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?
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
The cold, crisp air cut through us as we pulled out of the Cedar Key Marina and into open water. The shores of Cedar Key, FL slowly drifted away to our right side while the neighboring islands waited on the nearby horizon. There are few places where you can spend Thanksgiving weekend heading for your… Continue reading Journey to a Private Christmas Island
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
During this time of year my heart is filled with gratitude. There is no other time that makes me more thankful to be a native Orlando-ian than the holiday season. To me, there are only three places in the world more magical than Orlando at Christmastime: Paris, New York City, and the North Pole. Now,… Continue reading Home for the Holidays – Part One: Local Love
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
Every day presents an opportunity for dreams to come true, even small ones. Sometimes you have to be willing to take risks. Husband and I were all set for our second visit to New Fantasyland. We had heard tell that if you arrive early you can get into New Fantasyland before your scheduled preview time.… Continue reading All Alone in New Fantasyland {Practically}
Rocco's Tacos is a Florida original. It's fresh, it's vibrant, it totally rocks! Having found much success in South Florida, with four very popular locations including West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, owner Rocco Mangel set his sights on Orlando. I am so very glad he did. High Class Hacienda On the night of my… Continue reading Rocco’s Tacos Rocks!
Two years ago, the Amway Center opened to high praise and controversy over the price tag that came with it. Although I had fond memories of the Amway Arena (aka the O-rena), it was time for something new. I have had the pleasure of enjoying four events inside this state-of-the-art entertainment complex. Each offering four… Continue reading Amway Center of Attention
Is it really necessary to compare the two newest expansions at Disney's theme parks? I didn't think so at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I heard a resounding "yes!" It is only natural to make comparisons and judgements, especially amongst the Disney geekdom and blogosphere. First came Wizarding World of… Continue reading Comparing New Fantasyland: Round Two – Cars Land
thisfloridalife.com 