Disney fans rejoice as a long awaited day approaches. In just a few days, January 7th to be exact, the misfit "icon" of Disney's Hollywood Studios will start to be removed. Not all Disney fans are excited, some are apathetic, but the ones (like me) that are excited are actually really, really excited. So what's… Continue reading What’s the big deal with the Sorcerer’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
It’s been a while and a lot has changed. And it is those changes that have made it realistic for the sun to rise over ThisFloridaLife again. I am happy to write to you, my Florida Lifers, and welcome you back to the place that started my newfound love of being a freelance writer (in… Continue reading ThisFloridaLife is back!
There's no place I'd rather live than Orlando. Yesterday was yet another day that solidified this sentiment. I spent the day at Universal Orlando, at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with a friend who is the bigger "Potterhead" I know. It was magic! In the middle of the day I headed to the other… Continue reading No place I’d rather be: to my mother’s father
It has been something I have thought about for a long time. And tonight it is time to make the decision. I am grateful for the memories and the people I have met. But there is something more important. Thank you for nearly two years of living ThisFloridaLife with me. It is time for me… Continue reading Farewell Florida Lifers
Darden Restaurants is a massive nationwide brand. And I couldn't be prouder that this well-known company that has created beloved restaurant brands, got its start right here in Orlando. The two brands that started it all are Olive Garden and Red Lobster. Recently, Olive Garden received a whole new, revamped menu and I was invited… Continue reading New menu at Olive Garden – is it enough to make me return?
It is time to make your Memorial Day weekend plans. Since Memorial Day is to celebrate and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, perhaps a visit to a historical Florida destination is in order. I received the information below and I have to say, I am pleased that some of the… Continue reading Memorial Day Event at Oviedo’s The Lawton House
Dick's Last Resort celebrated its grand opening just about a month ago at Lake Buena Vista. The grand opening was lots of fun, (read more here) but the food was served buffet style and it was difficult to get a feel for the full menu. I was invited back to dine with my hubby and… Continue reading Dick’s Last Resort revisited: diving deeper into the food
Those pesky "It's HuuuuuuuuuuuuuGE" and "Fun Spot Style" TV commercials. You know what I'm talking about, so corny. Yet, I have to hand it to FunSpot for being a homegrown, family operation that has really grown over the years. I recently visited and it feels like a totally different world. Now what I mean by… Continue reading FunSpot: A totally different world
Many of my Florida Lifers know that Monday - Friday I am a hard working hotelier. This week was a BIG week for Orlando in the world of hotels. Universal's Cabana Bay Resort opened. Four Seasons Orlando started taking reservations. But the thing that impacts all hotels in Orlando the most is the big change… Continue reading Disney’s FastPass+ changes, where to go, how to get started, and which guests get what options
Living in the Orlando metro area makes me appreciate time away amid the real Florida. After being stuck in commuting heck, there is something decompressing about taking a trip down a backroad. Spring comes into bloom, it is difficult to think of a more beautiful time to head to North Central Florida's backroads. As Spring arrives… Continue reading Take a trip along Florida backroads to celebrate Spring
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