January 2017

Ferryboat to the Magic Kingdom

Published on January 21, 2017 in Walt Disney World by Doug Wilcoxon

Entrance to the Ferryboat at Transportation Ticket Center.

To me… the Ferryboats are an underrated form of transportation to the Magic Kingdom. Not only can it efficiently move a lot of happy and excited guests across the Seven Seas Lagoon in the morning, but it can take those same tired, irritable and short tempered guests home in the evening (not saying it wasn’t fun, but hanging with the masses sometimes may test one’s patience). The benefit for the evening guests ride back being that the Ferryboat has a bit more room than the bus and monorail and allows one to spread out and relax a bit in the dark of the evening while enjoying the lights of the surrounding resort areas. Maybe even take a few deep breaths and recall the fun moments of the day.

Efficiency isn’t the only thing to make the Ferryboat special. The sweeping views are something to take in and enjoy. Each resort scene changing as you make your way across the lagoon. Where finally to the excitement to all who visit the Magic Kingdom, from just beyond the docks, the park itself provides a glimpse of the adventures to come.

Great views of the Polynesian, The Grand Floridian, The Contemporary and of course the Magic Kingdom are there for the taking along the route across the Seven Seas Lagoon. On those busy days you may have to stake claim to railing space if you want to gaze unhindered.

You may ask… “why no photos of these great resort views?” I don’t have any photos. Many times after we do something I will turn to my wife and say “I should have taken some photos. That would be a great post.” Live and Learn.

The Ferryboat route can be seen here.

Magic Kingdom on the horizon. Other forms of boat transportation arriving at the Magic Kingdom from other Disney Resorts with access to the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

Just a bit closer. Another Ferryboat (right) sits at the dock. The monorail about to arrive at the Magic Kingdom Station. A water launch in the foreground returning for more guests possibly at Fort Wilderness Campground, Wilderness Lodge or the Contemporary.

I admit this photo has been edited a bit to add a dash of color. Usually I post them as taken, but it seemed to be awash in gray. Which is something I don’t recall at the Magic Kingdom. Even on the most overcast days.

Chili in Florida? …Duffy’s Sports Grill, Altamonte Springs, FL

Published on January 16, 2017 in Florida Locales/Orlando by Doug Wilcoxon

To borrow from Forrest Gump… Me and Chili goes together like meat and beans. That is why, even in the Florida summer I am on the lookout for a tasty bowl of red.

Duffy’s Signature Chili – Duffy’s Sports Grill of Altamonte Springs

I don’t fancy myself a chili snob, and because I’m willing to try most things once (regarding chili), I have developed a great appreciation for the regional variations. Nothing better than finding that off-the-beaten track chili parlor, ladling out a delicious bowl of chili. That’s why it is important that even in this temperate climate I seek out a Florida chili bowl to hang my hat on… so to speak.

First things first. Merriam-Webster, defining since 1828 states chili is a thick sauce of meat and chilies. Lets leave it at that. Variations are aplenty and the debate could rage longer than the opening day lines for the Frozen ride at Epcot.

Winter is chili season… in the Midwest. I have always said “anytime is chili time” and I still believe it, but in the smothering heat of the Florida summer I’m not so sure I’m ready for a big bowl of chili, but I’m not saying I would turn it down either… maybe a small bowl would be more prudent in the summer time.

On the fine 86 degree day of October 21st, 2016, I happened upon Duffy’s Sports Grill in Altamonte Springs. Noticing the signature chili on the menu I placed my first Florida chili order and drank some sweet tea. It was a good bowl of chili. I would say midwestern style in its flavor and texture. Usually I don’t get the cheese and onions because I prefer not to cover the spice blend, but forgot to mention it. Chili making for restaurants is a balancing act. Trying to please a large group of people with various tastes makes it hard to go crazy with a spicy blend of peppers. Mild is the mark when it comes to restaurant chili. Heat can always be added to taste.

Walt Disney was a fan of chili. What surprises me about his recipe (which I haven’t yet made), is that the spice quantities are what I would consider a bit thin. I want to make it, but based on my experience it may turn out bland. No offense Walt. Could my secret recipe be over seasoned? Not sure that’s possible in the age of super flavor. If Walt’s Chili is available at Disney World I have been unable to find it even with my Commodore 64 mad skills.

