Category: Orlando

8/29/2025 0 Comments

514) Boat Ride at Walt Disney World! Fort Wilderness to Magic Kingdom 2025

Join me for a boat ride on Disney Transportation! It’s a fabulous day at the Walt Disney World Resort… I love the feeling of knowing that when we step off this boat, we are arriving at a theme park for a full day of fun in the Florida sun.

Today we are traveling from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground with a direct stop at the Magic Kingdom. This boat travels on the lovely Bay Lake, and flows into the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Along the way, we’ll see many hotels in Walt Disney World, including many Disney Vacation Club Resorts. Here is the full list of resorts we see on this boat ride:
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort - DVC
Wilderness Lodge Resort - a portion of this resort is DVC
Copper Creek Cabins - DVC
Boulder Ridge Villas - DVC
Lakeshore Lodge (under construction) - DVC
Contemporary Resort
Bay Lake Tower - DVC
Polynesian Village Resort - a portion of this resort is DVC
Island Tower at the Polynesian Village Resort - DVC
Grand Floridan Resort & Spa
The Villas at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - DVC

I hope you enjoy this lovely boat ride with me. And do let me know, what is your favorite Disney Resort?

If you’re new to the channel, welcome to a community of dreamers. Either way, definitely be sure to say hello! And many thanks for joining me for another day on this beautiful planet Earth.

*My new hardcover children’s book - FOR SALE ON AMAZON*
‘Genevieve’s Journey Through Jacksonville’
https://a.co/d/1TZtK69

Christine’s Best Hurricane Tips - Resource Page:
https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/besthurricanetips.html

Walt Disney World playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQEGosRCDMbWjUIm6ZU935m&si=NM2pOK5rLKuBTdUt
Ranking Sunblocks Worst To Best - Florida Endless Summer Is Here, Baby!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQtWeh8zn6g&t=272s
Summer 2025 Road Trip!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IT3HKaIBlieAS2LLVHGhNh4&si=TcMbkaL2VMEtfNtb
Life Is Like A Hurricane:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITbxeOPj4Dih-BASPu7S2_Y&si=etc-iXtBkz464cMO
Jacksonville Beach, Florida playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQPEtmraXz0KI3AX5JZzdCF&si=NHHttNq_jx6ZIv15
St. Augustine, Florida playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IR1_dRr5VSHL0-RVtvKNDSV&si=KfLWkPsQsFOI0FfU

This video was filmed on Friday, April 18, 2025 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. This was Good Friday of Easter Weekend 2025. Each resort had tons of really cool Easter activities - I’ve highlighted some of the activities in my WDW playlist.
Video 655.
#disneytransportation #waltdisneyworld #disneyparks #boat #disneyresort
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Thumbnails - YouTube Test & Compare!

If you are a YouTuber, have you ever used YouTube Studio's Thumbnail Test & Compare feature? Check out my three different thumbnails for this video below. Which version would make you want to click on the video the most?

Thumbnail number 1

Thumbnail number 2

Thumbnail number 3

I really enjoy making YouTube thumbnails, so this new/newish feature has always been very intriguing to me, and I really enjoy using it sometimes. What are your thoughts on having the ability to load different thumbnail options?

The test runs for fourteen days, so we'll have to wait and see which one wins!

P.S. My favorite version is option number three.

0 Comments

8/3/2025 0 Comments

505) Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort pet friendly hotel room tour 2025

Staying along the Sassagoula River...

Join me for a hotel room tour at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort! We stayed in the Acadian House section of the resort, in a pet friendly building.

Please let me know if this room tour helped you in any way? Also, I’m happy to answer any questions you may have, so definitely drop me a comment down below.

If you’re new to the channel, welcome to a community of dreamers. Either way, definitely be sure to say hello! And many thanks for joining me for another day on this beautiful planet Earth.

*COMING SOON!*
‘Genevieve’s Journey Through Jacksonville’
My new hardcover children’s book will be launching on Amazon: Tuesday, August 5, 2025!
https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/books.html
___
Christine’s Best Hurricane Tips - Resource Page:
https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/besthurricanetips.html
Ranking Sunblocks Worst To Best - Florida Endless Summer Is Here, Baby!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQtWeh8zn6g&t=272s
Summer 2025 Road Trip!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IT3HKaIBlieAS2LLVHGhNh4&si=TcMbkaL2VMEtfNtb
___
Disney Skyliner ride - June 2025:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc4Ct2ElwTo&t=13s
Disney Vacation Club Wilderness Cabin Tour - April 2025:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY381iFJc1w&t=201s
Life Is Like A Hurricane:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITbxeOPj4Dih-BASPu7S2_Y&si=etc-iXtBkz464cMO
Jacksonville Beach, Florida:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQPEtmraXz0KI3AX5JZzdCF&si=NHHttNq_jx6ZIv15
Jacksonville, Florida:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IShaHCmZoxotV080ibgVsIr&si=ssuH6t2wW0Tw_Pz0
Sights & Sounds:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQ7hppxxZxSM8LpK1b5K4bC&si=ZJ_7aHQByI8FoKHN
___
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort is located at:
1251 Riverside Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

