Orlando

A Fantastic Time at Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Mini-Golf

For my stepson's birthday celebration, we were ready for some fun outside of the Walt Disney World theme parks. He has gotten to the point where going to the parks and going on rides is not as exciting as it used to be. It's a sad side effect of being a frequent theme park visitor.… Continue reading A Fantastic Time at Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Mini-Golf

Orlando

A Change is Gonna Come

Florida Lifers I am proud to announce that I am now a contributor for Orlando Informer. I am looking forward to sharing my love for Orlando's theme parks with this extraordinary site. This means you will see a slight change in the content I post on my beloved ThisFloridaLife. Primarily, if I am writing about… Continue reading A Change is Gonna Come

Orlando

The Best Time of Year to Visit Orlando and Florida

It's the most wonderful time of the year... ok well, almost. The kids are back in school and most of the professional world is back in full swing. As a result, hotel parking lots show more vacant spaces, the highways are starting to become slightly less cluttered, and the theme parks are starting to regain… Continue reading The Best Time of Year to Visit Orlando and Florida

Orlando

A Brief Evening in Splitsville

Every six months the latest round of professional interns for Walt Disney World bids their farewell. Some find a gig with Disney, others do not and sadly head back home. During this time of year it is common to see groups of cast members get together after work to send off the latest group with… Continue reading A Brief Evening in Splitsville

Orlando

Surviving the Holidays in Orlando

All is calm. All is bright.  Only one of these statements can be used to accurately describe the holidays at Orlando. With so many holiday events in Orlando between the awe-inspiring attractions to the deck-the-halls-extravaganza in the hotels, all is bright indeed. The holiday season in itself can be stressful, and as magical as Orlando… Continue reading Surviving the Holidays in Orlando

Orlando, Small towns in Florida

An Evening of Warmth in Winter Garden with Encore

Truth be told, I have not been to Winter Garden since before I was of age to really remember anything. I put my best Disney pal in charge of the dining arrangements and she didn't disappoint. As Blue Jean Baby and I pulled onto Plant Street, into downtown Winter Garden, my eyes grew to the… Continue reading An Evening of Warmth in Winter Garden with Encore

Florida Life

Do Dreams Come True in Orlando?

There are many times I fall in love with living in Orlando all over again. But, there are times when being an Orlando Native means challenge and heartbreak.  The most emotionally challenging aspect of being an Orlando Native is the comings and goings of people. Much like New York City, Nashville, Miami, or Hollywood, Orlando attracts… Continue reading Do Dreams Come True in Orlando?

My Second Homes

Back on Florida Ground After a Disneyland Christmas

The idea of visiting the original Happiest Place on Earth during the holidays grew larger each year, like a snowball being rolled down a hill. After our mind blowing visit to Disneyland last June, while still riding the high of seeing Cars Land and Buena Vista Street before opening to the public, my husband booked… Continue reading Back on Florida Ground After a Disneyland Christmas

Florida Life

Home for the Holidays – Part Two: Staying Home

There is such comfort I feel when driving around my neighborhood, seeing all the places I spent time as a child. Yesterday, as I worked to tackle my pre-Thanksgiving to do list, I made it a point to take the back roads and drive around my hometown. Neighbors who have known me since I was… Continue reading Home for the Holidays – Part Two: Staying Home

Florida Life

A Forest of Fantasy: the Festival of Trees

For many Central Floridians, myself included, the Festival of Trees is the best way to kick off the holiday season. This week long event is held at the beautiful Orlando Museum of Art. The museum becomes a veritable enchanted forest full of custom decorated trees donated by organizations throughout Central Florida. These trees are extremely… Continue reading A Forest of Fantasy: the Festival of Trees