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Play: Epcot Festivals, Walt Disney World, Orlando FL

9/14/2018

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Epcot is my favorite park. I love daydreaming that I've traveled to a far-off country in the World Showcase. I set my silly fears aside to ride Soarin' and Frozen (no, I don't have the guts to ride Test Track or Mission:Space!) And EVERYONE should ride Spaceship Earth and Living with the Land at least once in their life!

There are several great times throughout the year to be in Epcot - especially during their annual festivals. After all, no one knows how to throw a party like Disney!

International Festival of the Arts (mid January-mid February)

​In January and February, the newest festival that offers a lot of fun is the International Festival of the Arts. Statues come alive. Paint a picture along the water. Catch a Disney Broadway music stage show. Plus there are Disney animators and artists on hand to discuss, sell, and autograph their work for you to take home. 
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A big hit are the (FREE!) paint-by-numbers murals that get recreated every day with a fresh canvas and guest artists - you! 
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​Grab a paintbrush and find your numbers in the grid to be a part of the creation. Brushes up!
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The murals start to come to life - can you imagine what the picture will be in the end?
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Even the samplers from the Food Studio kiosks around the park are a work of art - a beautiful and tasty palette for your palate!


Be sure to check out this winter art festival as Epcot expands its offerings every year!
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International Flower & Garden Festival (March-May)

One of the most beautiful - and best-smelling! - times to go to Epcot is during the Spring when the whole park is full of gorgeous gardens and topiary plants trimmed into the shape of your favorite Disney characters. My first trip to Walt Disney World was during the International Flower & Garden Festival so it will always hold a special place in my heart!
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Stop by the flower-filled butterfly tent to see all the stages of a butterfly's life! This is located right behind the building for Club Cool and the Character Spot. On your way to the World Showcase, check out the colorful landscaping around the ponds below the Monorail.
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Wander around the World Showcase and throughout Future World to see all the creative topiaries and fragrant floral displays.
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And let's not forget the fresh-grown garden food to sample - after all, it wouldn't be an Epcot festival without it!
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International Food & Wine Festival (late August-mid November)

Personally, this is where I spend most of my fall weekends and look forward to it every year! The International Food & Wine Festival is a fabulous way to eat and drink your way around the world, without flying across an ocean. World Showcase is home to 11 countries year-round, but during the fall, this grows to represent delicious food, wine, beer, and other delights from 30 countries!
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Samples are served tapas style, perfect portions to share with a friend. Food bites typically cost between $4-8 each, alcoholic beverages run $4-14 each, and nonalcoholic beverages are about $3-6 each. I'm a fairly cheap date... usually after 3 kiosks, I'm full! 
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One of my first stops is usually in Future World West, where you'll find some lick-the-plate-clean farm fresh delicacies. I also love to swing by the Islands of the Caribbean... they're Jamaican me hungry for a bite, mon!
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Gluten free? You must grab some pao de queijo (cheese bread) and crispy pork belly in Brazil, which you can get with or without black beans!
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Canada is my #1 favorite with their steak! Every time I go, I savor this fork-tender filet mignon with wild mushrooms and truffle butter,  paired with a sweet ice wine, if you care to drink your dessert.

Enjoy every morsel while relaxing in Canada's hidden gem - my favorite gardens, designed after the real thing in British Columbia's  Butchart Gardens.

Candlelight Processional & International Festival of the Holidays (mid November-late December)

For years, Disney fans have flocked to Epcot for the Christmas season to see all the countries decked out in their holiday best! The main attraction - Candlelight Processional - has been a crowd favorite for decades! It has been one of the most popular performances in the park throughout the holidays. Running from Thanksgiving to New Year's, you will find the American Adventure pavilion bursting at the seams with holiday classics at the America Gardens Theatre.
With three performances every evening, the air is filled with beloved Christmas carols and hymns by a 50+ piece orchestra and 300+ person choir, including the Voices of Liberty representing a shining Christmas Tree, topped with a star. 
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​The Christmas story is woven throughout the Processional, narrated by dozens of celebrities who love Disney. Over the years, I've had the pleasure to see readings by the two most popular narrators, Whoopi Goldberg (left) and Neil Patrick Harris, as well as first-timer Matt Bomer (below) and others.
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I even passed Whoopi Goldberg while she was shopping in Disney Springs and on her way to Rivers of Light in Animal Kingdom, where she was seated in the VIP section.
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The warm weather in Florida isn't as noticeable with the Christmas decorations around the World Showcase, decked out  in all the finest traditional trimmings of the holidays for each country. There are also a number of Epcot's famous food kiosks to fill you with the Christmas spirit and a few holiday treats from around the world. 
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Which Epcot festival is your favorite? Drop your comments below to share your best Disney memories!
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Play: I-4, I-Spy

