney World sign, I felt my throat tighten. After years of cancellations and postponements, we’d finally made it.
✨ Coronado Springs Resort: Love at First Sight
Walking into the lobby, I burst into happy tears. The Salvador Dalí-inspired design was breathtaking. The cast members were kind and helped us check in early (crying works, apparently!).
We settled into our Casitas room, with its calm atmosphere and easy access to the pool and laundry — perfect for light packers like us.
We made the most of the early park entry perk, though we found the quieter evenings even better for walk-ons. The new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was our obsession — we rode it six times and danced through every one.
Meals were mostly quick-service — resort snacks, Three Bridges Bar & Grill, and a few park favourites like Casey’s Corner, Columbia Harbour House, and the legendary Dole Whip stops.
We also revisited our old favourite, Port Orleans French Quarter, for Beignets and a gentle boat ride to Disney Springs. Those familiar spots reminded me how far our Disney story had come.
🌊 The Boardwalk Inn: Location, Luxury & Late Nights
Next, we moved to The Boardwalk Inn, our first Disney Vacation Club stay and our introduction to deluxe Disney living.
Our studio room overlooked the pool and had a balcony — my favourite feature in any resort. Groceries arrived via Uber Eats, and we discovered the nearby gas station sold affordable snacks (Great for the budget savvy!!).
The best part? Walking to Epcot in under five minutes. We spent hours snacking our way through World Showcase, from School Bread in Norway to Sunshine Seasons and the new Connections Eatery.
Evenings were dreamy — strolling along the water, riding the Skyliner, or catching the boat from Hollywood Studios. We ate at Sci-Fi Dine-In and Docking Bay 7, which were both great. We also had a booking for Oga’s Cantina (fun, but once is enough!).
The deluxe perk of extra evening hours was amazing — Epcot and Magic Kingdom with shorter queues and twinkling lights? Perfection.
🦒 Animal Kingdom Lodge: Home on the Savannah
Our final Disney stay was at Kidani Village, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and it was breathtaking.
Our one-bedroom villa had two bathrooms, a full kitchen, laundry, and a huge balcony. Even without a savannah view, we spotted animals daily — zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest just beyond the trees.
We balanced busy park days with slow, peaceful mornings — coffee on the balcony, swims in the pool, and lazy breakfasts in the villa.
Our resort-hopping day was unforgettable: a loop through Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, and the Monorail Resorts — Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian. Each one had its own magic, from rustic cabins to elegant piano music.
At Animal Kingdom Park, we spent countless hours exploring Pandora, riding Flight of Passage, and eating seasoned fries from Mr Kamal’s. We ended our final park night at Nomad Lounge, sipping cocktails by the river — the perfect goodbye.
💭 One Last Adventure
We finished our trip with one night at Jambo House in a savannah-view studio — just enough time to enjoy Zebra Domes from The Mara, lounge by the pool, and soak in the last of the Florida sun. Then, the moment that stays with me: sitting on our balcony, glass of wine in hand, when the news broke that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away. A surreal, poignant moment — sadness and gratitude mingled as I watched giraffes wander by.
Before heading home, I booked 24-hour lounge access for our connecting flights — worth every penny for comfort during long layovers. Our final meal was at Raglan Road in Disney Springs — dinner, dancing, and music that perfectly closed our Disney chapter.
✈️ Homeward Bound
Travel days are rarely glamorous, but even with a delayed bus and chaotic transfers, we made it home with full hearts (and maybe one brownie too many from the lounge buffet!).
On the journey back, we all agreed — the next adventure would start with a four-legged friend. Within weeks, Nova the Great Dane joined our family, and our home felt complete again.
💫 Tips & Takeaways
- Go offsite first. Staying on International Drive before Disney made for a smoother, less jet-lagged start.
- Don’t fear August. With planning and rest stops, it’s perfectly manageable — and often quieter.
- Consider Deluxe Resorts for evening hours. Extra magic time is so worth it.
- You don’t need a savannah view. There are endless animal-watching spots for free.
- Book at least one splurge meal. Ours was Raglan Road — it made the finale truly special.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This trip reminded me why Disney has my heart — not just for the rides or resorts, but for the memories made in between. Watching my boys grow up here, feeling pure joy in the smallest details, and knowing that after every ending, there’s another magical beginning — that’s the real Disney magic.
Do you have a Disney trip planned? Or would you like some help planning your first one?
Let’s share the magic together — I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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