Showing posts with label Orlando. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orlando. Show all posts

What really matters

Posted by Christine V. Edmond , Labels: , , , , , , ,
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My favorite part about being in Florida has nothing to do with an activity necessarily. It's all about the opportunities. A visit to the  Orlando Premium Outlets and especially the Orlando Fudgery Fudge were more appealing for me. In my attempt to not spend money, the outlets find ways to make you forget that and I walked away with a few bags. I also walked away with a free piece of delicious chocolate peanut butter fudge made right before the eyes of an audience of approximately 20-30 people.

What did it take to win this free piece of fudge? Participation in the fudgery show by posting that "I love the Orlando Fudgery Fudge" on Facebook. Simple, right? Agreed.

What time is it?? FUDGE TIME.

Chocolate is good and chocolate with peanut butter is even better, but I wouldn't say it was my number one favorite part about being in Florida. One of my best friends, Dawn, lives in Florida and the other, Brendan, lives in New York City. I made a trip to New York in the beginning of summer (May 22nd), but I was unable to see him when I went. I had not seen Brendan since we were 15 years old and lived in Florida.

My trip to Orlando, Florida allowed me to see my best friend that I had not seen in almost 6 years for the first time and we're still the same. Brendan decided to take his vacation to Florida the same time as my family and I. Since Dawn still lives in the same city we all lived in, they traveled to Orlando together. It was truly a blessing to have both of my best friends in the same place as me (it's never happened).

Even though our acquaintance was limited to a trip to iHOP at 1 o'clock in the morning and having to walk back at 3AM, it was worth every second.

A true friend lasts a lifetime.



"Friends are friends forever, if the Lord is the Lord of them. And a friend will not say never, cause the welcome will not end...I know That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends."
-Michael W Smith

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Where Dreams Come True

Posted by Christine V. Edmond , Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,
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The beach is glorious and a great way to spend free time…if you enjoy the sun and putting on lots of SPF! After the beach, finding entertainment options for a family of six within a reasonable budget was the next task.  Florida loves attractions and making their guests happy, so it was not impossible (thankfully).

Next stop: Walt Disney World.


There are 6 Walt Disney World amusement parks (4 themed and 2 water). We are still going for reasonable, so a trip to Disney everyday is not at all recommended. For four adults and two children, a day at Blizzard Beach cost about $300. The great thing about this park is that even with all the food locations inside, outside coolers and food seem to be permitted. Unfortunately, we didn't know that, so we left the park in search of junk food to satisfy our hunger.

Largest food chain in America: McDonald's to the rescue…so we thought. There was no dollar menu. Value meals began at 7.99  (and that wasn't for chicken. Of course we left and found something more reasonable, but if you are at Disney World, realize that commercial food in the same vicinity is probably double the normal price.

Anyway, Blizzard Beach turned out to be fun. We went on every single water ride in the park that we were allowed to do. I even tried to get on rides for 12 year olds, but was turned away (for obvious reasons). My mother joined in on all of the fun as well; including "Summit Plummit", a 120 feet high slide that "has a 12-story drop and speeds riders down the mountain at 50 to 60 MPH".

We got to the front of the line and it took 10 people to jump us in the line before my mother decided to go down the slide (it was such a long walk down). She sat, stood up, said 'no', then after praying, she went down the slide and vowed not to do it again.

Disney is definitely a great day adventure, especially when you're with kids that love the Disney Channel (myself included), but there are other options. Orlando is loaded with miniature golf. I also saw this pattern in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, so it may be a popular tourist attraction.

I have never played miniature golf, nor did anyone in my family. There was a great deal with CiCi's Pizza ($5.99 value) and mini golf ($9.99 for 18 holes), where eating and playing 18 holes would only cost $12.99 and we even got it for only $9.99. Why not get a great workout after dinner with mini-golf? So that's what we did.


Disney and mini-golf were great family recreational activities and a lot of fun in general. All of these family vacations are making up for my missing summer quality time…and it's definitely a good time. :)

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Fun in the Sun!

