Getting Out of the Cold

Soon we are going to practice being snowbirds – for the third winter. To prepare, I thought I would look back at our first trip to Florida two years ago. Then we spent a week in the Orlando area and, of course, had to visit Disney World. It was my first time at this particular theme park. I had been to Disneyland in California in the mid-1980s. I was in Anaheim for a conference and our conference social was held at the park.

This Disney visit was three days – one in Celebration, FL (a Disney planned and branded city), one at EPCOT, and one at the Magic Kingdom. My favorite part of the day at EPCOT was a "behind the seeds" tour at the Living with the Land pavilion. We learned about the hydroponic techniques that were being used to grow gigantic fruits and vegetables. All of the produce is used in Disney World restaurants. Our tour guide was a recent graduate with a degree in entomology. 

"Look, Ma - no dirt!"

I was surprised that EPCOT wasn't more science-oriented with more appeal for adults. Many of our stops were quite "kidified." We probably should have spent more time in the World Showcase area visiting a few more international pavilions. 

Inside the China showcase.

The IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth show (lights and fireworks) around the World Showcase Lagoon at the end of the day was spectacular. 

EPCOT at night.

Because we visited Disney World in January, the crowds were lighter and we didn't have to wait in long lines. There's also a way visitors can schedule a time to go on a ride or tour an attraction to avoid spending more time waiting than having fun. We took advantage of that aspect of the park.

Ever-changing colored lights flood the iconic Cinderella's castle at night. 

I'll admit that the Buzz Lightyear ride was fun. We even went twice!

Great marketing - having a picture of visitors available at the end of the ride.

One day we ventured to the east coast of Florida and visited Daytona Beach. More than 100 years ago the rich were racing on the sands of Daytona and continued to do so until the mid-1930s. One can still drive on the beach today, but only at a fraction of the speed that cars go around race tracks now.

This is the ocean side of Florida. We'll be on the gulf side in a few weeks.

We're keeping our fingers crossed that we won't run into any bad weather on our way to Florida. We're also hoping that the "Sunshine" state will, indeed, deliver!