The Ultimate Disney Birthday Adventure: Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and a 7-Night Disney Cruise!

I just have to share the details of an unforgettable Disney adventure we recently experienced! Coming all the way from California, we explored two incredible Walt Disney World parks—Epcot and Animal Kingdom—and then set sail on a Disney cruise through the stunning Eastern Caribbean. Oh, and here’s the kicker: we were a group of 13!

Planning a trip of this size might sound a little overwhelming, but with the right approach, it all came together beautifully. If you’re looking for tips on how to organize a seamless Disney getaway for a large group, stick around—I’m sharing our full itinerary, along with all the tricks we used to make this dream trip a reality!

Day 1: Epcot - A World of Imagination and Adventure

I kicked off my birthday celebration at Epcot, where you’ll explore futuristic worlds and travel around the globe—all in a day!

• World Showcase: Here is where my family and I embarked on a cultural tour with pavilions from countries like Japan, France, Mexico, and so much more. Each pavilion offers authentic food, shopping, and experiences. It had been about 9 years since I last was in Epcot and boy was I surprised and super impressed with all the changes and updates they made! One of my favorite rides I got to go on was in the France pavilion- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure- a 4D ride experience that truly made me feel as if I was one of Remy’s friends!
• Future World: Future World in Epcot is the main area of the park focused on technology, innovation, and human progress, offering immersive experiences that celebrate the possibilities of tomorrow. Attractions were organized around themes like space exploration, the environment, imagination, and transportation. Some of the rides we experienced included exploring the wonders of space at Mission: SPACE (I did the more intense training version and wow did that G-Force feel insane!), learn about ocean conservation at The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and take a journey through energy, health, and human creativity with interactive exhibits and rides. This was all both fun and educational.

Day 2: Animal Kingdom - Wild Adventure Awaits

My 2nd day in Orlando, I got to explore and get closer to nature at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Although it was a super humid day, we still made the most of it and got to see everything we wanted to see!

• Pandora – The World of Avatar: I was blown away the moment I walked into this world! We were able to purchase a lightning lane pass and easily walked onto Avatar Flight of Passage, an immersive 3D flight experience. Not going to lie- this ride made me nervous because I heard that this was not good for people who get motion sickness easily, however, as soon as I was strapped in, I was immediately mesmerized by the views as we “flew” through Pandora’s mountains and glowing rainforest. It was such a smooth ride that I did not get motion sickness at all! Yay!
• Kilimanjaro Safaris: This was probably one of my favorite things at Animal Kingdom, I truly felt like I was in Africa on a safari! Being in a “savanna,” I got to see lions, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitats—an incredible experience for all ages!
• Expedition Everest: For those seeking a thrill, the roller coaster journey through Mount Everest will leave you screaming for more! Wind down afterward with a refreshing float down the Kali River Rapids. Another fun ride!

Set Sail on a 7-Night Disney Cruise to the Caribbean!

After a magical stay at the Disney parks, it was time to board the Disney Cruise for a week of pure relaxation and island exploration- which is honestly the way to go! Have fun at the parks first then relax on a cruise!

Day 1: Departure Day

Once aboard, we were welcomed by Disney characters and a grand Sail Away Party. We love exploring the ship’s pools, live shows, kids’ clubs, and dining options. We were so ready for a journey filled with family fun!

Day 2: Day at Sea

We relaxed by the pool, indulged in spa treatments, and watched one of Disney’s renowned Broadway-style shows. This day was perfect for unwinding and taking in all the magic Disney Cruise Line has to offer. One exciting thing I got to experience with my family was brunch at Palo! 

• Palo brunch on the Disney Fantasy ship is a refined and elegant dining experience, perfect for adults looking to indulge. Located in an upscale setting with ocean views, Palo offers a delicious blend of Italian-inspired dishes, including fresh seafood, pastries, and a variety of gourmet entrees. Guests can enjoy an à la carte menu as well as a buffet of mouth-watering selections, from artisanal cheeses to decadent desserts. Known for its exceptional service & ideal for a special treat or celebration while on board. Note that reservations are required, and an additional fee applies.

