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Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Cape May Beach Club Resort WDW

Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Meet Minnie and her friends for a beach-themed bash breakfast at Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
Cape May Beach Club Resort WDW
Enjoy a classic character breakfast at this New England-inspired venue. Choose from a bountiful buffet filled with breakfast favourites including Mickey Mouse waffles, scrambled eggs, seasoned potatoes, sausage, oatmeal and more.
Cape May Beach Club Resort WDW
Minnie and her friends visit each table throughout the breakfast for photos and autographs.
Like all character meals at Walt Disney World Resort, Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast books out fast, so advance reservations are highly recommended.
Cape May Beach Club Resort WDW

Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

 

Get more tips on visiting Walt Disney World Resort.

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Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

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‘Ohana Best Friends Character Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch

6 Reasons to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

 

Hotel Review: Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Enjoy the retro-themed Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort on your next trip to Universal Orlando, Florida.

Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida

With mid-tier pricing placing this hotel in the “value” category, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort provides excellent value for money with an excellent on-site location, fun 1950s-theming and plenty of amenities to make your stay endlessly fun.

Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort features two massive pools including a waterslide and a lazy river, 10-lane bowling alley, Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and select attractions at Universal’s Volcano Bay™ water theme park, one hour before the theme parks open.

Guests of ALL Universal Orlando Resort Hotels enjoy:

One hour early admission into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal’s Volcano Bay with Early Park Admission (you must have valid theme park tickets to access this).

Free water taxis or shuttle bus service from Universal’s hotels to the parks.

Most of Universal’s hotels and parks are connected with paths if you feel like walking.

Charge purchases across the Resort to your room key card.

Free merchandise delivery from resort shops to your Universal hotel.

Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida

Resort Amenities 

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort features family suites that sleep up to six, complete with a kitchenette, and standard rooms that sleep up to four. The hotel is within walking distance of both Universal Orlando theme parks and the Universal CityWalk™ dining and entertainment complex.

Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida

Recreation

Cabana Courtyard
The Cabana Courtyard is home to a huge swimming pool with dive tower-themed water slide, outdoor billiard tables, chess and checker tables, bag toss games, shaded picnic tables, a large fire pit, and the Atomic Tonic poolside bar. Note: this area is closed in winter.

Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida

Lazy River Courtyard
The Lazy River Courtyard features a sparkling swimming pool with a lazy river (tubes available for purchase), the poolside The Hideaway Bar & Grille, two fire pits and outdoor seating. Note: this area is closed in winter.

Game Room
Game-O-Rama is a fun place to play high-tech arcade games and old school classics.

Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida

Galaxy Bowl
The hotel’s Galaxy Bowl on the 2nd floor of the hotel’s lobby building features 10 lanes of ten-pin bowling alleys and a table service restaurant.

Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida

Loews Loves Kids Program
The Loews Loves Kids Programs makes travel with kids fun and easy with lending libraries of games to childproofing kits.

Where to eat

The resort has a few food options: The Bayliner Diner food court for quick meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Galaxy Bowl Restaurant in the hotel’s bowling alley, Starbucks® for coffee and snacks, Swizzle Lounge in the lobby for cocktails, and Atomic Tonic and The Hideaway Bar & Grille offer poolside refreshments and snacks during the pool open seasons. You can even have fresh pizza delivered right to your room.

During our stay, we ate at the Bayliner Diner food court. The food court offers easy and fast breakfast, lunch or dinner options.

The Deli Station has deli sandwich on fresh baked bread along with a variety of bakery items. The International Station offers dishes from around the world. The Pizza Station offers home-style pizza and homemade pasta. The Burger Station has hot sandwiches, cold shakes, and burgers. Make your own fresh salads at the “build your own” Salad Station. There is also a Dessert Station featuring soft serve frozen yogurt cups with your choice of toppings, ICEE treats, and candy, If you’re on the run, visit the “Grab and Go” section where you can pick up snacks, cold sandwiches, pre-made salads and other items.

Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida

Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida

Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort Florida

Check in: 4 PM | Check out: 11 AM
Overnight Guest Parking
Self-Parking: $18 plus tax per vehicle, per night
All guestrooms are non-smoking
Complimentary Wi-Fi in all public space and guestrooms
Pack’n Play: Complimentary Pack’n Plays are available upon request.
Extra Person Charges: An additional charge of $20 per extra adult applies for more than 2 adult guests per room.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
6550 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
+1 407-503-4000

loewshotels.com/cabana-bay-hotel

 

‘Ohana Best Friends Character Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch

‘Ohana Best Friends Character Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch

Ohana Polynesian Resort

The ‘Ohana restaurant inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort serves Polynesian-themed family-style meals.

Ohana Polynesian Resort

We loved the ‘Ohana character breakfast, called the “Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch”, an American breakfast feast influenced by Polynesian flavors, with visits from Disney characters.

Ohana Polynesian Resort

Breakfast is served “family-style”, which means platters of food for sharing.

Ohana Polynesian Resort

Breakfast selections include scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, Stitch and Mickey waffles, ham with pineapple, a variety of fresh fruits and assorted breads.

Ohana Polynesian Resort

As we had vegetarians in the party, our meals were served individually rather than on larger platters. We received “Impossible” meat substitutes.

Ohana Polynesian Resort Ohana Polynesian Resort Ohana Polynesian Resort

While enjoying breakfast, Disney Friends visit walk around the tables, signing autographs and posing for photos. On our visit we had Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and Goofy.

Ohana Polynesian Resort Ohana Polynesian Resort Ohana Polynesian Resort Ohana Polynesian Resort

Read more about dining at ‘Ohana.

Read more about staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

 

6 Reasons to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Polynesian Resort

6 Reasons to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Enjoy the spirit of the South Pacific at the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Located near Magic Kingdom park, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a Disney Deluxe Resort hotel with beaches, pools, shops and several dining options.

Polynesian Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is known for its island ambiance, with tropical palms and lush vegetation.

Polynesian Resort

The resort is quite spread out, with rooms spread among several buildings, so it can be a bit of a walk to get from your room to the main building and amenities and to transport to the parks.

There are plenty of great reasons to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Early Park Entry

Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and select other hotels can take advantage of a 30-minute early entry into Walt Disney World theme parks every day.

Valid theme park admission, park reservation and Resort ID are required. Get more info here.

Access to the Resort Monorail

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is situated on the Resort Monorail. The free Walt Disney World Monorail System has 3 separate lines that travel throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is two stops away from the Magic Kingdom park and three stops to return.

The Monorail is, in our experience, the fastest way to get around Walt Disney World.

wdw monorail map

The Resort Monorail makes the following stops:

Magic Kingdom park
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC)
The EPCOT Monorail and the Express Monorail originate at the TTC and offer express round-trip service to EPCOT and Magic Kingdom park.

Two excellent pools

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has some of the best pools out of the Walt Disney World hotels.

Polynesian Resort

Lava Pool
Make a splash at this pool which features a towering volcano, a waterfall and a thrilling 142 foot-long waterslide. A zero-depth entry point, similar to a beach, slopes gently into the pool making for easy entry and exit. Nearby, a lounge and bar offer refreshments and snacks.

Polynesian Resort

Oasis Pool
Nestled amid a lush garden, this all-ages leisure pool promises a more tranquil swim for those looking to relax and unwind.

Polynesian Village Campfire Activities

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers a range of activities around the grounds, our favourite being the marshmallow roasting over campfire.
Located on Seven Seas Lagoon Beach 6:30-7:30pm – Monday, Wednesday, Friday

DOLE Whip from Pineapple Lanai

Dole Whip Polynesian Resort

A huge plus for us was the delicious frozen DOLE Whip on tap at the resort from Pineapple Lanai, located just outside the great Ceremonial House.