1/23/2018

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There are a lot of quirky roadside stops on I-4 between Orlando and Tampa. When I take visitors along this route, especially with little ones, I play a little "I Spy" with some distinct landmarks to pass the time. Play along!
Exit 44: Fantasy of Flight
It's not everyday you get to see an airplane that looks like it's about to take off from the shoulder of the highway as you drive by. Be on the lookout for a few oil pumps nearby too!
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Exit 41: Florida Polytechnic University
This futuristic structure, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, is actually quite familiar to me and holds a little piece of "home" in my heart.

This clean white building for Florida Polytechnic University is unmistakably a Calatrava masterpiece, by the talented architect and engineer, Santiago Calatrava.

I know this because another structure from my last home of Milwaukee WI - the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) - is also one of his creations. (New Yorkers might recognize his work from the new World Trade Center transit hub.) Each building has a roof that opens and changes shapes. The MAM has two "wings" that open and close throughout the day, like a bird greeting the morning sun. Florida Polytech's roof raises different cantilevers based on the intensity and position of the sun.
Exit 17: Dinosaur World
Stop and play on some life-sized plastic dinosaurs! Some friends of mine have an inside joke that they tag themselves here when they are coming home from a long trip out-of-town. Watch out for the TRex!
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RIP Airstream Ranch, the RV Stonehenge of Florida
When I first moved to Florida, the trip to Orlando was always dotted with 7 (and a half) shining silver Airstreams planted in the ground off Exit 14 - "RV-henge" or "Airstream Cemetery" I fondly nicknamed it.

I later found out that it had a real name and that it was originally built in honor of the 75th anniversary of Airstream trailers. Unfortunately, I found this out when it was announced that the infamous landmark was going to be removed!

Thankfully, about 2 months before, I had caught this immaculate glimpse of the "Airstream Ranch" on one of my trips home to Tampa. I will not tell you how fast I was going when I rolled down my window, pointed my phone camera without looking to the side, avoiding ANY oncoming traffic in the frame, and this perfect horizon shot - a single ray of sunshine lighting the monument, centered in the photo - was captured! It was just meant to be.
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Play: Things to Do Around the Bay - Tampa/St Petersburg, FL

12/16/2017

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The Tampa/St Petersburg metro area is a great place to visit on the Gulf Coast in central Florida. I have lived here for several years now and enjoy taking visitors to a lot of fun places in the area - I've always loved being a tourist in my own city!

Animals & Wildlife

  • Big Cat Rescue
  • Busch Gardens
  • ​Clearwater Marine Aquarium - see Hope & Winter, the famous dolphins from "Dolphin Tale" and "Dolphin Tale 2"
  • ​Dade City's Wild Things - hold baby lions, tigers, bears... and more, oh my!
  • Dinosaur World
  • Florida Aquarium
  • ZooTampa (formerly Lowry Park Zoo)​
  • Safari Wilderness
  • Sea Bird Hospital & Sanctuary

Beaches & Parks

  • ​Busch Gardens
  • Clearwater Beach - Sand Key Park great for shells
  • ​Fort DeSoto County Park & North Beach - good for shells
  • Honeymoon Island State Park & Beach
  • Indian Rocks Beach - great for shells
  • Indian Shores 
  • Lettuce Lake Conservation Park
  • ​Madeira Beach
  • Siesta Key - Sarasota, great for shells
  • Sunken Gardens
  • USF Botanical Gardens
  • ​Weedon Island Preserve

Culture, History, and Museums

  • ​SS American Victory
  • Chihuly Collection
  • Dali Museum
  • ​Fort Foster State Park
  • Glazer Children's Museum
  • Great Explorations Children's Museum
  • Henry B Plant Museum
  • Heritage Village
  • Florida Holocaust Museum
  • Museum of Fine Arts St Petersburg
  • MoSI (Museum of Science & Industry)
  • Polk Museum of Art
  • ​St Petersburg Museum of History
  • Straz Center for the Performing Arts
  • ​Tampa Bay History Center
  • ​Tampa Museum of Art
  • Tampa Theatre: Nonprofit Movie Palace
  • Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks and Spongeorama's Sponge Factory

