Orlando, Florida (2025) - Part 1
March 6th, 2025 – Travel Day
Like clockwork, every year my family somehow ends up in Florida during the spring.
I think it mainly comes down to the fact we want a small vacation from the cold winter months. I love our winters—the beautiful snow and the change of seasons all year long—but by the time February or March rolls around, we’re all ready for a little sunshine.
Florida has become that sunny destination for our spring getaways as a family. There’s nowhere quite like it, and that’s why we love it so much. I will say, there’s nothing better than 70–80-degree Fahrenheit weather, skin-warming sunshine, and a destination so close to thrilling theme parks you can hardly believe it. It’s kind of too perfect!
✈️ Family Schedules & Our Flight to Florida
We’ve visited Orlando quite a few times over the last couple of years and have grown to love all of the many activities it offers to our adventurous family.
For this Orlando trip was kept on the shorter side—around five days—but it was still packed full of fun!
My little sister is a senior in high school, and her schedule is loaded with AP classes that make missing school difficult. With some teacher workdays and the end of the term lining up, we decided to make a spring trip finally happen in a smaller time frame.
We ended up booking a Delta flight from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) on March 6th, leaving at 5:45 p.m. (MST) and arriving at 11:59 p.m. (EST).
This was the perfect flight for my family—it allowed my dad to have a full workday, gave my mom plenty of time to pack, gave me time to finish my schoolwork, and let my little sister attend a full day of school to wrap up the end of Term 3.
Yes, the flight was a late one, but with a busy family schedule, finding the flight that works best for everyone makes the trip run more smoothly while you're away. So don’t be afraid to step outside of “traditional flight times” and move toward the flight options that fit your travel group’s needs most effectively.
With the 5 p.m. flight, that’s exactly what we did.
🛫 Dinner & Boarding Time
After a busy day of school, packing, and work, we drove to the airport, parked our car, and headed through security. Once we got through, we made our way to grab some dinner at Panera Bread.
Salt Lake City International Airport has tons of food options in both Concourse A and Concourse B. We weren’t in the mood for pizza, Tex-Mex, burgers, sit-down restaurants, pastries, Chinese cuisine, etc. What we were craving, though, were some good sandwiches—and, of course, mac and cheese for my little sister—so Panera Bread was the perfect pick!
Here’s What We Ordered:
Mom – Zesty Tuscan Asiago Bagel Stack with an apple on the side
Dad – Grilled Chicken & Avo BLT with an apple on the side
Me – Toasted Garden Caprese (with added avocado) and an apple on the side
My Little Sister – You Pick Two (mac & cheese + Broccoli Cheddar Soup) with a baguette on the side
Here is the full Panera menu.
After ordering pretty quickly, we found some chairs in an unoccupied gate area and sat down to eat.
After eating, we ended up heading to board our plane, where we were in Group 5 and Group 6 for the Delta boarding process. Those groups are a little further back in the lineup, but we were still grateful to board with our carry-ons before the main rush of people.
📚 Takeoff & Making the Most of the Flight Time
The boarding process went smoothly, and we were all relieved to find our seats and settle in.
The plane took off on time, and we cruised through snowy Utah skies on our way to sunny Orlando, Florida. The flight was smooth overall, which made for a pleasant ride.
The overall flight time was 4 hours and 11 minutes, so I took a nap, I read this book, learned some interesting facts while watching Jeopardy!, and brainstormed some yummy dishes I could create for Flour & Pots! Even though it was a long flight, I tried to make the most of the time.
When you fly, using your time efficiently really helps you get things done. It makes the hours in the air feel more productive—and it's a great way to check off some of those lingering “to-do’s” while you're stuck on the plane.
🚗 Landing, Renting a Car, & Hotel
Once our plane landed in humid Orlando, Florida, we got off quickly and headed straight to pick up our rental car from Alamo.
We rented a standard SUV through Alamo using Costco Travel (which, in my opinion, is the best way to rent cars—it saves you money and it quite reliable way for a quality car). Our vehicle ended up being a nice Rubicon 4x4 Jeep.
The process of picking out the car was smooth and flexible. We had a choice of about eight different vehicles, which allowed us to select one that didn’t smell like smoke, was clean, and had low mileage. That helped ensure we didn’t get stuck with a “near end-of-life” car with potential mechanical issues thoughout the whole trip.
