Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Don't Let Rainy Days Get You Down

Dollar Store & Disney Park Ponchos...both will keep you dry!
 

Don’t let the rain chase you away from a day at the parks during your Orlando visit.  Here are a few simple tips to help you get fun in between the raindrops!

What to pack for your trip:

·        An extra pair of sneakers.  If it rains one day, you’ll want a dry pair for the next day.  You’ll thank yourself for that!

·        Extra socks- lots of them.  Your vacation home rental will have a washer & dryer too which can help dry any rain soaked clothes.

·        Rain Ponchos- You can find them at the park but they will run you about $7 a piece.  Check out your local dollar store. You can buy a couple to use during the trip that are easy to pack in your backpack.

·        Hat- A baseball hat with a brim will help keep the rain off of your face when wearing the poncho.

·        Ziploc bags- A box of Ziploc bags will protect the valuables in your backpack.

What to put in your back pack:

·        Ziploc bags- Take one to put your poncho in after the rain stops and another for your valuables.  Doesn’t hurt to have one to keep any leftover snacks in too.

·        Poncho & Hat- One per person.  Some people use umbrellas but it gets crowded at the parks and hard to navigate with them. 

·        Extra socks- An extra pair of dry socks can make your feet very happy –even if your sneakers are wet.

·        Flip flops- maybe just keep these in car for relief of soggy feet.

Many rides and lines for rides are inside so you the rain will only bother you while walking from attraction to attraction. Rain tends to keep the crowds away so if you are prepared and willing to get a little wet you will enjoy a great day in the park during your Orlando vacation.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival

If you need another reason to visit Florida every fall, Epcot gives you very, very tasty one with the International Food & Wine Festival.  Orlando in the fall is spectacular.  The weather is still sunny and the temperatures average the mid 80’s.  The International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot in Walt Disney World is the perfect event to enjoy the beautiful weather and treat your palate.  
Epcot is really two parks in one.  The first part of Epcot opens early and hosts great rides like SOARIN’ or Test Track.  There is lots to see and experience as Epcot has a lot of interactive exhibit like attractions including its own aquarium. 

The second part of Epcot is called the World Showcase and it opens daily at 11 am.  You can enter the World Showcase from the main entrance passing through the first part of Epcot or you can enter through the Boardwalk Hotel Area entering between the France and England pavilions. 

We visited the 2014 International Food & Wine Festival on a Tuesday.  The weekdays are less crowded so if you can try going during the week.  We entered through the main entrance and arrived in time for the 11 am opening of the World Showcase. 
 
 
The festival consists of gourmet food stands from various countries around the world.  The participating countries offer some enticing and drool worthy appetizer size portions ranging from $3 to $8 a piece.  Wine & beer pairings range from $2 to $32 for the Dom Perignon. 



We started at the New Zealand stand.  The smell of garlic drove us to choose the Mussels and we were not disappointed.  Buttery, garlic breadcrumbs cover some pretty meaty mussels


Next we stopped in Poland and sampled one of my favorites: Pierogies and Kielbasa. We complimented it with a sample of Okocim beer.  Excellent choice if we don't say so ourselves. 

After passing many countries we decided to sip on a Sam Adams Oktoberfest and the Lobster Alfredo at the American Stand.  Again it was a tasty delight. The cheese plate was also really good and although we didn’t try it, the carrot cake looked amazing.
We gave ourselves a treat you can get at Epcot year round in the France area.  The Grey Goose Grand Marnier Orange Slushy is a must have whenever you visit Epcot. It is like an adult creamsicle and it is delicious.  People will stop and ask you where you got it so be prepared.  You can find it on the lake side across from the restaurant. 

    
Another favorite at the International Food & Wine Festival is the Filet Mignon in Canada.  Canada has a very popular booth with the filet and cheddar cheese soup.  The soup never disappoints and is creamy and delicious but the filet is melt in your mouth good with buttery mushrooms. 

The International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot is a must see event during your Orlando Vacation.  It is a delicious afternoon that you
will want to include in your next trip to Orlando.  Visit the Blue Ribbon Management website and find the perfect vacation home for your Orlando stay and enjoy all of the culinary delights Epcot has all year round.