Orlando, FL (Day 1 & 2)

A couple months ago, Chris & I had purchased flights to Miami for the possibility of KSU going to the National Championships.  Many KSU fans had bought tickets in advance; however, after losing to Baylor, KSU was no longer eligible for the National Championship game.  Chris went ahead and had our tickets credited, but my sister thought it would still be fun to go to FL.  She and her friend had originally bought tickets to Orlando, because at the time it was cheaper to fly to Orlando than Miami.  So, they had planned on just renting a car and driving to the game.  However, they decided to keep their tickets to Orlando and just make a vacation out of it - visiting the parks.  I hadn't been to Disneyworld since I was in 6th grade I think.  My family used to go almost every year {up until about 6th grade}.  I was anxious to go back to see if it was similar to what I remembered it as.  

We ended up leaving for Orlando on Wednesday morning and came back the following Tuesday morning.   It was a great trip, and we celebrated my sisters 30th birthday on Friday.  She did the World Tour at Epcot - you travel to all the different "countries" and drink.  She loves different kinds of beers and specialty drinks and was so excited to be able to knock this off her list of things to do! 

Day 1: Universal Studios 

The first day we went to Universal Studios.  "Harry Potter Land" is a part of Universal, which I think my sister & Ashley were most excited about.  I have never seen any of the movies or read any of the books, so it didn't really have much special meaning or excitement to me.  It was actually a bit ridiculous - we had to wait a couple hours to get into the Harry Potter part since it was so crowded and once we got in, it remained crowded - lots of people!  But, it was still a fun day!! 

Universal Studios

Entrance to Universal Studios 

Harry Potter Ride

Harry Potter Ride 

Roller Coaster in Harry Potter World

Universal Studios

Universal Studios

"Blues Brothers Band"

Day 2: Epcot

Friday, January 4th

On Friday, for Kristin's birthday, we went to Epcot (which is one of her personal favorite places).  She wanted to do the World Tour at Epcot, which is where you drink in each country at Epcot.  She had a great time and she loved all the different, authentic drinks.  She finished strong - despite the crappy weather.  It was rainy, dreary and cold!! I spent over $100 just on clothing to keep me warm at the park.  But now,  I have an awesome Disney World Fleece (insert sarcasm)

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY KRISTIN!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Birthday Princess

THE WORLD SHOWCASE TOUR

Epcot's World Showcase is made up of 11 countries: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, USA, Japn, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada.  We went around to each country and in each country, Kristin got at least one drink (authentic drink for that country).  I had a couple drinks, but many of the drinks they had to offer were not drinks that I was very fond of.  Here's a quick recap of the tour: 

{1}

Mexico

Drink: Corona Light

{2} 

Norway

Drink: Coffee with Baileys

Norway

{3}

China

Drink: Tsingtao Lite

{4}

Germany

Drink: White Wine Flights

Ashley enjoying some wine

The little bar that we purchased the wine at 

At the gift shop after the wine flights, she would try anything on we suggested.
It all looked so good!

{5}

Italy

Drink: Chianti

Italy was quite memorable, right Kristin & Ashley??  We were all starving so we stopped in at an Italian restaurant.  I can't remember our servers name (okay, my sister has informed it was Stefano, but that name doesn't fit him as well), but I'm pretty sure we nick named him "B.O." - he smelled something like that.  And he wasn't quite up to par on his serving skills.  Oh well, it was a good memory, right?  It only cost a pretty penny for a slice of lasagna. 

{6}

United States of America

Drink: Bud Light

*Kristin actually drank her Bud Light later at dinner.  We passed this stop up on the tour at Epcot. 

Bud Light (at Smokey Bones)

{7}

Japan

Drink: Sapporo 

{8} 

Morocco

Drink: Sangria & Casa Beer

Morocco - raining

{9}

France

Drink: 1664 by Kronenbourg

{10}

United Kingdom

Drink: Strongbow Cider Beer

{11}

Canada

Drink: Moosehead Beer

Finished out strong!!

  

Congrats!!!

Congrats to finishing all 11 countries!! Unfortunately, I don't have anything saved from France!  I don't remember the drink of choice either!  It was a fun day, despite the rain and cold! Happy 30th Birthday!!