So far, our experience with Alamo has been the best rental car experience we’ve had at the Orlando Airport, and I’d highly recommend them if you're flying into MCO.
We’ve previously rented from Budget, SIXT, and Enterprise on past trips to Orlando, and Alamo definitely stands out for its excellent customer service and overall car quality. It’s even better when you rent through Costco Travel—you save money and get a better selection.
Our Jeep was great, and we drove it straight out of the parking garage to the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas—a large Marriott property where we had got a 2-bedroom townhome for our 5-day stay.
After unloading our luggage, unpacking a bit, and cleaning up for the night in our townhome, we finally got to bed around 2:00 a.m. (EST)! Wow, what a day! 😊
Day 1 - March 7th, 2025 – Shopping / Relax Day
Waking up on the first day of any trip is refreshing!
Since we went to bed around 2:00 a.m. (EST) the night before, we decided to sleep in a bit and catch up on some rest right from the start. So, after finally getting the whole family up, ready, and out the hotel door, we drove to brunch at a place called First Watch.
Let me just say—yum!!
🍳 First Watch – A Fresh First Impression
I know First Watch has multiple locations around the U.S., but there aren’t any near where we live (yet), so this was our family’s first time trying it out. We were impressed. Everything was fresh, flavorful, mainly health-focused, and creative.
What We Ordered:
Dad – Ham and Gruyere Omelet
Me – A.M. Superfoods Bowl
Little Sis – Ham and Gruyere Omelet
For the Table: Morning Meditation Fresh Juice, Blue Booster Juice (seasonal)
We had about a 10-minute wait to be seated, but we ended up being placed at a larger table, which was a bonus for such a short wait time. Our server was patient as we browsed the menu (which did take a bit), and she still gave us plenty of time to order. She was quick, kept our waters filled, and was genuinely helpful when we had questions.
My family doesn’t drink coffee or tea, so we started with water, but the fresh juices looked too good to pass up. We ordered the Morning Meditation and Blue Booster options. Again, our server was amazing—even though we only bought one of each juice to share, she split both into smaller containers so everyone could easily try them (4 glasses per juice = 8 total glasses for our group total between the two juices)! We loved this. If you want to split a drink at First Watch, I definitely recommend asking—they made it super easy to share with everyone, so each person got to try each juice mixture😊
The food was amazing too, and the service was exceptional. First Watch was a hit for my family.
🍽️ Balanced Breakfast = Balanced Day
I absolutely loved my A.M. Superfoods Bowl, which had a coconut chia seed pudding base topped with mixed berry preserves, a variety of fresh berries, banana slices, crunchy homemade granola, and a side of toasted whole grain artisan bread topped with almond butter and a sprinkle of sea salt. It was full of healthy fats from the chia pudding, granola, and almond butter. The fresh berries were packed with antioxidants to help clear harmful waste from the body. Between all the ingredients, the dish was loaded with potassium, fiber, protein, vitamin C, and B vitamins. What a great start to any day!
When it comes to eating healthily, I’ve learned it’s all about moderation, reducing added sugars, and eating more whole, natural ingredients. This way, your body gets a well-rounded mix of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs to function at its best. Starting your day with a balanced breakfast helps keep you on track as the day goes on. Eating healthy can be fun, flavorful, and adventurous—and honestly, it’s super easy 😊
With our food at First Watch, we all loved the fresh juices, packed with fruits, veggies, and leafy greens for a vibrant start to the day. My mom enjoyed her Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, which satisfied both her breakfast and lunch Mexican cravings. My dad and little sister—who have almost identical taste—both ordered the Ham and Gruyere Omelet. They loved the salty, gooey deliciousness packed between the protein-rich eggs.
Just keep in mind, First Watch is a little on the pricier side, but with the fresh ingredients, quality, and generous portions, I think the prices are fair. If you’re looking for a good breakfast, brunch, or even an easy lunch spot, First Watch is a great option. Their menu has something for everyone, and the environment is perfect for enjoying a great meal with the people you love.
🛍️ Sunshine + Shopping: Orlando Premium Outlets
After our delicious and filling brunch, we headed over to Orlando Premium Outlets for some shopping in the beautiful Florida sunshine.
