But I Don’t Want to Go Home!

Our trip to Florida was wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. The only problem was that it was too short! Well, that and the humidity. Temperatures in the low 90s are not so bad…until you add in 85% humidity (and higher most days). That’s when things get really uncomfortable. I thought we were well adjusted to heat and humidity…after all, we live in Georgia. Just a few hours north of Orlando, home of The Mouse. How much more humid could it really be, just a few hours south?

Oh, how little I really know about weather! LOL Let’s just say that the entire trip was hot, hot, hot and humid, humid, humid. But we coped well…our little misting fans and water bottles became our best friends. We all sweated more than we have in our entire lives (yes, even me….gross!)…but it was worth it. We had a wonderful time and it ended too soon.

Pictures and detailed trip report will be coming soon…but let me tease you with just a taste of coming attractions:

Day 1 – Time for a Road Trip! Who knew it could take over an hour to go 10 miles on a Sunday afternoon? And how is it possible for Burger King *not* to have catsup? The spire of the Orlando Temple is visible from I-4…as are some of the evening fireworks displays from Disney World. The hotel (Pop Century) was great…fun place to stay. We were all pretty excited but managed to get some sleep.

Day 2 – EPCOT Center. Loved our first ride and couldn’t wait for more! Who knew you could grow watermelons, cucumbers, and tomatoes on trees? Nine pound lemons? Coke products from different countries – some very interesting ones. Pin trading. Best steak and cheesecake I’ve ever eaten. Afternoon swimming at the hotel in a flower-shaped pool. IllumiNations. We all slept really well that night! The touring plans work!

Day 3 – Disney MGM Studio. First “Year of a Million Dreams” experience – you’ll just have to wait for details, but it was cool! The Little Mermaid, Indiana Jones stunt show, “Lights, Cameras, Action”. Lots of tour groups from Argentina and Brazil. Big thunderstorm so Fantasmic was cancelled…the “exodus” in the biggest thunderstorm I’ve ever been in! More swimming. Gotta love refillable mugs! Again, the touring plans work! Decided to add an extra day at WDW instead of going to Sea World.

Day 4 – Animal Kingdom. First day we deviated from the master plan but it worked out. I wasn’t feeling well which put a damper on the day. Kilimanjaro Safaris and Kali River Rapids (why was I the only one who got wet?), Festival of the Lion King show (wow!)…more pin trading. Swimming, and then dinner at O’Hana (so much yummy food!), then the monorail and Fantasmic…very cool show. Again, the touring plan (what little of it we did) works.

Day 5 – Magic Kingdom. Wow! Another “Year of a Million Dreams” experience…short lines, lot of crowds, loved Spectromagic and Wishes…again the touring plans work…Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, lots of shows, Laugh Floor, and DH getting a score of 182,400 on Buzz Lightyear! More swimming…dinner at the hotel (great salmon)…more pin trading. The touring plans still work! Another good night’s sleep…WDW really wears you out!

Day 6 – EPCOT Center in the Morning, then Magic Kingdom. Our last “Year of a Million Dreams” experience – the best one of all! Soarin’, Test Track (fun!), Mission Space…a disappointing lunch experience. Then over to Magic Kingdom. Splash Mountain and a few other rides…and then it’s time to leave The Mouse and head to the beach. We said a sad goodbye to The Mouse but are already looking forward to coming back for another visit…souvenirs and yummy stuff…Off to the beach!

Day 7 – The Beach. Hot, hot, hot and humid, humid, humid. The worst sunburn I’ve ever had in my life. My parents drove down and joined us at the beach. Fun in the sand and surf (the water was 90 degrees!), dinner a great rib place, swimming in the hotel pool. Time to head home tomorrow…

Day 8 – The Long Road Home. Sadly, we left Florida and headed home to Georgia. Drat, I wish the DVD player in the van would work! It was a long drive but we were all happy to get home…with visions of Mickey Rice Krispy Treats dancing in our heads we dream of our next trip to see The Mouse. 2008, anyone?

Be watching for details and pictures!