Eat & Drink

Fine Dining
  • Bern's Steakhouse - Tampa
  • Oystercatchers at Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Casual Dining
  • Crabby Bill's - Indian Rocks Beach
  • Hott Mess Cafe & Food Truck
  • Nico's Arepas Grill & Food Truck
  • O'Maddy's Bar & Grille - Gulfport
  • The Refinery
Tacos, Tacos, and MORE TACOS!
  • California Tacos
  • Chronic Tacos
  • Don Julio's Mexican
  • ​Fuzzy's Tacos
  • Loli's Mexican Cravings
  • Rocco's Tacos
  • Taco Bus - check out the original Bus in Tampa!
  • Tijuana Flats
Sweet Treats
  • ​Haze Ice Cream including allergy friendly options, like dairy free/sugar free/gluten free ice cream and gluten free cones!
  • Strachan's Ice Cream
  • Sweet Divas Chocolates

Shop

  • Downtown Dunedin
  • International Plaza & Bay Street
  • ​The Shops at Wiregrass

Sports

  • Amalie Arena
    • Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
    • Concerts & Events
  • Raymond James Stadium
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
    • USF Bulls Football (NCAA)
    • Concerts & Events
  • Tropicana Field
    • Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
  • Yuengling Center
    • USF Bulls Men's Basketball (NCAA)
    • USF Bulls Women's Basketball (NCAA)
    • Concerts & Events
Have more places you love to visit in the area? Comment below and be added to the list!

Last updated: April 8, 2019

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Play: Top 7 Reasons to Stay at a Disney Resort Hotel, Walt Disney World, Orlando FL

4/12/2017

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There seems to be about a billion hotels to consider when you come to visit Orlando in Florida. But if you're planning to spend most of your time playing at Walt Disney World, the value of staying at a Disney resort hotel far outweighs any cost savings of staying at something nearby.

7. Nothing is actually "nearby" when you don't stay on property. 
Walt Disney World takes up about 25,000 acres - or 40 square miles - which is geographically the same size as the city of San Francisco! By staying at a Disney resort hotel, you are right in the heart of the parks and all there is to do! Considering there are at least 5 miles of exits off I-4 for Walt Disney World, and you still have to drive a way to actually get to any of the park entrances, plus traffic ... you'll save a lot of heartache and time by just staying at a Disney resort hotel.

6. You save by not needing to pay for a taxi, Uber, or rental car.
When you stay onsite, the Disney Magical Express offers complimentary air-conditioned motorcoach bus transportation to and from your hotel from the Orlando airport (MCO). One of the best things - you don't even need to stop and wait for your luggage! Disney takes care of it for you and it just magically ends up in your room after you arrive! Plus, all the transportation onsite is also complimentary between theme parks, hotels, Disney Springs, water parks, miniature golf, and more!

5. You get FREE Magic Bands!
So these little rubber bracelets don't seem like a big deal - until you've ever stayed "nearby" and not at a Disney hotel. You literally feel lost without it! Besides being a cute fashion accessory - it has a little RFID chip in it that is programmed in to be your hotel room key, dining plan, park tickets, Fast Pass+, Photo Pass or Memory Maker, and even attach a credit card to charge back to your room (you set up a PIN so no one can steal your Magic Band and go on a shopping spree!) By the time your vacation is over, you'll be trying to use it to unlock the front door of your house when you get home! At $13-35 a piece, that can really add up for a family when you stay offsite.
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4. You can schedule your Fast Pass+ selections up to SIXTY DAYS before your visit!
I don't stay on property that often because I live in central Florida and typically make day trips to Disney, but I have friends coming to visit in 2 months and I'm treating them to their first Walt Disney World experience and spending a few days at the parks. When I set up my Fast Pass+ (the ability to jump to the front of the line on rides and character meet and greets), usually I don't have the luxury of getting the good rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Frozen because I only have up to 30 days before to set them up (and let's face it, only a few hours or days when I make a spontaneous trip to Disney). I'm not one that likes to wait 45 minutes or even sometimes HOURS for a ride that is only going to last about 3-10 minutes! I've never been on Frozen at Epcot - it opened a year ago - but this morning was the 60-day mark for our Fast Pass+ selections and you better believe that was one of the first rides I selected - I am pumped to FINALLY get to ride it... despite the drops I've heard about from friends (I can survive the one on Pirates of the Caribbean so I'm sure I'll survive this)! Plus I got Seven Dwarfs for the kids and they're beyond excited!
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3. You qualify for the Dining Plan!
If you're going to eat at least one or two sit-down meals a day during your vacation, especially any all-you-care-to-enjoy buffets or character dining experiences, you could easily save money by adding a dining plan to your Disney resort hotel stay. This option is ONLY available if you stay on property - not available if you're at a "Good Neighbor" or other "nearby" hotel. The Dining Plan package usually costs about the same as a buffet dinner plus a snack... so your other meal(s), snack, and refillable drink mug for each day of your visit is pretty much free! You pay a set price per night of your visit and the dining "points" (entitlements) can be applied to any of your meals and snacks during the calendar days that you are checked in to your resort hotel. AND they make you eat dessert! I'm not going to argue with them on this one!

