Once we land, the mission is simple: bags, car, sunshine.
We’ll grab our luggage, sort the hire car, and head straight to our home base for the week — Universal’s Aventura Hotel.

HOT TIP: It’s likely to be warm the second we step outside — so consider travelling in shorts or keeping a pair handy in your hand luggage to change into. Sunglasses, water bottles, and a positive attitude are also highly encouraged.

We’ll head straight to Aventura and meet up with Holly and Craig, who arrived the night before.
This sleek, modern hotel is right across from Volcano Bay and close to all the Universal action. The rooms should be ready, so we can freshen up, change clothes, and drop off bags before we move onto the next mission: supplies.

Before the parks steal our full attention, we’ll make a crucial stop at either Walmart or Target to stock up on the good stuff:

• Bottled water (stay hydrated!)

• Snacks and breakfast bits — cereal bars for rope drop days

• Suncream, toiletries, lip balm

• Ponchos, ziplock bags, and anything we forgot in the packing madness

• Drinks for the room — both chill and celebratory

This is a good time to make the lists and double-check anything we may have meant to pack and didn’t.

Now that we have our supplies, it's time to head to Disney Springs to do the final bits of admin.

We need to -

• Pick up Jake and Becky's tickets from the ticket office. Remember PASSPORTS!

• Pick up Donna's, Stuart's, Holly's and Craig's magic bands from Planet Hollywood. These won't be anything fancy but you'll at least have bands to use at Disney the day after.

Finally! It's time to relax. You'll be tired, hungry and in need of a rest. Stay awake and soak in the ambience of Disney Springs.

We have a couple of different dining options -

• Fontera Cocina - Mexican

• Jaleo - Spanish

• Homecomin' - Our favourite! (could be hard to get a table)

After we're fed and watered; we can either head straight back home or potter around Disney Springs a bit more.

If the queue isn't long. Jake would like to grab his Cookie Quota for the week from Gideon's.

We say it again — no naps allowed!
We’ll all be feeling it at some point, but if we can push through and stay up until around 9PM, we’ll be much better off tomorrow. A walk, food, or a cold drink will do wonders for the energy levels.

1. Double-check MagicBands, tickets, and ID are all in one spot and ready

2. Charge phones and portable battery packs overnight

3. Lay out tomorrow’s rope drop clothes/snacks so we’re not rushing in the morning

4. Check park hours and travel time for Hollywood Studios tomorrow morning

To start, we’ll need to fuel up quickly and efficiently — this is a rope drop day!
Options:

• Grab a cereal bar or two en route

• OR hit the Starbucks in the hotel lobby early (expect a bit of a queue!)

From Universal’s Aventura Hotel, the drive to Hollywood Studios is around 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Since we’re aiming for rope drop (the very moment the park opens), we’ll want to leave the hotel at least 45 minutes before official park opening to allow time for parking and walking to the entrance. The parks open at 9am!

Thanks to Jake and Becky’s Annual Passes, we’ll get free parking at Disney. When we arrive at the Hollywood Studios lot, we MUST remember to: 📸 TAKE A PHOTO of the car’s aisle number and section name.
You’ll thank yourself later — trust us, post-fireworks parking lots are a blur of tired feet and identical vehicles.

For peace of mind, Disney also offers a Car Locator feature in their app — definitely worth using!

In case you’re unfamiliar, Hollywood Studios is Disney’s movie-themed park, loaded with action, immersive storytelling, and thrill rides. From Star Wars to Pixar to classic thrillers, this place is full of crowd-pleasers.

Once inside, we’ll head straight for some of the biggest attractions, either:

• 🎢 Slinky Dog Dash – A smooth, fun family coaster in Toy Story Land (rope drop priority!)

• 🎸 Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – For the adrenaline junkies (if it’s open!)

A mid-morning brunch/snack break is planned at Woody’s Lunch Box — perfect for tachos (tatter tot nachos) or a toasted sandwich if we need fuel.

Heres the Hollywood Studios game plan!

1. At Park Entry:

• Check Slinky Dog Dash wait time using app or physical signs.