I don’t know about everyone else, but my family loves to shop sometimes when we travel. The best part? Clothing selections always vary by location, so you’ll often find things you can’t get at home.
So if you’re planning a trip, consider adding shopping to your itinerary—it’s a simple activity, and you might find a few fun new pieces to mix into your wardrobe. Plus, you don’t have to buy anything—just browsing can spark ideas for new outfit combos using what you already own. Shopping is an easy and flexible experience to fit into any trip—and it can even be totally free if you're just looking!
Our time at the outlets was more of a browsing experience—we visited a few stores, tried on a couple of clothing items, but didn’t end up purchasing anything.
The name says it all: Premium Outlets. Most of the stores lean toward the more “premium” or luxury brands. My family and I are simpler when it comes to shopping—we prefer budget-friendly, practical pieces over high-end labels. So while we didn’t do much buying, we still had a great time being outside and soaking up the beautiful spring weather. 😊
💧 Quick Publix Stop: Hydration!
After a couple of hours meandering around the massive footprint of the outlets, we hopped in the car and drove to a nearby Publix to grab some Zero Sugar Vitamin Waters to quench our thirst.
Vitamin Water (Zero Sugar) is one of our favorite drinks. These are our go-to because they’re loaded with vitamins, naturally colored with fruits and vegetables, and sweetened with plant-based options like stevia and monk fruit. They come in a wide variety of flavors and are a great way to hydrate while balancing your body’s electrolytes.
We were so thirsty with not being quite used to Florida’s warmer temperatures yet and we don’t drink soda and didn’t want any drinks full of sugar from the outlets food market. So, heading to Publix for cold Vitamin Waters at a better price was the perfect solution. That’s how you save money, stay healthy, and stay hydrated while you travel!
🌊 Off to Disney Springs + Parking!
Can you guess where we headed next? That’s right—Disney Springs!
This place is amazing. It offers three free parking garages and no entry fee, making it a perfect spot to walk around, grab some food, and do a little shopping if you feel like it.
Every time we’re in Orlando, we make sure to stop by Disney Springs—for the shopping, the cookies, the dinner, the environment… it’s really just a family favorite stop.
This time, we parked in the Lime Garage, which drops you right into the center of Disney Springs. It’s a great garage if you want easy access to your car while shopping because of its central location. It’s also close to the most popular food spots, treat shops, and clothing stores. And all you’ll do is go through security scanners as you walk from the garage into the Springs, but it’s super easy and helps keep everyone safe. 😊
🍪 The Cookies: Gideon’s Bakehouse
One of our main reason for this visit was Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookie. Located on the center island of the shopping area, this bakery is a must-visit—especially for my little sister, who would 100% choose cookies as her one dessert for life. She loves eating cookies, baking cookies, and she really loves Gideon’s Cookies. It’s kinda crazy.
We walked straight from the car to Gideon’s since there’s almost always a line to get inside. Luckily, the wait was only about 20 minutes this time around, so we got enjoy the springs well we waited.
Gideon’s lines can range anywhere from 20 minutes all the way up to three hours. If the line is short, you can wait in a physical queue outside the shop. But if it’s over an hour, they’ll take your phone number, add you to a virtual queue, and text you when to come back. Then you wait a little longer in the physical line when you return before entering the store and getting your goodies.
Here’s a tip: if you’re visiting during a busier time of the year and want to avoid long waits, either get there in the middle of the day (not the evening/night) or visit on a weekday rather than the weekend. This can cut down your wait time significantly.
🏰 The Experience Inside Gideon’s
Personally, I’m not a huge chocolate fan, so I don’t go for the cookies themselves. But walking into Gideon’s is an experience. The store is dark, moody, and incredibly detailed—it feels like you’ve stepped into a magical world, kind of like something out of Harry Potter, but totally unique and bit on the darker toned side.
But the smell is the best part. It’s a deep, rich chocolate aroma, like a warm cup of thick hot cocoa mixed with freshly baked cookies. It’s hard to explain, but trust me—it’s incredible. Even if you don’t get a cookie, the scent alone is satisfying (at least it is for me!). The rest of my family, of course, loves the whole experience and enjoys sinking their teeth into the gooey, fudgy cookies afterward every time we visit.
