Have you ever done something and while you are experiencing it, you think to yourself- “Man, I am going to remember this for the rest of my life”? These entire 67 hours have been just like that! Aside from spending time with a great friend of mine, I got to do some of the coolest things in the world, experience cultural foods, and meet 18 new friends! When does that ever happen? It’s amazing how a thing like social media is such a significant part of our lives and because of it we are afforded luxuries and opportunities that we never imagined. In that regard- we’d like to take a moment to thank the Orlando/Orange county convention & Visitors Bureau, the City of Orlando Downtown Development board and all others those involved with making these last few days such a success.
Aside from thanking those who made this happen, we also want to thank the other 18 contestants for making this experience as funny, unpredictable, and as unique of an adventure as you could ever imagine. From the Canadian’s off the wall comments and jokes, to the Aussie’s (gross)Vegemite to the funny faces caused by the indoor skydiving machine- this was a trip of a lifetime. As we explored Downtown Orlando we came across the exact spot where the coolest friendship ever began. We got so siked that we whipped out the camera and just went for it….ROLL EM’!!
To reiterate my sentiments about Orlando not just being a place for families with children- I’ve got some priceless nuggets of information about downtown Orlando! After spending the first part of the day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios we headed the beautiful and nearly fully upgraded Downtown area.First, let me say that Orlando is unique from many other cities (including my hometown, Jacksonville Fl) in that the downtown area is “walkable”. What I mean is, you can park your car at a parking garage in one area and walk the rest of the evening, even if you want to visit several different locations.
A vacation in Orlando has everything a visitor can ask for regardless of your personality type, your family size, and in these “tough economic times” let’s not forget- your budget. Speaking of your budget, we’ve had a chance to walk around downtown Orlando and take a look at all the cultural aspects of this great city and guess what?! All of it is budget friendly and some of it is FREE!! Come take a walk with us and learn a little bit about Orlando-on the culture side.
First stop is the Orange County Regional History Center located at 65 East Central Blvd. Admission is $9.00 for adults and the wealth of knowledge you learn there is price less! It’s a 4 story building that breaks up the history of Orlando chronologically. So, start from the top and work your way down. Even for the short while we were there we picked up some very interesting facts about Orlando and its unique history. Here are just a few…
Tupperware’s first headquarters was in Orlando in 1944 Popular supermarket “Publix” opened in Orlando in 1940 Important insecticide DDT was developed in Orlando Dr. Phillips of Orlando, made played a pivotal roll in marketing/developing Orange juice and making it a major economic source in Florida Eatonville is the oldest incorporated black town in the U.S., located in Orange county, 6 miles north of Orlando
The History Center also has a “Retro Game Night” and a “Family Date Night”. See their website for dates and times. After our history lesson we walked a few short blocks to City Arts Factory. This is a free art gallery that features artwork from local artists. They even have a workspace with lockers for artist to paint or sculpt at no cost and is available most days out of the week. You may see our good friend Shannon Larimer, who was kind enough to give us a personal tour of the beautiful building.
On the same street, but 2 blocks away is the Gallery at Avalon Island, which is another local galley with monthly exhibits, an 80 seat theater and a café. For those of you who love a good show, the Mad Cow Theater is a 1 minute walk away. The next major production is “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” which will be running from September 11th –October 18th.
If you are more of a cigar lounge kinda person, Orlando’s still got you covered! There is a very distinguished cigar lounge called Corona Cigar Co. It’s also with 5-7 minute walk from the other locations. This lounge boast a variety of over a 1000 types of cigars, has a great variety of wines and host monthly events. In fact, if you are in the area Friday, July 31st or Saturday, August 1st, you can meet Nick Perdomo, Nicaragua’s largest makers of premium cigars. Check out their website to see future events.
Directly next door downtown Orlando is pleased to offer the Plaza Cinema Café. It’s a 12 screen theater that shows the newest movies on 10 screens and oldie-but-goodie movies on two screens. They serve food, have plush comfy seats (eat your heart out AMC!), and has a full bar! Directly across the street is a premier down town salon-Ego Lab and a few quaint stores for shopping.
Now that we’ve got you educated, cultured, entertained, and smelling like smoke, let’s get you a drink! A few short blocks away is the well known Church Street of Orlando where you can find great pizza, wonderful drink specials, and a dance floor to shake it!!….Did I mention great drink specials?! As a helpful hint- Thursday night is typically college night. Although you get the most bang for your buck on admission and great drink specials, it may be packed with college age kids- just a heads up. The most popular bars/clubs on that strip are Dragon Room, Antigua, and Chillers. Check out their website for drink specials and “free before” info. Lastly, whenever you visit one of these fine establishments, ask if they validate parking. You may get more bang for your buck.