‘Ohana Restaurant On-Site

Ohana Polynesian Resort

The ‘Ohana restaurant inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort serves Polynesian-themed family-style meals.

We loved the Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch, an American breakfast feast influenced by Polynesian flavors, with visits from Disney characters.

Read more about our experience at the ‘Ohana Character Breakfast.

Ohana Polynesian Resort

Room types offered at this Resort

Rooms and Suites (sleep up to 5 adults)
Rooms and Suites with Club-Level Service (sleep up to 5 adults)
Deluxe Studios (sleep up to 5 adults)
Bungalows (sleep up to 8 adults)
Bungalows feature a fully-equipped kitchen, so you can prepare meals and snacks from the comfort of your villa, separate bedrooms, a washer and dryer, a private deck and plunge pool.

Polynesian Resort

We stayed in a Deluxe Studio, with the benefit over a standard room being the additional bathroom and a kitchenette which helped us make make meals in our room.

Polynesian Resort

Deluxe Studios feature a sleeper sofa, one queen bed and one pull-down bed.

Polynesian Resort Polynesian Resort Polynesian Resort

Direct Transport Options

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers the following transport options:
Monorail
Ferryboat (Ferryboats connect Magic Kingdom park to the Transportation and Ticket Center.)
Bus (Catch the bus to Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and other hotels.)

Polynesian Resort Polynesian Resort Polynesian Resort Polynesian Resort Polynesian Resort Polynesian Resort Polynesian Resort

Get more info on staying at the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

 

Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, USA

Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me
A must-see on a road trip through the Keys, the Marathon Turtle Hospital is a small, non-profit organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles.

Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me

The Turtle Hospital is home to over 50 sick and injured turtles who are undergoing various stages of treatment, rehabilitation, or have been deemed unsuitable to be released into the wild and so have become permanent residents.

Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me
In order to meet the turtles you must book in for a tour of the facilities. The tour lasts around 90 minutes and includes a presentation on the various turtle breeds and the threats they face in the wild, a tour of the hospital facilities, and, what everyone had been waiting for, meeting the turtle patients. The majority of the turtles end up in the hospital after bodily trauma (such as being hit by a propeller blade) or sickness such as infections or tumours.

Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me

Several of the turtles have what’s called “bubble butt” where an accident, such as a boating incident, has damaged their shell, letting air in underneath it, giving them the appearance of a “bubble butt”, which causes the turtle to float.

Turtles with bubble butt have weights affixed to them to help them balance out and give them the ability to swim underneath the water once more.

Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me

Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me
Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me

At the end of each program guests are invited to feed the permanent residents – not touch them, mind you, but throw their favourite pellets to them as they swim happily in the pool underneath.

Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me

Because they are a working hospital, you must be part of one of the guided educational programs in order to visit the turtles. Reservations are highly recommended.

The Turtle Hospital
2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL
Prices: Adults: $22, kids 4-12 years old: $11, under 4 free

Meeting Anna and Elsa at Epcot’s Royal Sommerhus

Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me

The brand new Royal Sommerhus has opened at Epcot in Walt Disney World as a permanent home for the Anna and Elsa meet and greet.

Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me

We visited the Royal Sommerhus five days after it opened, and perhaps because it hadn’t been advertised or promoted anywhere that we saw, it was really quiet, especially compared to the Mickey and Friends character meet and greet, which had a very long line and a 25 minute wait.

Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me

Expecting a long line like we found in Disneyland on our last visit, we bolted to the Royal Sommerhus as soon as the gates opened, and found … a 10 minute wait at 9:15 am. We walked past the house several times during the day and the wait time was never over 10 minutes, making it officially the fastest place to meet Anna and Elsa out of Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Disney Cruises.

Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me

The Royal Sommerhus is located between Mexico and Norway in the World Showcase section at Epcot in WDW, just before the new ride, Frozen Ever After. The house is set up to appear like Anna and Elsa’s home. The queue to meet the characters winds through the house, past their bookshelves, lounge, fireplace and staircase. The attention to detail is amazing.

Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me

The meet and greet takes place at the end of the walk through the house, with seperate sections to meet each character.

Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me

Anna was first when we visited, and then Elsa.

Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me

Each character spoke with Cheese briefly and then posted for pictures, both for the Disney official photographer, and also for me. While there is no pressure to buy the photos and you can absolutely take your own, I like to take photos on my own camera and also have the photographer take a few, so at the end of the day if mine don’t work out I have a back up in the Disney photographer’s images so I always get a great pic.

Meeting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus Epcot via christineknight.me

At the end of the meet and greet guests are ushered into the very well stocked gift shop, filled with Frozen merchandise.

Related links to WDW and Florida

Find the best Disney value resorts here. 

Want to see Walt Disney World like a celebrity? Check out the Disney VIP tour.

Visiting Florida? Don’t miss LEGOLAND!

A Family Guide to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me

A visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSC) is an absolute must for anyone mad about space. Billed as “the world’s most authentic space attraction”, it is the number one place to go to see authentic space crafts that have flown in space, and learn about the history of mankind’s brave adventures into the unknown.

Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me

The KSC was a high priority for Alec, our resident space-lover, so after debarking from our Disney Cruise at Cape Canaveral, we picked up a hire care and drive the easy 30-60 mins to the nearby Kennedy Space Center. It’s closeness to the cruise terminals makes it the perfect way to spend a day before or after a cruise.

Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me

The center is well set up so adults and children of various ages can enjoy the exhibits. Some exhibits are geared more towards adults, but there are certainly many that are geared towards children, too, making it a day that the whole family can learn from and enjoy.

Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me

At first glance it didn’t seem like the center offered all that much to do and see, especially for families, but we were wrong. The day flew by and we didn’t manage to see everything on offer. If you’re planning to visit the KSC, check out these highlights for families:

Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me
Rocket Garden

Take a stroll among giants! These retired rockets each have a special place in history, such as the 77-foot Juno, which was used to launch NASA’s first satellites, and the 109-foot Titan II, which was used for 12 Gemini missions.

Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me

Climb aboard replicas of the one-, two-, and three-seat capsules from the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo eras and let your imagination soar. On super hot days, kids can run through the Splashpad to cool down.

Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me

Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit
The exhibit begins with a video telling the story of Atlantis, followed by entry into the massive exhibition hall.

Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me

Space Shuttle Atlantis dominates the space, cleverly set up to enable visitors to see her up-close.

Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me

Surrounding Atlantis in the hall are over 60 interactive exhibits and high-tech simulators that let visitors experience life in space as close to the real experience as possible.

Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me

The slide to the lower level is a particular hit with kids.

Shuttle Launch Experience
The Shuttle Launch was sadly closed during our visit but looks like a really fun simulation to try, promising to “immerses visitors in the sights, sounds and feelings of a Space Shuttle launch”.

Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour
We visited on a very hot day and were very happy to get on the bus tour for an easy way to see NASA landmarks such as shuttle launch pads, shuttle carriers and the vehicle assembly building. The bus also takes visitors directly to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Buses depart every 15 minutes from the Visitor Complex. Allow around 1.5-2 hours for the tour plus Apollo/Saturn V Center. Travel time back to the Visitor Complex from the Apollo/Saturn V Center is 20 minutes

Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.meApollo/Saturn V Center
The largest rocket ever made, the massive 363-foot-long Saturn V, is the star of this exhibition hall.
Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.meKids can also touch a moon rock and learn about man’s greatest achievements in space.

Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me
Children’s Play Dome

Junior astronauts can burn off energy in this rocket-themed play space filled with slides, tunnels, nets, a climbing wall and more. Even better, it’s under a shade cloth so nice and cool.

IMAX Theater
This was a bit old for Cheese when we visited, so we gave it a miss, but for older children it looks fantastic. Choose from two five-story 3D presentations – “One explores breathtaking images of Earth in A Beautiful Planet, and the other details projects that NASA is currently working on, like sending astronauts to Mars”.

Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted
We ran out of time to see this show unfortunately – there was too much to see and do in one day! From the website: “The future of space travel lies with you. Learn more about what it takes to explore Mars in this inspiring show. Exhibits provide a look at prototypes and designs that will launch the next generation to Mars and beyond, including rovers, simulators, and the Orion crew capsule.”

Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me Kennedy Space Center via christineknight.me

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center, SR 405, Titusville, FL
Hours: Open daily, 9am-7pm
Prices: Adult $50, Kids aged 3-11 $40
Get Directions

Thank you to the Kennedy Space Center for hosting us.

Florida Keys Family Road Trip

florida keys

Beyond the Beach Boys’ song, Kokomo, I’m embarrassed to admit I knew nothing about the Florida Keys until Alec decided he wanted to add in Florida Keys road trip to our summer USA adventure.

The Florida Keys are a string of islands stretching around 120 miles (193 km) off the south tip of Florida. It only takes around 2 hours to drive straight from Key West (the southernmost island) to Key Largo, the last island before the mainland. Most people stay a few days in the Keys swimming, snorkelling or fishing, but we had a tight schedule and allocated four days to drive from Key West through Key Largo, up to Palm Beach and Cape Canaveral where we were due to catch a cruise boat.

Key West

We flew into Key West, the southernmost island, known mostly for partying and fishing. Key West is also the southernmost point of the continental USA. A large buoy marks the southernmost point, with the next port of land Cuba – 90 miles away. People love to queue for a picture next to the buoy, but it was so incredibly hot on the day we visited that we decided to take a sneaky photo behind the buoy instead, which I thought made it even more southernly than the buoy itself.

Key West most southern point, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me Key West most southern point, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me

High season for the Florida Keys is during the southern hemisphere’s winter, when people from cold states like to escape the snow and defrost on the islands. We visited during the low season, June, which is also summer and so humid it was pretty unbearable. On the plus side, there weren’t as many people, but it was also face-meltingly hot, making it hard to do much.

Key West is home to a lot of historic buildings, making it a pretty interesting place to visit in general. We stuck to family-friendly activities that our four-year-old could also enjoy.

Butterfly Conservatory Key West, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
This butterfly park is home to 50-60 different species of live butterflies from around the world, plus turtles, flamingoes and small birds. We spend a wonderful hour inside the conservatory surrounded by the dancing of butterfly wings.

Butterfly Conservatory Key West, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me

Butterflies flutter high over head and around guests, occasionally pausing on flowers, fruit or even shoulders and hats for a rest. While we all wore bright colours in hopes of attracting butterflies, Alec was the only one who was lucky enough to have a butterfly land on his shoulder.

Butterfly Conservatory Key West, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
1316 Duval St, Key West, FL
Prices: Adult $12, kids 4-12 years $8.50, under 4 years free

Hemingway's House, Key West, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me

The Ernest Hemingway House & Museum
This gorgeous house was home to the writer Hemingway for 9 years, from 1931-1939. We enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining and free 30 minute tour of the house, the highlight for our daughter being meeting some of the 53 cats who call the house their home.

Hemingway's House, Key West, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me

Hemingway was given a white six-toed cat called Snow White by a ship’s captain. The cat was never neutered and bred with local cats, the result being a colony of 50-70 cats living at the house at any one time – the majority having six toes.

Hemingway's House, Key West, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me The Ernest Hemingway House & Museum
907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL
Prices: Adult $13, kids 6-12 yrs $6, under 5 years free

Banana Cafe, Key West, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me Banana Cafe
We stumbled upon this cute little cafe and fell in love with its French cuisine. Delicious omlettes, quiches, salads, smoothies and extremely friendly staff make this a must for lunch in Key West.
Banana Cafe, 1215 Duval St, Key West, FL

Marathon

An hour drive from Key West is a large key called Marathon. Driving there you’ll cross the incredibly scenic Seven Mile Bridge. If you pull over at the end of the bridge you can walk back along the old bridge and take in the view.

