In 2007 we made our first trip to the USA as a family......Tom had previously visited Miami in 1982 with friends for his 22nd birthday, quite unusual back then....you hardly heard of anyone going to America on vacation, very different to today`s travels. And always vowed he`d go back to Florida one day...…
So 07 was my 40th birthday year...….
And we had originally thought Tom and I would go to New York for 5 nights......we didn't plan to take Kyle as we could barely get him to come shopping with us at home.....couldn't imagine taking him to the shopping capital of the world!!!!
Then, Kyle said well, I`d like to come too...….so...….a few discussions and many internet searches later we ended up with a trip to Orlando in September for 2 weeks and we stayed offsite at the Buena Vista Palace, next to Downtown Disney.
Disney had never really been on my radar, although we had visited Disneyland Paris many times, and although we enjoyed it.....it wasn't somewhere we thought of for a big celebration.....but Orlando and Florida itself piqued my interest.....
And we loved it there......we visited Disney and Universal, an overnight stay at Clearwater Beach
and...…………………
We first discovered Mall at Millenia this trip...….
Even back then, we much preferred Universal over Disney......but not taking anything away from Disney, we did have a good time....especially as there was no one there...….it was September and the crowds hadn't really arrived then...….
I`m even wearing a Disney tee shirt ...….I had gotten my one and only case of sunburn in America the day before, and the tee shirt was an emergency purchase to cover the burn...….although why it was pink I have no idea!! But, it worked...….
This image below was taken on a Thursday just before the 3pm parade was about to start...…..
We have fabulous memories for example of going on Splash Mountain......there was no one in line and one time, didn't get off the boat and went around 5 or 6 times...….the CM was happy to just wave us on again......changed days indeed!!!!
We remember enjoying Downtown Disney especially at night...…..and one meal that sticks out as magnificent is House of Blues.....before any Dining plan from memory......no booking, we just walked in and the place was less than half full...….
And one outstanding food memory for Tom and I was the appetiser of Voodoo Shrimp in House of Blues...…..this was divine!!!! And we always thought we`d like it again...…..and we almost did recently when we had dinner with friends in Amatista and Keisha`s husband and I ordered the shrimp starter...…..and it reminded me of this dish.....minus the cornbread.....which I loved!!!!!
So, we do have some lovely memories of our time when we did visit Disney and especially evenings in Downtown Disney...….
So, as we hadn't even set foot in Disney or that area since 2008 we thought maybe this trip we`d have a wander over and see what it`s like today...…..
We had heard bits and pieces, but I hadn't looked at any pictures or updates as we had no plans to visit......but, a few people had said we`d maybe like it better today and one of our friends daughter is a manager in one of the Disney Value hotels......and she said she`d love to meet us there one day......so we began to think maybe we should take a wander over...….
But, as we do only plan a short visit, maybe a morning and lunch, then leave......we were torn as to where to eat......I had to agree with those that said the restaurants were a better standard than they used to be, they certainly gave us a dilemma over where to eat.
We aren't the biggest shoppers, but can wander round a shopping area with the best of them......and we had originally thought we may do the Amphicars…...but looking at them now, I`m not sure it`s something I really want to do.
The balloon ride is out......I hate heights.....and as someone who is genuinely afraid of heights, I couldn't do it......so I won`t be attempting that one...….I`m fine with rollercoasters and such, but being so still and just hanging there isn't appealing...….I do get clammy palms walking over bridges and such and can`t watch anyone doing anything at a height...….not fun!!!!
Things like this make me ill!!!!!
So, really that just leaves food to think about...
And this past weekend we did look at all the options and have finally narrowed it down to just four options.....
We do like a table service place as opposed to quick service...…..so we knocked off the counter service places, although there are a few of them that look nice...….
HOMECOMIN' RESTAURANT
First choice is chicken!!!!! Anything that has biscuits and spicy fried chicken is good in our book......and I like the portions are large without being overwhelming...….so, we definitely think we could eat here and have plenty of options for a nice lunch.
Seafood.
We adore seafood...….and fresher the better......I much prefer it without the coating or batter that so many places do......so the thought of a seafood platter like this excites us...….
And Asian food is a favourite cuisine of ours...….and if it`s spicy.....even better...….and Tink1957 already posted some pictures for us and what she had looked lovely...….and a saki sangria sounds very interesting...…
This place I had never heard of at all...…..but wow!!!!!
It really looks like a place we would enjoy, and could certainly picture going at night and having a blast in there.....food and drink looks amazing!!!!
Seeing the jalapeno hooked me straight away...…..
So folks...…..you can see what a dilemma we have......one lunch only and three fabulous looking choices.....of course we could go back in May for a lunch, but I`m not sure we will.
I always say though, never say never...…...our plans are always flexible to go anywhere really.....
More plans coming up...…….