Saturday 26 July 2014

Orlando Or Bust

....and all of a sudden, after all the planning, all the considering, all the writing in the Big Book Of Florida, we've been there, done that. We're home again. And any one of you who knows anything about Orlando is already saying - they haven't really done it, not in one trip. And that would be right. It feels like we only ran a fingernail over the surface and scratched away a little of the top layer. It's a big place. A different kind of holiday for us - less of the history, more of the hysteria - bigger, brighter, faster, hotter, a surprise round every corner. It was a holiday full of discoveries.

- we realised, to our delight, that the brand new Diagon Alley attraction at Universal studios wasn't nearly as busy as we'd been expecting. We'd been planning on avoiding the queues by giving it a miss, to be honest, but we got lucky with our timing, and loved it.


here we are with the Knight Bus and its conductor, Stan Shunpike. The talking Head actually talks: as I stood there he shouted "look at that lovely red hair". Could have been worse. Could have been look at those roots..

- I found out that Animal Kingdom is best enjoyed while wearing a pair of giraffe ears


and that, even in a theme park, I can find something to read


This is only the first of my Seuss photos. Of course I loved it. Of course I have more.

- We were surprised by the rain. We'd been told to prepare for it, but, honestly it rains at home all the time. We thought we knew about rain. Ha! Turns out we are amateurs. Orlando rain is a-mazing: very hot, very wet and with lots of very exciting thunder.


But my favourite surprise of all? 


Told you I loved Seuss. All of these pictures, except the first, were snapped by The (Not So) Small One who was cleverly using her phone to get right to the moment while I tried to get my camera out of my bag..

It's good to be back! I've been catching up with what has been happening in the blogging world just as fast as I can - it's such a pleasure to see lots of pictures of the postcards pile up! - and I'll be around again on Monday for "Me on Monday", with thanks to everyone who kept it going while I was away. Talk soon?

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's good to know that you had a wonderful time. Too bad about the rain, but it is a staple of summertime Florida. Perhaps another contrast between English rain and the Florida variety is that most of the time there's 20-30 minutes of intense rain in late afternoon and then everything dries up--that's been a little iffy this year though, with longer rainy periods.

Good to know, as well, about the Diagon Alley addition. We haven't seen the original Harry Potter attractions yet--it sounds like it would be worth a ride one of these days.

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

Welcome home. How cool is the name of that ride? Love it and Dr. Seuss, of course. Here's a funny coincidence. My brother was over there at the same time as you. You might have passed each other somewhere.

Lizzy Hill said...

Ooh ~ looooved seeing these photos....& the Harry Potter thing looks super fun:) Great photos by the Young'un, too....& go Seuss, go!!!

Amy said...

Glad you are all home safe and sound. Sounds like tropical rain - we get that here, well, not in our part of the country but I have experienced it on numerous occasions and I know exactly what you mean.

KraftyKaren said...

Welcome back - looks like you had a great time - will look forward to hearing more about your adventures

debs14 said...

I don't think there is ever a time when anyone can say they've 'done' Disney. It's an amazing place isn't it? Just not your average relaxing holiday! We couldn't get over how you have have torrential rain for about 15 mins, thunder and lightening and then it passes and it's warm and sunny again. Pleased you are back safely x

Alison said...

Glad you dad a fun time...it's one of those places you need to re-visit many times to see it all!
Alison xx

Susanne said...

It sounds like it was a definite change of pace kind of holiday for you. Glad you enjoyed it and are back home safely.

Mitralee said...

I love Florida!!!! Your post made me smile! Sounds like a super cool trip! Can't wait to see the layouts! Is bit corny to say oh the places you'll go!

Barbara Eads said...

Disney/Orlando is our family's favorite vacation destination. In fact, we're going next summer to experience the new Princesses kingdom. That Dr. Seuss book is perfect for you!! Which came first???

Lou said...

You're so right it is a different kind of holiday...one We loved too. Seuss land is amazing , that was the first park and land we visited when we got there. Looking forward to seeing more 😃

Anonymous said...

Welcome home. I am looking forward to pages and more posts about your adventures and I absolutely love Dr Seuss - always such words of wisdom.

Becky said...

Glad you had a fun holiday - love the photos and looking forward to seeing how you scrap them!

Cheri said...

I have to agree you've barely nicked the surface of Orlando. We've been 6 or 7 times already. Discovery Cove was a family favorite. And it's a fun but absolutely EXHAUSTING type of vacation. Lots of go, go, go, do, do, do, see, see, see and almost zero relaxation factor!

scrappyjacky said...

So pleased you had such fun...Orlando certainly is a thrill a minute...the sort of holiday that needs a holiday to recover from!!

Ruth said...

Great to know that you had a fab time. Pleased about your visit to HP ~ ours was of nightmarish proportions last summer!
And just think of all those scrapbook pages ...

Jimjams said...

Welcome back - I know what you'll be scrapping for a while to come! Love the giraffe ears :-D

Maria Ontiveros said...

Welcome back! Love the fist photo, and, oh my, she is getting so tall!
Rinda

Ginger said...

Sounds like you had a fantastic vacation! Love the photos, they do look cheery and bright, lots of fun indeed :)

Sandra said...

I'm so pleased you had an amazing holiday. We went to Florida for our honeymoon and oh yes, I remember those rain storms at Disney lol. See your blog is world famous x

Beverly said...

Can't believe Diagon Alley wasn't packed, lucky you! Our best friends live in Orlando and last time we visited we did Harry Potter World, can't wait to do Diagon Alley :) You and Dr Seuss two masters at
storytelling.

Linda said...

Glad you had a good time! I particularly love your giraffe ears!

Carmen said...

It looks like you had an amaaazing time!

Good to have you back though :)

Karen said...

Looks like you had a lot of fun. We made just one trip to Orlando when our kids were growing up--now 21 years ago. I was totally surprised to discover how much I enjoyed it---particularly Epcot. And yes, I do remember to sudden and awesome thunderstorms we had nearly every afternoon. A few years ago, we went to Disneyland in California with both kids as adults, and again I was surprised at how much fun we all had. In a few years, it will be time to try again with grandchildren!

alexa said...

That last photo has me smiling - brilliant shot. And it's good to hear, and see, what a splendid time you have all had together, despite the vagaries (or perhaps enjoyment!) of the weather.

Melissa said...

So glad y'all had a great trip! We're thinking about a trip to Orlando in November so we can visit Harry Potter World. Your pictures are so FUN - great job by the (not so) small one!

Anonymous said...

Glad to you had a great time. Hope that foot didn't bother you with all the walking around. Ah yes - Orlando summer storms. I never knew what torrential rain was till we were there in the summer. :)

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