Renee: Our last day of our 67 hours of boot camp started with all of the finalist visiting major theme parks in Orlando. Nabavi and I along with Melissa & April, and Kyle & Trina visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Boy - o - Boy did I have a blast!
First of all, the park is set up to have a Hollywood movie theme to it. So everywhere you’re going to see movie reels, director’s chairs and cameras. It’s very lights...camera…actionish. And speaking of ACTION!!! The first ride we rode was the infamous Tower of Terror. I love how the ride is designed to look like an old hotel. From the antique furniture to the Disney employees dressed like bell hops. What I found impressive is that they stayed in character no matter what. They had creepy ghost – like voices and to be honest, it gave off a frightening vibe…like you were walking into something that you think you might regret. Nabavi asked one of them if the room where we were walking into was where the actual ride was. He said “Of course not sir…it’s the library.” in an English accent and dreary look. Let it go on record that Nabavi screamed like a little girl on the Tower Of Terror. Lol….I mean high pitched Mariah Carey screams people. HA HA HA!!!
Another thrilling ride at Hollywood Adventure is Rockin’ Roller Coaster. I have only three letters for you O M G!!! Hands down Rockin’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios is one of the BEST rides I’ve ridden in my life!! It’s an indoor roller coaster that plays music by Aerosmith and all you can do scream out the lyrics to the song as your speeding through loops, turns and spins. WHAT A THRILL!! Trust me people…it’s worth the wait! Checkout Bavi, Trina, Kyle and me in our pics! Too funny!!!
Since we only had about four hours to explore Hollywood Studios, we had to strategize which rides we were going to ride at what time. Our fast passes really helped us to get the most out of our limited time. I recommend that everyone that goes to Hollywood Studios - or Disney for that matter – use the fast pass feature. All you have to do is put your fast pass into a machine when you get to the ride and you get a printed our “return time” for you to come back to the ride. When you come back in between the assigned time you’re allowed to go to the front of the line! Pretty cool right?
As some of you may know, Bavi and I love to compete against each other. So when we saw there was a new ride at Hollywood Studios which allows you to play against each other, we had to try it out. Pixar’s Toy Story Mania is a 3D ride were you shoot at a screen that’s obviously Toy Story themed with the characters of the movie. (One of my favorite movies by the way).
First I wanna tell you about the line to get on this ride. It's like you just walked into a toy chest! The way Disney designs their waiting line areas is really extraordinary. It's not like they have two posters and a statue for you to look at as you wait. They create elaborate designs based on the themes of the rides which in turn doesn’t make the wait seem as long. I’m so glad we had a chance to speak with some people while we waited on this line. We were able to get a realistic experience of the typical tourist. It also gave us a chance to meet vacationers and get the word out about other attractions that Orlando has to offer. They appreciated the helpful info we shared about All Star Vacation Homes & the Pirates Adventure Dinner.
In the waiting area there was an oversized talking Mr. Potato Head telling jokes to everyone. Mr. Potato Head actually spoke to people in the crowd. He would say “Hey you in the blue shirt.” Lol… I couldn’t make up my mind if it’s someone back there operating him of if it’s some hi-tech machine that recognizes colors & patterns on clothing. Really cool! In a nut shell this ride was right up our alley. And of course I beat Nabavi in the game and boy oh boy did I let him have it! As soon as we got out of the ride, I sang the entire “We are the Champions” song as I if I was on Broadway!
Some other really cool facts about Hollywood Studios are the creative set ups. Two that stuck out to me were the Coca-Cola stand and the New York City Street area. The Coke stand looks like a six pack of cokes and guess what it does? One of the coke bottles sprays out a light mist like when you open up a bottle. I thought that was very creative! And the New York City street area looks soooooo real! But in all actuality it’s a big wall that looks like it’s two dimensional. For lunch we ate the ABC Commissary. Everything is ABC show themed. They have LOST fish sticks guys!! I’m sorry but I love ABC shows! I’m a big fan of LOST, Dancing With the Stars, Grays Anatomy, and yes….GENERAL HOSPITAL & ALL MY CHILDREN. And I’m proud of it. Let’s hear it for my soap fans!!! Wooo!!!!!
I ran into the middle of a High School Musical Show! I tell you…when I say these dancers didn’t miss a beat, I mean they were so in sync it looked like something from Broadway!!! I really take my hat off to those performers giving it their all in that hot weather while dancing AND singing! Way to go!!
I can’t tell you how great the food was a Taverna Opa. My favorite appetizer were the meatballs so if you visit this Greek restaurant, you have to try them. Nabavi couldn’t stop eating the calamari and we all know what item was Amy’s favorite…HUMMUS!!!
