Geez, is it still raining here? That's it, I'm moving to somewhere there's sun! ;-)
Well, I soaked up a few rays this past weekend in Florida... not exactly "the sunshine state" at the moment either - rain every day, too - but at least they only got pop-up storms with sun & blue sky in between. Wish we could get some of that here! The humidity was high, but otherwise beautiful down there.
Well, I soaked up a few rays this past weekend in Florida... not exactly "the sunshine state" at the moment either - rain every day, too - but at least they only got pop-up storms with sun & blue sky in between. Wish we could get some of that here! The humidity was high, but otherwise beautiful down there.
We left last week for Orlando to attend the wedding of an old family friend. Of course, since we'd be in the area, we figured why not take a couple extra days to enjoy some of the attractions. This was my first time in FL. Wasn't looking forward to 90 degrees, though even that was a welcome change from the ongoing crappy weather in NH. Obviously didn't have time to do much in just 2 days with scheduled events, but what we did experience was worth the trip...
Blue Man Group @ Universal Studios: This was for my dad, but we all loved it. The concert was entertaining before it even started! I won't spoil it for you, but if you like interactive performances, comedy, and music, then I highly recommend seeing a Blue Man show. I'd love to see it again! Hmm, maybe sometime when they are in Boston. :-)
We also enjoyed CityWalk, which is part of Universal, winding around the different theaters, restaurants, shops, etc. There's live music, DJs and dancing in the street, lots of fun. Margaritaville lived up to it's name, serving a very good drink. They even brought out the chef for me to personally discuss allergies and food options with, which was wonderful. Very classy of them! Fun, laid back atmosphere. Excellent service. Great food & drinks. Wish we had time to go back at night - apparently there's even more fun after dark. But lots to see outside... I imagine it's a popular place for locals, as you only pay for parking to get in, so easy on the budget. I really loved the DJ & dancing in the street - I could've stayed all night just for that (though my parents didn't have quite the same youthful enthusiasm at the idea, LOL) but we needed to get back for a good night's sleep after the show, as the next day's schedule was busy...
We also enjoyed CityWalk, which is part of Universal, winding around the different theaters, restaurants, shops, etc. There's live music, DJs and dancing in the street, lots of fun. Margaritaville lived up to it's name, serving a very good drink. They even brought out the chef for me to personally discuss allergies and food options with, which was wonderful. Very classy of them! Fun, laid back atmosphere. Excellent service. Great food & drinks. Wish we had time to go back at night - apparently there's even more fun after dark. But lots to see outside... I imagine it's a popular place for locals, as you only pay for parking to get in, so easy on the budget. I really loved the DJ & dancing in the street - I could've stayed all night just for that (though my parents didn't have quite the same youthful enthusiasm at the idea, LOL) but we needed to get back for a good night's sleep after the show, as the next day's schedule was busy...
Discovery Cove: This was for me! :-D For more years than I recall, I've wanted to swim with the dolphins. If I were to make a solid "bucket list" (i.e. "things to do before I die"), this would be #1! Sea World is one of the few places that offers this experience. We started the morning snorkeling the manmade reef with various fish and sting/manta rays. (Actually I removed my snorkel after a few minutes, as it was just easier to hold my breath - maybe if I had a quality snorkel with a longer air tube and a ball inside I'd enjoy it more - better yet just try scuba diving!) I could practically live in the water, so after the initial temperature shock (low 70's is nice at home, but damn cold when the air is in the 90's!) it was awesome. It would've been perfect if flotation jackets weren't required - boy, those things made diving hard work! LOL At least they were streamlined neoprene, rather than bulky life vests, TG! Easy enough to swim in, just the underwater play put extra pressure on my lungs. Oh well. After the reef, I had to stop in the ray lagoon to pet the sting rays. Just couldn't get enough of these beautiful creatures. Very cool to stand in the water surrounded by a flock of them; even cooler being able to touch them. :-) Loved it!
Their wind-away river was heated pool water, and flowed around most of the park, through an aviary, and under waterfalls. Quite nice for some lazy floating. Though we had to reacclimate to the cold salt water before going in the dolphin lagoon! LOL The dolphin experience was incredible. Everyone split off in small groups with a trainer. Our group got lucky with double the fun - "our" dolphin was a new mom and we got to interact with both her and her baby, who was just learning the ropes. Everyone had the chance to feed, touch, and give hand signals. We all had photos taken of kissing the dolphin; and aren't I special - I got two kisses! hehehe My hair got in my face the first time, so the photographer insisted on a second take. ;-) Works for me! LOL And of course we all got to "ride" the dolphin, holding her fins as she pulled us across the lagoon. Needless to say, that was fun! Hated to have to leave. Hmm, maybe I need to revise my bucket list to include an "expanded" dolphin experience - they do offer trainer for a day packages! hahaha Guess I can't die happy just yet.
Their wind-away river was heated pool water, and flowed around most of the park, through an aviary, and under waterfalls. Quite nice for some lazy floating. Though we had to reacclimate to the cold salt water before going in the dolphin lagoon! LOL The dolphin experience was incredible. Everyone split off in small groups with a trainer. Our group got lucky with double the fun - "our" dolphin was a new mom and we got to interact with both her and her baby, who was just learning the ropes. Everyone had the chance to feed, touch, and give hand signals. We all had photos taken of kissing the dolphin; and aren't I special - I got two kisses! hehehe My hair got in my face the first time, so the photographer insisted on a second take. ;-) Works for me! LOL And of course we all got to "ride" the dolphin, holding her fins as she pulled us across the lagoon. Needless to say, that was fun! Hated to have to leave. Hmm, maybe I need to revise my bucket list to include an "expanded" dolphin experience - they do offer trainer for a day packages! hahaha Guess I can't die happy just yet.
