Of Theme Parks and Florida

Having returned from vacattion in Orlando and environs it's nice to be back at a working internet connection. Though our hotel claimed to have wireless internet, it was apprently only in the lobby and by the time we got back to the room after a day of trudging around the theme parks, the lobby with it's chattering children was the last place I wanted to be.

And while I am on the subject of theme parks here are a few observations about the Orlando/Kissimmee attractions. First the season we went was the best one. Between the Summer crush and the winter rush. In general the lines for attractions were moderate and the crowds were not overwhelming. Second, there are few if any African Americans at the theme parks in Florida. The was a bit disconcerting but maybe it was a seasonal anomaly. Third, an amazing number of parents apparently are willing to pull their children out of school to go on vacation. The number of families with school aged children was astonishing for this time of the year.

Finally, my observation about straight families behaviors is perhaps a bit overreaching but here it is. They are like water, they will fill up any and all available space, particularly if it is space in a doorway or tight spot in the road. They and their children flow outward and just blockade everything! I saw LGBT or at least what I assume were LGBT people at the parks and they seemed aware of people around them and respected each others personal space. Straight people do not understand that concept. They figure they own everything anyway so why bother with politeness or even consciousness of anyone around them. Additionally, they feel their little Aryan brats are the cutest and most adorable things in the world. Everyone should love their kids and put up with their bratty behavior, crying, running, screaming, etc. If you take note of a child trying to smear your leg with a melted ice cream cone, you are just supposed to praise them and laugh it off. Indeed!

As to the parks themselves, Disney certainly has done it best. The four parks we visited were immaculate, well run and absolute perfection. They are so well designed you don't notice the outside world at all. For adults, EPCOT and Disney Studios are particularly fun. Delicious and world-class cuisine and plenty of places to sit and recuperate from the walking and waiting of the attractions. As I grow older I really appreciate this!

Universal on the other hand has some nifty rides, but in general I felt I was being fleeced at every turn. There are extra charges for everything and food and drinks were even higher than at the movies. My suggestion, see the real studio tour in LA and skip Florida Universal entirely.  Yes Harry Potter's Wizarding World is interesting but $10 for a "butter beer" is not a very good trick. (butterscotch soda)

If you are going to the Disney parks, I strongly suggest getting a Park Hopper Pass prior to your vacation. They save money and allow you to go to any park as many times as you wish each day.

While we were there we made a side trip to visit friends in Palm Coast and St. Augustine, (wonderful charming city) and a day trip to the NASA Kennedy Space Center. That was one of the highlights of the visit. Don't miss it.

Now, much needed naps before getting ready for a full work week tomorrow. Ta!