If Slinky Dog is 40 mins or less:

• Ride Slinky Dog Dash

• Toy Story Mania

• Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway

• Alien Swirling Saucers

• Brunch @ Woody's Lunch Box

Then:

• Indiana Jones Stunt Show (check showtimes)

• Tower of Terror

If Slinky Dog is over 40 mins:

• Head to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

• Tower of Terror

• Mickey & Minnie’s

• Alien Swirling Saucers

• Brunch @ Woody's Lunch Box

Then:

• Toy Story Mania

• Check Slinky again — ride if wait is manageable

• Indiana Jones Stunt Show (check showtimes)

We'll head over to Epcot around 2pm via the Skyliner

After the major rides are conquered and we’ve soaked in the vibe, we’ll hop on the Disney Skyliner — a breezy, relaxing gondola ride that whisks us across the resort to Epcot.

Once in Epcot, we’ll head straight for La Cava del Tequila inside the Mexico Pavilion for some top-tier margaritas and chips & dip (this is now tradition). We’ll spend the afternoon wandering World Showcase, enjoying the atmosphere, and maybe popping into a few shops or booths.

🚀 And of course — GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: COSMIC REWIND. The goal is to ride it TWICE today. It’s fast, smooth, and unforgettable.

Heres the plan for Epcot

1. On the way in:

• Check Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind standby (if available)

  • If under 60 mins, head there right away (snack en route)

2. 3:00 PM:

• Guardians of the Galaxy (We will grab this regardless through the Lighting Lane Single Pass - $16pp)

3. After Guardians:

• La Cava del Tequila for Nachos and Margaritas

• Other EPCOT rides as time allows -

  • Soarin'

  • Test Track

  • Spaceship Earth

  • Nemo

  • Ratatouille

  • Frozen

4. 7:40 PM:

• Leave EPCOT

As the sun sets, we’ll head back to Hollywood Studios (either by Skyliner or boat).
End the night with Fantasmic! — the spectacular mix of fireworks, water projections, live actors, and Disney magic.

We might have time for 1 quick ride on something before the show. Wait times tend to dip just before

Be sure to grab snacks and driks 30–45 minutes before showtime.

No rope drop, no alarms, no rushing.
Take your time getting up — whether it's lounging with a coffee, a hotel room breakfast picnic, or grabbing a pastry from the lobby Starbucks.

Once we’re up and moving, it's time to claim a sunlounger and hit the pool.
Aventura’s pool is calm, modern, and a great place to properly relax. Time to float and forget the world for a few hours.

💡 Optional twist: If we’re in the mood for a change of scene, we could head over to the Hard Rock Hotel for a dose of rockstar luxury. Their pool has music under the water and a livelier atmosphere if we’re feeling social. Great for a mid-morning cocktail and people watching. We do however had this planned for later in the vacation

Whether at Aventura or elsewhere, make time for:

• A swim

• A drink (yes, it’s acceptable before noon — it’s vacation!)

• A moment to breathe and soak up the sun

Late afternoon, we’ll head back to the room to freshen up and change for the evening plans. No rush — just comfy, cute, and ready for cocktails.

We’re heading to Voodoo Bayou for the perfect low-key-but-stylish night out.
Expect:

• Dark, moody Southern-Gothic interior

• Signature craft cocktails or mocktails

• New Orleans-inspired bites and shareables

• Fab photo spots + solid playlist

This is a perfect way to wind down the day without losing the vibe.

If energy levels are still there, we could make a quick trip to Disney Springs either in the morning or early afternoon.

Why? Because Jake has a cookie quota to fill at Gideon’s Bakehouse — and frankly, this deserves respect.

🕓 Jake needs to return the hire car by 4PM, so we’ve got a flexible window to make this happen.

💡 Top tip: If we do this midday, Disney Springs will be quieter and we’ll avoid the evening crowds.

