In two weeks I get to meet the wonderful voice behind Layton Family Joy. She is sharing a little about her town today on Unforgettable Childhood. I love her tips and I can’t wait to use them when we arrive in Orlando. Don’t forget to stop by her blog and say hello.

When I tell most people we live in Orlando they automatically think Mickey Mouse.  Some people think Shamu.  We eat sushi not so much whale.  Very few people think Universal Studios.  Although I live directly in the middle of all of these attractions – my house is not shaped like Cinderella’s Castle.  But some days sure do feel like I just stepped off the Tea Cup rides!!

We live in sw Orlando – close enough to Disney to hear the fireworks at night (our very own little evening thunder concert), but thankfully we’re not too close we have to dress in costume to walk down the streets.  We enjoy the oak trees and Butler Chain of Lakes more so than concrete and skyscrapers of downtown Orlando.  I think Orlando is very interesting because you do not have to drive too far to find a completely different scene.  Less than 5 miles from my front door is a quaint town called Windermere where only 2 roads are paved.

I thought I’d give Amy and some other folks tips if you’re traveling to Orlando this summer.

1. Bring sunscreen! I don’t care if you have a great base tan – you will burn in Orlando. I’d bring a hat and sunglasses too.  It’s only early May and it’s already low 90*s

2. Bring a bathing suit – bring two!  There are enough opportunities to get wet from hotel pools, splash parks, and random fountains – you will not have time to dry one suit out before you need it again.  And you will need it again!

3. Plan for rain – it’s amazing but every day starts off bright and sunny and by afternoon we always have a random shower.  Don’t fret – it’ll be sunny again within an hour.

4. Bring your patience – there is a ton of traffic.  Even in October on Wednesdays at 2pm – there is a ton of traffic.  And people honk here – all the time!  Don’t take offense it’s normal.  This is a must – do not go on green. If you’re waiting for a green light stay patient!  Do not go right away.  There is usually someone running the red light in the opposite direction.  I’m not kidding! I’ve traveled around and Orlando is the worst for red light running.  Better to get honked at than t-boned!

5. Bring your pennies - everything costs more inside the parks!  But definitely bring some cash for Twistee Treat, the best soft ice-cream drive thru spot outside of Downtown Disney on South Apopka and 535. I gained 10 extra lbs during my pregnancy because of stops by Twistee Treat.

6. Bring your appetite – Orlando is great because there are so many different types of food and varieties - it’s a chore deciding where to eat!

If you can’t decide we’re usually at Anthony’s off I4 & Sand Lake Road (closer to Universal than Disney), brick fire pizza!
7. Plan a day to nap - when you get home you will be exhausted!  There is plenty to see and do in Orlando I haven’t seen it all in the 4years I’ve been here! You won’t see it all – relax and enjoy what you will see!

8. Hit Walmart for souvenirs – What?? – Your WalMart doesn’t have Disney magnets, shirts, cups, towels, and hats?  It’s cheaper in Super WalMart off Sand Lake Road and I4.

I hope these few tips will help you out when planning for your fun trip to Orlando!  Safe travels - and reapply that sunscreen!!

Stef blogs about her faith at Layton Family Joy and is a contributor to Gather Inspirit.

4 Comments