For more information about this resort, and their pet friendly accommodations, check out the Walt Disney World website link below:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/port-orleans-resort-riverside/

This video was filmed on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Video 643.
#roomtour #waltdisneyworld #orlando
___

2000's Mickey Crocs or 2025 Mickey Crocs?

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UiJighc_VPc

I am literally OBSESSED with my new Mickey Crocs!

If you’re new to the channel, welcome to a community of dreamers. Either way, definitely be sure to say hello! And many thanks for joining me for another day on this beautiful planet Earth.

*My new hardcover children’s book - FOR SALE ON AMAZON*
https://a.co/d/1TZtK69
https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/books.html
___
Christine’s Best Hurricane Tips - Resource Page:
https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/besthurricanetips.html
Ranking Sunblocks Worst To Best - Florida Endless Summer Is Here, Baby!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQtWeh8zn6g&t=272s
Summer 2025 Road Trip!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IT3HKaIBlieAS2LLVHGhNh4&si=TcMbkaL2VMEtfNtb
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort - Acadian House pet friendly hotel room tour 2025:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG0QtNjfBAM&t=105s
Disney’s DVC Wilderness Cabins Resort - hotel cabin room tour 2025:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY381iFJc1w&t=207s
Disney Skyliner Ride - LIVE from Walt Disney World 2025:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc4Ct2ElwTo&t=18s
___
You can check out my entire downtown Jacksonville, Florida playlist right here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IShaHCmZoxotV080ibgVsIr&si=ssuH6t2wW0Tw_Pz0
Life Is Like A Hurricane - playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITbxeOPj4Dih-BASPu7S2_Y&si=etc-iXtBkz464cMO
Jacksonville Beach, Florida - playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQPEtmraXz0KI3AX5JZzdCF&si=NHHttNq_jx6ZIv15
Also - be sure to check out my Sights & Sounds playlist!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQ7hppxxZxSM8LpK1b5K4bC&si=ZJ_7aHQByI8FoKHN
___
JAX with palm trees - merch:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/jax+-+with+palm+trees?idea=66c788a8a725d276f72fa176
Sheltie Dolly - merch:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/sheltie+dolly?idea=65972dc881f7a13c0fa63fc9
Flower & Garden - merch - two designs:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/flowers+and+gardens+and+shelties?idea=67d73d285d18d61c400fb22d
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/flowers+%26+gardens?idea=67d47097caa2a7221db3b9f8
Vacation Mode ON - merch - two designs:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/vacation+mode+on+-+purple+and+green?idea=6824f3b9b5898862be634071
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/vacation+mode+on+-+white+and+green?idea=6824f1d8925a11349a2c4a8b
___
This was filmed Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Video 646.
#crocs #disneyparks #waltdisneyworld
___

0 Comments

6/12/2025 0 Comments

489) Disney Skyliner Ride - LIVE from Walt Disney World in Florida 6.12.2025

Join me for a family ride on the Disney Skyliner with:

Blake's Aviation:
  @blakesgamingandlegochannel3606

and

Jungle Monkey VR:
@JungleMonkey_VR

We’re on a summer family vacation to Walt Disney World Resort! Thanks for flying with us today.

If you’re new to the channel, welcome to a community of dreamers. Either way, definitely be sure to say hello! And many thanks for joining me for another day on this beautiful planet Earth.
___
Christine’s Best Hurricane Tips:
https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/besthurricanetips.html
___
Life Is Like A Hurricane - full playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITbxeOPj4Dih-BASPu7S2_Y&si=etc-iXtBkz464cMO
Also, check out my full St. Augustine, Florida playlist!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IR1_dRr5VSHL0-RVtvKNDSV&si=LYAZwJkkAHImGNUY
Plus, here’s my full Jacksonville Beach, Florida playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQPEtmraXz0KI3AX5JZzdCF&si=NHHttNq_jx6ZIv15
And, here’s my Jacksonville, Florida playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IShaHCmZoxotV080ibgVsIr&si=ssuH6t2wW0Tw_Pz0
Sights & Sounds playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQ7hppxxZxSM8LpK1b5K4bC&si=ZJ_7aHQByI8FoKHN
And, check out my Ponte Vedra Beach playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITDVUj3DL2G7sstOzpkdxUn&si=VgFXgZqskBC6w3R9
___
*Matching family vacation tees! My newest merch in my shop for summer VACAY*
Vacation Mode: ON - purple and green:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/vacation+mode+on+-+purple+and+green?idea=6824f3b9b5898862be634071
Vacation Mode: ON - white and green:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/vacation+mode+on+-+white+and+green?idea=6824f1d8925a11349a2c4a8b
___
Check out the official Walt Disney World website right here:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/
Plus, here’s the link to Walt Disney World transportation:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/resort-transportation/
And, here’s some more detailed transportation information on the Disney Skyliner:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/skyliner/

