Somehow, we wind up in Florida no matter who plans the trip. Last year, it was the city of Fort Lauderdale, and we headed to Orlando this year. I would like to try another state, but all the kids seem to think Florida is the place to go. The trick is to go somewhere easy to travel to from our location and the kind of activities available. My little people were torn during the family vacation of 2024.
Our family vacation of 2024 consists of a four-day getaway. For the most part, we just want to go somewhere to relax, swim, and enjoy good food and fellowship. We experienced another resort location. It was several steps above the one we enjoyed last year. We only have one must-do group activity: a day at Magic Kingdom. Outside of that, the pool, the beach, the bar, and the flat is the order for three out of four days.
We all drove to Orlando from the state of Georgia. Three SUVs departing at different times, each filled, arrive at our Evermore Resort Orlando thirty minutes apart. We checked in at the resort, and much to our surprise, there was plenty of time to go to the pool. In typical Florida fashion, the rain starts and lasts for nearly two hours. It kills the mood for day one, but exploration of the grounds became the activity of the evening. Evermore Resort Orlando is beautiful.
On the first full day, we hit the beach like we’d never seen sand and clear water. My grown children behaved like they were no older than their pre-teen children. It warmed my heart that everyone was enjoying themselves. The group’s youngest members were just four years old, and I guess I was the oldest among the grandmothers in attendance. And I waded in the water as if it was calling my name. It was a pleasant opening to the family vacation of 2024.
The second full day was the trip to Magic Kingdom. It wasn’t the best visit, primarily because the heat was oppressive. However, we had a few members who had never been, making the day special. I intended to stay a few hours, but I entered the park when it opened and left after the happily ever after show finished. The plan was to go with everyone and return to the resort without them. No such luck for me. Some of our group did leave the park early and had another half of the beach day. I should have gone with them. Getting out of Magic Kingdom after 10 p.m. is like a stampede. Fortunately, we got back to our vehicle without too much haste.
On the last day, some went to the beach, others hit the road with tourist stops, and one member flew home. We had additional folks on this trip. Last year, we had a group of twelve. This year, we had a group of eighteen. Everyone got along well, even with a host of different personalities present. Sometimes, you must put your troubles aside and be present in the moment. My family is dynamic, expansive, and worthy of time to unwind. The family vacation of 2024 was a roaring success. My sons are already talking about saving for next year.