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
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
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
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}
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
I almost didn't want to write this comparison. However, it is only natural that major Disney geeks, theme park junkies, bloggers, and other analytical types make some sort of comparison between New Fantasyland and Cars Land as well as Wizarding World of Harry Potter. New Fantasyland is not due to officially open until December… Continue reading Comparing New Fantasyland: Round One – Wizarding World of Harry Potter
It came unexpectedly. On Friday October 12, New Fantasyland opened for "dress rehearsals". Being that it was unexpected, sorry to say I could not spend as much time as I wanted and am unable to provide as much detail and thoughts as I would wish. Thankfully, I am able to participate in two upcoming previews… Continue reading First Impression of New Fantasyland
The heat and the humidity pressed against us. A pleasant morning of exploring the Epcot Food and Wine Festival gave way to an oppressive, heat-filled afternoon. Off to the Chase Cardholders Lounge we went. Although the soda machine was out of order, the water we craved, the seating our feet needed, and the charging… Continue reading Nobility has a name: Casey Noble at Epcot
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