Got food allergies? Not only is Walt Disney World one of the happiest places on earth, it's also EXCELLENT when it comes to dining out with food allergies - without the fees that most restaurants upcharge (why should you pay $2 more for a gluten free bun or pizza crust?) The chefs and restaurant managers are well trained in food allergies and preventing issues like cross-contamination that can take place in "regular" restaurants. In the Disney "bubble", they typically have a separate, dedicated kitchen area that is just for preparing allergy-friendly meals. And they can modify or whip up just about anything your heart desires. Trust me on this - I pretty much cried the first time I had the gluten free fried chicken at 50s Prime Time Cafe!
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Above: Just the start of dinner at 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian)
Below: Finger-lickin' good gluten free fried chicken from 50s Prime Time Cafe (Hollywood Studios)
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2. More time to play in the theme parks!
Hate crowds and lines? Me too! What if you had an extra hour or two every day where there's less than 40% of the normal number of people in the park? Enjoy Extra Magic Hours when you stay at a Disney resort hotel! Every day, one or two theme parks will either open an hour early or stay open a few hours late JUST for resort guests staying on property! Less time in lines and less people to deal with = more fun for you!

1. You are surrounded by the "magic" for your entire vacation!
There's just something about being in the "Disney bubble" when you stay on property - the Mousekeepers are super sweet, the front desk people are friendly, the bus drivers are hilarious, and the chefs will wow you! Everywhere you turn, there is a Cast Member that wants to add some magical moment to your vacation and create memories to last a lifetime!
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Play: St. Augustine, Florida

10/22/2016

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If you happen to be driving along the Atlantic coast of Florida, I would highly recommend planning a stop for a day or two in the beautiful coastal city of St. Augustine, FL, especially for the history buffs in your group. 
Established in 1565 - yes, that's right, long before anyone docked at Plymouth Rock - St. Augustine is the oldest city in America. So it's not uncommon to come across places and artifacts that are hundreds of years old here. I visited just 2 weeks after Hurricane Matthew swept along the Atlantic coast and St. Augustine's fortified walls bore little damage from the storm's raging winds and rising waters.

If you only have a few hours in town, hit the highlights by jumping on one of the Red Train Tours (our train however, happened to be black!) This is about an hour-long tour on a cute little train, driven by a knowledgeable tour guide that will cover a lot of the city's top sites and give you a rich history lesson. For the photographers in the bunch, I recommend sitting on the driver's right side for the best shots along the route.

If you have a day or two to explore, most of the main attractions are within walking distance. So grab your comfy shoes and hit the cobblestone!

Head to the famous 17th-century star-shaped bastion fort along the waterfront - Castillo de San Marcos, a US Park Service national monument (admission fee) and check out a cannon demonstration or talk to the soldiers or park rangers about the rich history of the fort where the British and Spanish clashed.
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Run your fingers along the coquina ("shell concrete") and look for the etchings of battleships on the walls of the interior rooms. See the bare sleeping quarters with rows of thin mats on wooden platforms huddled near fireplaces big enough to stand in. 
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Head up to the rooftop and check out the rows of cannons and their effective crossfire placement patterns - plus get a great view of The Bridge of Lions, one of the world's most photographed bridges. You might even catch the drawbridge up to watch boats sail through.
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Explore the narrow streets of the city and check out the many fabulous restaurants, shops, or museums - like the Pirate & Treasure Museum - there's something for every taste!
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Flagler College is a beautiful campus to explore and learn a lot about Henry Flagler, the man responsible for a lot of the expansion of St. Augustine in the 1800s and early 1900s, including hotels, churches, businesses, homes, and more. There are incredible works of Tiffany glass in some of the buildings - including the rounded cafeteria room!
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Memorial Presbyterian Church, one of the magnificent churches in town - built in memory of Henry Flagler's daughter - was constructed in under one year. It has a magnificent interior that you are welcome to explore - there are even free pipe organ concerts occasionally if you are lucky to catch one!
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Grace United Methodist Church, also financed by Henry Flagler and built in 1887, features incredibly intricate mahogany doors and still holds regular worship services weekly. However you will note that there is no bell in the bell tower - Henry didn't want any distractions if the pipe organ in the other church he commissioned to be built happened to be playing.

