my second home....

Orlando, Florida... for a few years I called home... and a couple weeks ago, I was back for a visit.  Adam had a conference to attend, therefore, I had some attending to do myself.  The Disney itch had been activated like 6 months ago in which all of my thoughts are directed to walking down Mainstreet U.S.A., riding Splash Mountain, drinking a beer in Germany, and eating teriyaki chicken in Japan...  the thoughts don't leave, til they are satisfied.

I flew in early on Saturday morning.  Adam picked me up and then Ashley and I went to Typhoon Lagoon for some Lazy River cruising.  That night we were supposed to meet up with friends for the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight.  But a lot of people dropped out last minute and we didn't have a place to go.  The bars were packed with people at 5pm.  We did get to see a good handful of Adam's old friends so that was nice, but it was certainly a no go on the fight.  Who knew?

Sunday Adam and I picked up Ashley and headed straight to Cocoa Beach.  Afterwards, we dropped Ashley off, and then met back up with her later at Bubbalous.  Picture perfect day in every way!

Monday was my day without Ashley because she had to work, so I was planning to go to Epcot by myself.  That was until Kelli signed up to hang with me last minute!!!  I couldn't be happier... we started at the Animal Kingdom and ended at Epcot.  It was such a great day.  While waiting in line we discussed books, and our favorite parts about our Kindle Paperwhite... we caught up on the amazing life that is Kelli, she works on cruise ships, so I have plenty of questions and she has plenty to say... we contemplated talking with the Disney Vacation Club so that we can go see the tree houses that people stay in... we talked of Baltic vacations,eeeee,....  we people watched... Kelli got a kick out of me trying to operate my selfie stick... not to mention she also almost dropped it in a toilet.. we visited the Cretaceous period... we smelled perfumes in France... and watched men log rolling in Canada... we visited the future...  Our adventures are always endless and fun, and it was so awesome to see her!!!

Flower and Garden Time at Epcot

Tuesday was Magic Kingdom with Ashley!  Our goal was to do things that we had not done before.  And so we headed straight to the Mine Train.... so cute, and worth the wait!  We then rode Astro Orbiter.  Oddly enough neither one of us has ever been on it, so we were surprised when we both had to sit in a rocket and one seat belt was supposed to wrap around both of us.  I laughed the entire time.  Other high lights of the day... Hall of Presidents... sitting in front of the castle... they have fake grass now where you can just hang out during the day... and then at night it's fast pass viewing for the Fireworks... riding the carousel and The Liberty Belle boat.  

One thing I wanted to do while we were at Disney was see Hoop Dee Do Revue at Fort Wildnerness Lodge.  I had seen it once before and it did not disappoint the second time around.  It just so happens that one of Ashley's friends was in the show that night, and it just so happens that it was her LAST show ever.  It was pretty special to be there and to see all her friends come out and support.  Also, in true Disney fashion... they went around the room and made shout outs for particular birthdays and anniversarys... we clapped for an 8 year old celebrating and then for a 90 year old celebrating... but there was a girl there who wasn't celebrating her birthday or an anniversary... she was 19 and celebrating being cancer free.  She sat right behind us... and she was the one that got the standing ovation.  It was quite special and a honor to stand up and cheer for this girl who spent all of her teenage years fighting for her life.  I was able to talk with her briefly after the show and congratulate her myself.  Pretty awesome.

Wednesday we met up with Lacey, her mom, and her friend Tiffany while they were all driving thru Orlando.  It was a quick meet up at Downtown Disney, but a Floss Reunion none the less.  Afterwards, we headed back to Saratoga Springs.... and just enjoyed the beautiful resort pool before Adam had to drop me back off at the airport.

On a side note, Saratoga Springs was a beautiful resort, and we had the best room ever.  If I actually got paid to write this blog.  I would write more about it, but mostly what you need to know is that it had 2 pools, and a washer and dryer in the room.  I would stay there again in a heart beat.

I had a pretty amazing time, and of course, can't wait to return.