Last word. Duffy’s is more than a bowl of chili. This post is about a bowl of chili. The Duffy’s menu is comprehensive (so much more than chili). I have visited a number of times during lunch and am happy with the service and food quality. The place is busy during lunch and the turnaround time (because the boss watching) is good (Maybe next time you should invite the boss).

One… no Two Cakes. Amorette’s

Published on January 11, 2017 in Walt Disney World by Doug Wilcoxon

These are some fun cakes that missed my post from the other day. A quick look through the cake archives made me realize that maybe I eat too much cake. Hard as it is to believe it could be true. Then again, we still haven’t made the purchase of an Amorette’s cake yet. Give me a chance though since its only been a little over a week since I made the resolution to buy a cake.

We strolled in for the usual Disney Springs Amorette’s stroll and snapped a picture of this cake on Christmas Eve.

The Minnie Dome Cake. Lemon Chiffon Cake, White Chocolate Mousse, and Strawberry Pate De Fruit Jelly.

Minnie Dome Cake with the Donald and Pluto Dome Cakes in foreground. To the rear left is what I believe to be the Chocolate Fascinator Cake. Not as colorful, but I’m sure just as delicious.

The second photo was taken June 13, 2016 (my Dad’s birthday, unfortunately he didn’t get a cake). Notice the difference in the finish of photo one and photo two. The Minnie Dome in photo one has a much duller finish. My guess is that the duller cake was not quite through the finishing process. Though it takes a nice picture, mounted on it’s cake pedestal, it still needs that shiny new car look.

Based on a very informational blog post… my guess is steam. Once the cake has completed the decorating process it is tossed in the steamer with the broccoli and given a nice sheen. Just kidding about the broccoli. It does note that the glossy finish will dry out and the cake will need to be steamed again… hence, let’s keep those cakes moving off the shelf… who wants a steamy pile of cake. I am guessing about the shiny finish method and will make another trip to research the cake conundrum further. It’s the least I can do.

Chuy, Chuy Chuy, Chuy, Chuy …. Chuy’s

Published on January 8, 2017 in Orlando by Doug Wilcoxon

This is the Wally Park Orlando location. It wasn’t meant to be an artsy photo and the place isn’t built on the side of a hill, but it was raining, I was in my car and apparently my phone was not quite level.

When I say it real fast it reminds me of the Andy Griffith episode when Goober is doing his impersonation of Cary Grant. Gomer is telling Andy about it and asking Goober… Cmon, do it….do it… do it Goober… Judy, Judy Judy, Judy, Judy…Good stuff. That doesn’t have anything to do with the restaurant or its cool interior, or its very tasty Tex-Mex menu items.

Today, January 8th does have something to do with the restaurant. According to the menu on our most recent visit to my favorite Chuy’s, just two stoplights north of Orlando International Airport on Semoran, today, Elvis’s birthday, if you dress as Elvis or Priscilla you get to eat for free. Apparently Elvis is named the Patron Saint of Chuy’s. I know it real because it’s on the menu. If it’s on the menu it has to be real, just like if its on the internet it has to be real…right?

I missed this special occasion. Had to spend some time at work, but would have loved to hang out today sipping some Margaritas and watching the Elvis and Pricilla show at Chuy. It has to be a popular day for the employees. To check out some Elvis sightings go here on Twitter or here for Instagram.

There is one important item I don’t have for this posts. Pictures of the food. In my rush to eat I forgot. This may have happened before and a pattern may be developing. Maybe smaller meals at more frequent periods through the day would help, but I digress.

We keep going back because we love the food. We start with the chips and salsa sometimes paired with the Creamy Jalapeno Dip then order the Chili Con Queso (we aren’t so formal, we just say Queso) and a round of drinks. Usually water and tea (we don’t want to get too wild).

We place the usual entree order. Mine is the Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom, our usual Chuy’s lunch guests split The Elvis Presley Memorial Combo and my wife orders a Soft Taco. The taco comes with rice and beans After chips, salsa, queso, jalapeno dip, chicka boom, a memorial combo and a taco we grab some to-go boxes, roll out to the car and go home to take a nap. There is more than our usual standard fare… menu.