One restaurant that I would highly recommend is a little off the beaten path from the tourist area of downtown... might be a little too far to walk? Just jump in your car or Uber it across The Bridge of Lions and head to The Conch House, where you can grab a delicous seafood lunch and request to be seated in the crow's nest, for a bird's eye view of the marina... you might even catch sight of a few dolphins playing nearby!
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Oops started eating before I got a picture... it was so good!
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Now that you've had a filling meal, back to the tour!

​Just north of the main city area is the original Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum! It looks like a castle - as some might remember from the TV show - and has a long crazy history, from a wealthy family with 14 kids and only 1 bathroom, to a hotel where celebrities frequently stayed. Let's just say it definitely lives up to its name of "Odditorium". Whether you're looking for shrunken heads, pirate booty, or spaceships made from matchsticks... and everything in between, head here for an exploration of Ripley's crazy collection! Just be warned, there's some stuff that might make you go "Ew!" or "Gross!"
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On the way to our last stop, there's a few more sites to see. The world's tallest free-standing cross can be found at Our Lady of De Leche, a church built for prayer, especially popular for families struggling to have children... many prayers have been answered here!
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Wander over to the Howard Johnson's parking lot... odd request, right? Well you want to meet The Senator, don't you? This 300+ year old live oak tree is old, crooked, and a little shady - haha!
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From the back of the parking lot, turn left onto Magnolia Avenue - there's not a single Magnolia tree to be found, but you'll appreciate the "tunnel" created by massive oak trees, stretching their branches across the road and the Spanish moss blowing in the breeze. 
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Just down the street is our last stop of the day - The Fountain of Youth, founded by Juan Ponce de Leon! Here you can grab a glass of water from the original spring... which tastes a lot like natural Florida tap water... and see if it adds some years to your life!
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Wander the park and see the wild peacocks that roam the grounds. Just please don't chase or feed them.
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See how the Timucuan lived - explore their huts and how they prepared food, created tools from animal bones, and more.
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Watch a blacksmith work his craft... we saw how a pot hook was made and where the "stove knob" idea came from, hundreds of years before an electric stove was invented!
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Another cool cannon demonstration to end the day... this was pretty up-close-and-personal, and the suggestion to cover your ears is definitely one to follow!
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I could spend another day of exploring here, but more adventures await me this weekend.

Bitten by the travel bug... and I don't mean Zika!
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Play: Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation, Orlando FL

9/24/2015

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If you are planning a Walt Disney World trip and would like some tips, here is some of my "expert" advice!
  • You do not need to have kids or be a kid to enjoy Disney! All ages are welcome and have a magical time!
  • Stay at a resort on property - you get more perks and inclusions! (Magical Express transfers to/from the Orlando airport, Magic Bands, dining plan, Extra Magic Hours, and more!)
  • Stock up on Disney gift cards at Target with your Red Card - get 5% off!
  • Combine your Disney gift card balances at disneygiftcard.com (up to $1000 per card) so you aren't carrying a stack of cards with you - also your travel agent or Disney agent will greatly appreciate your efforts when you call in to make a payment 
  • Book dining reservations 180 days prior to your travel dates (or as soon as you book the trip if it's less than 6 months out) - then sit back for 6 months and don't worry about getting into the best places! Especially if you want dinner at Ohana, breakfast at Chef Mickey's, anything at Cinderella's Royal Table and Be Our Guest, or any type of character dining. Do NOT use one of those paid services that sets up reservations - contact Disney directly (Call 407-WDW-DINE to get the reservations all set up for your visit at one time!)
  • Plan which park(s) you are going to on which days, based on the number of theme park tickets you get and if they are 1 park per day or Park Hopper tickets. Check the park hours for each day to see which ones are open the most hours (based on Extra Magic Hours or possible closings for special events). This will cut down on time spent on transportation if you spend all day in one park but if you do park hop, you can have an idea of what you want to do at each park for the day and plan time for going between parks.
  • You can set up FastPass+ (FP) reservations - basically a FREE and easy way to "cut to the front of the line" included with your theme park tickets - 30 days prior to your trip (60 days if you're staying at a Disney resort) You must have a theme park ticket purchased and linked in your My Disney Experience account or app to set up FP ... you can set up 3 per person per day (in 1 park). There is no charge to set them up and you are not penalized if you miss or don't use the FP. You can modify them at any point. I personally set up my FP for early in the day - morning and early afternoon - because once you use up the 3 FP for the day, you can go to the FP kiosks in the theme parks and set up another FP, one at a time, every time you use one up (based on what is available for later in the day). If you have Park Hopper tickets, you will need to use up your 3 FP in the first park before you go to the next park. Once you get to the next park, you will need to go to their FP kiosks to see what is available for the day there.
  • The Disney theme parks are popular and open 365 days a year - but the tickets are cheaper when you buy them ahead of time... there are NO authorized third party dealers for Disney park tickets, no matter how fancy their websites might be and what they claim. Buy your tickets DIRECTLY from www.disneyworld.com or call 407-W-DISNEY and a friendly Disney agent will help you! 
  • Leave your selfie stick at home (they're just going to confiscate it).... BUY A MEMORY MAKER - especially if it's your first visit or you're taking a large group/family. TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Set it up at least 3 days prior to your trip to get the discount rate.
  • If you don't have park tickets for your entire stay, spend your partial days at Disney Springs - you don't need a ticket for this outdoor shopping mall with lots of shops, restaurants, and fun things to do! There are also fun things like carriage rides at some of the resorts, parasailing and other water sports at Sammy Duvall (Contemporary Resort's Boat Nook Marina), and a number of tours that you can book 3-6 months in advance!
  • Universal Studios and Sea World are NOT owned by Disney and no, Disney doesn't sell the tickets for them. Disney only offers tickets for Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM), Animal Kingdom, and Epcot!
  • If it's your first visit, birthday, anniversary, or any other type of celebration, stop by the Guest Relations desk and get your free button! :)
I promise - it will be magical and you will not starve or run out of things to do and see, no matter how many days you stay and play!
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Play: How to Enjoy a Rainy Day at the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Orlando FL

