Florida Vacation
We’re wrapping up our annual pilgrimage to Florida; this trip was one of my favorites, as we didn’t try to get to the Disney parks every single day.
Once the kids got home from school on Thursday, we started our drive down. I drove until about 3:30 or 4:00 the next morning, then slept for 45 minutes while Laura drove. Then we switched back and I finished the drive down. We stopped in St. Augustine along the way, but didn’t have time to do much. We walked around a bit, then Laura took Becca & Jason up the lighthouse, while Morgan & I stayed below (she wasn’t tall enough). We then continued through the worst part of the trip: getting through Orlando. I think it took 3 hours to get through Orlando. We were all very cranky after that, then we checked in to Orange Lake and settled down.
Saturday morning we were slow to get started, then had to go to an owners meeting. Long story short, we sold one of our units here, and bought another. They threw in some bonuses, which means I now have way too many vacation options! Also, because we own the equivalent to 5 weeks / year (we have a 2-bedroom unit, and now a 3 (floorplan shown)), we’re also invited to 3 days, 2 nights whenever the Orange Lake company buys or builds another location (and rumor has it, they just bought a place in Hawaii!). What’s nice is we can trade much easier now, with more flexible check-in dates and more flexibility with what type of room we get (1- to 4-bedroom).
Sunday morning I went for a run, then we spent the day at Islands of Adventure. The park was pretty crowded, but the kids got to go on all of the Dr. Suess rides. We had dinner at the Hard Rock cafe, which was pretty good. Good enough to bring back 1/2 of our dinner to the condo to enjoy later.
Monday I was up early again, but this time to play some golf. We played Crane’s Bend at Orange Lake. It was a nice course, and getting out at 7am meant nobody was behind us and we were able to take our time. On one hole, I think I found 6 golf balls! I definitely walked away with more golf balls than I came with. When we got back from golf, we went to River Island to spend the day lounging poolside in a cabana. The girls got braids in their hair while Jason and I laid on floats and rode the river throughout the River Island complex.
Tuesday I woke up to go to the gym, but found out it opens at 7am. That was too late for me, so when everyone woke up, we headed to Universal Studios. While Laura & Jason went on the Simpson’s ride, I just hung out with the girls, waiting for the kids zone to open. We all went on the ET ride then hung out with Curious George, Barney and Fivel.
Wednesday was just like Monday, only I played the Legends Walk course and we had a cabana at the new West pool, rather than River Island. It was more of a family-friendly pool, and closer to our unit so we were able to take a break from all that relaxing back in our room.
Thursday I went for another run (5 miles) and saw an armadillo while I was out! You don’t see armadillos when running in Buffalo. Now we’re heading to Downtown Disney for some shopping & dinner. Then pack up, and take 2 days to drive home.
Photos & videos will be added soon, as soon as I comment on them & geotag them all.
Next time you’re in Orlando, you’ll have to stop by the office for lunch! Looks like you had a great vacation, I heard Legends is one of the best courses around here to play at.