Orlando, Day 1 - Welcome to Florida

After two flight delays, two transfers, one redirect, and sixteen hours of waiting, flying and hobo-ing, we finally arrived in Orlando, Florida. From the airport, we took a cab over to the Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort, thereby kicking off the first part of our post-OIP vacation.

Finally, a real hotel!

Since we arrived early and were unable to check in, we decided to dump our baggage in the resort and explore the immediate area. Orlando’s weather is familiarly balmy, not unlike Singapore’s warm and humid climate. What’s more, Florida is very prone to rain, so you can bet we felt right at home (not really). We walked over to a stretch of restaurants called the Crossroads. For lunch, we tried the steamy sandwiches at Firehouse Subs, which was apparently established by firemen and made to resemble a fire station. I ordered a Steak & Cheese sub, which came with grilled onions, peppers, beef steak slices and melted cheese. It was good, though I honestly thought it could have used some kind of sauce.

Smiles, steaks and subs.

Since we were all tired out from the long flights, we decided to cut our exploration short and retreat to the resort lobby. While waiting for our check-in, we played a couple of card games, visited the resort’s arcade and took some quick naps. Eventually we were given the key cards to our freaking awesome rooms.

Check out that room!

We showered and almost all of us crashed immediately onto our beds. We woke up in the evening and, with the exception of Shaun, headed out to take the shuttle to Disney’s Epcot Park. Our plan was to walk to the Disney Boardwalk from there. However, we were told by a Disney staff we’d have to take another shuttle to Hollywood Studios instead, since we’d have to pay good money to enter Epcot just to get to the Boardwalk. The poor, cheapskate students that we are, we took the staff-member’s advice and headed to Hollywood Studios, but not before taking a shot of Epcot's white golf-ball-like landmark.

Ball.

From Hollywood Studios, we walked by the river to the Disney Boardwalk, a vibrant quay lined with several restaurants, resorts and other attractions.

It's preeettyyyfuuuul.

As we wandered the Boardwalk looking for food, we stopped to watch a street entertainer terrorise innocent children. It was a fun show. We walked on further and came to a beach of sorts. There was some kind of beach party where vacationers could roast marshmallows at a fire-pit, a huge shipwrecked pirate ship that actually functioned as a massive water slide, and a lighthouse that needed no description.

The Friendly Lighthouse.

Hungry and a little bored, we took a ferry across the Boardwalk back to Hollywood Studios. From there, we hopped on a shuttle back to the resort and reunited with Shaun. We went back to the Crossroads and had dinner at TGIFridays. I ordered a ribeye steak and ribs combo, along with a side of tangy coleslaw and the best mac-and-cheese ever. It cost a small fortune, but it was definitely money well spent.

SO GOOD.

Before heading back to the resort, we stopped by a 24-hour supermarket at the Crossroads and bought a six-pack of beer, along with some snacks. Our vacation’s proving to be quite luxurious, and we’re hoping it’s only going to get better. Coming up, more delicious food and of course, Universal Studios Florida!