Category Archives: Around Florida

B.A.R.F.

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No, I wasn’t throwing up, it stands for the Bay Area Renaissance Festival which we attended this past Saturday in Tampa, FL.  The locals refer to it as “BARF” which I find quite hilarious, so what better title for this blog post? That’s what I thought! Join me as I tell you all about our day and how it compared to other Faires- enjoy!

The original plan was to stay the weekend in Tampa, see the sights on Sunday and get a hotel night in.  After our car was acting up, we revisited the plan and decided to save the money on the extra stuff and just go to the Festival for the day.  With my experience on Faires, it’s always a good decision to get there early to get ready and experience the place before the crowds set in.  The plan was to get up around 7:00, shower and get the kids dressed up.

Well, sometimes our plan isn’t God’s plan, and Kyra’s dress didn’t fit.  I don’t want to get into it here about the girls dresses, but I will say that the expectations of them were not what either of us had wound up with. I tried every trick with Kyra’s but it was too small, so I had Emily left to dress up. Well, I get it in on her and the stitches fall right out at the top of the dress. Thankfully I had a needle and thread and sewed it all the way to Tampa so it would work- again, not what I signed up for but you got to do what you go to do.

Our car was STILL acting up, so we prayed and hoped that it would be ok on the hour journey to Tampa. It’s only acting up at certain times- drives great for a couple of days then BAM the power steering doesn’t want to work, or works at 50%.  Because this could go on now or a month from now, and yes, we have had it taken in to look at, we decided we would just go for it.  Nervously, we got there in one piece and made it with no interruptions- Thank you Jesus.

The Festival is located across from the Museum of Science and Industry and also the University of South Florida.  With free parking, we were parked under the trees of Spanish moss and  an overcast sky. Yes, with not only the drama of the dresses, and the car… the weather was crud. I kept thinking “Maybe God doesn’t want me going to this today” but we kept moving forward.

After everyone was ready and dressed, we walked to the Festival Entrance. If you brought 5 cans of food, you got $5 off your admission- since we don’t have an abundance of extra canned goods, I brought enough to save off one of our tickets. The total for the four of us with tax came to about $62.  Yes cheaper than Disney or Sea World, but also not as much to do.

When going on an opening day, to any Faire or Festival, you have to remember that it is opening day. What does that mean? Well, for this Festival, they were very disorganized. I understand that the first day is always crazy trying to run everything, but the very basics they didn’t seem prepared for.  We were at the Gate, and ONE window opened up at 9:30 a.m. Now, the Festival itself wasn’t opening until 10 a.m. , but BECAUSE it was opening day, they should have known many would be there early to buy tickets. Now, I don’t know their policy on this, as I am new to this one, but they only opened one window. The line was VERY long and all of us stood in it up until 10 a.m. – then all at once four other windows opened up and everyone rushed them. There was no clear signage at all above any of the ticket windows for which one was WILL CALL, CASH, etc..  After standing in the wrong line for half an hour, we moved to a different window where we handed the food good in and bought the tickets. For advertising about donating food, no one knew where to hand it in.  I was disappointed at how very disorganized they were.

We were in line for the gates to open, and the time was 10:15 a.m.- they held the crowd after the official opening time- not the best thing to do.  The King and Queen came out and welcomed everyone to the Festival, and I will say, I LOVED the King. In Bristol we save “God save the Queen” but in the small town of Fittleworth we said “God save the King, and long live the Queen!” Apparently they don’t want God to save their Queen, LOL.   We finally got inside the gate and were greeted by the cast of court royals and villagers. I wish I didn’t have Bristol so tattooed on my brain, because with everything I saw, I compared it to that.  They all seemed friendly, but I missed my Moonie, my Jane, my Craig Minstrel, and my Swordsmen.

We enjoyed the Tortuga Twins, the New Minstrel Revue, and loved the duo called “Nature of Mercy.” We spent some time talking to them and found out they had not only heard of Bristol, but they both had worked there before and one had met his wife there. After listening to the New Minstrel Revue, Craig of Farrington was in my thoughts and then I realized that these guys were from Bristol as well.  A small piece of my home Faire had shown its face, and it truly made me happy.  It also made me super excited to head to Bristol this summer to see all of my old friends again. 

Emily rode her first horse, she has ridden ponies, but this was her first official horse. She chose the white one because it reminded her of Maximus from Tangled, but her horse was indeed a girl named Dotty. Emily looked so pretty on the horse, and I was so happy for her to have that moment. 