This isn't just a chill day — it's Epic Eve.
Tomorrow is the official opening day of Epic Universe, and it's going to be packed, exciting, and potentially a little chaotic. Today is all about getting ourselves in the right headspace:

• Recharge our bodies

• Double-check bags, apps, and tickets

• Go to bed with full batteries — phones and humans alike

1. Park bag prepped tonight

2. Comfy, breathable clothing ready

3. Water bottles chilled

4. Portable charger fully charged

5. Don’t forget suncream, cooling wipes, or anything for a long park day

6. Plan out your top rides to prioritize early in the day

Here’s what we know: crowds will head straight to the most hyped areas.

Heres is a breakdown of the areas -

• The Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic

• How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk 

• Dark Universe (classic Universal Monsters)

• Super Nintendo World – if you're aiming to ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, do it early or late

🎢 As we have express pass, it's worth saving these until crowds really start building. We should gather a game plan of what we want to ride first

With opening day madness, reservations may be tight and mobile orders may be capped — so the food plan is: be flexible but have targets.

Places we might want to check out:

• Quick service in Isle of Berk or Celestial Park

• Butterbeer or specialty drinks in the Ministry

• Anything new and outrageous that pops up on TikTok!

Snacks are your friend today. Keep emergency granola bars or nuts in your bag.

1. Pace yourself. This is a marathon day, not a sprint.

2. Don’t feel pressure to do everything — enjoy the theming, take breaks, explore.

3. Battery packs are a MUST — we’ll be on our phones a lot for apps, photos, and managing our plan.

4. Don’t skip water breaks. If one person says “I need a rest,” we all rest.

This is a one-of-a-kind day

Remember -

• Your first step into the park

• Reactions to first rides

• Food pics, merch hauls, and any rare character sightings

• A tired, sweaty, but triumphant group selfie at the end of the night

This day is going to wipe us out, so there’s no pressure for evening plans. We’ll either:

• Crash at the hotel

• Grab something super casual to eat nearby

• OR, if adrenaline is still pumping, toast the day with a drink at the rooftop bar

1. Park bag packed (suncream, water, battery pack, snacks, ID)

2. App updated and ready (set up Virtual Queue alerts if needed)

3. Comfy clothing + emergency poncho just in case

4. Deep breaths. It’s going to be wild — but unforgettable.

We’re letting ourselves sleep in a little today — no rope drop required. Animal Kingdom tends to be a more peaceful park anyway, and a gentler pace will be much appreciated after Epic Universe.

That said, we’ll still want to be at the gates by late morning to give us time. Jake will secure Genie Plus / Lightning Lane so we can beat some of the queues

🎢 Start with Kilimanjaro Safaris
This is best earlier in the day while the animals are active and before the afternoon heat slows them (and us) down. You’ll ride through open savannas, forested trails, and spot giraffes, elephants, lions, and more.

🦋 Head to Pandora – The World of Avatar
Two must-rides here:

• Flight of Passage – still one of the most breathtaking ride experiences in all of Disney. Get in the queue early or use Genie+ if you have it.

• Na’vi River Journey – a slow, stunning boat ride through Pandora’s bioluminescent jungle.

🌍 If time allows:

• Expedition Everest for a thrill

• Dinosaur before it's gone forever

Midday, we’ll take a break at Nomad Lounge — a hidden gem tucked next to Pandora with jungle vibes, cozy seating, and delicious small plates.

Order a cocktail or mocktail, get some sliders or churros, and enjoy a well-earned moment of calm.

💡 This is a great time to rest your feet and reset before heading to dinner.

After soaking in the jungle vibes and taking a moment to lounge, we’ll head back to the room to freshen up and changefor dinner.

Think light glam, dressy-casual — Narcoossee’s is beautiful and laid-back classy.
No rush here, just enough time to shower off the park dust, swap into something a little nicer, and reset for the evening.

We’ll make our way over to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where our reservation at Narcoossee’s is perfectly timed for 8:45PM — just in time for the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

💡 Pro tip: Let them know we’d love to catch the fireworks when checking in for dinner — they often time seating or suggest stepping outside to view them from the deck if you're not already facing the lagoon.