This was filmed LIVE on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Video 626.
Livestream 252.
___

0 Comments

6/10/2025 0 Comments

488) Lake Monroe Bridge on the St. Johns River - Sanford, FL I4 rest stop 6.10.25

Boats, Trains & Automobiles!

Join me for a road trip rest stop along the beautiful St. Johns River in central Florida.

Lake Monroe Bridge in Sanford, Florida is located in Lake Monroe Wayside Park, right along an I4 exit in Seminole County. It's a fabulous rest stop if traveling I4 on a road trip in the greater Orlando area. There's a fishing pier, a boat dock, it's pet friendly, plus you'll learn a bit about the history of transportation infrastructure as well. Boats, trains, and cars all in one. The fishing pier was converted from a historic swing bridge!

If you’re new to the channel, welcome to a community of dreamers. Either way, definitely be sure to say hello! And many thanks for joining me for another day on this beautiful planet Earth.
___
Christine’s Best Hurricane Tips:
https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/besthurricanetips.html
___
Life Is Like A Hurricane - full playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITbxeOPj4Dih-BASPu7S2_Y&si=etc-iXtBkz464cMO
Also, check out my full St. Augustine, Florida playlist!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IR1_dRr5VSHL0-RVtvKNDSV&si=LYAZwJkkAHImGNUY
Plus, here’s my full Jacksonville Beach, Florida playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQPEtmraXz0KI3AX5JZzdCF&si=NHHttNq_jx6ZIv15
And, here’s my Jacksonville, Florida playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IShaHCmZoxotV080ibgVsIr&si=ssuH6t2wW0Tw_Pz0
Sights & Sounds playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQ7hppxxZxSM8LpK1b5K4bC&si=ZJ_7aHQByI8FoKHN
And, check out my Ponte Vedra Beach playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITDVUj3DL2G7sstOzpkdxUn&si=VgFXgZqskBC6w3R9
___
*Matching family vacation tees! My newest merch in my shop for summer VACAY*
Vacation Mode: ON - purple and green:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/vacation+mode+on+-+purple+and+green?idea=6824f3b9b5898862be634071
Vacation Mode: ON - white and green:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/vacation+mode+on+-+white+and+green?idea=6824f1d8925a11349a2c4a8b
___
Lake Monroe Wayside Park is located at:
4150 US-17
Sanford, FL 32771

Check out Historic Downtown Sanford!
https://www.historicdowntownsanford.com/
Plus - Seminole Kids:
https://fun4seminolekids.com/Fun-Around-Town/Springs-Lakes-and-Rivers/Lake-Monroe-Wayside-Park/View-details
___
This was filmed LIVE on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Sanford, Florida.
Video 625.
Livestream 251.
___

0 Comments

4/16/2025 0 Comments

461) Disney's DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort: interior hotel room tour 4.16.25

Join me for a LIVE hotel room tour of The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. These cabins are part of the Disney Vacation Club, and are pet-friendly!

The scheduled time for this live stream is approximate to the best of my ability, and may begin before or after the scheduled start time. Do have your notifications on if you’d like to catch the room tour live, and feel free to drop any questions you may have in the live chat or comments down below. If you’re watching on the replay, I’m happy to answer any questions in the future as well.