Dolphin Research Centre, Florida Keys via christineknight.me

Dolphin Research Center
This 90,000-square-foot series of saltwater lagoons is home to a family of dolphins and California sea lions. The Dolphin Research Center (DRC) “rescues and rehabilitates whales and dolphins, providing expert medical attention to help ease the way for our marine friends from the wild”. I’m generally very wary of any animal interactions, but was reassured that this facility is all about dolphin care and research rather than entertainment for tourists.

Dolphin Research Centre, Florida Keys via christineknight.me

Dolphins are not required to participate in any interactions that they do not want to – the two dolphins who we met, Tanner and Jaxon, were extremely friendly and excited to play. One of the dolphins, Jaxon, was an obvious example of a dolphin who had been rescued and was unable to be returned to the wild. He had a large bite out of his dorsal fin and tail, most likely caused by a bull shark. Our Dolphin Dip ($159pp, kids under 5 can be held by a paying adult for free) ran for around 20-25 minutes in the water with the dolphins swimming around us as we stood on a waist-deep water on a submerged platform.

Dolphin Research Centre, Florida Keys via christineknight.me

The dolphin trainer taught us about our new friends and encouraged them closer so we could give them back rubs (which they seemed to enjoy) and flipper shakes. We also learned some hand signals and asked the dolphins to perform natural behaviours like jumping and swimming fast, or “dancing” (spinning in the water).

Dolphin Research Centre, Florida Keys via christineknight.me

DRC is completely wheelchair/stroller accessible. The dolphin encounters are also wheelchair-accessible.
Dolphin Research Center
58901 Overseas Hwy, Grassy Key, FL
Prices: Adults: $28 kids 4-12: $23, under 3 free

Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me

The Turtle Hospital
A must-see on a road trip through the Keys, the Turtle Hospital is a small, non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles. The Turtle Hospital is home to over 50 sick and injured turtles who are undergoing various stages of treatment, rehabilitation, or have been deemed unsuitable to be released into the wild and so have become permanent residents.

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In order to visit the turtles you must book in for a tour. The tour lasts around 90 minutes and includes a presentation on the various turtle breeds and the threats they face in the wild, a tour of the hospital facilities, and, what everyone had been waiting for, meeting the turtle patients. The majority of the turtles end up in the hospital after bodily trauma (such as being hit by a propeller blade) or sickness suck as infections or tumours.

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Several of the turtles have what’s called “bubble butt” where an accident, such as a boating incident, has damaged their shell, letting air in underneath it, giving them the appearance of a “bubble butt”, which causes the turtle to float.

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Turtles with bubble butt have weights affixed to them to help them balance out and give them the ability to swim underneath the water once more. At the end of each program guests are invited to feed the permanent residents – not touch them, mind you, but throw their favourite pellets to them as they swim happily in the pool underneath.

Marathon Turtle Hospital, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me

Because they are a working hospital, you must be part of one of the guided educational programs in order to visit the turtles. Reservations are highly recommended.

More info and pics here.

The Turtle Hospital
2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL
Prices: Adults: $22, kids 4-12 years old: $11, under 4 free

Sombrero Beach, Marathon, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me

Sombrero Beach
A popular family beach with a playground, bathroom and BBQ facilities. If you’re lucky you’ll see the Loggerhead turtles who nest at the beach from April-October.
Sombrero Beach, Sombrero Beach Rd, Marathon, FL

7 Mile Grill, Florida Keys, via christineknight.me

7 Mile Grill
A little cafe we stumbled upon relatively close to the Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center, 7 Mile Grill is an incredibly family-friendly place to grab a quick, delicious meal from their extensive menu featuring plenty of seafood, Mediterranean food, burgers, sandwiches, breakfast dishes and even several vegetarian options.
7 Mile Grill, 1240 Overseas Highway, MM 47.5, Marathon, Florida

After more weird and wonderful places to visit in Florida? You might enjoy this guidebook.