When we stroll past the lobby we do stop and admire the catchy t-shirts for sale.

I couldn’t buy this one because my Patronus is an Enchilada.

I was told that Tacocat and Juan Solo (not pictured) is among patrons top favorites.

Besides the food we also like the friendly staff and interesting decor of the restaurant. While I don’t take pictures of the staff because I don’t want to freak them out or seem like a creeper I did snap some shots of the decor of the Wally Park location. Wally Park being the Semoran Blvd location.

Hubcaps cover the ceiling of a separate dining area at the Wally Park location.

You can’t go wrong with shiny metallic palm trees.

Another metallic palm tree and the neon hand pointing to a very important sign “Hand Made Tortillas” Below this lit hand and sign you can watch the action behind the glass as the tortillas are hand rolled and put on the rotating grill.

Speaking of rotating grill. Here is a video of the tortillas in action.

After a long flight and finally your arrival to beautiful Orlando you may be looking for a place to eat. Are you thinking of hitting a theme park restaurant, downtown Orlando restaurant, or maybe somewhere along International Drive. There are a lot of good choices at any of those locations, but right outside the front door of Orlando International Airport lies another good choice. One of my favorites…. Chuy, Chuy, Chuy, Chuy, Chuy… Chuy’s.

DougMap

#TBT Magic Kingdom Tickets

Published on January 5, 2017 in Walt Disney World by Doug Wilcoxon

I’m ok with numbers, but how about calculations for inflation.

Shown are two tickets for the Magic Kingdom. Epcot was almost five years old and there was a “party goin’ on right here…” (thanks Kool & the Gang) 15 Years of the Magic Kingdom. Not minding the smudge of the year stamp, these tickets are from July 24, 1987. Just a bit beyond the celebration start date of October 1, 1986.

$26.00 One Day Ticket to the Magic Kingdom. I like how the sales tax is included. Nice round numbers. Paper tickets would make it harder to execute demand pricing. Now for some excitement…. according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI Inflation Calculator… the $26.00 in 1987 has the same buying power as $55.25 in 2016. Granted, ticket prices have increased faster than the rate of inflation, but wouldn’t you say the fun has increased exponentially?

This was our fist visit to Walt Disney World. The wife and I had just got married and were in the area on our honeymoon so we thought we should stop at Disney and check it out. You may have heard that mid July is a bit warm in Florida. We had no idea where we were going or what we might want to see. We just bought the tickets and walked inside to commence sweating.

We walked first to the castle after a nice stroll down Main Street USA, through the castle stopping to look at the mosaic. Exiting out the back and taking a right we proceeded to walk right into Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and wait in line for about an hour and a half. Hey, what did we know. No plans, no nothing, we just showed up.

We had a great time and spent two days at the parks. A day at Magic Kingdom and a day at Epcot. Of course we were exhausted, but we had a great time.

Just before returning home, we bought the Birnbaum Guide to Walt Disney World. From that day forward we understood the importance of planning when visiting Walt Disney World. In 1987 it was only two parks, Disney Village and some hotels. Now with all the offerings you may be able walk in and wander in the wilderness in contentment, but with kids it may be a bit stressful. To fully enjoy your vacation at Walt Disney World and experience it to the fullest it is best to plan.

If you want to make the most of a Walt Disney World vacation, to get the scoop on current happenings, the ins and outs at the parks and resorts, and the discounts, then talk to someone who lives it everyday. My friend Crystal can assist with the planning and book your reservations. She loves her Disney Life.

First Stop on Arrival at Walt Disney World – The Earl

Published on January 4, 2017 in Walt Disney World by Doug Wilcoxon

Does your family have a first stop when arriving at Walt Disney World?

Some family traditions are handed down from generation to generation, but ours started because we are always hungry after the long drive to Walt Disney World. Some families surely make their first stop the Magic Kingdom, Epcot or maybe a ride on the monorail. We owned our tradition. We looked forward to the Earl first, then we could focus our satisfied appetites on Walt Disney World, because exploring the world cannot be done on an empty stomach.

