EPCOT: How to drink around the [Disney] World | Orlando, Florida

November 25, 2015July 13, 20165 Comments

When you think about Disney World, drinking around the world is probably not one of the first things that pops into mind, but this has been something that’s been on my bucket list for a while. It seemed like serendipity when I had a conference scheduled in Orlando just right after my birthday. After a bit of convincing, one of my besties and I decided to tackle on the challenge! Based on our experience, I’ve put together a list a tips and tricks on how to survive your first Epcot bar crawl.

So if you are over the age of 21, here’s a guide on “How to drink around the world at Epcot”. Let me know how it goes!

Cucumber Margarita – Tequila, orange liqueur, caramel iced pineapple juice, fresh basil, cucumber and agave nectar, served on the rocks.

How to drink around the world at Epcot

Do your research

Do your research and get a feel for the different drink options and prices. Drinking around the world is not an easy task. We’re talking about 11 countries where you have the option to stop and drink (more if you go during the food and wine festival). Doing your research ahead of time will help you to better prepare your liver and your wallet. Also, don’t forget to research the park hours. Park hours are seasonal and vary by day. This challenge is a full day event so you will want to pick a day with longer park hours (maybe even extra magic hours) to fully take advantage of the time.

Be prepared to pay

Prepare your wallet! Admission to the park is currently set at $97 USD/per person (plus taxes) and drinks run an average of around $12 USD /per drink. These are average drink prices in California, but they may not be typical prices where you are from! Don’t forget that even though this is a bar crawl, it is a full day event so you need to eat throughout the day. So make sure to prepare for the various expenses in addition to extra spending money for snacks and souvenirs.

Map out your game plan

Map out your game plan taking into consideration the park hours and how many countries you plan to visit. The most important decision will be where to start your day. Some people like to start outside the park, while others suggest starting at the Tequila Cavern in Mexico. I found this article from Thrillist to be very helpful when mapping out our strategy: Epcot Bar Crawl. We pretty much started in Mexico, and skipped every other country, doing two full loops from there.

Team Gear

I am telling you, people do not take this challenge lightly. The only reason I became aware of the bar crawl at Epcot, was from observing groups of people wearing team shirts referencing the challenge. Depending on the size of your group, you may either want to coordinate outfits or order custom shirts. Since it was just myself and the bestie, we opted for coordinating shirts. That seemed to suffice. 🙂

#squadgoals

Day of Gear

Pack a hat, sunscreen, snack bars, camera, and most importantly a water bottle. A small messenger bag or backpack is perfect for carrying all of your essentials plus any souvenirs you may buy.

Celebratory Button

Don’t forget to pick up your celebratory button when you arrive at the park! Birthday Button, Anniversary, Celebration, whatever the occasion, celebratory buttons are an easy conversation piece.

Have fun!

Just remember to pace yourself and have fun. Don’t feel pressured to complete the 11 country challenge. Eleven countries is a daunting task, especially if you are not used to drinking that much. Just go with a plan in mind and an objection of having fun. When else are you going to have an opportunity to drink in more that one country on the same day?

Have you ever taken on the challenge?

XOXO

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Exploring Springfield (The Simpsons) | Universal Studios Orlando, Florida

November 20, 2015November 25, 20152 Comments

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore Springfield (you know, the hometown of the Simpsons)? While the exact location of the city is still questionable, you can find a replica located at Universal Studios in Orlando. Having grown up on the show, I got a real kick exploring the Simpsons themed area at the park. While I was disappointed I didn’t run into Bart or Lisa, Moe’s completely made up for it. All of the details are down to the “T”. Walking into the bar, the resident drunk, Barney is there to greet you. You can take a seat at the bar and order a flaming Moe. If you’re hungry, just around the corner you can pick up a Krusty Burger or chicken from Cletus’s Chicken Shack. Just make sure not to cause too much trouble or you might find yourself detained by Officer Wiggums who is hanging just outside.

Here is a peek of the little tour that I did. Hope you enjoy. 😊

XOXO

Sunrise in South Beach: Miami, Florida

November 13, 2015Leave a comment

Sometimes we just need a little reminder to stop and enjoy the simple wonders of life. Remember to stop to enjoy the sunset. Remember to take in the moment. Remember to give yourself time. Remember to take time to reflect. And most importantly, remember to watch the sunrise.

