18/07/2026
POV: You have to drive 9 hours with kids… but you still want a little Disney magic. ✨
We were headed to Panama City for a family friend’s quinceañera, and I refused to make it just another road trip.
My friend had never had a beignet, so naturally we had to fix that.
Here’s exactly how we squeezed a little Disney into a two-hour stop.
📍Park at Disney Springs.
Grab a Starbucks because… Florida.
Walk through Disney Springs and let the kids stop at Candy Cauldron. We spent about $1.50 on Jelly Bellies, and somehow that tiny bag bought us an hour of happy.
When you reach the bridge into Disney Springs, keep going. Resist the temptation to stop for lunch. Trust me.
Walk all the way to the Rainforest Café, exit Disney Springs, and head left to the boat dock.
Hop on the complimentary ferry to Port Orleans French Quarter. The ride is about 15 to 20 minutes and honestly feels like an attraction all by itself.
Once you arrive, it’s a two-minute walk to the lobby.
If you have an angsty pr***en or teenager, drop them at the arcade for a few minutes while you grab lunch at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory.
Quick service.
Great food.
No reservation.
Way less expensive than most sit-down restaurants.
Then walk about ten feet to S**t Cat’s Club Café.
Order the Mickey-shaped beignets.
Add a cold brew with cold foam because it’s Florida and you deserve it.
Watch your friend realize she’s been missing out this whole time.
When you’re done, catch the complimentary shuttle back to Disney Springs, hop in the car, and keep heading toward your destination.
✨ Two hours.
✨ About $50.
✨ Happy kids.
✨ Disney magic without spending an entire day in the parks.
Sometimes the best travel memories happen on the way to somewhere else.
Save this for your next Florida road trip.