Here’s a few pics of Taverna Opa. And if you’re wondering about the random napkins everywhere, it’s not because we’re all slobs. Lol… At the end of dinner we all got up and joined the Zorba (a traditional line dance) and danced to the wonderful Greek tunes while the staff threw napkins EVERYWHERE. It was a confetti napkin party!! Loads of fun!!
Here are a few pics of Point Orlando. There’s lots of cute shops, great dining areas and it’s definitely a beautiful area to explore and get your groove on at night!!
ARRRGG!!! AHOY MATEY! Pirate's Adventure Dinner is a dinner like no other! It was my very first themed dinner and I had an electrifying feast! I must admit…it felt great to have all of my etiquette training thrown out the window. If my mom saw me screaming across someone, standing up and booing other people, while chugging beer and chanting my favorite pirates name ALL WHILE I’M AT THE DINNER TABLE, she would lose her mind. Lol….
I have to say…this arena setting was the perfect way to enjoy the pirates show. Everyone was so engaged into the story, it’s like you were on the ship yourself almost! Kudos to whoever designed the set! There’s real water surrounding the ship and everything! It’s a great place for adults who want to get the excitement element of a sports game and for kids to just be kids during dinner time and not get in trouble for it. Lol…Here’s what some folks had to say about Pirates Adventure Dinner.
Bavi: Adventure 2: Every wanted to fly like a bird? Soar like and eagle? Jump out of a plane?...lol. That last one caught you a little off guard, huh? I always have been interested in the idea of flying but not so interested in the idea of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. Thanks to the good folks at SkyVenture Orlando, those dreams of flight came true today. After a surreal flight experience at Wallaby Ranch (see previous blog)- we were able to feel the rush of 140 mph wind and hovering weightless.
SkyVenture is located minutes International Drive and right in the midst of other popular attractions such as Wet n’ Wild and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. It’s pretty easy to spot as you drive by; it has a peculiar shaped building where the excitement happens. Upon arriving, we were greeted with smiles (and waivers…lol) and we’re led to a room to get geared up. They provide these onesies-looking suits, helmet, goggles, and earplugs. After a quick lesson on how to keep from ramming into a wall the entire time- we we’re all off to earn our wings…well, sort of. It’s like nothing you’ve ever done before. The instructors were very patient and encouraging. Because it’s far too loud to hear with the fan blowing all that air, we learned a series of hand gestures that helped the instructors communicate with us better. After getting inside for about thirty seconds, you tend to get the hang of relaxing your body and allowing the wind drag to balance you out so that you stay centered in the cylindrical room. With the instructors helping us by using those hand signals, some of us look like pros even after a few minutes. The funniest part is, when you start to feel confident because you are doing well you tend to smile- maybe shoot a “thumbs up” to the audience watching on the other side of the plexi-glass. However, as soon as you move a body part even an inch, it completely changes everything and you go flying into the wall! Even with the embarrassing moments (smashing into walls, cheeks blowing vigorously in the wind and everyone CLEARLY laughing at YOU, saliva from your mouth blowing up in your face and on you goggles- and you can wipe it because that will make you, yes……crash in to the wall) I had a tremendously fun time. We were all so jovial afterwords. It’s like a mental and physical pick me up. I strongly suggest anyone remotely interested in skydiving, flying, or just a thrilling good time to give it a try- I promise you won’t regret it!
Nabavi: Man, oh man! Were we in for some crazy surprises today?! First, let me say that for all of you that pegged Orlando as a place for just families with several kids- YOU ARE WRONG! Today was a fabulous day fit for anyone that loves eye opening experiences, thrilling excitement, and screaming at the top of their lungs I must say I experienced the best of all of them today.
ADVENTURE 1:Today has been one of the most exciting days of my life and I have only Orlando to thank. It started bright and early today (approximately 5:30am) when we took a bus- fit for rock star for a 20 min ride to the quaint Wallaby Ranch. Upon arrival, we rushed off the bus to jump in front of the camera to make a television debut on the Daily Buzz Morning Show. And if that wasn't exciting enough...we were graced with a surprise celebrity Joey Fatone from N'Sync! Or course Renee asked him about Dancing With The Stars. Lol... After the media introduction, the folks from the CVB drew out names out of a bag to determine the order of the activity for the morning. YES! Renee and I were drawn second. After signing a few waivers the personnel at the Ranch quickly yet, politely escorted us via golf cart a few hundred yards away to the area where our adventures would begin. Although I was excited, I had NO idea for what was in store. The staff asked polite questions as I got strapped into the “harness” and awaited the small propeller plane to give us the signal. Moments later, I was being whisked away while hanging on to the steering pole of the hang glider. Yes folks, I did say hang glider! Bubbling with a giddy laughter that unexpectedly escaped my mouth- I let out the loudest “Whooo-hooo” that my lungs could muster. Listen closely...
