Many months ago, I was trying to change a hotel reservation for my uncle when I unwittingly agreed to a discounted vacation in exchange for a timeshare presentation. I chose to go to Orlando since it had been so long that I don’t remember last time I was there. Everything actually worked out really well – Panda and I got a nice little vacation out of it and right before we went, he was able to earn some free Disney gift cards that we could use on our trip. Plus, he actually had some training out there a few weeks before we went so he got to scout out the area first. Here’s a picture tour of our trip:
Our trip started with a snack I’d never tried before! Hot dogs + pretzel bread = delicious!!
Our plane had a cool retro look.
As I buckled in for takeoff, I saw nearly a full rainbow!
After leaving the gate, we found ourselves stuck waiting for a storm to the south to pass.
We waited for nearly three hours! I was lucky Panda gave me his first class seat so I got served drinks the whole time.
Once we finally took off, I got a nice meal to tide me over. The pattern in the tea reminded me of cirrus clouds!
The first thing we saw upon arriving at the hotel was this dragonfly! I went to poke it and it flew off only to land upside down. That can’t be good.
Then we nearly stepped on this little guy as he hopped on by!
The moon was super bright and our parking spot was rather far, but it was a nice walk.
The next morning, I found myself a new pet!
The mirror in the bathroom made square outlines in our pupils. Fun!
I haven’t seen such thick grass in years! I miss that.
Off to Downtown Disney!
The first shop we stopped in had these t-shirt designing machines! We just had to play around with one.
Goofy’s Candy Shop included all sorts of yummy sweets.
Here we go into the Disney store, gift cards at the ready!
I loved the Basin store with all its skincare goodies, like these lip scrubs that I tried.
Panda knew right away I would love this store! Can I bring it all home??
They had so many bath bombs, including adorable mini ones!
Everyone enjoyed the sinks the middle, where you could try out their body scrubs and butters.
I found some pretty cool soaps with other purposes too – one with caffeine and one to ward off mosquitos!
I wonder if they ever sell their soap by the log.
I got two solid shampoo bars, two solid conditioner bars, and a charcoal facial soap.
That random bird stood motionless with wings spread out for so long I started to think it might be fake.
Panda made a reservation weeks ago so we could eat here. 🙂
A great view where we sat!
The bread and crackers with dip were delicious! I also gobbled up my crab legs. NOM
The area was plagued by birds. They even attacked a squirrel!
These lights are so nice; I want some for my own home!
The Pleasure Island part of Downtown Disney is much more adult-oriented.
Love the pattern on this mug. If we actually saw La Nouba I probably would have gotten it.
They had twinkling lights in the trees to make it feel like there were fireflies. I wish there actually were some!
We brought along Panda’s graduation cap that he got just a week or two before.
One of the very first items I decided to buy. So cute! See what else we got.
I love all things chili cheese. I’d never had chili cheese tots before and they are my new fav!
You never know when you’ll get sun or clouds around here.
That red car strung up like 50 of those tree air fresheners. Can you see it? Hilarious.
We arrive at the Boardwalk area and explore the stores overlooking the lake.
I found some fish and a turtle to feed!
As we crossed a bridge, this tugboat came scootin’ along.
On the tiny beach they created, there were ducks eager to eat my bread. I had so much fun feeding them!
These fun globes tested your ability to get the ball to balance on the peg.
Such cute pens!
Even the credit card machines have Mickey’s head on them.
We got a handicapped room, which I quite liked – our door had an auto open button!
We stayed at the Buena Vista Palace and our suite was nice and spacious.
Here are some of the public spaces at the Buena Vista Palace.
And here are some of the exterior spaces at Buena Vista Palace.
That golf cart is practically a tour tram!
Before heading to the airport, we stop for some dim sum at Ming Court.
Tons of lizards around here (or anoles). Masterfully blending with the sidewalk.
This tea pot’s spout is perfect for spill-free pouring!
After returning the rental car, we took a super long escalator up to the gates.
We did a little more browsing at the airport before checking in.
The tram terminals were Tron-themed, I believe.
If you need to hang up your coat in first class, they’ve got that handled.
As I wait for takeoff, I admire how my ring catches the light.
Back in Dulles, I actually see the jetway from my seat. And soon enough we were home!
It’s been years since I first started loaning on Kiva and it has been a rewarding experience. How cool is it that through the power of crowd-sourcing, we can help fund an entrepreneur or small business owner’s dream? At the same time, we’re not just giving handouts and the money will (usually) be paid back in full. So we empower them to improve their lives while ensuring they work hard to earn their keep. I’m so glad micro loans exist and they’ve become an important part of the world economy, supporting so many small businesses out there. Not everyone can get a loan from an institution like a bank, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a hand. Plus, once you get your loan paid back, you can recirculate the money to help someone else. For a mere $25 I’ve been able to help out 5 people already and I know that number will only continue to grow. That’s really rewarding! It’s a great system that I’m proud to be a part of.
