Spring Break

Last week was amazing.  It was Spring Break at Rowan University last week (March 14-18).  My family decided that it would be the perfect time for a family vacation.  What better than no school for a week and finally being able to get away from everything that has been going on around here.  After class on the 12th (Saturday) my family (dad, mom, grandmom, and I) loaded into the car and headed to Virginia to drop my Grandmom off at my uncle's for the week.  After the drop off we piled back into the car and headed to the "happiest place on earth," aka Disney World.  What a long time coming.  The last time I went with my family was 8 years ago when my dad turned 50 and I 16.  That year we stayed at the Contemporary, something my dad and I both always wanted to do.  The last time I went to Disney was 6 years ago for senior trip.  Well, alot had changed in those 6 years.

We got to Disney on Sunday, after making some stops at TPC Sawgrass and the National Golf Hall of Fame (places my dad wanted to see, I on the other hand had no interest but it's fun to say I've been there).  We checked in at our favorite place to stay on Disney property, Disney's Port Orleans Riverside.  Of course as soon as we got there I wanted to go to the Magic Kingdom, I mean who doesn't want to go there as soon as you get to Disney?

I would like to go day by day and tell you exactly what I did each day, but I know most of you don't really care, so I'll just write about my favorite parts.  Monday my mom and I headed to EPCOT while my dad played golf, after which he met up with us.  Always my favorite ride there, we went to ride Figment.  I have to admit, this cute little purple dragon, which represents the figment of our imagination, has always been my favorite character and ride in EPCOT.  I also did Soarin' with my dad. (I know I said I wasn't going to mention everything, but this was the first time I was on it, so it gets a mention). Not one to usually feel sick on a ride, this one made me a little light headed. But I would ride it again.  Later on, I convinced my parents to take the boat to the Boardwalk, where we ate at the ESPN Club.  That was cool because they were doing the live podcast while we ate.  We then walked the short walk back to EPCOT. 

Tuesday was a short day as we were meeting family friends who moved to Florida to enjoy retirement.  Since we didn't have all day to spend in the parks, we went to Animal Kingdom.  After getting fast passes for Everest, we rode Dinosaur.  I absolutely hate this ride.  For some reason, I'm just not a fan of dinosaurs popping out at me.  But hey, at least this time my eyes are actually open in the picture they take.  By this time, it was time to head back to Everest.  Now before I left for Disney, I watched a youtube video of the ride.  That video did the ride no justice.  Everest is a ride everyone should experience if you like roller coasters.

Wednesday we went to Hollywood Studios, which when I was growing up was MGM, so I'll most likely refer to Hollywood Studios as MGM.  Since the last time I was in Disney, they added a new part call Pixar Place.  I really wanted to go on the ride there, however, it was over a two and a half hour wait.  What we learned was that Florida elementary schools were on Spring Break as well.  We bypassed Tower of Terror, again, not one of my favorite rides as I hate the sudden drops.  However, Rock n Roller Coaster was amazing as usual.  I was able to go on this twice, and each time I heard a different song being played.

Thursday was probably my favorite day of the week.  We woke up early and hit the road to Clearwater, home of the Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training complex.  As typically Phillies fans, we started out at Lenny's for breakfast.  All I can say is I've never seen so many Phillies fans outside of Citizen's Bank Park.  And the breakfast was amazing.  If you're ever in Clearwater for Spring Training, want to be around Phillies fans (although there was someone wearing a Rangers shirt), and don't mind a wait, Lenny's is the place to go.  After we got done, we made the short trip around the block to Bright House Field.  I got to see my Phillies play, get a tan, eat my first Rita's water ice of the season, and have some fun.  Too bad we left early and the Phillies lost.

Friday was our last day to spend in the parks, so naturally we went back to the magic kingdom.  After going on the rides one last time, and finally getting to see Buzz Lightyear (boy was he in hiding alot), we went back to the hotel room and headed over to International Drive for dinner.  We decided on Benihanna's and were seated with Phillies fans (yay!).  After a delicious dinner, we headed back to the highway, only to get stuck in traffic.  Three hours to go two miles was ridiculous.

Saturday was an early wake up call to pack.  Let's just say that didn't go to well as my dad dropped the snowglobe I bought and it broke.  I wasn't upset over the fact it broke, it was more the fact I told my dad I would put the bag in the car because it had breakable stuff in it.  I just don't get why men don't listen.  After the tears went away and I got some food in my stomach, we headed north.  We made a stop in Hilton Head, SC at Harbourtowne.  That place was beautiful.  Even the light house was gorgeous.

After finally making it home on Sunday, my boyfriend picked me up and we headed to Delran to see his cousins in a play.  The play was Beauty and the Beast Jr.  It was a good way to end/keep my Disney themed vacation going.

Now, I'm back to reality and getting ready to graduate in a few short months.  It's back to homework and searching for a job.  Gotta love the real world. Enjoy some of the pictures!