Orlando Local Summer Bucket List | 2024

Orlando Local Summer Bucket List | 2024

We have lived here for just under four years and we decided it was time to finally check some of the things we have always wanted to do here in Orlando off of the list! Since summer is in full swing we as Orlando locals know that this season is filled with endless possibilities and adventures and we need to be taking full advantage of them. SO many things from theme parks to outdoor water activities, our city is bursting with opportunities to make memories and soak up the sunshine. With that being said, there are so many options, it is hard to know where to even begin? We decided to write them down and actually try to check off items from our Summer Bucket List. Honestly this list can be for anyone, whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor here on vacation, this bucket list has anything and everything you need to make the most out of your summer in Orlando. From hidden gems to must-see attractions, I feel like this list will keep you entertained all season long. So grab your sunscreen and get ready to explore our city like a true local!

Unleash Your Inner Adventurer: Orlando Locals Summer Bucket List
Unleash Your Inner Adventurer: Orlando Locals Summer Bucket List

Glass Bottom Kayak Tour at Rainbow Springs -

I have always wanted to do this, all of the videos I see on Instagram look so pretty! You can go in a 1 person or a 2 person kayak and the website that I found looks like it will be $70 a person! They also had a ton of availability which was awesome because this kind of thing seems like it could fill up pretty quick.

Spend an afternoon at Lakeridge Winery -

I have wanted to come to this winery since we moved here and we’ve driven past it a bunch but never stopped in. This one seems like it will be an easy one to check off! They have live entertainment on the weekends as well as a food court and then obviously the wine bar!

Go in the hot air balloon at Disney Springs -

For those of you who don’t know, Dustin and I actually got married in this balloon and we have never been back up in it. We will be celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary on July 1st so that seems like the perfect time to do it again! For those who are curious it is $30 a person to go up in the balloon!

Beach day at St. Pete Beach -

Not all of the things on this bucket list are huge, we have been to this beach many times before but not too often. The beach feels juuuuuust out of reach for us to go often with the puppies being at home, so planning a beach day for us will be much more likely that we end up going!

Winter Garden Farmers Market Date -

Again not a huge thing, we have been a few times but I wanted to add it to the list because it’s something not to miss! We love spending at Saturday in Winter Garden at the farmers market and then getting lunch somewhere and doing a bit of shopping! We love eating at Urban on plant and we also love the bookstore that they have there called Writers Block! I also feel like I should share that we also love going to the Clermont Farmers market! Both are awesome for their own reasons! Like the Clermont area has really cool shops like the record store!

Swim with the manatees at Blue Springs State Park -

This has been on my list since before we moved down to Florida and I am shocked that we haven’t been yet. I REALLY want to make it happen this summer!

Spend the day at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon -

Our Disney passes include the Disney water parks and we’ve been passholders for two years, this might even be our third year of being passholders, and I can’t believe that we’ve never been to one of the water parks! I’m not a huge waterpark person, but I do think that I would enjoy spending time at a waterpark that was Disney themed!

Watch the 4th of July fireworks from Lake Minneola -

We actually do have plans to do this this summer, our friends invited us out on their boat to watch the fireworks and I’m so excited! I think it’s gonna be so cool watching them from the water!

Brunch at Root and Branch -

This is one of those smaller bucket list items but eating at this restaurant has been on my list for awhile now so I want to make it happen this summer!

Morning hike at Lake Louisa State Park -

We love going to Lake Louisa, but we’ve never actually gone hiking there, I am excited too go though! There are so many pretty in the state park and I think hiking through it will be a fun way to see them!

Visit the Clearwater Aquarium -

Again, I have followed the Clearwater aquarium on Instagram since we lived in Boston and have always wanted to go that I’m surprised that we haven’t been yet. But much like the beach it is just far enough away that we haven’t made the trip yet. Definitely hoping to cross this off the list this summer.

Concert date night at Epcot Eat to the Beat -

This will be a late summer activity, we love going to the concerts that are in the American Pavilion at Epcot. It’s such a fun date night and there are usually some pretty cool bands to watch! We will most likely go to more than one of these concerts but such a fun and easy night out if you are a Disney pass holder!