If you’re new to the channel, welcome to a community of dreamers. Either way, definitely be sure to say hello! And many thanks for joining me for another day on this beautiful planet Earth.
___
*Sheltie & Friends Easter Coloring Book:*
https://www.amazon.com/Sheltie-Friends-Easter-Coloring-Book/dp/B0CY28XF26
*Easter merch!*
Hunny Bunny:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/hunny+bunny?idea=65e4cf17d1ae97310c7dd4a0
Easter Zoomies - white:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/easter+zoomies+-+white?idea=65e4a69fd1ae97310cf4598d
Easter Zoomies - coral:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/easter+zoomies+-+coral?idea=65e4a1cf30fb6e2cbbccc3bc
Easter Peeps - multi:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/easter+peeps+-+multi+color?idea=65e493d930fb6e2cbb9e603f
Easter Peep - purple:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/purple+easter+peep?idea=65e49a1b30fb6e2cbbb2af3d
___
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort - A Disney Vacation Club Resort:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/dvc-cabins-at-fort-wilderness-resort/
Room rates:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/dvc-cabins-at-fort-wilderness-resort/rates-rooms/
*Cash rate quoted on Saturday 4.12.25 for one night Wednesday 4.16.25:
$656.00 per night normal rate, or Florida residents receive 30% off at $490.50 per night.
*2025 DVC points chart for this resort:
https://cdn2.parksmedia.wdprapps.disney.com/media/dvc/en/points/CFW-2025-11.25.24.pdf
*Sleeps up to 6 - sleeping amenities of a one bedroom DVC cabin include:
1 queen bed
1 queen pull out sofa bed
1 bunk bed
*Disney Vacation Club:
https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/
*Hotel address:
4510 North Fort Wilderness Trail
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
*Water park perk:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/water-park-disney-resort-benefit/
___
This was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Video 585. Livestream 240.
#waltdisneyworld #disneyvacationclub #fortwildernessresort
___

2 of my absolute favorite Disney World snacks

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0AWnDb-7vkI

Join me for some delicious Disney snacks!

These are my absolute two favorite Walt Disney World treats and snacks in 2025… Also, check out in the related video link, a detailed cabin tour of a Disney Vacation Club Fort Wilderness Resort Cabin! And don’t forget to check out my entire Walt Disney World playlist.

CP686. #disneyworld #dvc #disney #disneysnacks

0 Comments

11/15/2023 0 Comments

150) Lake Monroe Historic Bridge in Sanford, Florida LIVE - Fabulous Rest Stop Just Off Highway I-4

Hey Dreamers!

Boy, was this place cool!

Next time you’re driving on Highway I-4 near Orlando, check out this beautiful stop in Sanford, Florida…

There is a fabulous little rest area - literally just off the highway - and it’s a peaceful little respite, in the midst of the Orlando traffic and congestion. Lake Monroe is situated along the banks of the St. Johns River, at the headwaters of the river actually. And on this overcast and gloomy autumn day, we had basically been driving south along the St. Johns River for many miles, so it was nice to actually stop along the river for our break.

We had a blast watching boats, cars, and trains go by, both Amtrak trains and Sunrail trains, crossing Lake Monroe over bridges.

It was a brief stop on a long six hour journey in the car, but one I definitely had to share with you because of the excitement, and mostly, because of the natural beauty I was surrounded by.

Next time you’re in the area, Lake Monroe is definitely worth stopping by to stretch your legs, before heading on to the next part of your journey.

Love you,
Christine

Lake Monroe Historic Bridge is located at:

Lake Monroe Wayside Park
4150 Highway 17
Sanford, Florida 32771

Open 24 hours.

This was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 in Sanford, Florida.
Livestream number 30.

#sunrail #sanford #florida #amtrak

___

0 Comments

10/11/2019 0 Comments

#13) 2 Pro’s & 2 Cons About My 2 Night Stay - in Celebration, FL

Ohhh, Celebration - such a very unique and yet very uniform town. I have been visiting Celebration since I was pretty young. I’ve loved every visit… since its birth in the 90’s, when people really made fun of its strict strive toward perfection. And I still love to come to Celebration now that the town has grown into a mature adult. And people definitely still do make fun of the town.

And while I’ve traveled there many times, each of those trips were always very short - much more like brief encounters - and not a genuine visit, or stay. I recall a lunch outing, a dinner years ago at the town diner, and a quick ice cream outing, but never an overnight.

I even remember visiting Celebration shortly after getting married. It was Christmas time, and my husband and I were in town at Walt Disney World to see all the holiday decorations. That trip was one of the rare times we had a car with us. We usually always just flew into Orlando, got ourselves to Disney, and then relied on Disney transport for the entire remainder of stay. That lack of a personal vehicle during our Disney vacations meant a lot less freedom of movement around central Florida, or basically anywhere outside of Disney World really. So on that Disney trip surrounding the holidays, with access to a car, I remember the one place we both really wanted to go see was Celebration. We had heard about snow falling on their Main Street and decided it was worth us checking it out.

Being from the Chicago area and managing many inches of snow each winter of our lives, before moving to Florida a few years back, we were naturally very curious to see how snow looked in Florida. Never could I imagine such a sight. We absolutely had to see it.

So there we were, in warm central Florida in December, spectating all of the Celebration holiday festivities at night time, ice cream in hand, and watched the snow fall from the sky. Kids running and screaming with joy. I remember wondering if any of these kids seen snow before? In Florida? Were they locals and this was normal to them, or were they visitors like us? Did the kids know it was all fake snow? Not that the type of snow mattered in the least, I just remember being so amused and intrigued by the sight of it all.

