Disney Theme Parks!
Spring break was over, students were back in their classroom for "testing season" and we were ready to get our pre-cruise theme park game on! We flew from IAH to MCO, rented a car and checked into Best Western Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs. We had no idea when we booked, how convenient this hotel would be. The price was amazing compared to my trip a couple weeks earlier with my son (spring break). The hotel had shuttles to the transfer stations that gave us access to all four theme parks without having to drive or pay for parking! Perfect!
All checked in, we took the shuttle to Disney Springs to walk around. So many restaurants and shops. We decided to have a little Guinness and Shepard's Pie at this Pub. Raglan Road had delicious food. We didn't have to wait to be seated at our comfy pub style table. Vacation had officially begun!
Day one...On a "safari" in the Animal Kingdom, we passed several animals. The giraffes were unphased by the vehicles full of humans passing them. We passed anthills, flamingo and elephants. It was fun to see them up close.
While walking around the exhibits in the park, we came across these howler monkeys. Ironically, in Barry's very "romantic" proposal to me, he said, "even howler monkeys need someone to pick their fleas off"... that was meant to convince me that we all need a life companion :-) Needless to say, we have a slight attachment to this furry creature...
Day two...Clearly everyone handles scary rides differently... the best part of going on rides is checking out the faces on the screens after. So expressive! Though I was scared to death, I have to say that Steven Tyler's Rockin' Roller Coaster in Hollywood Studios, was the smoothest and most comfortable thrill ride I've ever experienced.
Still in Hollywood Studios, we came across the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge. We sat at a table shaded by an umbrella and checked out the menu. The first thing to catch our eye was the "Margarita Flight" consisting of Classic, Mango and Pomegranate margaritas. Fun way to start our lunch! Both of us chose the Derby Sliders. They were unbelievably delicious!
Day Three...This was our obligatory Disney selfie... with the castle in the background. With no lines, we rode every ride, some twice and were finished by five o'clock. We headed back to the hotel and grabbed dinner at the restaurant inside the hotel. It was pretty tasty!
Day four...Epcot Center! For years I've seen pictures of Epcot and dreamed of going. Finally, we will walk around the world in one afternoon. The flowers were in full bloom! We had perfect weather. Again, the lack of crowds had us seeing everything and heading back to the hotel by late afternoon. We returned to the hotel, repacked and prepared for our flight to Miami to catch our cruise!