Spend time at The Acre -

I’m pretty sure this opened up in the fall of last year and so many people have made such cool videos about the acre, from what I understand it’s like an outdoor food live music hang out picnic situation… Lots of people bring their dogs. It looks like such a fun time!

Bioluminescence Stand Up Paddle Tour at Indian River lagoon -

I’ve heard that this is such a fun thing to see, it’s standup paddle boarding but at night and there is bioluminescent algae that makes the river/lagoon light up… I’m not even sure if I’m explaining it correctly but my geeky science loving heart is so excited for this

Weekend Trip to the Everglades National Park -

I would absolutely love to make this happen this summer, the Everglades is a topic that I learn about a lot in my school and classes… The Florida Panther has come to be one of my favorite things to learn more about and I have done many projects over the topic. Seeing this in person would be such a cool experience.

Disney World - 4 Parks in 1 Day -

I’m pretty sure we’ve done this before, but not in an intentional way and with a lack of organization… I would love to do this again though and make goals for each park to really be able to say that we’ve done four parks in one day! But definitely something I want to do!

Unleash Your Inner Adventurer: Orlando Locals Summer Bucket List
Unleash Your Inner Adventurer: Orlando Locals Summer Bucket List

As Orlando locals, we are no strangers to the heat and humidity of summer and truly there is some level of embracing the heat and still enjoying summer activities that need to happen! We are so looking forward to getting outside and exploring all that this city we call home has to offer. Like I mentioned before, there are so many options from theme park adventures to hidden gems off the beaten path, our summer bucket list has something for everyone and we can’t wait to start checking these off the list. Are any of these things on your bucket list in Orlando? Or did you add anything from this list to your own list? I would love to hear if there are things that I should add as well! Comment below or you can always email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you as quickly as possible!

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Drinking Around the World at Epcot: My Favorites

I think the best tip that I could give you guys is which drink I order in each country when I am drinking around the world at Epcot! I feel like when I used to Google which drink was the best I would get so many mixed suggestions, maybe that will feel like this for you guys too but maybe it will help! Here are my favorite drinks from each country and where you a find them! Keep in mind these are all gluten-free and because of that, there isn’t any beer or dark liquor in these drinks!

Join us on a magical journey through Epcot at Disney World and discover the top drink choices, handpicked by our experts. From classic cocktails to unique creations, satisfy your thirst and elevate your Disney experience with our insider tips. Don't
Join us on a magical journey through Epcot at Disney World and discover the top drink choices, handpicked by our experts. From classic cocktails to unique creations, satisfy your thirst and elevate your Disney experience with our insider tips. Don't

Mexico - I love the Spicy Mentirosa from La Cava del Tequila, this is technically an alcohol-free drink but I add tequila and it is literally SO SO delicious! It is made with Lyre’s Italian Orange, Lyre’s Dry London, lime juice, cucumber and jalapeño juice, agave nectar, and the rim is a hibiscus salt, so good, and then I added tequila!

Norway - Here I get the Troll Kreme which is at the cart right when you walk into Norway, it is a frozen vanilla and cranberry that is topped with Dragon Berry Rum and it’s yummy and cooling on a hot Florida day!

China - I always get the Kung Fu Punch, which is at the cart that is called Joy of Tea, it’s not inside the pavilion but right next to the little shop that is at the entrance to the China Pavilion. The drink includes vodka, triple sec, and then a combination of mango and orange juice!

Outpost - If I am being honest, I really can’t remember the last time I got a drink from here. I think there is beer which I can’t have and other than that I’m not sure what they offer. Next time I am there I will check it out in person and report back!

Germany - Here we like to go into the bar that is attached to the gift shop with ornaments called Weinkeller and get chocolate shots, it is in a small round bottle and it really just tastes like a shot of hot chocolate, it is so good! We have also gotten this bottle for the house, it is called Mozart Gold Chocolate Liqueur, we love it!

Italy - I usually grab a glass of wine when I am here, that isn’t super directive but I love red wine and it always tastes good coming off of the chocolate shot in Germany. I don’t think you can go wrong here with red, white or rose!

America - Here I usually just get an Angry Orchard from Regal Eagle Smokehouse, I know that is pretty boring but it’s safe and I know I can have it!

