Blogs from Orlando, Florida, United States, North America

Time is running short to fit in all our family activities yet to do before they have to head North. The clouds were overhead but Cory's Doppler and the TV weatherman both predicted the rains would come around 5:00 PM. Thus, we piled into the cars and went to Gatorland around noon time. I had given such rave reviews that it was a "must see" on the "to do" list. The ticket line was quite long and the parking lot was full so we were not alone in our positive thinking. We entered the park with overcast skies but nice warm weather to give you a false sense of promise for a successful visit to this fantastic park. We "oooohhh" and "aaaaahhh" over the mounds of alligators in their watery confines. We made our way quickly ... read more

Universal Studios Florida was the park of choice for the day. This park offers the sights and rides from the various movies and TV shows we are all familiar with: E.T., Men in Black, The Simpsons, etc. Again, because it is Easter week, the crowds are large and the lines are long. The family manages to cope well with it though - getting onto the different rides that just make me shutter. The one ride I do like is E.T. but it had an hour wait so we passed it by. The resting spot for those of us who were the non-riders was Finnigan's Bar & Grill. This is the same place where Cory & I sit when we wait for the Mardi Gras parade on Saturday nights. We sat inside this cheerful restaurant and enjoyed ... read more

In the words of Dolly Parton: "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain". Sounds sensible ....aren't we always looking for that special, wonderful rainbow? Today it rained and rained and rained. When it rains in Florida, you know it is raining....the skies open and it really pours down in torrents. Somewhat like being at the bottom of Niagara Falls. Driving is almost impossible....it is scary and dangerous. Today, our rainbow came before the rainstorm. While puttering around the RV and doing the mundane chores.....the colorful couple (just like a rainbow) known as Sam & Sandy came by and wanted to know if we wanted to go to the movies with them. No hesitation here...even though I had not done my hair and looked like the Bag ... read more

Yesterday, the highlight of our day was eating at the WORLD 'S Largest McDonald's - located on International Drive right here in Orlando. They sell everything you already know about at McDonald's but then they also sell McDonald's bistro gourmet food and meals.... they advertise it as: "Exceptional chef prepared recipes prepared with loving care for you, blended with the classic McDonald's menu featuring such items as paninis, fresh wraps, delectable desserts, pizzas, award winning pastas and gourmet breakfast". Top that off with the fact that I had a coupon for their pizza free when you bought a bistro sandwich. Cory ordered his favorite San Francisco melt and I got the personal pizza. It all was really tasty! Hooray for McDonalds! Before our "dinner" at Mickey D's, we had walked around the Prime Outlet Mall stores. ... read more

We took a round-about path to find our place along the Mardi Gras parade route. Early in the day, I told Cory that Mt. Dora (1 hour away...north) was having their arts, craft, flea market show. We went last year and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. So off we sailed. Whoa.....once we arrived in this quaint, lovely town, we discovered there was NO SHOW! Rats! Bummer! Somehow, I wrote down the wrong date....Good Grief. Where can we find a Silver Lining? We meandered through their eclectic shops and bought nothing. Went in a nice Antique Mall and bought nothing. Went to the Renninger's Antique/Flea Market that is open every weekend and stumbled along their slopping hillside...bought nothing. What has happened to us? Buying zip!....not like us. Nothing caught our eye so we are either getting smart or we ... read more