Wekiva Week 8: From Toy-Sized Adventures to Renaissance Shenanigans

Apr 6
3 min read

Week 8 at Wekiva Falls Resort was basically a highlight reel of “Wait…did that really just happen?” moments—equal parts Disney magic, wildlife sightings, medieval mischief, and carbs. Lots of carbs.

Sunday: We Became Toys (Emotionally and Physically)

We kicked off the week with a full day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Dan & Stacey—and WOW, this park understood the assignment.

The Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area was incredible (seriously, I half expected a stormtrooper to ask me for ID), but then we hit Toy Story Land…and suddenly we were the size of plastic army men.

Everything was oversized—giant building blocks, massive game pieces—it was like Honey, I Shrunk the RVers.

We hopped on a ride that was basically a competitive video game on wheels. Darren and I shared a car…which in hindsight was a mistake. He absolutely DESTROYED me. Not that I’m bitter. I’m just…keeping score for future rematches.

To wrap up the day, we switched gears from thrill rides to chill vibes. We took the tram over to Disney's BoardWalk, where we caught a delightful barbershop quartet that had us smiling like total tourists (because…we were). Then, because Disney transportation is basically part of the entertainment, we hopped on a boat and cruised back across the lake to the Studios—ending the day with a peaceful, scenic ride instead of a sprint to the parking lot.

Click here for more Disney photos.

Monday: Bikes, Gators & Good Company

Monday started with physical therapy (because apparently my shoulder still has opinions), but the real fun began when Alex & Bruce rolled in and parked their van right next to us—thank you, oversized campsite!

We celebrated with a 24-mile ride on the beautiful Markham Woods Trail. Smooth paths, shady stretches…all very peaceful—until we hit the bridge over the Wekiva River.

That’s when Alex casually spotted an ALLIGATOR just hanging out like it paid rent there.

Darren has been hoping to see a wild gator this whole trip, and thanks to Alex’s eagle eyes—BOOM. Dream fulfilled. Bucket list ✔️.

Post-ride, we did what any responsible adults would do: sat around the campsite and recovered like champions.

Tuesday: Manatee Meet & Greet

The next day, we biked 20 miles to Blue Spring State Park, which is famous for its winter manatee population—and let me tell you, they SHOWED UP.

These gentle sea potatoes were everywhere, just floating around living their best warm-water lives. It was peaceful, fascinating, and honestly a little hypnotic.

Wednesday: Repairs, Nails & Road Plans

Midweek, Alex & Bruce headed toward Deerfield Beach, where we’d meet them later. Meanwhile, I handled more PT, then we made a very important water run to Dan & Stacey’s (RV life = always thinking about water).

Bonus win: Stacey let me use her sewing machine to fix my Go-Go’s bag AND gave my nails a glow-up. Functional and fabulous?

Yes please.

Friday: Road Trip + Ridiculous Pizza

We hit the road Friday and checked into Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Deerfield Beach Boca Raton (thanks, Alex, for the hookup!).

Dinner? Oh…just the most ridiculous pizza I’ve ever seen.

Alex & Bruce joined us at Munchy's Pizza & Wings and we ordered from a “highly recommended” place and got a pizza with:

Meat spiral crust
Penne alla vodka
Sirloin steak
Fresh basil

It was chaotic. It was excessive. It was DELICIOUS.

We also ordered a salad…for balance. Obviously.

Saturday: Renaissance Festival Mayhem

Saturday brought us to the Florida Renaissance Festival with Alex & Bruce.

First observation: Florida is FLAT. Our legs, accustomed to the hills of the Colorado Ren Faire, were like, “Wait…this is it?”

Second observation: It was HOT. Like, medieval sweat levels.

We caught some fantastic shows:

SAMKOMA – high-energy drumming that made you feel like you could conquer a kingdom
Pirates Creed – classic shanty vibes, and that lead singer? Incredible
And then…Arthur Greenleaf Holmes at the R-Rated Great Hall

Let’s just say…they were not kidding about the “R-rated” part.

Despite very clear signage, some folks brought their kids in—and those kids got a full vocabulary lesson they weren’t expecting. We laughed so hard, I’m glad I had my corset for support.