Our Memorable Christmas and New Year’s Trip to Florida

It’s been a long time since I last posted! It feels so good to be writing on my blog again. Can you believe it’s almost April already? Time flies by fast—everything feels like a blur these days!

But let me take a moment to backtrack and share about our unforgettable Christmas and New Year’s trip to Florida last year.

Planning the Trip: A Family Reunion Across Borders

We invited my parents from the Philippines to join us for a vacation in Fort Lauderdale, where my mother-in-law lives, and later in the Cayman Islands, where we reside. Making this trip happen was no small feat. It took months of preparation—handling paperwork for U.S. and Cayman visas, arranging accommodations, planning tours, and even renting a car for the entire vacation.

Christmas Eve Arrival in Fort Lauderdale

We arrived in Miami on Christmas Eve, while my parents landed in Fort Lauderdale. The plan was to rent a car in Miami, drive to Fort Lauderdale to drop off our luggage, and then head straight to the airport to pick up my parents.

After settling in, we went grocery shopping for our Noche Buena dinner. Thankfully, there was a grocery store nearby, so we quickly gathered what we needed. We also stopped by T-Mobile to grab a pocket Wi-Fi for the trip.

On Christmas Day, we enjoyed a scenic drive around the area and spent some time shopping at Sawgrass Mills, one of the largest outlet malls in the U.S. If you’re in Fort Lauderdale, it’s definitely a must-visit for great deals and a wide variety of stores.

Exploring Biscayne Boulevard, Miami

The day after Christmas, we decided to explore Downtown Miami and stroll along Biscayne Boulevard. This area is known for its scenic views, which are lined with palm trees and modern architecture, offering stunning vistas of Biscayne Bay. We even hopped on a tour bus and enjoyed the breezy upper deck, taking in the sights of the city.

It was a no-brainer for lunch—we headed straight to Jollibee, my favorite Filipino fast food spot! Nothing beats the comfort of crispy Chickenjoy and sweet Jolly Spaghetti when you’re far from home.

Adventures in Orlando

NASA – Kennedy Space Station

When the weekend came, we headed to Orlando for more adventures. Our first stop? NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. This iconic attraction is a must for anyone curious about space exploration. We marveled at historic spacecraft, learned about NASA’s missions, and even experienced interactive exhibits that brought the cosmos to life.

We stayed at the Developer Inn in Kissimmee for accommodation. It’s a budget-friendly hotel near NASA, Disney World, and Universal Studios, making it the perfect base for our Orlando explorations.

Disney World – Animal Kingdom

Next up was Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Since it was everyone’s first Disney experience (except for me), starting with this nature-themed park made sense. Our group included three senior citizens, two adults, and one child, so Animal Kingdom’s immersive environment and diverse attractions were ideal.

Despite the busy season and long lines, we managed to enjoy some of the park’s best rides:

Kilimanjaro Safaris: An open-air ride where we spotted real African wildlife.
Avatar Flight of Passage: A breathtaking 3D ride where we soared over Pandora on the back of a banshee. Definitely a must-do!
Kali River Rapids: A thrilling white-water rafting adventure through the lush jungles of Asia. Expect to get soaked as you navigate turbulent waters, dodge waterfalls, and experience the rush of swirling rapids. It’s an exhilarating ride that adds a fun, unpredictable element to your Animal Kingdom visit.
DINOSAUR: An exhilarating indoor dark ride where we boarded a Time Rover to travel back to the late Cretaceous period. The mission? To rescue an Iguanodon before the meteor that caused the dinosaurs’ extinction strikes. The ride was intense, with sudden twists, turns, and encounters with various dinosaur species, including a menacing Carnotaurus.

If you’re planning a trip, I highly recommend heading to Avatar rides first as they are the most popular, and lines can be long.

Universal Studios CityWalk

On our last day in Orlando, we explored Universal CityWalk—an entertainment district filled with vibrant shops, restaurants, and live music. Even without entering the main parks, CityWalk offered a picturesque experience. Some popular spots here include Hard Rock Cafe, Voodoo Doughnut, and Universal’s Great Movie Escape. It’s a great place to enjoy a relaxed stroll, grab a bite, or shop for souvenirs.

Our drive back to Fort Lauderdale was memorable, as heavy rain made the I-95 journey cautious and slow. My husband handled the tricky drive with care, ensuring we arrived home safely—though it was the longest three-hour drive we’ve had!

We attended my mother-in-law’s church service on New Year’s Eve and later headed to the Fort Lauderdale anchor drop. Unfortunately, we were a few minutes late and ended up catching the tail end of the countdown while still in the car! Nevertheless, it was a unique way to ring in the new year, and the festive atmosphere was still in the air.

The anchor drop is a signature New Year’s tradition in Fort Lauderdale, symbolizing the city’s nautical culture. It’s held at Las Olas Oceanside Park and features live music, food vendors, and a fun community vibe.

Wrapping Up the Trip

The remaining days were filled with more shopping at Sawgrass Mills and spending quality time with family. On January 3rd, we flew back home to the Cayman Islands, cherishing the memories of a trip that brought joy, adventure, and togetherness.

This trip was truly a labor of love—months of planning, coordinating, and navigating travel logistics. But seeing my family together, creating unforgettable memories, and experiencing new places made every effort worth it.

If you’re planning a similar trip, my top tips are to plan early, be flexible, and savor every moment. Sometimes, the spontaneous moments—like a last-minute drive to Biscayne Boulevard or a delayed New Year’s countdown—make for the best stories.

Until the next adventure!