The food was pretty good, but again, they weren’t ready. They scream and yell for people to try their sodas, food, and snacks. I went to get a soda, and they didn’t have any cups. They dumped a water bottle for me and filled it with soda for me. It was a nice thing to do, but odd to me there were no cups. Emily later wanted ice cream and it wasn’t “soft enough” to serve- what? In 10 years at Bristol, none of this had ever happened to me.  Advertising, then opening your booths when you aren’t ready just looks tacky.  They can justify it all they want with “Its opening day” but it is THE day you knew you were opening, so how should we feel bad? I dont mean to complain, I really did have a great time.

We had a great day, but it was no Bristol. After now being to two FL Renaissance Faires, I am getting nervous that I will never find anything as great as I did in WI. I guess I will have to fly back to Bristol every summer- I am sure my family and friends wouldn’t mind that.  It was fun to be with my awesome hubby and kids – and I enjoyed watching their happy faces. The kids both bought tails to wear, and I bought my Dad something special.  We stayed until 3:30 and then headed home, praying again our car would make it back in once piece. We did, it did, and we enjoyed some chicken wings while we all relaxed after a great day.  Thanks to everyone for their prayers – I hope you had a great weekend.

Christmas Shopping In Florida

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Traditions are a hard thing to break, especially when you live a thousand miles away from your family and close friends. I knew that shopping in Florida would be a task, since we are still feeling our way around town, but it still had to be done. Here is our experience at our first Christmas shopping outing in FL… enjoy!

My plan for Christmas shopping every year is to start the hunt in late October, slowly collecting things here and there so that I don’t have a pile to buy towards the end. When I lived in WI, this worked well. In fact, I had the most fun at yard sales picking up trinkets here and there that I would lovingly save until Christmas day.  Since I still haven’t found a whole lot of yard sales, and with a few flea markets I have come across, it was up to the main stores and the Mall to provide what I was looking for this year.

Up until this weekend, I had been buying most of my stuff at Wal-Mart and Target because they are close to my home. So Craig and I had planned a day together of Christmas cheer with some retail therapy thrown in. Tradition had been for him and I to head to the Grand Avenue Mall in Milwaukee and we would shop all day, with a yummy lunch somewhere new. Once we moved to Appleton, we would spend a Saturday alone running to the outlets in Oshkosh or just around town.  It wasn’t new to plan something different, just knowing how to get there and what was there was the nervous part.

The hubby and I loaded the address into the GPS and we were off for some fun! We headed to the Florida Mall first, nice and early making it quiet and comfortable to shop. Not until lunchtime did it really start to get busy, but by that time we were almost done. It had helped we had been there once during the summer, so we knew somewhat of what we needed to find there. We were giddy with excitement when we saw the new Disney Store- it was SOO cool! Look for the video blog of the store posting on Christmas Eve day.

After some yummy Chinese for lunch, we decided that we enjoyed our time, but the Mall didn’t scream Christmas at all. In the past, we would hear Christmas music while shopping, and it just put you right in the mood. Sadly it was like a Mall with business as usual and it just didn’t have that feel we were looking for.  Upon further discussion, we decided to head over to the Mall of Millenia and try it out. Wow, what a difference!  They have a village in the main foyer for Santa, but they dressed it up so beautifully. Large ornaments are hung at both ends of the Mall, and they had Christmas music playing everywhere. Craig’s eyes lit up with such joy, he was truly happy to feel the spirit of the holiday here. It made shopping so much more pleasurable, and we will definitely be back.

We also found another Target, and hooray, a Toys R Us! We had so much fun picking out stocking stuffers for the kids and marking off things on our to-do list. Besides the insane traffic coming out of that area, we made it home in one piece. A successful day for us both, and we were happy we got everything done.

I had really mixed emotions during the day- Christmas shopping for this one day with my hubby was normal. But all the shopping I had done up until that point, in the past, was usually with my Mom. It’s been 2 months since I saw her last, and I can feel the homesickness creeping in again. I am not sure I will ever learn how to shake this.  I am excited about our first Christmas here, but sad I won’t be with my Mom for the first time in 37 years.  We hope to work out the kinks for every year going forward that we are with our families, whether they are here or we are there.

While I have your attention, I wanted to thank each and every one of you who have sent us Christmas cards and presents. It was incredibly kind of you and we sincerely appreciate your kindness. We look forward to more Christmas fun this week, and we hope you are enjoying your holiday season.

