If Day 1 was slow and intentional, Day 2 felt like the true beginning. The theme of the day was simple… let the magic begin.
My Milestone Disney World Birthday Trip
Day 1: A Solo Start at EPCOT
Day 2: Let the Magic Begin
Before leaving home, I had put together a loose itinerary for the weekend and texted it out to the family so everyone could reference it along the way. Nothing too rigid, just enough to keep us loosely pointed in the same direction. As much as I love a plan, I wanted this trip to feel easy and full of room for spontaneity.
I also made a birthday bucket list with 50 little moments and experiences for us to check off throughout the weekend. I printed and laminated copies for all of the ladies and added clip rings so we could attach them right onto our park bags. It was such a fun little detail and something we could all share together.
The Riviera cookie is one of my favorite treats and a box of those on the counter made for a sweet welcome… and delicious midnight snack for some.
A Sweet Start at French Quarter
I slept in, which felt wonderfully indulgent, and then met up with Marme and Daddy-O just in from Savannah for a late breakfast at French Quarter.
We sat outside in the courtyard with beignets and coffee, easing into the day, when Pluto made a surprise appearance. It was one of those little unexpected Disney moments that never gets old.
Off to Riviera
By late morning, we were off to Riviera to check in and drop our bags. Rooms are rarely available before the stated check-in time, in my experience, so it’s always good to have a plan. For us, that was EPCOT, lunch and the pool!
Within minutes, we were on the Skyliner and gliding into EPCOT. It really is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to move between the resort and the park. We spent the afternoon exactly the way I had hoped we would… wandering. No rides. No Lightning Lanes. No agenda.
We strolled through the shops, admired all the Flower & Garden topiaries, people watched, and stopped for photos whenever something caught our eye. It felt relaxed and easy and just right for our first full day together. (Daddy-O, look behind you!)
Lunch was at La Crêperie de Paris, which continues to be one of my favorite hidden gems in EPCOT. It is such a sleeper hit and always delivers.
After lunch, we stumbled upon the loveliest little table tucked away in the shade in France, grabbed a glass of Veuve, and settled in for a slow, sun-dappled pause that felt just about perfect. It was also another check on the bucket list!
An Afternoon Pause at Riviera Resort
The rest of the afternoon was spent back at Riviera, enjoying the pool while we waited for our room to be ready.
And then… the moment we had all been waiting for.
Our Home for the Weekend at Riviera Resort
We were beyond excited to step into our 3-bedroom Grand Villa at Riviera. It is truly one of the most stunning accommodations on property and would be home to our party of nine for the next three nights.
What I love most about this setup is how perfectly it balances space and togetherness. Each family had their own bedroom and bathroom, but we also had a beautiful shared living space, a large kitchen and a dining area that made gathering feel easy and natural. The expansive balcony with stunning views was the hot spot for morning coffee and evening chats.
A Cozy Night In
For dinner, we kept things simple and ordered from Primo Piatto, which is one of my favorite quick service spots on property. We settled in, ate together and played Disney Uno around the table until bedtime. It was relaxed, easy, and exactly what we all needed after a full day.
And later that evening, I checked off one of my birthday bucket list items… a long, quiet bubble bath to end the day.
Honey and Whit arrived around 10:00 PM, and Sister’s family, after a series of flight delays, made it in around 2:00 AM. And now the trip could truly begin.
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