Japan - This drink can be kind of hit or miss for me, I get the Violet Sake from Garden House which is Japan’s outdoor Sake Bar, but sometimes it can be way too sweet. This drink has dry sake, ronin desert pear syrup, sweetened lime juice and water. If I am just casually drinking around the world I might skip it, if I am committed to the cause of drinking around the world haha this is what I will get! If you have any other suggestions though let me know what I should try.

Morocco - I go to the bar that is inside Spice Road Table and I always get the Pomegranate Acai! It has the acai blueberry pomegranate Vitaminwater, dragon berry rum, lime juice, agave, and soda water- so good! 10/10 recommend this one!

France - This seems like the most basic answer but I love the Grand Mariner Slush, it is at the booth called Les Vins des Chefs de France and its the orange slush that you will see most people carrying around! It is a slushy that has Grand Mariner, Rum, Grey Goose orange and orange juice in it and it is so dangerously delicious!

United Kingdom - This is another stop where my choice isn’t all that exciting but I love Strongbow and have a hard time finding it here in Florida aside from the United Kingdom pavilion at Epcot and the local British pub that we go to a lot. So my choice here is to stop into the Rose and Crown and get a glass of Strongbow!

Canada - I have never successfully found a gluten-free beverage in Canada unfortunately. I will always keep my eyes open but unfortunately, I’ve never had luck.

Join us on a magical journey through Epcot at Disney World and discover the top drink choices, handpicked by our experts. From classic cocktails to unique creations, satisfy your thirst and elevate your Disney experience with our insider tips. Don't
Join us on a magical journey through Epcot at Disney World and discover the top drink choices, handpicked by our experts. From classic cocktails to unique creations, satisfy your thirst and elevate your Disney experience with our insider tips. Don't

Hopefully, this will help you guys a little but I am always here to answer any questions that you have or advice on different Disney facts or suggestions for food or drinks! Please feel free to comment below with any questions that you might have or let me know if these tips worked for you and your trip to Disney!

Much Love,

Emma

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9 Destinations on our 2024 Travel Bucket List

9 Destinations on our 2024 Travel Bucket List

Start planning your 2024 travels with our list of the top 9 must-visit destinations, from breathtaking natural wonders to historic cities. Don't miss out on these dream travel experiences, book your trip now!

I always like creating a travel bucket list, I don’t do it every year but when I do I like to think that it sets the tone and focus for what I want to get out of my year. I like to think that having a travel bucket list is important because it also keeps me motivated with something to look forward to. When I first started my travel blog back in 2017, I made a travel bucket list and I think it was one of our biggest travel years that we ever had, we were so excited to have those trips to look forward to! This year we have talked about what we wanted our year to look like and what kind of travel year we wanted to have, things like a bigger trip with some of our dream destinations, smaller destinations in the USA, road trips, etc. We decided to do one bigger trip with a couple of dream destinations and then some USA weekend adventure trips sprinkled here and there, I am really excited for what this year has in store. Without further ado, here is our travel bucket list for 2024. I will start with spots that are already booked and then end the list with places we’d like to book later!

Mackinac Island

Last year when we went to Arizona it was a big family reunion to honor my grandpa who passed away in February of 2021. My grandpa absolutely loved traveling and did it his whole life as often as he could. When he passed away, the one thing that my grandpa asked us to do as a family was to continue traveling and he wanted us to do it as a big family. So that is what we started last year and it was the most special trip. I honestly have memories that I will remember forever. After last year we decided that every other year we wanted to do a bigger trip and the opposite years we would still get together away but on a smaller scale. This year I think we might do Mackinac Island in Michigan. I went there with my grandpa when I was about 12 and still have memories from that. When Dustin and I moved to Boston back in 2019 we stopped there on our drive out to the east coast and again, I have some of the best memories from that trip as well. I’m hoping that this trip happens but in my close family two babies are being born (January and March) so it might not happen, we will see but I still wanted to add it to this year’s bucket list!