Expect:

• Coastal-inspired fine dining (lobster, scallops, maybe even filet mignon)

• A beautiful wine and cocktail list

• Soft piano music and dreamy ambiance

• Fireworks reflected in the lagoon while we eat = iconic core memory unlocked

After dinner, we can:

• Enjoy a slow walk through the Grand Floridian’s glowing lobby

• Head back to Aventura for a late-night chill and debrief

• Or just roll into bed absolutely content

This is one of those nights that feels properly magical — Disney at its grown-up best.

1. Breakfast at Briar Patch – make sure we know the drive time

2. Drink Around the World - full day drinking!

3. Epcot round two = Guardians (twice!)

4. Prepare your park bag tonight: refillable bottle, suncream, etc

We’re starting the day with something special: breakfast at Briarpatch in beautiful Winter Park.
Expect a cute, Instagrammable café, perfect for a slower start and great coffee. Known for its fluffy pancakes, massive cinnamon rolls, and seasonal specials — it’s a real treat after a week of theme park cereal bars.

🕖 Aim to arrive early — this place gets busy, especially on weekends.
📍 Address: Park Avenue, Winter Park – about a 30-minute drive from Aventura

Take a stroll down Park Avenue after if time allows — it’s a lovely spot to window shop and stretch your legs.

After breakfast, we’ll head to Epcot for round two of food, rides, and exploring the World Showcase.

You know the drill:
This is a non-negotiable part of the day. It’s the one ride we’re absolutely prioritising — twice if possible.

💡 Try to space out the rides — one in the afternoon, one in the evening if your stomach can take it.

Starting at Canada and working our way around to Mexico, this anti-clockwise route lets us pace the experience and mix things up as we go. Sip slowly, snack often, and remember — hydration is key. Sharing drinks is totally valid (and smart).

1. 🇨🇦 Canada

   • 🥃 Try the Apple Whisky Slush, ice wine, or a Moosehead lager

   • 🧀 Snack: Maple popcorn or cheese soup from the nearby Food & Wine booth (if available)

2. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

   • 🍺 Pint of ale, Pimm’s Cup, or Strongbow cider from Rose & Crown

   • 🥨 Snack: Fish and chips from Yorkshire County Fish Shop

3. 🇫🇷 France

   • 🍸 Grey Goose Citron Slush, Kir Royale, or a glass of sparkling rosé

   • 🥐 Snack: Macarons or pastries from Les Halles Boulangerie

4. 🇲🇦 Morocco

   • 🍹 Frozen mint tea with gin, Casa beer, or a Moroccan sangria

   • 🥙 Snack: Chicken kebabs or hummus with pita

5. 🇯🇵 Japan

   • 🍶 Sake flight, plum wine, or frozen Kirin beer from Kabuki Cafe

   • 🍱 Snack: Sushi, takoyaki, or a mochi treat

6. 🇺🇸 The American Adventure

   • 🥃 Bourbon, frozen Coke with whiskey, or craft beer from the Regal Eagle outdoor bar

   • 🌭 Snack: Pulled pork sandwich or BBQ ribs from Regal Eagle Smokehouse

7. 🇮🇹 Italy

   • 🥂 Limoncello, Italian wine flight, Bellini, or Amaretto

   • 🍕 Snack: Pizza slice or arancini from Via Napoli pizza window (if open)

8. 🇩🇪 Germany

   • 🍺 Beer! Try Schofferhofer Grapefruit, König Ludwig, or a beer flight

   • 🥨 Snack: Giant pretzel or bratwurst with sauerkraut

9. 🇨🇳 China

   • 🍫 Tipsy Ducks in Love (bourbon, coffee, chocolate, and tea) or plum wine

   • 🍜 Snack: Pork egg rolls or bao buns

10. 🇳🇴 Norway

• ☕ Viking Coffee (with Baileys and Kamora) or Line Aquavit (if you're feeling brave)

• 🥧 Snack: School bread from Kringla Bakeri

11. 🇲🇽 Mexico

• 🍹 Finish strong with a classic margarita from La Cava del Tequila or Choza de Margarita

• 🌮 Snack: Chips & queso or tacos

1. Drink water between every pavilion

2. Share drinks if you want to make it to the end in one piece

3. Pace yourself — this is about experience, not speed

4. Take breaks for snacks, shows, or just to sit and soak in the atmosphere

There are no alarms today (unless you’re a pool chair reservist — we see you).
Take your time getting up, grab a lazy breakfast, and head down to the pool at Aventura for a few hours of proper holiday relaxation.