One would think it easy, for a family of four, to come to an agreement regarding dining at WDW with the multitude of various options, but it seemed the only place we agreed upon was the dinner at Earl of Sandwich. Destination Disney Springs, the locale formally known as Downtown Disney, and a beeline to the Earl was always the first stop after checking into the resort. Everyone has more than one favorite and never a complaint was muttered.

“The World’s Greatest Hot Sandwich” – could they make that claim if it wasn’t true?

A quick peruse through their website shows they are in more than one location… who knew? The website shows they are located in Downtown Disney Anaheim and Disney Springs Lake Buena Vista, FL. Disney lovers can enjoy tasty sandwiches on both coasts. Don’t let me lead you to believe those are the only two locations, because that is not the case. There are quite a few, and one may be in a city near you.

Typically with most sandwich joints I stick to one type, but here at the Earl I like to mix it up. I have yet to try the veggie. It does look good, but when there is the All American, Ham ‘N’ Swiss, the Italian, or Holiday Turkey year round, the Original 1762 is another favorite. Here are some photos, some dating to around 2013. Notice the consistency throughout the year.

I’m guessing here, but this has to one of the best sellers. How can one go wrong with Salami, capicola, ham, mortadella mozzarella, Roma tomato, Italian seasoning & Italian dressing.

A look inside the magic. I think the bread makes these sandwiches unique.

This one isn’t on the website menu. Will investigate its whereabouts.

Full disclosure here… I don’t know what this sandwich is, but in the interest of complete coverage I will visit the Earl this weekend and not leave until this sandwich is identified.

There is usually a line for this attraction. This is a typical view upon arrival. Don’t let it worry you though, because the line moves fairly fast. The adjacent gift shop had shared an interior door with the Earl, but it has been closed up. I can only assume because the line would wrap into the store and impede vacationers from spending money. Regardless, get in line, look at the menu, and prepare to change your mind a few times before you get to the register.

Pay attention to this sign. When you place your order at the other end of the counter you do not pay. Just place the order and move along… keep that line moving…

Grilled chicken, ham Swiss, pineapple & BBQ sauce. Yum Yum

The sandwiches not only take good pictures, but their tasty too!

Every now and then I throw a wrap into the mix. Mostly I stick with the Thai Chicken Wrap. It tasty and crispy. The sweet chili sauce will build the heat slow, but heat you up by the time you finish the sandwich. It is my standard wrap. Don’t forget your toothpick with the wrap, don’t want Mickey looking at tortilla leftovers between your teeth. Tried the Buffalo Chicken wrap recently, while good, The Thai Chicken Wrap is still my favorite.

There are other items on the menu, but other than the pasta salad (which is usually my side), I haven’t tried them. The sandwiches are enough to keep on a rotation. Once the craving is satisfied for one sandwich I can move on to another the next visit. We still visit here often even though we no longer make those long drives. It’s one of our go to places.

Can’t Get Enough of Amorette’s Cakes

Published on January 3, 2017 in Walt Disney World by Doug Wilcoxon

Every visit to Disney Springs brings us for a stroll through Amorette’s. The cakes are works of art. We also enjoy talking with the employees who are more than happy to discuss the cakes or answer any questions you may have. Unfortunately as of this post we haven’t purchased a cake, but I made it my number one New Year’s Resolutions.

I wanted to share a photo of a cake that will be “the cake” when we make a purchase so that I can complete at least one New Year’s Resolution.

Every layer sounds delicious. The smudge in the picture was on the glass separating the viewing public from the cakes. I can only assume some youngster or a near sighted adult took a very close look at the card. Cake cost $75.00

There isn’t much that can be said. I am looking forward to sampling this cake. Do you eat it a layer at a time or by multiple layers? That slice is about right for me… proportionally speaking.

On one of the very few cold days so far this year we tried Amorette’s Hot Chocolate Ganache. It is a very thick 4 oz. serving and was described as a hot chocolate espresso. Sadly it wasn’t to my liking. It was a bit too intense for my taste. I would like to hear from someone who drinks espresso and could provide a comparison.

Looking at Amorette’s website, the Signature Cake is now listed at $85.00. The photo was taken December 4th. I better hurry, that’s increasing faster than my New Year’s Resolutions excuses.