Mexico - at some point

We have gone to Mexico at some point each year over the last three years since moving to Florida and we love it. When we do vacations in Mexico, they lean more towards the relaxing type of trip and it’s time for us to be able to sit and do nothing. We are both pretty go, go, go and this gives us a chance to do nothing if we want. We are members of the Unlimited Vacation Club with Secrets and Hyatt and have been since 2020, we have really enjoyed it so far! If you have questions about it I would be more than happy to share more about our experience with the Unlimited Vacation Club so far! I think if we go to Mexico this year it will most likely be in the fall and I would guess that we try a new resort this time, there are so many to choose from!

Here are a few on our list

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya

Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

Start planning your 2024 travels with our list of the top 9 must-visit destinations, from breathtaking natural wonders to historic cities. Don't miss out on these dream travel experiences, book your trip now!
Start planning your 2024 travels with our list of the top 9 must-visit destinations, from breathtaking natural wonders to historic cities. Don't miss out on these dream travel experiences, book your trip now!

The Everglades

This is a place that I have obviously always known about and heard about and thought was so cool. But since I started getting my degree in Wildlife Conservation this National Park has been a topic that I do a lot of research on in my classes and I have grown to love it, I love learning about it and getting emails about park updates and conservation efforts. I am hoping to check it off of my bucket list this year! It seems like a trip that we could take possibly in the fall once Florida cools off a bit again. The Everglades would be the perfect long weekend getaway from the Orlando area, it is about a three-hour drive to the middle of the park!

Iowa

We will be making lots of trips (per usual) to Iowa this year, I mean we usually travel here a ton because both of our families live there but this year my sister is having a baby and I can imagine there will be many weekends spent there snuggling that nugget! My other sister also graduates high school this year and we will be back for that as well which we are so excited for!

Denmark

Denmark is another stop on our cruise, it is actually the last stop on our cruise this summer and I am soooooo excited to see the iconic sights that are in Copenhagen! I didn’t know this but Copenhagen was originally a fishing town which makes sense with the canal that runs through the colorful buildings! I’m looking forward to riding bikes and the cobblestone roads and architecture. We are also staying here for a couple of days after the cruise so send any recommendations that you might have our way!

Sweden

This is a special place to us because Dustin travels here 1-2 times a year for work and this will be the first time that I get to go with him to see the area. I’m not going to lie, Sweden wasn’t ever really high on my list but now that Dustin has been there a few times I think it would be cool to visit!

Scotland

This is a stop on the cruise that we are going on this summer with my parents. We have one stop in Scotland and we will only be there for a day. But we will be going back at some point within the next couple of years with Dustin’s parents and that will be fun. It will be cool to see it but I know we will be thankful that we will get to spend more time there in the future. My sister (who is having the baby) lived in Scotland for two years so we will have some awesome insider tips to have an amazing trip!

Iceland

I’m sure everyone has a story like this but we had been planning a trip here in 2020 and obviously didn’t end up going but we had always wanted to go and it was at the top of both of our lists as a dream destination. Well, this summer we are making it happen. I mentioned that we are going on a cruise with my parents and this is where the cruise starts (it ends in Denmark) and we are going to stay in Iceland for a few days before the cruise starts to see some sights and I can’t wait! If you have any recommendations please send them my way!

Start planning your 2024 travels with our list of the top 9 must-visit destinations, from breathtaking natural wonders to historic cities. Don't miss out on these dream travel experiences, book your trip now!
Start planning your 2024 travels with our list of the top 9 must-visit destinations, from breathtaking natural wonders to historic cities. Don't miss out on these dream travel experiences, book your trip now!

New Orleans

When this post goes live we will just be getting back from our weekend away in New Orleans. This town has been on my bucket list for at least ten years and I am so excited to be checking it off. This trip was my Christmas gift from Dustin. If you were around last year you might remember that we went to New York around Valentine’s Day and that was my gift to him for Christmas. I should start brainstorming destinations for his Christmas gift because it will be my turn to plan it next! Any destinations in the US that I should look into?! Let me know! I will be sharing all the things soon, gluten-free foods, what we did, where we stayed- the works!

I think everyone should plan their travel bucket list, even if it is just one place that you would like to go to this year, it’s so great to have something to look forward to, especially if any of the following things were on your resolutions for the year, “more adventure”, “visiting a dream destination”, “creating more memories” or something along those lines that go with travel goals. I would love to hear your travel bucket list for 2024 in the comments! I hope that this list gave you some inspiration and you can follow me on Instagram for more travel inspiration and updates for when we are in our bucket list destinations.

