First day in Florida guide

So I thought for my very first blog post it'd be fun to talk about my most favourite thing in the world (sorry Rob and Leo), Orlando Florida!

I'm very fortunate to have been able to travel quite as many times as I have to Florida, both as a child with my family and as an adult with my partner. I thought seeing as I have been a fair few times I'd talk about some of the amazing experiences and some of the tips I've picked up along the way on how to enjoy and make the most of first day after you arrive, without over doing it. If this is something you're after I hope this will be of some use to you!

Ok, let's talk about waking up after a long day prior of travel, for my first full day personally I enjoy having a nice chilled day. Due to the time difference I tend to wake up between 5:30 and 6:30am, so a relaxed day is a must for me. One of the first things on my mind is breakfast, so my first stop is to the supermarket to do some grocery shopping. I personally go to Publix because I am obsessed with their buttercream cupcakes (seriously I can eat a whole box in a day, don't even dare me).

Publix cupcakes

Another great breakfast recommendation I have is IHOP, especially for those who aren't quite ready to face the grocery store yet. I always get their butter milk chocolate chip pancakes, a side of crispy bacon and refill coffee, but their chocolate milk is so delicious and also worth getting. It may not be the most fanciest restaurant in the world, but the food is beyond filling, the service is always quick and friendly and it's a great spot for those with kids or families. It's definitely a must for me, even if that means going at least just once (but being honest it's at least a minimum of 5 times while I'm there hehe).

IHOP breakfast

After a filling breakfast and lots of coffee I'm refreshed and ready for the real holiday feels to begin, and given I'm already up early, it only makes sense to head down to The Mall at Millenia ready for their doors to open. 

The Mall at Millenia

This mall can be quite pricey, it's filled with glorious designer shops galore, a large Victoria's Secret, Urban Outfitters and a large Forever21. If you're doing Florida on a budget this may not be the mall for you, however it's definitely worth a visit once to see the fun screens in the middle of the centre and a stop by the food court for some XL Icees.

I'd recommend getting there as early as possible as this mall is on the smaller side and can get really busy at peak times.

The Mall at Millenia screens

Disney Springs is another great stop to make on your first day, it's full of Disney magic, shops, and best of all, is free to go to! Disney springs is especially great for those doing Florida on a budget or if you won't be going to the Disney parks but still want to enjoy the magic. 

Halloween display at Disney Springs

Candy apples at the Candy Cauldron

 Some of my top favourite things to do at Disney Springs is to head down to Candy Cauldron and admire all of the beautiful sweets and treats, especially their candy apples which honestly could be considered a complete work of art. The smells that come from that shop should honestly be illegal, if my diet wasn't already out the window when I get to Florida, it almost guaranteed to be once I enter that shop.

If you're a serious coffee or tea lover then another good stop of is to head to Joffrey's. Their frozen cappuccinos are to die for, and although you can find some Joffrey's kiosks in the parks, in true Disney fashion you can have a magical Mickey or Minnie printed on top of your coffee, which I believe you can only have done at Disney Springs (but don't quote me on this).

Frozen cappuccinos at Joffrey's

Sprinkles Cupcake ATM

A really great and fun stop for those who are looking for the perfect Instagram picture is to head to Sprinkles to check out the Cupcake ATM. I mean, only at Disney can you find an ATM for cupcakes! Again this is another stop that can get quite crowded so it's always good to head their in quieter moments.


There's also lots of chilled out places in Disney Springs to just sit in the shade, relax and listen to some live music or if you're hungry theres loads of fantastic themed restaurants to check out. There's also lots of regular shops at Disney Springs alongside Disney themed shops so if you're looking to do some relaxed shopping without facing the malls quite yet then this is a fab place to check out, although it is worth noting everything is outdoors, so dress accordingly for the weather and schedule shopping to avoid being out at the hottest points in the day.

So that's just a few of my favourite things to do in Florida on my first day, I find for me personally having a relaxed day and taking it slow is what works best for me, but everyone is different! Hopefully this can help inspire you to find something new to do for your next holiday and has been of some use to you! 

I'd love to do some blog posts on each of the four Disney parks, so if that would be something you'd be interesting in reading feel free to let me know in the comments below. 🖤🏰✨

Lots of love always

SZRLAND

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