Day 3: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Our first port stop was the beautiful island of St. Thomas, known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Here are some must-do activities:

• Beach Day: Magens Bay and Coki Beach offer calm waters for swimming, snorkeling, or just sunbathing on the sand. The water was SO blue and beautiful! Absolutely stunning.
• Island Tour: Discover historic sites like Blackbeard’s Castle, explore vibrant Charlotte Amalie, or enjoy panoramic views from Mountain Top, the island’s highest point.

Day 4: Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Next stop, Tortola! This island is a paradise for nature lovers and water enthusiasts alike.

• The Baths at Virgin Gorda: A day trip to these iconic boulder formations and natural pools is perfect for exploring, snorkeling, and taking photos.
• Beach Relaxation: Take a break at Cane Garden Bay, a beautiful beach with gentle waves, beachfront cafes, and local charm.

Day 5-6: At Sea

Two days at sea meant plenty of time to explore the ship’s amenities. Kids can enjoy special activities at the Oceaneer Club while adults relax at the Quiet Cove Pool or enjoy a drink at an adult-exclusive lounge. Family movie nights, character meet-and-greets, and themed deck parties make these sea days extra fun!

Day 7: Castaway Cay – Disney’s Private Island Paradise

One of the highlights from our Disney Cruise is Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas.

• Beach Day: Castaway Cay offers three beach areas: Family Beach, Serenity Bay (adults only), and the Teen Beach, so everyone can find their perfect spot to unwind.
• Snorkeling Lagoon: The lagoon is teeming with marine life and even includes hidden Disney artifacts below the surface.
• Bike Rentals & Island Adventure: Rent bikes to explore the island or sign up for a family-friendly nature tour to get a closer look at the island’s beauty.
• Castaway Cay 5K: If you’re up for a little exercise, join the Castaway Cay 5K—a fun way to explore the island and burn off some of those cruise treats!

Day 8: Return to Port

As our Disney Cruise adventure comes to an end, we were so bummed that it was over but we returned to port with a heart full of memories, photos, and stories to share. It’s been the ultimate Disney birthday adventure, from thrilling rides at Epcot and Animal Kingdom to beach days and island tours across the Caribbean.

Tips for a Smooth Disney Adventure (& with large groups):

1. Book Shore Excursions Early: Disney’s port excursions can sell out quickly, so reserve your spots in advance.
2. Character Experiences: From pirate night on the cruise to special meet-and-greets at the parks, keep an eye on character schedules for unique birthday photos!
3. Dining Reservations: For both the parks and the cruise, book dining reservations early to get the best spots.
4. Birthday Surprises: Let Disney know it’s a birthday trip—they offer magical touches like celebration pins, birthday treats, and even special room decor packages!
5. Plan Group and Individual Activities: Disney ships offer plenty of activities, from character meet-and-greets to live shows. Create a loose itinerary of group activities, but also encourage everyone to enjoy individual activities. This keeps things flexible and allows everyone to enjoy their preferred activities.
6. Make Use of the Disney Cruise Line App: The app is incredibly helpful for planning, messaging within your group, and staying updated on activities. With large groups, it’s great for coordinating meet-ups and checking event schedules.
7. Take Advantage of Pre-Paid Dining Options: Disney’s rotational dining means you’ll have the chance to try all the main dining rooms, but consider booking additional specialty dining experiences or pre-paying for dining add-ons. It’s a great way to treat the group to a memorable meal together.
8. Plan for Group Photos: With a big group, it’s a nice idea to capture memories! Disney cruise photographers can take group photos in various settings, or you can arrange times to meet for group photos during character appearances or at scenic spots on the ship.

-Ready to Set sail or park hop till you drop? Connect with Marissa Verdin-Mejia to help coordinate the vacation of your dreams!