Mickey Mouse City

Orlando-Mickey Mouse City indeed! The first thing to note about Orlando is that it is a driving city, not a walking city. I am staying in what is supposed to be a big tourist area, and it is about 40 mins drive from downtown Orlando. Orlando is basically made up of a load of theme parks, all a decent drive away from eachother. Orlando is a stange hybrid between 'the south' and tourist world. The weather is 'dead' hot, and the food is generally really good.

As most of the attractions involved getting anything up to 4 buses, I had to choose what I was going to do. In the end, I plumped for DisneyLand (cos its the closest), and the Kennedy Space Centre (cos its a bit different). So I didnt get to see Universel or Seaworld, pity cos I wanted to see some 'gators.

Orlando is a stange hybrid between 'the south' and tourist world

Disneyland was OK. I tried hard to like it, even though it is naturally geared towards kids. I got the 2 day pass which was pretty expensive. I did Magic Kingdom on the first day- for adults there are about 2 good rides. I was bit suprised with the lack of Disney Characters just walking about. You had to queue for a show or wait for a parade to see Mickey Mouse. They did though have a good Pirates of the Caribbean show (which I got a nice video of). The second day, I went to Disney Epcot. Again, it was OK, with a about 2 good rides. The Space Station ride is a NASA style G-force ride which was cool and a bit scary, as I thought I could throw up at any time!

I went to Kennedy Space Centre yesterday. Though it was 2 hours bus journey, it was really cool. Got to see 3 seperate areas, including a 3-D Imax movie about the International Space station.

Now those of you who know me a while, will know that since retiring as double karaoke student champion, I have only returned for special occasions! Well, last night was one of those. Celebrating my college results, and generally finishing my Orlando trip, the hostel had karaoke on. Myself and an English guy did Coolio proud with a drunken version of Gangsta's Paradise, (rap by the way, is a hell of a lot easier to do, than actual singing!) I also had a part in the Beatles 'Twist & Shout'.

So its on to Miami tomorrow. Apparently I should expect the stereotype! I will be there for 4th July, so that could be some fun! Pics are up, mostly of Disneyland and Kennedy Space Centre!