Random Review of Walt Disney World 2016 Christmas Decorations

Published on January 2, 2017 in Walt Disney World by Doug Wilcoxon

The greatest Christmas light display on the face of planet earth was discontinued this year and we all are a bit wistful because of its absence. Because of the technological wonders of mobile devices we don’t have to rely just on our memory to relive the glory of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, but we can purview our thousands of digital photos to bring the moment back to clarity. Before the 2016 review here is a moment from 2013, the first time we visited the display.

Snow falls in Florida at Disney Hollywood Studios during the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. 2013.

Typically I don’t care to have the Cinderella’s Castle covered in anything, it alone is a beautiful building which does a fine job projecting the image of the Happiest Place on Earth. When we visited during the birthday celebration, it was transformed into a cake. Initially I thought it was pretty creative, and it was, but I really missed the castle. But in the case of the lights at Christmas, they complement the castle perfectly. This is one of my favorite times to see it all aglow.

The Magic Kingdom is festive from the entrance to the castle. Main Street USA is well decorated and always an enjoyable stroll, but the decorations tend to drop off as you enter the other lands.

On the second floor of the Main Street Railroad Station, two decorated trees frame the ticket window. Simply done by today’s standards, but a perfect fit for the era portrayed. This is a good place to get a birds eye view of Main Street. It was fairly crowded, but we weren’t elbowing our fellow travelers trying to get a good picture. There was room for everyone except you had to be quick on your feet if you wanted a bench seat. The benches are valued real estate.

My wife and I enjoy viewing the Christmas decorations at the resorts more than the parks. One of our favorites is the Port Orleans French Quarter Resort. You may say “Hey, that’s not a Deluxe Resort!” and you would be correct, but first it is a sentimental favorite because we spent our vacations here when our kids were youngsters. Second, we like the look of the French Quarter Ironwork and the vibrant colors used in the decorations. We spent many vacations at the French Quarter Resort until we joined the Disney Vacation Club and the kids fell in love with the Boardwalk swimming pool and waterslide.

Close up of the decorations of a Christmas tree in the Port Orleans French Quarter Resort lobby. Masks galore.

On display in the lobby are gingerbread houses created by the employees. These are judged, though I am not sure by who, and ribbons are awarded. These pictures are of the top two entrants at Port Orleans French Quarter. It is fun to look at and amazing to see the creative people who work within the resort.

Santa has been cut from the picture. Obviously I’m not a professional photographer. I liked the look of the bridge and the icing icicles in this display. Also note that there was lighting under the snow along the perimeter. It was a nice touch, unfortunately I was so impressed by the setup I forgot to snap a photo. I don’t recall what it was displaying. Maybe next year.

A castle with Micky and Minnie silhouettes and coconut snow. Notice the purple firework and fireworks smoke trail overhead. Another creative idea.

Last year the Boardwalk Resort had a large gingerbread house where they sold treats. This year there was no house (maybe the gingerbread house bubble burst), but a table was set up for kids to do some holiday crafts. We watched for a bit, but didn’t take any pictures of the festivities. The kids were having a great time. A table was decorating cookies and one young boy placed about a half pound of various color icing on his cookie. By far my favorite cookie, not for creativity, but for icing quantity.

Lots of poinsettias used in the flowerbeds make for a colorful contrast with the greenery and the large tree provides a focal point on the Boardwalks Village Green.

The lobby of the Boardwalk Resort is beautiful without the decorations. The oversize garland fits superbly with the decor. This is a shot along the back wall of the lobby before exiting onto the veranda. (Can you call it a porch at a deluxe resort?)

Just outside the back door of the Boardwalk Resort Lobby, the veranda overlooks the Boardwalk’s Village Green, these stairs take guests to the Boardwalk. More large and in charge garland on display along the stair railing.

Garland along the stair railing lit up for the evening. I wanted to see the contrast of the daylight and evening decoration. Of course with the benefit of the twinkling lights it always seems more magical at night, but the daytime decorations hold their own.