Looking at all the endlessly falling white goop and bubbly substance that was supposed to resemble actual snow reminded me of watching cold, wintry scenes in old black and white Hollywood films from the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. They had sort of a difficult time back then representing snowfall with any realism on the big screen. I love old films, and I always find it comical when snow begins to fall in those movies. A snow “flake” would land on a human - like on top of their coat or in their hair - but then the snow always failed to melt. It was either always a white liquid goo with a bubbly consistency, or, like soap flakes, and almost like a feathery substance. And once that snow landed on whatever it landed on, it just sat there. It sat on the hair of the actor or actress' head just like a feather might. It sat on their coat, or any other clothes the person was wearing. And the snow stayed that way for the remainder of the scene in the film - always amusing me.

That’s exactly what this snow was like that fell in Celebration. It fell, and it stayed. The street was absolutely covered in what was probably some kind of soap bubbles. Tons of it. Liquid white goo was all over the entire closed off street. Hilarious. But to kids, snow is snow. A good time was had by all, that’s for sure. No matter what the snow was made from, it was falling, from above, and that’s all that mattered to the children. What happened after the snow fell was of no concern to the kids. We stood in the snow-covered street, eating our ice cream, and laughed.

It was a very memorable evening. And I’ve not seen snow in Florida since then. Not even at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party where I hear that it snows on Main Street USA during each and every nightly party. And that evening, years ago, during the holidays, was my last encounter with Celebration. It was a genuine good memory, and I’ve always wanted to go back and spend a bit more time there.

So this year when I found out some of my family was going to be traveling from Illinois to Orlando for a vacation, I wanted to make the drive from Jacksonville and meet up with them while they were in town. We would be needing a pet-friendly hotel due to our dog Madeline traveling with us, and something prompted me to look into Celebration.

It turns out, their single hotel in town happened to be pet-friendly. That was my deciding factor. This would allow me to spend some time in Celebration, bring my dog along, of course, and visit family at Disney at the same time. And this would finally grant me the opportunity to spend two solid nights in town - at the Celebration Bohemian Hotel.

We booked our hotel room through Marriott Bon-Voy and signed up for the Marriott Rewards Program as well. Our two nights at the Bohemian offered us a package experience, including a $25.00 resort credit per day of our stay - to use on anything we liked. We ended up using the credit at the lobby lounge one hot afternoon for a cold cocktail, and then for a room service hot breakfast on our first morning. Never, ever, do we spend on room service, so having that credit allowed us to experience something we normally never do. Breakfast was super, and even arrived to our room on trays with those little old-fashioned ketchup bottles made from actual glass. I was ecstatic.

During the two night stay I kept an informal pro-and-con list in my mind regarding my overall experience. When I got back home and analyzed everything, I sensed an overall theme to my visit and I’d like to present you with my summary here. Specifically, I decided upon two positives and two negatives that you may want to take into account while considering and planning your potential visit to the town of Celebration. And since I’m a fan of ending on a positive note if I can help it, I’m going to start with the two con’s from my list; and then we will finish with the two pro’s:

Con #1: Limited Selection - And Only One Hotel In Town
Yep, that’s right, there’s one option. The Celebration Bohemian Hotel is currently the only choice if you want to stay downtown Celebration. However, let’s not forget this town is located directly inside the greater Orlando area, so there are many - practically countless - options just outside of town. But in town, if you want to stay overnight in a hotel, and then walk around outside to the Starbucks down the street for your morning coffee and newspaper without getting into a vehicle, the Bohemian Hotel is THE option.

It’s not a bad option though. It’s a fine hotel for a short visit. Rates were reasonable, and they did not abuse us on the pet fee either, like many places we’ve been to. Our room did not have a refrigerator inside, and I mean even just a simple, tiny mini-fridge. I would say the lack of that amenity was really the only downside to my stay at the Bohemian. I’m not sure if any of the rooms come with refrigerators as an option, but if they do, on my next stay I will most definitely be requesting one. Otherwise, I’ve already decided that next time I just need to bring a cooler in with me and I’ll be just fine for a few nights. I love cold water, and ice, and being without access to a chilled beverage during the night was kind of annoying, but nothing I couldn’t handle being without for two nights.

Other areas of limited selection include coffee shops and gift/souvenir shops, and there were also some things that we were just never able to see. Overall, just not a lot of choice. But I probably should have known that - considering Celebration is quite a small town. There’s a few restaurants and a couple of coffee shops, but obviously nowhere near the hundreds of dining locations one is used to when staying in Disney World or traveling throughout Orlando.

