We had a great trip as tourists to Orlando, Florida. Most of our two week trip was spent in Disneyland and Universal Studios. Of course we had a list of things to pick up, and a lot of extras that just happened to be nabbed along the way.
As a little peon on an island at the bottom of the world (ding ding, last stop before Antartica), I didn't know what to expect of Florida. I thought alligators, swamps, Florida Man - its a thing look it up and swamp magic. Florida is beautiful. There is a swamp vibe, but its masked heavily by the tourism feel. The people aren't crazy and looking to cook you up in pots for their swamp magic, they were helpful, pleasant and generally normal! Oh Florida Man vibes, how you have corrupted me. I didn't see one LIVE alligator. The only alligators we saw were dead in tourist shops to buy as heads or claws. I wanted to buy a head but New Zealand Customs is pretty serious on animal products not entering our grounds, so I left those behind.
Now Florida Disney World Magic Kingdom compared to California Disneyland wasn't as exciting to walk around, speaking honestly. However with the additional other Florida Disney parks in size and feel, poor Disneyland looks like a flea (Disney World for real). We loved it, the parks were amazing and definately you could do a 7 day pass easily without being bored. I just felt the Magic Kingdoms compared, Cali had the upper hard in navigation and presentation.
Florida Universal Studios versus California Universal Studios isnt' a competition. Florida US is spectacular, its huge - and the rides, omg the rides! Blake and I did the roller coasters, raptor coaster has forever made a beautiful memory for me of my son turning to me at the end, white faced and open mouthed stating, "what the hell was that" - hahahahhahah! I responded, "darling, that was an adult ride". The look of understanding as he came to realise that Disney rides are geared towards kids, and that adult rides were a step above was great. After that ride he could face anything.
We did Icon Park Ferris Wheel and the World's Tallest Stand Along Swing too. I wish I'd explored the park a little more, but my 1 shot rum drink was a little more than a shot and I hurried home to settle my swirly brain lol. I know my rum well and, as a fisherman's daughter, I can drink rum till it's coming out my ears without a sniffle. Whatever was in that glass had me feeling like i'd drunk an entire bottle of wine (I react badly to wine so avoid anything other than a glass). Luckily it settled and we were able to enjoy a nice dinner out.
We did Florida Pirates dinner and were saddled with the Orange Pirate who was a hoot. Great entertainment as my BFF and son swung our drinks to the merry pirate show.
We did Florida Medieval Times which Blake enjoyed a lot more. Our Blake & White Knight came second and was, of course, the bad guy (honestly I've been so many times and we always get the bad dude)! Blake got a little upset when our guy lost, he was heavily invested in the jousting and sword fighting. He really enjoyed it though and that was the point of the show! One day we will get the hero!!!!
Florida Mall was large but mostly clothing shops. I tend to not buy clothes on a whim. I am very fortunate to have a beautiful sister-in-law who gives me more clothes than I can handle haha, and have a BFF that decks out my dresses in designer Disney gear. As such, clothing isn't high ever on my priority lists, UNLESS its for my daughter. Now speaking of that, there is no Hot Topic in New Zealand that I am aware of, so my daughter's birthday is coming up and I may have spent a small fortune and large suitcase worth of popular clothing options for her. Let's just say, she will not want for clothing for a while.... and then some. At Florida Mall Blake got to try Build-a-Bear, he wasn't as into it as Astra previously was. He did come out with a new kitty however.
My favourite part of the trip was our dinners at Black Angus Steak House as the company was supreme, the service spectacular and the food to die for. Yum, yum, big props to the servers there who made it amazing.
I really enjoyed our trip to Florida and meeting another state of American people. I love when I expect one thing and get another thing as it truly goes to show you can't judge a place until you have been there.
Keep on Exploring,
Adult Doll Collector,
Mum Lisa
16 сен 2024