When you visit Disney Springs and drive by the full Lime Garage and drive by the full Orange Garage, the surface lot, across the Sassagoula River from Sarasota Springs Resort usually has a place to park. At the entrance from the surface lot stood this display. I like the display, but looking at it now it kind of reminds me of Stargate SG1. Hopefully no one stepped through the portal.

Walking along the lakefront past Bongo’s Cuban Cafe stood this interesting tree. It is a unique tree and the lights in the blue globes set it off. I haven’t seen it before, but we didn’t make many trips to Disney during the holidays so it may only be new to me. Either way, its a fun tree.

That’s it for our random walk through the resorts and a couple of the parks. I know there is much more out there at Walt Disney World, but maybe next year after the Thanksgiving turkey has settled we can hit the parks early, burn some holiday calories and enjoy a chaser Turkey Leg (except at Animal Kingdom).

My runDisney Experience

Published on January 2, 2017 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

Are you thinking about participating in a runDisney event? In 2016 I experienced several runDisney events. My goal for 2016 was to run my very first Half Marathon events and earn my Coast to Coast Race Challenge medal. I wanted to get a feel for the runDisney race experience before I jumped right into the qualifying events to earn my Coast to Coast Race Challenge so I started with the Princess 5K at Walt Disney World Resort in February then moved up to the Star Wars Dark Side 10K in April, also at Walt Disney World Resort and finished my year with the Disneyland Half Marathon in California in September and the big finale was the Wine and Dine Half Marathon back at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida! Each event was so different yet had similarities and it was an amazing year of runDisney!
runDisney events are held on weekends, typically beginning on Thursday, ending on Sunday. There is always an Expo for each event and I recommend going to the Expo as early as possible as I found that popular items sell out quickly. You will also receive a t-shirt for each race you are registered for and a finishers medal for each race you complete. Also, runDisney will provide you with a course map prior to your event date. Each race has a bit different course due to the length differences.

With my first event, the Princess 5K at Walt Disney World Resort, we met at Epcot at 5 am and it was a very chilly morning for Florida. I had a little time before heading to my corral to enjoy the pre-party with DJ and character photo opportunities. I ended up in corral B so I had a quick start once the race got underway. The course took us around Epcot’s parking lots on surface roads and then through some backstage areas before moving through the World Showcase and then Future World, finishing near the Start line in the parking area. It was pretty magical to run through Epcot in the dark without the crowds and it was a great introduction to the runDisney events!

For my second event, the Star Wars Dark Side 10K at Walt Disney World Resort, we met in the parking lot at Epcot again. This time the course took us through Epcot and then out the International Gateway and around the Boardwalk before heading over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and finishing at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Again, it was very magical to experience this side of Disney! There were, once again, DJ’s, character photo opportunities and entertainment before and after the event as well as on the race course – this time Star Wars themed! This was a tougher course with some unpaved roads and paths near the end. I was happy it hadn’t or wasn’t raining as then we would have been running a ‘tough mudder’ and, well, that’s not what I signed up for… Disney provided buses to return us to our resorts or cars parked at Epcot. The bus lines for this event were very long and I waited approximately one hour for a bus. Even though this was a bit more challenging course, I did enjoy it more.

Now, for my Disneyland Half Marathon, this was my first experience back at Disneyland in California since June of 2004 so this was going to be a pretty amazing and magical experience for me even without the half marathon experience! Again, Disney offered pre and post-race entertainment, character photo opportunities and DJ’s as well as on the course. The course took us through both parks, Disneyland and California Adventure, and I must admit, I did become a little teary-eyed when running through Cars Land in California Adventure as this was my first experience in that new Disney land. It was so spectacular and I just took it all in!! This was a very easy course and we had amazing California weather! The course took us through the streets of Anaheim and we even ran through the Angels Stadium. There were locals on the sidelines cheering us on during the entire race, it was so wonderfully overwhelming how they came out to support us! The locals even cheered us on with their participation in a car show through an extensive part of our run which concluded with a Lightning McQueen look-alike. Bus service was provided for all participants and the only snag I experienced with this event was the huge backup at security as Disneyland only offered one security checkpoint at the main entrance to the “Disney areas” and runners and general guests were all trying to get through the same security checkpoints. Needless to say, these lines were very long! My goal for this race, which was my very first Half Marathon, was to finish in 3 hours and I finished just under! This was a great course and experience and I highly recommend it for anyone thinking about a runDisney event.