🛟 The pool in the sunshine!
☀️ Suncream, sunglasses, book, and a cold drink — perfection.

💡 Want to switch it up? This could also be a great morning to check out the gym, have a coffee on the rooftop, or go for a walk if you’re feeling active.

Head to Disney Springs in the afternoon — ideally after the heat of the day begins to ease off.

Disney Springs is perfect for:

• 🛍️ Shopping (World of Disney, Uniqlo, Marketplace Co-Op, and more)

• 🍦 Snacks (Salt & Straw ice cream, Everglazed donuts, or Joffrey’s cold brew)

• 🎁 Souvenir hunting — this is a great time to pick up last-minute gifts!

If we’re up for it, a game or two of bowling at Splitsville adds a fun, casual vibe to the evening.

🎟️ Check your booking time if already reserved — or see if there's walk-up availability.
You can even order drinks and sushi while you bowl — this is Disney, after all.

Our evening meal is at Frontera Cocina, an upscale Mexican spot by celebrity chef Rick Bayless — and it’s a total hidden gem.

Expect:

• Tacos, carne asada, enchiladas, and killer guacamole

• House-made margaritas (go for the smoky/spicy one if you're feeling bold)

• Great views and outdoor seating if the weather’s nice

💡 Make sure to double-check your reservation time and aim to get there 10–15 minutes early in case there’s a queue at check-in.

After dinner, we can:

• Stroll along the lake and take in the Disney Springs atmosphere

• Do one last shop or grab a treat for the room

• OR head back to Aventura for some downtime, maybe one last drink on the rooftop

1. Full day at Magic Kingdom!

2. Pack your park bag tonight: suncream, portable charger, refillable bottle

3. Dinner at Steakhouse 71 before fireworks

4. Check Lightning Lane options and plan your rope drop rides

This is a rope drop day, so we’ll be up early, breakfast in hand (or bag), and heading to the park entrance ideally 30–45 minutes before opening.

💡 Don’t forget: taxi drop off is at the TTC (Transportation & Ticket Center), so we’ll need to take the monorail or ferry to get to Magic Kingdom. Build in extra time for this.

🎟️ Genie+ Strategy:

• Prioritise: TRON Lightcycle / Run (Virtual Queue or paid Lightning Lane), Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Peter Pan’s Flight

• Then stack for: Big Thunder, Haunted Mansion, and Jungle Cruise

• And don’t skip: PeopleMover, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Tiki Room when we need a breather

The middle of the day is for pacing ourselves — and enjoying the atmosphere as much as the rides.

Food ideas:

• Dole Whip from Adventureland

• Spring rolls (if the cart is out)

• Lunch at Columbia Harbour House or a quick service mobile order

💡 Look out for shaded rest areas, especially near Liberty Square and Tomorrowland Terrace.

Once your new earlier Steakhouse 71 reservation is confirmed (aiming for around 6–6:30PM ideally), we’ll head out of the park and walk to the Contemporary Resort — it’s a 10-minute walk max from the Magic Kingdom exit.

At Steakhouse 71, expect:

• Steak, seafood, or one of Disney’s best burgers

• Great cocktails, mocktails, and desserts

• A retro-modern atmosphere that’s calm and air-conditioned (you’ll thank yourself)

💡 Let them know if you’re planning to head back for the fireworks — they’ll usually be helpful with timing!

After dinner, we’ll re-enter the park for the grand finale: Happily Ever After. Aim to be back in Main Street USA or in front of the castle by 8:30PM at the latest to get a good spot (earlier if it's extra busy).

This is THE fireworks show — projections on the castle, soaring music, and pure Disney magic. It’s one of those “yep, I’m actually here” moments.

Optional: Grab popcorn, a churro, or a glowing drink while we wait.