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

XOXO

Houses on stilts, river boats, and beers, oh my! Exploring Chao Phraya River: Bangkok, Thailand

November 8, 2015November 15, 20152 Comments

It’s amazing to think that a lifestyle exists where people live and make a living for themselves on water. Where people own houses built on stilts, sell items boat to boat, and fish for their food without ever having a need to travel inland. What I am describing is a lifestyle that can be found along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. I tried doing a little research on this topic but unfortunately fell short. So all I have to offer is my experience from a river boat tour that we took, which was meant to explore the temples along the river. But unbeknownst to us, unexpectedly opened our eyes to a whole other society contained within such a huge metropolitan city – Bangkok.

Getting ready to board the long-boat for a tour of the temples along the Chao Phraya River.

View from inside the boat.

We had one full day left in Bangkok and had yet to explore the temples in the city. We decided to book a tour which would cover all of the major temples including the Grand Palace in an effort to make the most of our day. All entry fees and modes of transportation were included and a portion of the tour would be done by water.

Excited for the tour!

The day we set out was a bit dreary, but as were the previous days before. When we got to the water portion of the tour, the typical mode of transportation was a high-speed motorized long-boat. We were surprised at how fast the boats could go! The water was splashing us from every direction and midway a storm rolled through. Luckily the weather was a pleasant so a bit of rain didn’t ruin our day.

Traveling along the Chao Phraya River was quite the experience! I have seen houses along rivers in the past, but never houses built in a river. It was certainly unexpected to see. The houses varied by size, style, and complexity. Strictly going off of observation, I would have to say that some homes looked like squatter homes, as if built from scraps on unclaimed land. Other homes were more intricate, displaying great detail and built from sturdy materials. Many homes appeared to have electrical and even the most modest homes had satellite dishes. At times I observed people fishing off their balconies, hanging their clothes, or children playing. It was a very interesting sight to behold and definitely an eye opening experience. I wish I had more information on this subject, but I’m not sure about the history or cultural background on these homes.

Just as we were traveling along our path, the boat slowed down to meet a passerby on a small canoe type boat selling goodies and drinks. Personally, I’m not a big fan of beer, but how could I pass up an opportunity to buy something from a river vendor.

Upon reaching the end of our path, we got an opportunity to be on land for a bit and explore the markets. Overall, exploring the Chao Phraya River was such a great experience, and I am so glad we unexpectedly stumbled upon this tour. Hopefully this inspires you to add the Cha Phraya River to your travel list if it wasn’t already there before. 😉

Click on the smaller photos to enlarge. If you have any questions please feel free to ask!

4 Worthwhile Bars to Discover in Downtown Disney (Disney Springs) Orlando, Florida

November 5, 2015November 7, 2015Leave a comment

When you think about Downtown Disney (aka Disney Springs), you probably don’t think about going there for the bars. If I was a local, that thought wouldn’t cross my mind either; but since I frequent Orlando for business, I love the convenience of it. Yes, I would have to say it is mainly a tourist destination. Because of all of the restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, it is a great place for every traveler type: solo, groups, and families.

I mainly enjoy going for the people watching. There is never a dull moment. The following is a list of bars that are worth discovering if you are ever in the area. Enjoy!

LAVA LOUNGE

Attached to the rainforest cafe, the Lava Lounge is a perfect spot for winding down. It is an outdoor lounge located on the lake offering a great location to view the sunset. If you are lucky, you might even get to experience the volcano erupting or see the water Cadillacs go by.

RAGLAN ROAD IRISH PUB

While hosting live entertainment, the Raglan Road offers good drink and food options with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Make sure to check the entertainment schedule before you go, you may be able to catch the river dancers perform.

PARADISO 37

Paradiso 37 is great for people watching. It is a Latin fusion restaurant with a lively atmosphere. The restaurant hosts live music after 6pm and is a great spot for groups or even solo travelers.

HANGAR BAR

Set in the 1940s, the Hangar Bar is an Indiana Jone’s themed bar which offers knick knacks and nostalgic decorations everywhere you look. The bar offers both outdoor and indoor seating options. If you opt for outside, depending on the hour, you may be able to enjoy the live entertainment that plays right next door.