Also, I found out that the town movie theater, one of the main iconic symbols and landmarks of the town, is closed. I remember when I was younger, that the theater was THE PLACE to go, it was the hangout spot for the evening. There were always crowds outside the movie theater. But not this visit. The entire area around the theater was always empty. I must say I was kind of sad to find out that one cannot go see a film while in town, a non-operational theater sitting vacant, and has been for quite some time. Apparently it was a victim of the Great Recession and has never opened back up since. A closed and vacant building at the center of town can really change the vibe. A lot. It just felt like there was a big, empty hole inside the town square area.

While the closed theater was the first thing I noticed, as the vacancy was difficult to miss., I then noticed some vacant window fronts of shops while walking around town. Either Celebration overall hasn’t fully recovered from the last recession, or it’s not as “in demand” of a location as I thought it could be. Maybe leasing space is very expensive too. It was just sad to see so many closed storefronts. We tried to visit the local stores and restaurants when we were there. Starbucks, of all places, kept the best hours, so that’s where we ended up for coffee.

During this stay we also went to Disney Springs for the afternoon, came back to Celebration in the evening, and the town was all quiet. The other night of our stay, upon our return there were tons of people and lots of music and parties at the hotel too. I never knew what to expect.

We also tried to eat at the diner. And it was always closed. I actually gave up trying to eat there, deciding to make no further attempts on that trip as I was disappointed each time. The diner advertises coffee, ice cream, and all kinds of other meals, in print outside on the windows and facade of the exterior. So I tried to get coffee in the morning - closed. We tried to get ice cream in the evening - closed. The diner did an excellent job of appearing to be open though, as more than once we tried to walk in - the lights inside were always on, but they were always either not open yet, or had just recently closed. I guess the diner wasn’t looking for our business. It was not too early in the morning and not too late at night by any means each time we tried. And it was always closed. Hence, the many visits to Starbucks.

I did find an open souvenir shop on my way out of town after checking out of our hotel though. I was finally able to purchase something from the town. I came home with a light green, light cotton, short sleeved tee. There were not many options for men at all in the shop so I wasn’t able to buy the hubby a souvenir... I’m fairly certain he didn’t mind though. Either way, I was glad to go to a local store and buy something from the town.

Con #2: You Will Need/Want A Car
While, arguably, Celebration can be considered part of the “Disney Bubble”, it is also most definitely NOT inside the Disney Bubble. Celebration is located just outside Walt Disney World property. And once one leaves Disney... they do enter the real world again. As I mentioned, Celebration is a REAL town. A living, breathing, working, functioning, real town. A lot of people think it’s part of Disney, which it was at a point in time in the past. But now, it’s a regular town with all the laws and municipal operating systems of any other suburb in the Orlando area. Being that it is a real town, and when one leaves Disney property, the Disney transportation system that so many tourists rely on when they visit Orlando does NOT operate in Celebration. If you want to visit Celebration you will need to drive over there, or Uber, etc. But you cannot take a Disney bus there, even though it happens to be so very close to The Mouse.

And now let’s discuss some positives of visiting Celebration!

Pro #1: Not Far From Walt Disney World
Celebration is literally just a hop, skip, and jump away from Walt Disney World Resort. If you are visiting central Florida, with access to a vehicle, it is worth a drive over to check it out. I would say to come during the day, while you are guaranteed more establishments to be open, and maybe even check hours of operation on Google beforehand on the specific place or places you intend to visit. You can eat at a local restaurant or get some coffee etc,; and you won’t be spending Disney prices on that food and drink either. Plus, sometimes that escape from Disney and Universal pricing can be “priceless” in and of itself.

Pro #2: Peaceful, Non-Hectic Atmosphere
If you are trying to escape Disney for a bit, Celebration will definitely take you away from those rushed crowds. I would definitely recommend a short visit even just for a change of pace if you are on a Disney trip. There are no fast-passes needed to book ride times, and dining reservations don’t need to be made 180 days in advance of your visit. If you just need to slow down some and have a quiet, leisurely afternoon outside of the theme parks, this may be a good place for a rest. Also, I noticed plenty of churches in town too if going to church on vacation is your thing. Either way, whatever you are interested in seeing, the pace is slower than Disney and that can be a good thing indeed.

I know that slow down, or rest, can be pretty vital on a Disney style vacation. Keep up the Disney pace for too long and I have known many a person to get sick on or after their trip, myself included - countless times. In fact, I got sick on vacation so many times that my entire traveling and vacation style has changed because of it. I do not strive to keep a rushed pace anymore while traveling. I am looking and actively seeking peaceful, and maybe slower-paced, yet wonderful outings. I still do Disney, but definitely at my own, leisurely pace. Celebration is and can be that slower pace, and that can definitely be a positive. Sometimes compared to Disney, anything at all can be said to be slower paced. But Celebration does have very limited options so there is not too much craziness or even need to do everything and/or anything during your visit there. And by leaving Disney property, and seeing an area of Orlando outside of all things Mickey Mouse, it can really change one’s perspective, and I believe that change is a good thing.