And, for my big finale, I completed the Wine and Dine Half Marathon at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and earned my Coast to Coast Race Challenge medal! As usual there was ample entertainment, DJ’s and character photo opportunities before after and during the event. The course took us through all of the Disney parks except Magic Kingdom and we also ran on Disney owned surface streets and backstage areas. The entertainment was varied with many different Disney characters and musical entertainment. Our 4 am morning did start out a bit cool but we enjoyed exceptional weather, without the usual Florida humidity, so that helped to make this race a bit easier to get through. This was the first year this race was held in the morning, they have always held this race at night but have experienced inclement weather the past couple of years. In Florida, it tends to rain or storm at night but our mornings are usually nice so, my guess is, that is the reason for the time change. With the good weather, I had a great run for my second half marathon and finished in 2 hours and 48 minutes!

If you are considering participating in any runDisney event, we are a preferred runDisney Travel Provider and I hope that you will also consider reaching out to me to help you book and plan your resort stay and participation! Participating in a runDisney race event is truly a magical experience and I think everyone that loves Disney should at least try it once!

Stay up to date with all Disney Destinations as well as other travel destinations!
Like my Facebook Page | Follow me on Pinterest | Follow me on Instagram

Happy New Year – 2017

Published on January 1, 2017 in Florida Locales by Doug Wilcoxon

The year 2016 came and went in the blink of an eye and here I sit with a clean slate of possibilities for 2017. All the 2016 resolutions will roll over to the new year in order to start anew. The year 2016 completes our first full year in Florida and there are a few things of note that you don’t think much about when you are living in the midwest. Here are few things I have learned this past year…

The palm trees in the yard need to be trimmed quite often. I only trimmed the trees in the north when a branch was sickly. Here the fronds begin to droop and brown. Ours (queen palm) produces a fruit bundle that weighs 40 to 50 pounds, which if not cut soon begin to drop the small balls which kind of stink up the yard. It also produces a long spear that can provide a nice puncture wound or rip one of the screens on the lanai. Which brings us to the next item.
The lanai. I always called it a screened in porch growing up in Illinois, but here it is a lanai. Either way I’m not complaining. It does sound more relaxing when you say “I’m going to hang on the lanai” The origin is Hawaiian so there you go.
It’s easy to weed the flower beds or anywhere for that matter. The whole yard is sand. Hidden under the grass is sand… and lots of it. Many times when Dad had me digging holes in Illinois I would mutter my dislike for the clay soil that seemed to be everywhere in our yard. In Florida the muttering is at a minimum when I break out the shovel.
There is a reason the retired folks head south in the winter. It is downright beautiful weather in the winter months. Those months when I was shoveling snow, chipping ice, power sliding in the school parking lot (I do miss that), are forgotten when you are debating whether to wear the white shorts after labor day or bring a jacket to the park because it might get a bit chilly when the sun goes down on a beautiful January day. For comparison… here is a shot of our Indiana driveway after a January 2014 snow and a Walt Disney World Monorail shot from January 2015.

There is a reason the retired folks head north at the winter’s end. It gets smokin hot in the summer. Heat and humidity are both high. It makes it hard to breathe sometimes for new runners like myself, but moderation is the key with lots of liquids.
Walt Disney World cannot be done in a day, a week or even a year. There is so much to see and do. The World is huge and depending on the current “stage” of your life not everything may appeal to you, but there is something for everyone. You may feel you have outgrown something, but rest assured there will be 20 things waiting to take its place. You may outgrow it, move on, and then come back years later appreciating it from a different perspective that can only come with your increased years on planet earth.
It is hard to work for a living in the vacation kingdom of Orlando. There is so much you want to see, activities you want to do, but one still needs to earn a living, mow the lawn, trim the palm trees, and maintain the house.

They say you can’t do it all, but this year were going to get as close to “all” as humanly possible. Here is to a Happy and Healthy 2017 wherever you may find yourself.

You might be interested in

You might be interested in

You might be interested in

You might be interested in

You might be interested in

You might be interested in

You might be interested in