Universally Yours… Tackling Both Universal Parks in One Day

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I was so excited, I mean REALLY excited. Why? I was FINALLY going to walk into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and experience it all. Since Kyra got to go with my Mom and Bob for an early Birthday present, I had been so geeked out at what she got to see and do that the time had come for the family to all go together. So turn the HP soundtrack on while I take you through not only that area of the Park, but our entire Universal experience. Enjoy!

We got up early and were out the door by 8:00. The goal was to give ourselves plenty of time to find the place and figure out where to park. We found it with no problem, and we discovered its about 30 minutes from our house. We parked in the Jurassic Park section and rode two escalators up to the Main Level. I have to say their parking garage is very gross- trash was in the corners and it felt like you were parking at the Mall- it didn’t invite you in or get you at all excited about the movie experience you were about to take.

After several moving escalators, you come across their version of security. I did like the fact that they would check my bag ONCE and then I was free to roam from park to park, including City Walk, without having it checked again. It was painless and we were off and away to the Islands of Adventure first.

IOA was a first for Craig, Emily and myself- never been. It was exciting to do something new and we all had that butterfly feeling anticipating Harry Potter. We were able to get in with no issues, and we were practically skipping through each area. It was cool to see Seuss Landing in the morning, as no one was there, along with the Lost City. But the gold, what we wanted, was getting closer and closer.  I recorded us getting to the entrance and how excited the kids were, look HERE for the video!!

The music swelled and we were actually walking into the area… I had goosebumps everywhere! The village shops covered with snow in Hogsmeade, the train sitting there with all its majesty, and over the roof tops you could catch the Hogwarts Castle. Since I had taken Bonine in the parking garage so I could ride the Forbidden Journey, it was time. The four of us walked in together, hand in hand, and giggled with glee. I was so geeked out, I couldn’t stand it. We walked past so much from the movie, and in one of the classrooms, Harry, Hemoine, and Ron made it snow!

As we made it to the end of the line, with no wait mind you- place was empty, Craig and Emily took our belongings and headed to the exit to wait for us. I’m not going to lie, I was nervous- but I was no longer scared. It was either the drugs or just adrenaline, but I was so happy to be riding it that I didn’t care.  I was seated just fine, and I was right next to Kyra and two others. The ride vehicle itself only hold four at a time, and if someone is heavier, they put you on the outside, or they can’t let you ride at all. Hence the vehicle seats outside the Castle- they are there for you to MAKE SURE you will fit. And that you know what the snugness feels like.

I personally loved the harness coming down- it made me feel safe. I also love my feet dangling, makes you really feel like you are flying. Now, if you don’t want to know any spoilers, stop reading now. I’m not going into full details, but some that will be noted for those wondering if they can handle this ride. First off, the ride itself puts you literally on your back MANY times. It’s not for long, mostly to take you from sequence to sequence, but it can be alarming, so keep that in mind. Two, the ride takes you from movie scene to real scene to movie scene- this is where motion sickness can play a huge part. I did take Bonine and it worked MIRACLES, so I highly recommend it for this ride! Three, if you don’t like spiders- don’t ride. They are huge, they are in your face, and they spit at you. Remember the big guy from the movie? Yep, they let you see him up close and personal, so beware! Fourth, the Dementors. This area was more like a haunted house area- creepy and in your face, but nothing to alarming. What was more scary was the Whomping Willow that is swatting at you while you are on YOUR BACK. Yes, ON YOUR BACK- so that was a bit alarming. I also want to mention the Dragon, very cool to see, and he is A LOT like our Dino scary guy in Dinosaur- just more in your face. Heights- I am scared of them. But you are on a robot arm that is constantly moving you everywhere, so there is no time to LOOK DOWN, as far as I was concerned I was 5 feet off the ground.

What did I think overall? Well, I can tell you we went back on for a second ride soon after. You don’t see as much the first time because it is so alarming, whereas the second time I really looked around. I encourage everyone to try it at least once, it is a HUGE part of the Harry Potter experience. I seriously would have been upset with myself if I hadn’t had tried it, so I am very proud of myself that I did.  If it isn’t your cup of tea, or butterbeer, then you can walk through the queue with your family, or ask for the castle tour line which is pretty much the same area.  Either one will allow time to look around at all the neat stuff in line, including hearing the entire Dumbledore speech in his office and also Harry and the group’s conversation in the classroom.

