Florida, Parks & Swim with Dolphins with Jamie, Marguerite & Jackie

 Florida, Parks & Swim with Dolphins

Arriving in sunny Florida we settled into our stunning Davenport villas with private pools and hot tubs. That evening, plans for Disney and dolphin swims were discussed over takeaway pizza, and the magic of the trip was already.

Animal Kingdom immersed us in a mix of natural wonder and Disney thrills. The Kilimanjaro Safaris offered up-close encounters with giraffes, elephants, hippos, and lions, while the Festival of the Lion King dazzled with acrobats, dancers, and the vibrant rhythms of Africa. In Pandora, Avatar Flight of Passage took us on a breathtaking, immersive flight over floating mountains and alien landscapes atop a banshee, while Na’vi River Journey offered a serene, glowing bioluminescent rainforest ride. Feathered Friends in Flight showcased trained birds with humour and heart, and Dinosaur hurled us back in time through dark, roaring prehistoric terrain. The day ended with the exhilarating Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, a high-speed train ride through icy tunnels and sudden drops, escaping the fearsome Yeti.

                          

  

Dreams came true at Magic Kingdom, the heart of Disney.  Space Mountain launched us through darkness, stars, and galaxies with sharp turns and sudden drops. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin challenged us to aim and shoot laser blasters in a fun, competitive game. Fantasyland rides like Peter Pan’s Flight whisked us over London and Neverland, and It’s a Small World offered a gentle, cheerful journey around the globe. Adventureland featured Jungle Cruise with its witty, pun-filled commentary, and Pirates of the Caribbean, a dark, immersive boat ride with animatronic pirates and treasure. Thrill rides like Splash Mountain delivered heart-stopping drops, while Big Thunder Mountain Railroad careened through twisting desert mines. 

                    

              

The Festival of Fantasy Parade was one of the most joyful and visually spectacular moments of our entire Magic Kingdom day. As the music swelled and the first float appeared, Main Street and Fantasyland instantly came alive with colour, movement, and excitement. Leading the parade were Belle and the Beast, dancing gracefully atop an elegant float inspired by Beauty and the Beast, setting a magical, storybook tone. Behind them came a series of stunning, oversized floats representing different Disney worlds, each more elaborate than the last. Rapunzel’s float was especially eye-catching, with her enormous flowing golden hair wrapped around the tower as dancers twirled ribbons and lanterns below. The energy lifted even higher with Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto, waving enthusiastically to the crowd from a bright, celebratory float. Seeing them up close was pure Disney magic, and when they noticed Ewan’s birthday badge, they waved and blew kisses, making the moment feel incredibly personal and special.

As night fell, Cinderella Castle became the focal point of the Magic Kingdom, glowing against the dark sky as guests gathered in anticipation. When the music began, the castle was transformed by vibrant projections, telling the stories of classic and modern Disney films including The Lion King, Frozen, Moana, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast. The images flowed seamlessly across the castle’s towers, making it feel alive and part of the story. Fireworks burst high above the castle in perfect time with the music — from gentle, sparkling effects to powerful, chest-thumping explosions that filled the sky with colour. Sweeping searchlights and layered fireworks created a huge, cinematic feel, drawing gasps and cheers from the crowd as each sequence built on the last. The show’s message of believing in your dreams gave the finale an emotional edge. As the music reached its peak, the sky erupted in a spectacular finale of cascading gold and bright white fireworks, lighting up the park. When the final burst faded, the applause was instant, and smiles were everywhere. Walking away under the glowing lights of Main Street, the feeling was clear — it was a truly unforgettable Disney moment.

EPCOT combined innovation, global culture, and thrill rides. Spaceship Earth explored humanity’s history from cave paintings to the modern era, and Soarin’ Around the World gave the sensation of flight over iconic global landmarks. World Showcase offered rides like Frozen Ever After in Norway, featuring Elsa’s ice magic, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a 4D ride shrinking us to mouse size through Gusteau’s restaurant. Test Track launched us in custom-designed cars at nearly 65 mph, delivering an adrenaline rush alongside innovation. EPCOT highlights on the second day included Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a spinning, music-driven coaster through space, Mission: SPACE Orange Mission’s intense Mars simulation, and the interactive Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana, combining play and magic.

Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure delivered high-octane thrills and cinematic adventure. The Incredible Hulk Coaster launched us from 0–40 mph into loops, corkscrews, and high-speed turns. Doctor Doom’s Fearfall shot riders skyward before plummeting in freefall, while The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man combined 3D visuals, motion, and water effects for a full-on superhero experience. Skull Island: Reign of Kong brought us face-to-face with giant creatures in a cinematic ride full of surprises. Water rides like River Rapids soaked us with twists, turns, and waterfalls, and the record-breaking VelociCoaster hurled riders through inversions, high-speed launches, and jaw-dropping drops. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter captivated with Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, racing through the Forbidden Forest with backward launches, drops, and thrilling surprises. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey inside Hogwarts Castle combined motion, visuals, and storytelling for an unforgettable experience.

Hollywood Studios  delivered cinematic thrills. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance immersed us in a multi-stage adventure as we dodged the First Order and escaped in a dramatic chase. Tower of Terror dropped us unpredictably through haunted elevator shafts, while Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster raced us through loops and turns to an Aerosmith soundtrack. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run let Adam and Daniel pilot the iconic ship through asteroid fields, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway offered a playful, animated journey full of surprises.

Discovery Cove was a dream come true, with floating through tropical lagoons, snorkeling the Grand Reef, and the highlight — swimming with Marea, an intelligent bottlenose dolphin. 

SeaWorld offered one last adrenaline rush. Mako and Kraken provided towering coaster thrills, while the Orca Encounter showcased majestic killer whales performing leaps and interacting with trainers, leaving us in awe.