Celebration is a very unique town that I think anyone who visits it can attest to. The ascetic consists of a lot of uniformity and equality in the design and architecture, and that uniformity is ironically what makes it very different from all other towns. Everything - sort of - looks the same. All the houses and buildings follow the Celebration building style codes, down to the color and style of a buildings exterior. That fact is what people make fun of. The uniformity of the town. I’ve heard Celebration be called “The Truman Show” and the “Stepford Wives” and other such comparisons toward a perfection. For the most part I just ignore those sentiments and come up with my own opinion from my own experience. And while there weren’t too many things to do there, I still had a great time and would come back for sure.

In fact, I’m already actively trying to plan a return visit. My two nights in Celebration were quite wonderful, peaceful, and different than what I was used to while visiting the central Florida area and theme parks. That different perspective is almost always priceless to me, and opens me up to a variety of experiences. Before we even checked out of the hotel, I was already wondering when I would be coming back. Next time my family in Illinois goes to Disney, I’ve already got a most perfect plan in place to meet them, a peaceful place to stay, and some more restaurants to visit as well. And just maybe, if I’m lucky, that goopy, bubbly, and soap flaky snowfall holiday event will be taking place while I’m there. ~

Author:

Christine is an Artist and Lifestyle Blogger, living and painting in Florida, with her hubby and eight year old puppy. She made a major life change in 2017 by uprooting and moving from Illinois to the Sunshine State, and has been living her best life in Florida since - detailing all her many and varied adventures living and traveling the Deep South to share with you. Her mission is to help you live YOUR best life - by getting out there, going for it, and making that big change you always dreamed of. Christine will inspire you to get over yourself, show up for yourself, and get out of your own way. The only one stopping you - is YOU.~

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8/13/2019 2 Comments

#4) The Boathouse @ Disney Springs - Disney Dining at its Best

Is a trip to Walt Disney World complete without a visit to Disney Springs? If you classify yourself as a professional shopper then definitely don’t let Disney Springs pass you by. After completing a vast and extensive renovation a few years back, the original Disney Shopping Village Marketplace, and then Downtown Disney, was officially rebranded to Disney Springs. With that rebranding came a whole new array of food and fun.

The Boathouse @ The Landing in Disney Springs

Yes, a cupcake ATM exists in real life, not just in your dreams... @ Disney Springs.

Tons of art for sale @ Disney Springs.

ou can now literally spend an entire day, or a full morning, afternoon, or evening at the Springs, and never once run out of something to do. Many more stores were added, some pricey, some reasonable. I didn’t run into anything that would be considered low cost, but you can definitely make your own fun too with little to no money involved. Parking is still free, thank goodness. And there is usually live entertainment on stage by the World of Disney store every time I’ve visited recently. So grab a coffee from Joffrey’s (a storefront Joffrey’s!) and stroll around the West Side, the Landing, and the Marketplace, for a nice outing outside of the ticketed Disney Parks.

On this particular visit we we were searching for dinner reservations at The Boathouse. I was trying to reserve dining through the My Disney Experience app, but I ended up booking dinner through OpenTable. The Disney app has given me nothing but grief and trouble for at least a few years now. So finally, after countless attempts to resolve, I took some drastic Disney action and deleted the app from my phone altogether. As a formerly huge Disney fan (now just a casual fan) this was a big step for me to take, but it had to be done. The app officially would not let me reserve anything anymore, rendering it almost totally useless for me. One of the issues was that it kept asking for an updated credit card, and I gave it this information more than you really want to even know. Error processing notifications were constant. Well, if you don’t give The Mouse your money, The Mouse doesn’t let you play. Dining reservations, theme park tickets, hotel reservations, mobile quick service food, drink, and snack ordering, etc, are all on the app now, and all need your credit card. My husband had the same problem, consistently, and it wasn’t our cards. We were able to reserve over the phone if we called just fine. It was definitely the app. The app also would not recognize a change of address or any other profile update I attempted. I always had to call, and wait in queue, to do anything with Disney.

I needed to find a new way to book a dinner reservation with Disney, without wasting too much of my time, and had just about to given up on Disney Springs altogether when I went to my Opentable app. When I searched restaurants in Orlando many of the Springs restaurants came up as available. I was shocked actually because after booking countless dining reservations through Disney in the past, and aware of their ‘if you don’t show up’ fee per person applied to your credit card on the reservation, it ended up being so easy to book Disney dining through OpenTable. And a credit card wasn’t needed, and I earned points in the process as well.