Once the show wraps:

• If we have energy: enjoy a few short queues while the crowds exit

• If not: take our time leaving, maybe stop for a final photo or late-night snack on Main Street

• Head back via monorail or ferry to the TTC and back to Aventura

1. Slower pace — hotel hopping + pool

2. Jake has a hair cut @ 12!

3. Optional rope drop Hagrid’s for the early risers

4. Start planning any last-minute shopping, repacking, or final park plans

If energy levels are high (or if anyone missed it earlier), this morning is your chance to rope drop Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Islands of Adventure.

🕕 This means:

• Early alarm (around 6:30–6:45AM)

• Quick breakfast or coffee

• Be at the gates of Islands of Adventure before opening to head straight to Hagrid’s

• No Express Pass in the morning — so it’s worth being early if you want low wait times

💡 Anyone not going can enjoy a lie-in, a peaceful coffee, or a rooftop view moment at Aventura.

If you’re not joining the Hagrid’s crew, enjoy a relaxed morning at Aventura.

• Grab breakfast at the lobby Starbucks or Urban Pantry

• Head straight over to the Hardrock for breakfast

• Packing, or charging devices for the final few days

No agenda — just peaceful vacation energy.

Mid-to-late morning, we’ll head over to Hard Rock Hotel to check in for our one-night stay.

Key details:

• Rooms may not be ready immediately, but we can leave bags with Bell Services

• Room keys = Express Passes for today and tomorrow — so grab them as soon as possible, even before the room is ready

• Take some time to explore the resort — the pool is iconic, and the rock memorabilia inside the hotel is always fun to check out

This move sets us up perfectly for a VIP experience at the parks!

Jake will have to dip out for his haircut. He will rope drop and get a taxi straight from Universal CityWalk. Once he has a fresh fade, he'll head to Aventura, shower then regroup!

Once the hotel move is sorted and the car is returned, the rest of the afternoon is totally flexible:

Option 1: Pool & Relaxation

• Hard Rock’s pool is a vibe — underwater music, great bar, and lounge chairs for days

• Perfect for recharging and soaking in the Florida sun

• NACHOS!

Option 2: Pop Into the Parks (Express-Style)

• Use those Express Passes to skip lines at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure

• Hit favourites like Spider-Man, Hulk, Forbidden Journey, or even just wander and snack

💡 Jake and Becky’s Express Passes start tomorrow at 4PM — today is all about the rest of the group!

1. Rope drop Hagrid’s

2. Jake & Becky’s Express Passes kick in at 4PM

3. Reconfirm checkout time and where bags will go after check-out (if staying in the parks all day)

4. Start gathering things that need to be packed up for departure the next day

Set your alarms! We’re heading to Islands of Adventure bright and early for a final flight through the Forbidden Forest.

🕕 Plan:

• Leave Hard Rock by 6:45–7:00AM

• Be at the Islands of Adventure gates before opening

• Head straight to Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure — no Express Pass here, so this is our golden window

• Ride with the mist still in the air and adrenaline in full effect

Optional post-Hagrid victory breakfast:

• Croissant Moon Bakery (grab-and-go breakfast)

Hold onto those room keys — they’re still your Express Passes until the end of the day!!!

Now that we’re warmed up and wide awake, it’s time to hit every favourite across both parks — no queue stress, just back-to-back fun.

✨ Must-do highlights:

• Spider-Man

• VelociCoaster (for the brave)

• Forbidden Journey (again, if your stomach dares)

• Jurassic Park River Adventure (be prepared to get a bit wet)

• Revenge of the Mummy

• Transformers

• Men in Black for a group competition

💡 Park-hop freely between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios — the Hogwarts Express is available if you have a park-to-park ticket (and yes, it’s Express-access too!).

At 4PM, the full squad unites under the banner of Skip-the-Line Glory!

After a huge day, the evening is open based on vibes:

Option 1: Casual Celebration

• Head to CityWalk for a low-key dinner

• Great options: Antojitos

Option 2: End it in the Park

• Catch the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle (if it’s running!)

• Ride until close with Express — no queues, just chaos

1. Repack everything smartly — especially breakables, merch, or food

2. Check airport transportation and departure time

3. Phones charged, boarding passes downloaded, Magic and Universal memories locked in