My families go-to order is an Original Chocolate Chip and Triple Chocolate cookies. These are their staple flavors. While they usually like trying the monthly specials, this March’s special was a Peanut Butter Cold Brew Cookie—a little too coffee-forward. But if the monthly flavor sounds good when you visit, definitely give it a try!
🛍️ Quick Shopping Stops: Pura Vida & Stance
After grabbing the cookies, we stopped by the Pira Vida and Stance stores on our way out.
The Pura Vida store was especially fun because they only offer apparel in their physical locations—not online. That made it feel like we were getting something unique to the springs area. Plus, growing up in a family with three sisters (two older and one younger than me), we had to grab some t-shirts for all of us—plus one for Mom to enjoy!
Stance is another go-to stop at Disney Springs for our family. My dad loves their socks, my mom’s a fan of their Disney-themed shirts, and my parents always pick up a few pairs for my brothers-in-laws and nephews because the quality of everything really does last a long time.
🍕 Red Oven Pizza: Universal’s City Walk Orlando
After our quick stops, we were getting hungry and decided to head to my little sister’s favorite restaurant in Orlando—Red Oven Pizza, located in Universal’s CityWalk Orlando.
Pro Tip: Universal Studios Florida offers free parking after 6:00 p.m., so if you want to eat at CityWalk (like grabbing pizza at Red Oven), go after 6:00 p.m. and you’ll avoid the hefty $32+ parking fee charged during the day park hours. That’s some big savings—and honestly, it can help offset the cost of dinner!
I know that traveling on a budget doesn’t have to be hard—you just need to do a little research. Planning small things like timing your visit after 6:00 p.m. can save you money that you shouldn’t have to spend for just an hour or two of food or shopping.
With that in mind, we love the atmosphere at the CityWalk, and Red Oven has some truly good pizza. We parked quickly, walked through security, and found an open table at the restaurant.
Another Pro Tip: Try to arrive around 6:00 p.m. ,because the parks close slightly after that point based on the season. Once that happens, restaurants fill up fast with hungry parkgoers. Arriving before park closing times means you’ll find parking easily and avoid long waits at the restaurants to even get seated and then to even get your food too.
Once we were at Red Oven and seated, we ordered. This time, we kept it simple: a Margherita pizza, a pepperoni pizza, and a couple Caesar salads.
The food took a little while to arrive. The pizzas actually came out before the salads, which felt a bit backwards. Red Oven was clearly very busy after we placed our order—lots of people were ordering and waiting—so the service was a little off. Still, we had a good experience overall. The staff was moving quickly and were helpful whenever we needed something.
🍕 The Pizza & Publix Pit Stop
The pizza is hands-down the highlight of the menu. The crust is puffy and doughy around the edges, perfectly baked in a wood oven. The tomatoes are bright and flavorful, balancing beautifully with the creamy, chewy cheese. Every bite is warm, comforting, and so satisfying—it’s the kind of pizza you’ll want to come back for.
The salads were more basic. Nothing too special, but adding the herby grilled chicken made them more enjoyable. The chicken was juicy and flavorful. The only issue was the salad didn’t come with enough dressing, so we had to ask for extra.
After our yummy dinner, we headed out of the CityWalk and back to our car—it was getting super busy with the parks now closed and crowds pouring out to find food.
On the way back to the hotel, we made a quick stop at another Publix to stock up on breakfast supplies like cereal and milk, drinks like water and Vitamin Waters, and some extra Disney snacks like dried mango and natural fruit snacks. Publix always has a great selection, and I genuinely enjoy shopping in their clean, well-stocked stores when we are in Florida.
After a full day of delicious food, fun shops, and Florida sunshine, we made it back to the hotel, got ready for bed, and crashed!
It was such a full, fun day—and we were all extra excited for Disney’s Animal Kingdom the next morning!
Day 2 - March 8th, 2025 – Disney Animal Kingdom+ Disney Springs Dinner
From waking up before sunrise to exploring foreign lands and tasting delicious park eats, our first-ever visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom was packed with adventure, thrills, and memorable moments! We rode some well known favorite rides like Expedition Everest (twice!), got up close with unique wildlife on the Kilimanjaro Safari, soaked in the vibrant sights of Pandora – The World of Avatar, and wrapped up the day with a late dinner at new resturant at Disney Springs. Want the full story, complete with tips, food highlights, and our honest thoughts on each experience?
👉 Click here to read the full write-up and get all the details!
