Cruise with Ben and David

Visiting the Kennedy Space Center was an incredible experience. I hadn’t been since I was a kid, and it was David’s first time. Seeing real rockets and the reveal of the Atlantis shuttle was genuinely emotional. Tickets are around $75 and include access to exhibits plus a guided bus tour of NASA’s launch sites. It’s interactive, educational, and has that classic Epcot feel in the best way. We weren’t impressed by the simulator rides in the Gateway area, but the rest—especially the Saturn V rocket and Apollo launch experience—was fantastic. If you’re into space, aviation, or just love a good story, it’s well worth the drive from Orlando.

Discovery Cove was one of the most relaxing and unique experiences we’ve had in Orlando—it honestly felt more like we were on a private island than in the middle of Florida. Once you’re inside, everything is included: breakfast, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, snorkel gear, wetsuits, towels, and more. The setting is absolutely beautiful with tropical landscaping, lazy rivers, birds, and dolphins. We loved how calm and quiet it felt compared to the busy theme parks. The food was decent (more like a cruise buffet), but the overall experience is what makes it worth the higher price. It’s ideal for a rest day—especially after a few full-on park days—and great for families since you don’t need to worry about spending extra once inside. Just be ready to say no to the optional upgrades at the entrance. Discovery Cove completely surprised us and we’d 100% go back—it’s now one of our top recommendations for a chilled-out day in Orlando.

Visiting N Seoul Tower was such a memorable part of our day in Seoul. We started with a scenic cable car ride up the mountain—which, to be honest, was slightly terrifying but also pretty thrilling! At the top, the views were just stunning. You could see the entire city stretching out in every direction, and the fresh air up there felt amazing. We were surprised by how peaceful it was despite being a popular spot. One of our favourite moments was adding a love lock to the fence—a cheesy but genuinely lovely tradition. It felt really special. The tower area had a great atmosphere too, with little cafes, street snacks, and quiet spots to take it all in. If you’re visiting Seoul, especially from a cruise like we did, this is an easy must-do. Just be ready for a bit of a walk and a very steep ride to get there—but trust us, it’s worth it for the view alone.

Norwegian Viva is one of the boldest ships we’ve ever sailed on — visually stunning, packed with innovation, and offering plenty of wow moments like the 3-story go-kart track, terrifying drop slides, and the incredible Indulge Food Hall. There’s no denying Viva is sleek, stylish, and full of surprises. We loved the panoramic windows, wraparound promenade, and vibrant specialty dining, especially Los Lobos and Palomar. But it’s not without flaws. Many venues — like the buffet, theatre, and lounges — feel far too small for the ship’s capacity, and outdoor pool space is seriously lacking. The Haven suite area is stunning with its infinity pool and exclusive lounge, though even that gets crowded. Viva is beautiful and exciting, but she’s far from perfect — a ship full of potential that still has a few kinks to iron out.

Wonder of the Seas lives up to its name — a jaw-dropping floating city packed with features you won’t believe are at sea. We explored every deck and were blown away by the sheer variety on offer. From adrenaline-pumping slides, ziplines and the tallest dry slide at sea, to serene spots like Central Park and the adults-only Solarium, this ship really does have something for everyone. Dining is a major highlight too, with everything from complimentary favourites like El Loco Fresh and Sorrento’s to incredible specialty venues like Wonderland, Mason Jar, and Izumi. We loved how family-friendly the ship is too, with huge kids’ clubs, splash areas, and even a carousel! Entertainment is top notch with ice skating shows, AquaTheater spectacles, karaoke, live music, and more. Wonder is bold, bright, and bigger than we ever imagined — perfect for those who want a fun, feature-packed getaway at sea. This is Royal Caribbean at its absolute best.

We had an incredible time exploring Royal Caribbean’s brand new Utopia of the Seas — the second largest cruise ship in the world! If you’re thinking of sailing her, this is a ship packed with WOW. From the multi-deck main dining room to the brand-new Utopia Station dinner show set on a moving train, every space feels fresh and fun. We loved the vibrant Boardwalk area, the Central Park oasis filled with real plants, and the wild water slides. There’s a fantastic variety of bars, lounges, and included dining, plus tons of specialty venues if you want to splash out. Our top tip? Don’t miss the AquaTheatre show and be sure to book entertainment early. The ship feels like a proper floating resort — bold, energetic, and ideal for short, fun-packed getaways. Whether you’re into live music, crazy slides, or just relaxing in the adult-only Solarium, there’s something here for everyone. Utopia truly takes the Oasis-class to the next level.

Margaritaville Resort Orlando is one of our go-to places to stay when we’re in the area, and for good reason. We especially love the private cottages—they’re spacious, bright, and genuinely feel like a home rather than a hotel room. Having multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a private outdoor space gives you so much flexibility, whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or a group of friends. The resort itself is in a fantastic location, just a short drive from the parks but tucked away enough to feel relaxed. There are loads of restaurants nearby at Sunset Walk, so dining out is super easy, and you’re never far from shops or takeaways either. Free parking is a major plus too—no extra fees to worry about when you’re already juggling theme park costs. It’s colourful, fun, and has a great holiday vibe, but still manages to be calm and peaceful. It’s everything we want from an Orlando base and somewhere we keep coming back to.

citizenM Worldcentre is our top pick for a quick one-night stay before or after a cruise. The king-size bed is super comfy, and the location is excellent—just a 10-minute walk from the Brightline station and close to Bayside Marketplace and the MetroMover. It’s also near the port (we still take a taxi, but you can spot ships nearby). Rooms are capsule-style: compact with very little storage, so not ideal for longer stays or big suitcases. The shower and toilet are in a frosted-glass pod inside the room, and beds aren’t split—so not great for friends sharing. But for a stylish, comfy, and ultra-convenient overnight, it’s a great choice.

We spent two nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and loved the peaceful, immersive experience. The resort feels like a true retreat, with stunning African theming, lush surroundings, and real animals roaming the savanna outside your window. Our Savanna View King Room was spacious, bright, and thoughtfully designed—with a super comfy bed, plenty of plugs, a large TV, Keurig coffee machine, and a huge bathroom with double vanities and a walk-in shower. The view was magical—watching giraffes and zebras wander past from our balcony was something special. The room also featured subtle Lion King-inspired artwork that added a perfect Disney touch without feeling over the top. Dining at the quick-service Mara was tasty, and the resort’s amenities—from the pool and lounges to the wildlife activities—made this a truly unique Disney stay.