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Navigating Disney's Animal Kingdom: Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Visit

My top 10 tips for visiting Animal Kingdom at Disney 

10 Essential Tips to Make the most of Disney's Animal Kingdom

Hi friends! 🐭✨ 

Happy Tuesday! We just recently back from a visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom and I figured it was a great time to share some updated tips. Animal Kindom at Disney is full of wildlife, rides, and awe-inspiring experiences. From the best time to ride Flight of Passage to hidden gems like Rafiki's Planet Watch, here are some essential tips for exploring the Animal Kingdom.

  1. Beat the Crowds at Flight of Passage

    To maximize your chances of experiencing the mind-blowing Flight of Passage, aim to visit between 12:00 and 12:30. I found that typically this is when most visitors are taking a lunch break so you will get to experience shorter lines, allowing you to soar through the breathtaking world of Pandora with minimal wait times!

  2. The Tree of Life is a hidden gem

    Don't rush past the iconic Tree of Life when you are walking into Discovery Island. Did you know there over 300 animals are intricately carved into the tree's bark? It's a stunning work of art that you won’t want to miss because you are rushing in the gates. You definitely get lost spending some time looking at it!

Don't miss these crowd-favorite buffalo chicken nachos at Trilo-Bites, a must-try for food lovers at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

3.Do Kilimanjaro Safari in the morning for extra excitement

For an up-close animal encounter, embark on the Kilimanjaro Safari in the morning. Why the morning you ask? Well, this is when the animals tend to be more active, providing an authentic safari experience. Keep your camera ready because you won’t want to miss some amazing pics!

4. Get an extra thrill if you do Expedition Everest at night

If you are a thrill seeker, this one is for you. Expedition Everest feels even faster and more exhilarating when experienced at night. The combination of darkness and surprise twists and turns adds an extra layer of excitement to this roller coaster!

5. Creature Comforts: Animal Kingdom's Starbucks

When you need a caffeine boost, head to the Starbucks in Animal Kingdom, known as “Creature Comforts”. It's conveniently located on Discovery Island, making it an ideal pitstop during your adventures.

6. Bring a ziplock at Kali River Rapids to keep your belongings dry

If you plan to take on Kali River Rapids, a ziplock bag is your best friend. Safeguard your phone and any other belongings you don't want to get wet. This is one of my favorite pro tips!

7. If you are gluten-free, eat breakfast before you arrive at Animal Kingdom

For those with dietary preferences like gluten-free (GF), it's essential to note that breakfast options are limited in Animal Kingdom. Plan ahead and have a satisfying breakfast before entering the park to keep your energy up throughout the day.

8. The best way to beat the heat is by seeing the shows in the afternoon

When it comes to shows, you will thank yourself if you plan to catch them in the afternoon when the sun is at its peak. One must-see show is the "Festival of the Lion King" offering an entertaining and air-conditioned escape from the Florida heat and humidity. Another one we like is Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond!

9. Don’t miss out on Trilo-bites’  Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Foodies, make sure to sample the buffalo chicken nachos at Trilo-bites, located at the entrance of Dinoland. They are a taste sensation that's not to be missed. Not to mention, they are gluten-free!

10. Create some animation at Rafiki's Planet Watch

Don't overlook Rafiki's Planet Watch, a hidden gem within Animal Kingdom. You get to participate in the drawing animation experience, which is not only fun but also a fantastic way to do something you wouldn't normally have access to with it being more of a behind-the-scenes activity that happens at the parks!

I hope these tips for  Disney's Animal Kingdom are ones that make your trip an unforgettable one. Whether you're into fun rides, wildlife, or simply soaking up the park's unique atmosphere, there's something for everyone. Comment below with any questions that you might have or let me know if these tips worked for you and your trip to Disney! Also, if you're planning a trip to Hollywood Studios, I've got some valuable insider tips that you can read here to make your visit even more enjoyable.

Much Love,
Emma
XO

Catch the animals at their most active on the Kilimanjaro Safari during the early morning hours.

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