7/28/2015

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It's been a little over a month since I drove across the country and moved to Florida for a new job. You will be seeing me post a lot about the most magical place on earth, as I have a new pass that allows me entrance anytime I want... and I will admit I've been going just to eat some of the wonderful gluten-free food sometimes!

Today I visited the Magic Kingdom, despite the forecast calling for a rainy day. Yes, it rained. It's Florida in the middle of summer - it happens. EVERYDAY.

But I know there are many families who save up - sometimes for years! - to go to Walt Disney World and no one wants the weather to spoil their plans. So I'm here to help reassure you that there are a lot of fun things you can do here on a rainy day!
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It's a Small World
Yes, the song plays the entire ride... however I was more mesmerized by the colorful representations of countries from around the world that I tuned it out after a few continents! It was my first time getting to take in this iconic Disney experience! The mellow boat ride takes you across the globe and gives you some time to dry off. Be sure to get a FastPass+ set up for this ride to avoid the long wait line (some of it is under cover but not the very end... and it can get to be a long wait!) The FastPass+ line will get you indoors for shelter from the rain quicker.
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The Liberty Belle
All aboard for a relaxing ride along the riverway, passing the route of the Festival of Fantasy parade, Big Thunder Mountain's rollercoaster ride, as well as some other hidden gems along the way - things you wouldn't otherwise see walking through the park. There's plenty of shelter on this lovely old steamboat - mostly standing room, but there are several areas where you can sit down as well. The only parts that aren't really covered are the back of the top deck and the front of the bottom deck.
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The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Take a winding ride with Pooh and pals on a blustery day - there will be a lot of twists and turns, bumps and twirls, just so you are warned! (I was expecting a calm ride and it definitely was not relaxing!) There is a refreshing blast of air here and there on the ride to dry you off too!

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Haunted Mansion
I'll admit that going on this ride was a first for me because I typically don't like anything creepy, scary, or dark. But I am slowly conquering some fears that had given me anxiety over the years - including large crowds and traveling on my own - which I've also been able to calm my nerves with these trips to Walt Disney World so far. I wandered the dark hallways of the mansion with the group of mortals in the FastPass+ line (also highly recommended to avoid the wait, even though the majority of this standby line waits under awnings) and was almost ready to grab the arm of a nearby dad when they put you in a room and all the doors close and the lights go out... but I restrained myself... and lived to tell about the experience at the end of the ride! Yes it's dark and creepy so I am not sure I would take small children on it (though there were plenty on my ride and no one screamed!) but that's just my personal opinion - you can base it on your child's personality and perceptions! Again, this is a longer ride so you can abandon the rainfall and enjoy the dry indoors on a stormy day!

Along with the activities above, there are plenty of other rides, character meet & greets, shops, and restaurants that will allow you to duck inside and stay out of the elements. Enjoy your Disney vacation - rain or shine - and stay dry! Have a magical day!
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Play: Walt Disney World, Orlando FL

5/8/2015

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It's been a whirlwind few months and I apologize for my blog getting put on the back burner.

