Apologies for my month of absence. I know that’s been happening a lot lately, but I haven’t cooked many things I’ve really enjoyed. I hate when a blog I like recommends bad recipes just because they took nice photos of it, so I only post things I absolutely love! I’ve been very frustrated with my camera’s lens lately, so I haven’t even been taking many photos of the recipes I do enjoy.
Joseph and I just returned from a week to Orlando, where we also planned a long layover in New York City. It was a wonderful trip, despite the 24 hour journey there and then another 28 hours on the way home! Neither of us had been to the US in a year and a half, so it was wonderful to feel a bit at home again. I’d forgotten how nice Americans are! I can’t believe people will move out of your way when you’re trying to get through, apologize for bumping into you, and smile when you cross them on the street. I really miss that living here.
We visited all four Walk Disney World parks, the two Universal Studios parks, and Busch Gardens (in Tampa). It is the perfect time of year–we hardly had to wait in line at all! The only time we had to use our Fastpasses at Disney World was for the Toy Story Mania ride, which had a three hour wait since it only just opened.
We got a wonderful flight, hotel, and rental car package through Expendia, so we were able to stay in the beautiful Peabody Orlando! It is a fantastic hotel, and we did get to see the famous ducks. My photo kind of looks like an illustration, doesn’t it?
Of course we went to Magic Kingdom our first day. I thought it would be a bit kitschy, but it wasn’t at all! I was also surprised by the number of single couples there–it seemed like they were all older couples or couple our age (many of who were on their honeymoons).
Cinderalla’s castle was still beautiful, even after I’ve seen real castles, including the one it’s modeled after!
Main Street, USA is pretty much my ideal town!
We had breakfast at the adorable Main Street Bakery. I had a very good cinnamon roll–I liked it much more than the Cinnabon one I had at Universal Studios later in the week.
Joseph on the Magic Carpet ride.
It’s a Small World has always been my favorite ride! Naturally my entire family can’t stand it from my having to ride it over and over again. Joseph said he wouldn’t ride it, but he compromised when I agreed to do the Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (which I had said I wouldn’t do after I got ZERO points next to my five year old sister last time I went–I then made my mom take me on it again and STILL got no points!)
I really don’t like Disney and Joseph had to argue with me a bit to actually get me on this trip, but Beauty and the Beast is one of the only princess movies I liked growing up. Disney ruins books! I’m pretty passionate about children’s literature, so this kind of kills me!
I love Minnie’s house!
Minnie’s living room
Minnie’s gazebo!
The fireworks show was really wonderful! I didn’t realize the music and fireworks would line up so well.
Our next day was Animal Kingdom. I didn’t really want to go because I remembered it as being boring, but I enjoyed it a lot! We saw Finding Nemo: The Musical, and it was truly incredible. Don’t skip out if you’re heading to Animal Kingdom! The show is amazing and I enjoyed it much more than The Lion King.
Expedition: Everest was a great ride! We love roller coasters and had been craving a serious ride after all the easy ones at Magic Kingdom. We had no idea this one would be so intense.
All of Disney is so detailed! And clean. Everything is so well-organized and I’m overall just amazed at the parks, especially after going to Universal Studios later in the week.
Spaceship Earth
“Norway” at EPCOT’s World Showcase
Disapproving of fake Venice in Epcot!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which will always be “MGM” in my mind. I wish there had been more attractions about older films. I can’t believe there is nothing about even Wizard of Oz!
Aerosmith’s Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster (real prints cost min $19 at Disney World!). I love how calm the little girl behind me is!
50’s Prime Time Cafe, where the staff plays up being your “Aunt Susan” or “Cousin Ricky.” Some of the waiters and waitresses were hilarious! I was so looking forward to this restaurant, but unfortunately our waiter was kind of a dud.
I had never been to Universal Studios before this trip
The Simpsons outside of a store built to look like the Kwik-E-Mart. I enjoyed The Simprons Ride a lot. I came in a bit angry that they had gotten ride of the Back to the Future ride but quickly got over that.
Curious George play area and one of my favorite photos from the trip
World’s smartest!
Then Curious George came to entertain us as we waited in line for this:
The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit just opened a few weeks ago. Naturally, the wait was incredibly long–an average of about three hours! Thankfully we were there on a Tuesday so we only had to wait an hour. When you sit down you get to select a song to listen to as it moves, and it’s perfectly aligned to the ride. Yes, that is a 90-degree lift!
I was so excited to visit Suess Landing! Everything looked like it was made of taffy
The Cat in the Hat choked Joseph a little
So exciting! I sneaked a view of what looks like it’s going to be Hogsmeade through a fence–it looks wonderful!
That night we saw Cinque du Soleil’s La Nouba at Downtown Disney. It was absolutely incredible! I highly recommend it.
On our last day we went to Busch Gardens in Tampa, which feels like a zoo with a few huge roller coasters spread throughout.
A sleeping tiger!
Aldergators!
Joseph next to a napping hyena. I wanted him to crouch down closer to it, but he got out of there pretty quickly. The hyena wasn’t fully asleep, and the glass looked thin!
We planned a long layover in New York City so we could get out and explore. All I’d ever really wanted to go to NYC for was the shows, but we didn’t have time for that this time. We just walked around Manhattan for a few hours and plan to go back again some time
I’d been wanting to go to Magnolia Bakery for years! I was afraid it was a bit overhyped, but the red velvet cupcake I had was absolutely incredible! It makes me never want to bake again!
Times Square. I don’t really get what the big to-do is about!
Joseph in Central Park.
Looks like you and joseph had lots of fun!
Always look forward to your posts
Such cute pictures! I really want to go to Disneyworld, as I’ve only been to Disneyland. It seems so much more exciting!