We did end up at The Boathouse for dinner, and it was one of the most fabulous dinners of my life in Florida. Having dined there in the past on a trip to Florida before moving down here, at the time I remember thinking the exact same thing - one of the best meals of my life. And that was when I lived in the Chicago area, where the best food in the world comes from, no joke. I do have a theory on why I love the food at The Boathouse so much. It’s owned by Gibson’s, a Chicago based restaurant group. Naturally, the Chicago-instilled history of The Boathouse is why the food is so darn good, of course.

As soon as our server first came to greet us at our table I noticed his Disney name tag as being from Chicago, IL. ‘Ooooh!’ I said, surprised. ‘You’re from Chicago! We are from the Chicago area and moved down a few years ago.’

He said he and his wife had done the same thing. Why would anyone live with those harsh winters?!... We all agreed and laughed.

It turns out he grew up in my hometown, and went to the high school just across town. He took our order and asked if we were in a hurry? ‘No,’ we said, ‘definitely not.’

We weren’t going to the theme parks, had zero fast pass reservations to rush off to, and were not watching fireworks anywhere that evening. THIS was our entertainment. Knowing we were not in a rush, he said he would bring out our courses on a leisurely basis, instead of the quick pace that some might need and require while on a Disney vacation.

Well, I had the best, most flavorful, and absolutely lovely meal of my life. So simple yet so good. Shrimp cocktail to start, tomato salad, and filet mignon sliders for the main course. Afterward we said goodbye to our server and wished him well on our way out. The rest of the evening we spent going in some shops that I hardly ever get a chance to visit.

On the way back to our hotel we stopped at Twistee Treat for dessert. Which I have officially-unofficially classified as the best and most quintessential ice cream shop in all of Orlando. I first learned about Twistee Treat from Teresa Echols @ The Dis, (one of my favorite Dis team members by the way) and then, I saw the cone in The Florida Project and knew I had to try it. I’ve been to Twistee Treat a number of times now and it does not disappoint. LOVE that place! So while a professional shopper needs to visit Disney Springs, an ice cream aficionado needs to go to Twistee Treat.

It IS possible to find Dole Whip outside of WDW! @ Twistee Treat.

A chocolate and vanilla soft serve with sprinkles - a true classic! @ Twistee Treat.

Back at the hotel after a lovely evening, I reflected on the night’s experience. Once again, I reminded myself that it’s those little things — those small interactions with cast members — laughing hysterically at the shared trauma of experiencing Chicago winters in the past that we have said goodbye to, magical moments with family and friends, and of course, good food.

I may not be a Disney Annual Passholder anymore. Nor a Disney Vacation Club Member, Tables in Wonderland card holder, or even a Disney shareholder any longer. Heck - they are even ripping out my brick on the walking path in front of the Magic Kindgom this year! But my history with Disney runs deep, and I do respect that past. I know that without Disney and without Walt, I simply would not be who I am today or where I am today, literally and figuratively. I’m 38, with no children, and I have always known that if I ever had a boy he would be named Walt. That fact remains today. I love Walt and thank him for the kindness he left in this world. So while my Disney fan status has dropped significantly in the past few years, most of which is due to massive — and what I deem simply harsh — price increases to experience anything Disney present day, there will always be a place in my heart for The Mouse, even if he is no longer on my phone.

The Mouse.

Author:

Christine is an artist and lifestyle blogger, living and painting in Florida, with her hubby and seven year old puppy. She made a major life change in 2017 by uprooting and moving from Illinois to the Sunshine State, and has been living her best life in Florida since - detailing all her many and varied adventures living and traveling the Deep South to share with you here. Her mission is to help you live YOUR best life by getting out there, going for it, and making that big change you always dreamed of. Christine will inspire you to get over yourself, show up for yourself, and get out of your own way. The only one stopping you - is you.~

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#13) 2 Pro’s & 2 Cons About My 2 Night Stay - in Celebration, FL

Have you ever visited Celebration, Florida?
What did you think about your visit?
Like or dislike it?
What did I miss and what do I need to do next time?
*Let me know in the comments down below:

#4) The Boathouse @ Disney Springs - Disney Dining at its Best

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Thumbnails - YouTube Test & Compare!

2000's Mickey Crocs or 2025 Mickey Crocs?

Boats, Trains & Automobiles!

*Have you ever visited Celebration, Florida?*What did you think about your visit?*Like or dislike it?*What did I miss and what do I need to do next time?​*Let me know in the comments down below:

Archives

Categories

Have you ever visited Celebration, Florida?
What did you think about your visit?
Like or dislike it?
What did I miss and what do I need to do next time?
*Let me know in the comments down below: