Sunday, June 22, 2025

World's Largest McDonald's and Wilderness Lodge

 The last full day of being in Florida together was upon us. It always comes before you know it and it also gives to us a heavy heart. Times unfettered and together are hard to come by and, though we know it cannot go on for long at the time, we do love these times.

I have always heard that the largest McDonald's in the world was not far from us on International Drive. Ever the tourist trap junkie, I needed to see it.


As it would turn out, the World's largest McDonald's is not much different from any other McDonald's. The play area and arcade are huge and they do offer pasta and pizza dishes. But they held onto the McDonald's charm. It was confusing, overcrowded, not enough parking, and understaffed, and those who were there made it clear by their attitude and countenance that they didn't want to be there either.

Still, I have always wondered what it is like and now I know. Now it is checked off my list with no further investigation needed. 




After McDonald's everyone did some of their own activities at the vacation house and then we set out for Wilderness Lodge. Wilderness Lodge is built to resemble the old lodges in the National Parks of the West United States.









The girls are looking at one of Walt Disney's favorite trains which is located in quiet room in the Wilderness Lodge.


We ate at the Whispering Canyon Cafe, our only family "sit down" meal at Disney World.






These shakes that everyone has are bottomless. I estimated that I could drink six - not so - I had two and then took one to go.





One more stop at the Polynesian Village


The Contemporary



And, Animal Kingdom Lodge



With that we bid Disney Property goodbye until next time.






Saturday, June 21, 2025

Shopping and Coronado Springs

 We went shopping with Olivia this morning to Orlando Outlets Vineland. A shopping center with no parking so they built a parking deck that costs $12.00 per car and they have valet parking for $15.00. We chose the later. The lesson is that you can park there but you better make sure that you save at $15.00 by shopping there over some other retail outlet.

Olivia came in search of a jacket and shoes. She found both - actually two pair of shoes.

On our way back we decided to check in on Celebration, Florida. My nephew and his wife lived here recently and now live near Raleigh. We stayed there once while we visited Florida while the girls were on a mission trip and camp. We ended up going to Disney. We took a picture of the place where we stayed.

Celebration was built by Disney and was intended to be an ideal neighborhood. As always, every neighborhood has its problems but it is a very quaint and desirable place to live and visit.

Down the road there is a Diner. A great place to eat.



My favorite meal of the trip so far. Chicken biscuit with sawmill gravy.  Mmmm Mmmmm.


Two years ago we discovered Joe's famous ice cream in Anaheim, California (a combination of ice cream and shaved ice) and it was great. No sooner had we arrived when I received an ad on my phone for Jeremiah's ice cream. The idea was similar so I was anxious to try it. We found one near Celebration. It tasted exactly the same - score!


After a rest at home we went back out to one of our favorite resorts - Coronado Springs. We started of by getting dinner in the food court. Then we explored.









We concluded our tour at the rooftop lounge




And HOT churros. Score again!

























Friday, June 20, 2025

Bok Tower

 Megan and I decided that this morning we would go to Bok Tower and botanical gardens. We were unable to interest any of the girls in this activity so we went alone. 




We learned a great deal about Edward Bok and those who built this tower. It is built on the highest point in Florida and was Bok's successful attempt to secure and preserve the part of the land. It was dedicated by President Coolidge and it is, to this day, a sight to see.




It is amazing how high 298 feet of elevation appears over such a generally flat terrain. Megan is sitting on the top of the hill and miles of beauty are visible from this point.











We were not home long before Fenway experienced some trauma. He had been flirting with the side of the pool for many days and finally he fell in. He was unhappy to say the least.


Megan, Addison and I went to Disney Springs for a little dinner and we watched the sun go down.