Posted by Christine V. Edmond , Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,
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The downside about being in Orlando is the lack of a beach. The great thing about being in Florida is having options to quench your thirst for summer fun and lovin'.
Beach Options (approx. all the same distance): Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, and Clearwater Beach

Although I lived in Florida for 2 years (2004-2006), I never visited the Gulf Coast. This family vacation changed that. Going swimming sounds like an opportunity to visit the West, eh? Away we go, on another car drive; this one only lasting 2 hours.

BTW, did I mention that I have a phobia?? Gephyrophobia: Fear of Bridges -- [for me], mainly bridges over water. I don't care how long or short they are, I become extremely anxious when I have to travel any distance over the sea, bay, river, stream, lake, pond, etc. I usually just close my eyes, but my family loves to mention that we're over water and then I think about the possibility of a disaster -- isn't that encouraging? I will overcome my fear.

Clearwater Beach was absolutely beautiful. From the moment we entered the city and got a glance of the newly model city buildings to crossing the bridge and arriving at the beach, my family and I were astound by the beautiful splendor of this magnificent city. And so we wondered why we had never discovered it before.


Clearwater Beach accolades include: 
  • Best City Beach
  • One of America’s Top Family Beaches
  • One of the Top Singles Beaches in Florida; and
  • One of the Best Beaches from Maine to Hawaii
Beautiful clear water that glistens when you walk across the sand...


What appeared as crystals in the water...
It was beautiful (LIVE footage of Clearwater).
No wonder they've been attributed with being one of the best!

My parents said the beach was almost as beautiful as the beach in Puerto Rico (I don't know what tops the Caribbean Seas). Not only was the sand white, but the water was warm and inviting. I'm usually not fond of beaches because the ocean can take you so far, but I didn't want to leave the water. It was too perfect and I wanted to bathe in the sun with the waves against back, and many attempts to go against the tide.

The beach was not crowded, so it was not difficult to find an umbrella and some chairs to sit under. Be aware, however, that these umbrella's cost $10.00. That's not bad at all with parking only about $3.00 for 3 hours (free after 6PM).

Beach time, anyone? Fourth of July is coming up soon...and I think we have a winner!!

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Just a taste of Heaven

Posted by Christine V. Edmond , Labels: , , , , , , ,
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Eighteen hours of driving, three hours of being stuck in traffic (Thanks, Virginia), lots of improvisation -- AND WE'RE HERE! The destination? Buena Vista, Orlando, Florida -- also known as Kissimmee, FL.

The Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista welcomed us on Saturday afternoon. It's been two days and I have yet to see any disappointment from this hotel. There's an Applebee's restaurant attached to the lobby, which made figuring out what was for dinner a breeze after that long drive, PLUS "Kids Eat Free" if you're staying at the hotel (yesss!). There's a convenient store, arcade, and home theatre (mainly for children) in the lobby area as well, so there's really no need to get bored.

The pool is heated and a great amenity for the family. My personal favorite is the hot tub, of course. There's nothing like a glass of wine (which they sell in the convenient store) and  a hot tub to sink into.
Imagine yourself slowly submerging into what you think will be a scorching hot tub, but finding that it is a perfect balance of the already hot Florida weather and what your body temperature can handle -- perfection. And the view , well…see for yourself...



And with a religious family like mine, you can't forget going to church on Sunday morning.

Forget the traditional Pentecostal/Non-denominational charismatic church with a live band. Oh, no! We went to the place it all began -- The Holy Land [Experience] for our morning church service. I don't have anything meaningful to report, but I really love this building/temple.

There are still 4 days to make this trip in Florida exciting.

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The Intro: Summer 2011

Posted by Christine V. Edmond , Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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I am a Twenty-Year-Old college student from the Washington, DC metropolitan area. I have the heart, commitment, and passion for exploring, traveling, and learning new things. As I go on adventures, even something as small as a trip to the supermarket, I am open and prepared for anything.

My travels, however, are much greater than the quick run to pick up dairy. Summer 2011 destinations include: Washington, DC. New York, New York. Orlando, Florida. Asbury Park, New Jersey. Los Angeles, California. Melbourne, Australia.


View Summer 2011 in a larger map

And  that is just what has been planned. Prepare to connect. Prepare to engage. Prepare to travel. Anticipate a learning experience that will never have you second guessing.

Tune in for more! :)

P.S. I set my own boundaries. After all, she wants it her way....

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