I literally just got home from an AMAZING trip to Disneyworld - my very first trip to Disney EVER! I did shed some tears when it was time to go home... it truly was magical and I can't wait to go back! There was still so much left to do and see, food to eat, and places to stay. I will greatly miss the warm Florida sunshine too!

Here is my Top 10 list of things EVERYONE should do at Walt Disney World - please be sure to add your favorites in the comments below!
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Photo Pass cast members are happy to shoot you... er, take your photos!
10. Get the Memory Maker package (Photo Pass) - it is absolutely worth the opportunity to have professional photographs, along with some video clips, to remember your trip. You can download and use them - unlimited - and you can add special features for some of the poses the Cast Members will suggest for you. I felt like I was able to make up for my terribly dorky senior photos, let alone capture the great memories from this adventure.

9. Hang out with Gaston near his tavern in Magic Kingdom and just watch his witty interactions with guests - this dude is completely full of himself and HILARIOUS! Get your autograph books handy to meet Mickey & Minnie, the princesses, and all their friends too - the characters are happy to meet one and all! (For "Frozen" fans, be sure to either get your FastPass+ or arrive at the Magic Kingdom gates before 7:30am and walk swiftly - no running - along Main Street USA, through Cinderella Castle, around Prince Charming's Regal Carousel, and straight into the meet & greet line for Anna and Elsa to avoid hour-plus long lines!)
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Gaston was one of the BEST characters to interact with - he has one witty comment after another!

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The Loch Ness monster in Lake Buena Vista at Downtown Disney - made entirely of LEGO blocks!

8. Shop at Downtown Disney, check out the LEGO creations around, and take an Amphicar boat ride at The Boathouse or a hot air balloon ride! Try some great food too - I would also highly recommend getting a Disney Dining Plan (I did NOT on this trip and the prices of some meals made my credit card cringe!) I will have another list with my favorite gluten-free findings posted shortly!

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Sing along as you "swim" past the brilliant colors of "Under the Sea"!
7. Go "underwater" without getting your hair wet for the "Under the Sea" ride with Ariel's crew in Magic Kingdom... as well as "Turtle Talk with Crush" at Epcot (I am still trying to figure out how they do it, dude!)

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6. Check out the West Wing at Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom and see the Beast's mystical enchanted Rose - as my friend Rachel stated: "Everyone who grew up in the '90s has to see this!" (Note: Get up close and turn off your flash for the best photographs!)

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5. Explore "Living with the Land" at Epcot and see some awesome techniques they are experimenting with to grow food in some crazy ways - many are harvested to be served in the Disney restaurants around the parks!

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4. Eat and drink your way around the World Showcase at Epcot. (We had a fabulous "dinner & show" at the Teppan Edo hibachi restaurant - so fun and delicious!) !The park was beautifully adorned with the flowers and topiaries of the International Flower & Garden Festival during my visit (early May 2015), which added some extra vibrant pixie dust and fragrance. Be sure to stop by The Kunstarbeit In Kristall in Germany for your sparkly crystal tiaras and beer stein souvenirs - they'll even ship your fragile items home for a very reasonable flat fee.
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3. See "Finding Nemo - The Musical" at Animal Kingdom - this colorful performance is entertaining and breath-taking for the whole family!

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2. Go on the Kilimanjaro Safaris tour at Animal Kingdom, especially closer to the end of the day's schedule. Get your cameras ready - the wildlife sightings are incredible!

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1. Get to Magic Kingdom before 8:30pm and park yourself in front of Cinderella Castle to get a prime seat along the parade route edges (score a FastPass+ preferred seating area if you can!) for the evening's Mickey's Electrical Parade and Wishes fireworks show! 


Not a night owl? During the day, around mid-afternoon, you can also find a spot along the "Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party" parade route through Adventureland and Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom. The "Fantasmic" show at Hollywood Studios is also a great lights, water, and fireworks show for later evening entertainment!)


Again, this was my very first visit and there are still many things on my list for the next time... open to suggestions from others on what they love too! (Also note that my stomach doesn't handle rollercoaster style rides, so I did only the "Any Height" rides!)
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Play: Austin TX

2/1/2015

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Austin greeted us with a warm, sunny, 70-degree January weekend - quite different from the cold and snow that we left at home in Milwaukee. It's amazing what some sunshine can do to transform a person's mood and soul!
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FULL DISCLOSURE: Admittedly, I have always had a "thing" for Capitol buildings. I grew up in Madison WI, which boasts a beautiful replica of the nation's Capitol in DC. (Fun fact: It is ALMOST as large, with each wing just 1" shorter than the original!) As an impressionable 3rd grader, touring that grandiose building hits you straight in the heart, as you gaze up at the dome in awe. My love only grew when I came back to Madison for college a decade later, where the campus is nestled in the shadow of the Capitol Square. I even took a shortcut through the gorgeous building every day when my senior internship and apartment were on direct opposite corners of the Square.
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Texas is one of the more impressive Capitol buildings I have visited - I would rank it in my Top 5 (I've seen a lot!) Wandering the grounds, you will find gorgeous sculptures, including a miniature Statue of Liberty, a below-ground plaza, as well as dedications to the Pioneer Woman and Pearl Harbor survivors.

