Back in March, I went on a Spring Break vacation with my cousin and her family to visit another cousin! The one thing we have in common: our love for amusement parks! Throughout the week, I was able to experience my childhood once again. Here are the memories that I share with you.
Desserts, stepsisters, and gray hair: what else could you ask?
12, March 2016
When you think of Florida, I think the first thing that comes to anyone's mind would be Disney World. With four amusement parks and countless themed hotels, it's impossible to accomplish the entire Disney extravaganza within a week. But for the most part, I think we managed to do well for one week. Although my cousin and her family stayed for two weeks, and my cousin residing in Florida, I was content with my visit.I've been to Orlando twice, the first time when I was 9, and the second when I was 21.
24 at the time, I was finally ready to see the new additions of Florida! I arrived in Orlando on March 12th, where my cousin Jen and Vince picked me up from the airport. One thing I forgot were the tolls you would have to pay along the highway. According to Vince, the toll is for maintaining the conditions of the road - I could imagine, especially with so many visitors coming to see all of the fun in Orlando.
The first stop was the hotel room. We stayed not in a Disney-themed hotel, but a large and spacious hotel within the Disney grounds. In addition to dropping my bags in the room, I saw Christopher and Isabelle, Jen and Vince's kids, and my cousin Shellby! It was about four months since I've seen Shellby, but it was so nice to see my cousin again. The hotel was really nice, and I had only seen the room! Looking at the map, the place was humongous - from a number of pools to areas dedicated to a variety of age groups, there's enough activities for everyone.
Being nighttime, I had to see the hotel another day, and instead, we headed to dinner. I had somewhat of an idea for the week's itinerary, but I did not expect going to visit a Disney-themed hotel the first night. Two hotels in one night? Yes please!
We were taken to the Grand Floridian, an old-styled hotel with awe-inspiring structures that took you back in time. I could not date the era, but I would guess the hotel tries to go for a 1950s era kind of vibe; and believe me, it was not a disappointment at all. From the pristine white interiors to the the exaggerated bird cage, this hotel keeps every family member amused.
But we were here first for dinner, which took place at 1900 Park Fare. This buffet-styled restaurant is character dining, having the chance to meet Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, and Winnie the Pooh. At dinner, 1900 Park Fare gives you the opportunity to meet Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, and stepsisters Anastasia and Drizella.
I'm not much for food photos these days, but I must tell you, the abundance was incredible! Starting with the kid's station (conveniently placed lower than the other foods), there was DIY taco station - let's just say I was the tallest one over there. From pastas to roast beef, and even a station dedicated to desserts, you'd think I could eat everything. When it comes to food, Disney knows how to pack the flavour in each bite. Jen's favourite dish would had to be the butternut squash ravioli, which was so good with just one bite. The one dish that caught my attention was a suggestion from Shellby, which was the strawberry soup. 1900 Park Fare is known for the dessert-esque dish, and as Shellby described it, the dish is pretty much a smoothies (but a refreshing one!) Dessert was another story: the sizes may be small, but I could only eat one or two, forcing the fourth and fifth ones just to taste them!
We were given a table right in the centre of the dining hall, and every hour, the characters come in and participate in a ballroom dance. I must say, the characters were light-hearted and highly amusing. There is no need to chase the characters, as each one will come to your table, and will spend time to talk to you. The first character we met was Drizella (the stepsister in green). I must say, she was very enthusiastic to meet Chris, asking his hand for marriage (he was startled, to say the least). Every photo was a joy to pose with each character, but I think my favourite was Anastasia (she was hilarious!) Lady Tremaine was evil (as always), but puts a smile on everyone's face :"D I had to rush from the buffet back to the table to meet Prince Charming, and charming, he was indeed. But of course, the only one to take the cake is the princess herself:
From left: Isabelle, Cinderella, Shellby, myself, and Chris
Cinderella was absolutely sweet, and kind to everyone (to be honest, I think she was wearing coloured contact lenses). During our visit at 1900 Park Fare, there were two girls dressed up like Anastasia and Drizella (the actual characters were ecstatic to meet them!), little princesses posing in debutant stances (we imitated them later), and lots of children at night (it was about 22:00, a very late dinner). But when you have such amazing food, and wonderful characters to meet, there is no curfew for sleep.
After being stuffed with a good start to this trip, we took a stroll around the hotel. One of the best features of the hotel would have to be the flooring, as each section has characters displayed around the place. I believe on the second floor, you will find Mickey and friends, whereas the bottom floor, you will see Mrs. Potts and Chip from 'Beauty and the Beast' - so much magic surrounding the hotel. While we were looking around the place, Jen and Vince decided to do another activity:
Sitting down, and relaxing
Views from the second
Subtle from the character references, the Grand Floridian is truly a remarkable hotel. I hope to visit the grounds again, especially when there is a monorail that passes by for the convenience. After exploring the hotel, we commemorated the moment with what else, a selfie:
(Extended) family portrait
Shellby stayed with us for the duration of our visit, and she needed to grab a few items from her place. Looking at her room, I saw a similar calendar that matched mine (her is Minnie, mine is Mickey), mementos of home, and a wonderful memory from 2015:
The jump for graduation!
From new to old memories, this was one joyous night. Needless to say, I was tired from just eating. What a good start to this trip, and there was much more to see!
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