Camille's Guidebook

Florida’s rainy season is in the summertime. Just about everyday during the summer there will always be a short rain shower or thunderstorm. When you’re at the parks it is especially important that you have ponchos with you, lest you want to be completely drenched at the parks. Purchase the ponchos at a Walmart or Publix; they’re way cheaper. Buying ponchos at the parks are going to cost more simply because you’re purchasing them in the park.

Purchasing your park tickets online is not only cheaper than buying them in person, but it’s also more convenient so you can go straight into the park and not have to wait in line to purchase tickets.

If you’re staying at the Disney Dream Villa, Wyndham Palms Villa or Silver Palm Townhome, this is for you! There is a shortcut to get to the Disney parks that we personally use every time we visit. When you leave the resort and you’re headed down Formosa Gardens Blvd, turn right onto US 192. From there, you go to the stoplight that’s by the McDonald’s and CVS Pharmacy. At that light, turn right onto Sherberth Road. Follow that road all the way down until you get to the next light. At that light, turn right onto Osceola Parkway. Now from there, follow any of the signs that go to the parks.

The parks are loud, especially the rides and some of the shows. Not every kid likes loud noise or handles it very well, especially if they have any sensory processing disorders. We highly recommend noise-canceling headsets. Your kids will still be able to hear, it just softens the blow of the noise so they’re not uncomfortable. You can find them on Amazon or any sporting goods store.

If you’re visiting the parks, it is absolutely essential to wear good walking shoes, especially if they’ve been broken into. Many people do not realize how much walking is involved in visiting the parks. Some days you will have walked as much as several miles in a day! (I know this because I’ve been there) Some sandals are fine too, but don’t even think about wearing high heels, dress flats, shoes with no support, or flip flops. I have seen kids wear Crocs and be comfortable too so long as they have socks on.

If you love horror movies and haunted mazes, this is for you! Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event that runs from select nights in September and October. This is the park’s most popular event of the year! Every year they have several highly immersive mazes, themed scare zones, fun stage shows, exclusive merchandise and specialty food and drinks! This even is not for the faint of heart: it’s recommended not to bring children or adults who are not as willing to endure the spookiness of it all. Tickets sell fast, so buy them ASAP!

From March until July, EPCOT hosts its Flower and Garden Festival! The whole park is adorned with larger than life topiaries of Disney’s beloved characters, as well as several flower gardens and displays throughout the park! Indulge in the several food and drink booths throughout World Showcase, visit the Butterfly Garden, check out the event exclusive merchandise, and rock out to the Garden Rocks concert!

During Flower and Garden Festival at EPCOT, the park host’s the Garden Rocks Concert Series! Several different performers and bands will play three shows a night throughout the event’s runtime! Some of the groups we’ve seen include Rick Springfield, Kool and the Gang, A Flock of Seagulls, Plain White T’s, and more! The groups change every year so check out the latest list when available!