Inside, Texas dresses to impress. From doorknobs to hinges, from the mosaic tile floors to the star in the top of the dome, there are so many great details to admire as you wander the halls. 
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Austin offers a laid-back buzz of energy for locals and tourists alike. On the glorious Sunday afternoon we spent in town, everyone and their dogs hit the park - Zilker Park, to be exact. Trails meander between the large open green space and the Colorado River, welcoming walkers, runners, dogs, bikes, and more. Kayaks float alongside ducks and turtles, while heron and double-crested cormorants watch from the shores. The Zilker Zephyr, a miniature green train transports excited families around the park's perimeter, slowing down as it goes under the Barton Springs bridge. Kids of all ages played games, while some couples relaxed on blankets with their books. Dogs ran around and happily played fetch. All with a fantastic view of the downtown Austin skyline. 
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Another spot for a little workout and great views is Covert Park at Mount Bonnell. Take advantage of the natural stairs from the lower entrance and climb up to the summit. From the edge of the path, there are many open spots to look out over the Colorado River and the expensive homes with manicured lawns along its banks below. Just stay behind the barriers - it's a long way down!
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 There's a platform at the top where you can see the skyline of downtown Austin to the left and the river to the right. Take the stairs down from this end of the trail to the parking area below, a quicker route than the way up. 
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Play: Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue, Rock Springs WI

1/15/2015

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A lot of families head to Wisconsin Dells in the summer to splash around at the waterparks, play mini golf, ride some rollercoasters, and just enjoy the sunshine while it graces Wisconsin for a few short months!

What happens when the day of your long-planned family fun finally arrives... and it's 50 degrees outside... or raining? Avoid being cooped up in a hotel room with grumpy kids or turning around to make the long drive back home - there's a hidden gem just down the road in a little town called Rock Springs.

That's how we stumbled upon the Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue & Educational Center a few summers ago. It ended up being a fantastic turnaround to what could have been a miserable day.

We checked in at the little booth and it was fairly quiet, so we ended up getting a personal tour with Jenny, one of the owners. They had just moved Daytona, a 3-month-old tiger cub, outside from living in their house and she was quite the entertainer. I would have loved to jump in her cage and snuggle her but she probably already outweighed me - and those claws still looked pretty long and sharp!

Jenny introduced us to each and every one of the dozens of big cats that live in the rescue. Many cats enjoy the luxury of their own personal sanctuary, some share a space. Every pen is huge, filled with toys and things to climb on, and surrounded by extremely tall metal fences. If one of the large felines decides to be "friendly" and come up to the fence, you are literally standing within 6 feet of them... absolutely amazing! (Just a helpful note that we learned: If a big cat starts to turn and lift their tail or leg... be sure you run the opposite direction as fast as you can, so you don't get sprayed!) 

And when that mighty king lets out a roar, it shakes you to the core!

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We had noticed a "menu" of treats you could purchase for the cats when we checked in. The option of a whole chicken stood out and we went ahead and got one for a beautiful white tiger named Isis. One of the staff - usually Jeff, another owner - will lure the cat into a small house at the back of their fenced area and lock it up temporarily, so he can go into the cat's pen and leave the gift for the cat to find... in this case, an entire chicken, frozen solid! The cat paces excitedly, waiting to be released (once the staff member has safely exited the pen) and then it is on the prowl to hunt its prey as soon as the door is opened! Be sure to have your camera ready to go - they have such an amazing sense of smell... that chicken was found and fully devoured in under two minutes flat! 
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Each cat has a story - some have been rescued from zoos that closed or bad circus environments, others were illegal "pets" that the owners could no longer handle.

The rescue runs entirely on donations and sponsorships; none of their funds come from government support. Right now they are in the process of building a new Vet & Educational Center on the property, so they can take care of surgeries and routine care onsite. The cost to erect the building itself was covered by a foundation in Minnesota, but the rescue still need funds to complete the project. Consider making a donation - click here! As their site says, "Your donation makes a roaring difference!" Thank you!


*Wisconsin Big Cats Rescue & Educational Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
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