I wish I knew another word that would more appropriately describe the complete feeling of euphoria, calmness, and immense serenity that I felt while being suspended in air by this simple contraption thousands of feet in the air. It’s like while you are on the ground you literally can’t see the forest for the trees and at this height, with the sun peeking over the horizon- I could for the first time see the forest and the trees. It was simply surreal. I thought maybe I was uniquely affected by this experience, being that I never had any similar experiences. As I saw the faces of the other finalists after they had their turn I knew I was mistaken. It’s like we all took a tiny glimpse of heaven and came back with a different mindset. I know, I know- you think I’m exaggerating and being extra emotional. Believe me when I say, that I am not. Still don’t believe me?- Go and give the Wallaby Ranch a visit! Check them out at www.wallaby.com. I recommend Eric for your instructor/pilot. His patience, calmness and passion for what he does definitely is shown by his professionalism. Lastly, give Yolanda a shout out for me- she’s the chef there and can cook up a mean breakfast Oh, I guess I did forget to mention that they have food there too- what more can you ask for; life changing activities, the best of southern hospitality AND a mean breakfast?! I’m sold!! I love Wallaby Ranch!!
Bavi: As if we haven’t told you enough about how excited we are about being a part of this wonderful competition and in Orlando for these 67 hours for a chance to be her for 67 days – here’s a video to once again iterate that. Eh - they say picture is worth a thousand words - what is THIS video worth?!
Today was such a cool day. Not only did I get to come back to my old stomping ground, Orlando - but I also met some of the coolest people that I haven’t met in a while. Meeting the other finalist today was so refreshing. It’s not often you get around 18 other lively, funny, cool folks. Here’s a shout out to all of them, from the Aussies to the Canadians and all others in between from see to shining’ sea. Great meeting ya’ll; Renee and I hope to be a source of great disappointment for all of you in about 5 days…lol. So today… first the flight… For one, Jet blue is the hotness! Not only are the TV’s in the headrest (in coach!), but there really is more room than expected and I would venture to say than most other airlines. Speaking of Jet blue - they tend to have pretty good rates to Orlando. Check em’ out!
The airport is a reasonable distance from many of the things you want to be doing. Oh…sorry, I digress…the flight was pretty cool with an exception of a few bumps from the clouds we flew through. You can’t tell Renee that though! You would have thought we were on a roller coaster based on how she was responding. Yelping, squeezing my arm, with big ole eyes looking at me like I was suppose to do something to fix the problem….Mmm, sorry- all outta ideas on that one. One highlight was when we arrived. Some genius had an idea to exploit the stewardess by getting some free advertisement via the loud speaker. We wrote the message on a napkin and gave it to the very kind flight attendant and after he did his extra long spiel- He politely gave us out long awaited shout out..check it out!..
As you can see I think Kyle and Stacey liked it…lol.
Ren: Hey everyone! Renee here! I can’t begin to tell you how much of a good time I’m having here in Orlando. First of all…I didn’t expect all of the other finalist to be so cool!!!! I mean on like the next level type of cool. Everyone is so amazing. So many different personalities and good laughs. So I was up pretty late last night…I guess you can say this morning. I didn’t get much sleep because I was so high off of adrenaline and anticipation. I didn’t get in my bed until 5:30am and woke up at 8:30am to go to the airport. Lol…. But don’t worry I caught a few Z’s on the plane. But somehow Nabavi got a pic of me sleeping. NOT COOL BAVI!!!
When we finally arrived to our vacation home at All Star Vacation homes, my jaw was on the floor. I couldn’t believe how beautiful these homes were. Everything is brand new and crystal clean. And the thing that I like most about this vacation home is that it actually FEELS like a home (Not just a house with cool stuff in it). Each room has personality to it. AND a theme!!! The theme for our room is Harry Potter. How cool is that?! There were other themed rooms like High School Musical, Beaches, Super Hero’s, Princesses, Pirates of the Caribbean and yup…you’ve guessed it Hanna Montana! Seriously…it’s the perfect place to stay with a group of friends. The next time I plan a trip with my friends I need to rent a vacation home with All Star Vacation Homes! It’s like our own private home just for us with the works! Flat screen TVs, pool and Jacuzzi, and killer bathrooms!!!
In Order to get the full gist of how crazy cool All Star Vacation Homes are...Here's a little tour. Enjoy!!
WE'RE ORLANDO BOUND! We are so humbled to be picked as finalist for Orlando's 67 Days of Smiles! Congrats to all of the 10 finalist! Keep up with our latest blog entry's as we travel to the wonderful city that is ORLANDO! Stay tuned here for updates on our crazy adventures. Also, follow us on Twitter, friend us on Facebook, watch us on YouTube.