After Craig and Kyra took a ride on the Flight of the Hippogriff which is basically a small coaster, we headed for an early lunch as we all seemed starved. We ate at the THREE BROOMSTICKS where we ordered two chicken feasts, the mac and cheese kids meal, and a fish dinner. Including four Butterbeers it came to $51 total. Ouch, but oh so worth it. We loved sharing our first drink together, and it was very neat to be sitting in the Restaurant that you read among the pages of Harry Potter. If you sit long enough, certain shadows cast on the wall of familiar characters!  But it has to be said, ANYTHING you do In this area is worth doing while listening to the soundtrack over and over again.

After our stomachs were satisfied, we headed for the line for Ollivanders Wand Shop. Kyra had raved about the wand show and how Ollivander helps the wand pick someone out of the audience. We waited for about 45 minutes in line, and stepped into this small, dark room. It was quiet, no music, just peaceful. The 30 of us were spread throughout the one side of the room, and with no one saying a word, Ollivander walked down the stairs. He never stopped looking at Emily, and it was then that we knew Emily had been chosen! HOW COOL WAS THIS!?!?!? To see and hear the wand show, check out the VLOG HERE!!

We enjoyed the show, and of course, I bought the wand that chose her. She was so happy that she was chosen, and we were happy that she was so honored. I have to say it made the day so much more special, and I highly encourage you to see the show- you never know what will happen!

We said goodbye to the WWOHP for awhile and checked out the rest of the Park. We took a walk through Seuss Landing, where the kids met Characters and we rode the trolley train high above the area. A slow moving ride, it had me a bit nervous with how high it- especially when it went over the water- I found it almost comical how nervous I was on the trolley, but not on the Forbidden Journey.  It was a beautiful day, low 80s I would say, but the sun was still zapping my energy by early afternoon. We decided to head to the other Park to see what was there and at least say we had done it.

The walk between IOA and Universal Studios isn’t that bad, maybe 10-15 minutes. You walk through City Walk again, more on a boardwalk area, but it’s a small hike. We got into that Park with no issues, and no expectations. It wasn’t like Disney where we had a clue of where to go, we even grabbed a park map. The last time I had been there was Halloween Horror Nights, Kyra and Craigs last time was 1999, and Emily had never been here.  It was exciting to do something new again, so we decided to go with the flow.

We grabbed some chili-cheese fries at Mels Diner, then headed towards E.T. to take Em on for the first time. I had forgotten how cool this ride was, and after some coaxing Emily on, we all got on. I really love the queue for this ride- it’s just such a neat forest. We were happy we had all done it as a family- weird to think that Emily wasn’t even an idea yet the last time we had ridden it- and now she is 11 and Kyra is 18. Where did the time go?

We took picture at the Simpsons ride, passed on Men in Black and Jaws, and Kyra and I tried out Twister.  Nothing to write home about, but still cool to see at least once. We didn’t stick around for the Macy’s Day parade, but they had everyone out and ready for it, so if you want to meet those in the parade, they were all hanging out. You could tell it was a dead Park day, no one was there. The employees seemed bored, and the whole Park had a very quiet vibe.  I can tell you this, I won’t be buying an Annual pass for this Park.

Dinner was eaten at Panda Express, in City Walk, which Craig and Kyra were happy about- it’s the orange chicken they crave! We had eaten out all day, I could feel my digestive system weeping. We headed back into Islands of Adventure and walked to the left route to WWOHP. The Marvel area was really cool, and Emily was most excited about taking pictures for her previous teacher, Mr. Bonson. He was a Marvel nut! 

We then headed into the Toon area, which was really odd to me. A new park, I would assume they would have done something more with this. Jurassic Park was the final area we hadn’t seen, and that was just ok too. We didn’t ride anything, but it was deserted. I did like the tree ride where you could swing on a line through the trees, but it was for children only.

We were finally back in Hogsmeade and headed to the Castle.  Craig, Em and I took the Castle tour while Kyra rode one more time. I had eaten so much msg for the day, I was terrified what a third ride would do to my stomach. The tour was so cool, as I said before, we could listen and watch everything without holding up the line. The line was so short for the ride that Kyra got out before we did!

It was hard to say goodbye to the area, it was so beautiful in the evening. We said hello to our friend Shane, who works there, and just enjoyed the sights and sounds one more time. We all agreed that if we could buy Annual Passes for JUST the Harry Potter area, we would do it. Otherwise, not so much.  The rest of the Park didn’t give me any warm fuzzies that would make me want to go back- and THAT is what Disney does best!

I will stick with Walt Disney World in my back yard, but it was a pleasure to experience the movie magic for one day. Thank you to a good friend who made it all possible for us to go, we thank you!!