After spending seven busy, bustling and hectic days in Disney World (see recaps here, here and here), we jumped into our rental car and drove the 45 minutes went to Winter Haven, Florida.
I’ve written here in the past about my son’s utter obsession with everything Lego. Honestly, I think he felt a little out of sorts at Disney, not having any Legos to build with.
So that’s why we didn’t tell him about Legoland. We wanted to keep it a surprise. I swear, that was even harder than keeping my pregnancies a secret during the first trimester!
We set out from our Winter Haven area hotel on a Saturday morning and told the kiddos we were going on an adventure. I originally thought about blindfolding Buddy until we got to the park, but I think that would have freaked him out, so instead we just gave him the tablet and let him play games.
He never looked up. Everytime we passed a sign that said “Legoland, 5 miles,” Dr. G. and I would hold our breath, and I’d slowly peek into the backseat to make sure my little reader hadn’t noticed. Which, like any little boy playing a video game, he did not.
Finally, when we were pulling in, we said, “Hey, Buddy, look where we are!” And you could see it registering on his face. “We’re at Legoland?!” he squealed.
And then went back to his game. Sigh.
But once we parked, he was all antsy with excitement. I have to say, I loved Legoland. It was clean and not crowded and certainly not as overwhelming as it’s neighbor to the west. In fact, Buddy proclaimed to like it better (although he may have been a little biased, having a Lego addiction and all).
The rides were just okay, nothing special, but the rest of the park was amazing. Although Mimi was too small for most rides (besides the merry-go-round, which we rode four times), they did have a toddler play area that she absolutely loved.
But as for the rest of Legoland? Well, I’m just going to let the pictures speak for themselves.
And, of course, we spent a LOT of time in their Lego Star Wars area … shocking, right?
We spent a full day there, went back to the hotel, then got in the car early the next morning for the 3.5 hour drive to Ft. Lauderdale. Dr. G. and I liked the idea of at least seeing the beach while we were in Florida, and the fact that I have family down there (and Dr. G. had hotel points to use) made it an easy decision.
Enter the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa.
We only had about 48 hours there, but it was the perfect way to end our vacation. Gorgeous beach, beautiful views, tons of amenities. Dr. G. and I even got to escape one night down to Miami’s South Beach for an early birthday dinner for me, since we had some local babysitters!
(By the way, I highly recommend Essenia Restaurant & Lounge. Best meal I had the entire vacation.)
While we loved the resort’s private beach, giant pool and lounge area and the ability to order fruity cocktails anywhere, I’d say my favorite part of the resort was it’s Kids Surf Club. Basically, a club house where kids ages 5-12 can play games, do arts and crafts and check out a surfing simulator. We sent Buddy there for a few hours and he had a great time.
My second favorite part? The spa. As a birthday treat, my thoughtful husband had arranged for a fabulous massage, and after I was able to hang out in the spa for as long as I wanted, checking out the sauna, steam room, whirlpool, etc. Heaven.
I think Dr. G. and I both realized that the beach resort thing is probably more our speed when it comes to vacationing, rather than all the activity and excitement of Disney, but I’m so happy we were able to experience both on this family vacation.
And now back to reality …
Chelley / AisForAdelaide says
Legoland and the beach after Disney?! Best vacation ever… add a massage to that (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, btw) and I have to agree: Heaven!!
Beautiful family pictures!!