As a Floridian, my summers are usually filled with beaches, traveling and adventures. Since Kev and I have been in Gainesville taking classes and working, we haven’t been able to do the usual family vacation. So a couple of weekends ago we decided to do a quick getaway to Orlando. This trip’s focus was on SeaWorld and Disney Springs. Oh and of course, my mom’s favorite dim sum Restaurant. If you don’t know what dim sum is, I’m about to change your life.
One of the perks of being a teacher is that my mom is able to get free/reduced tickets to SeaWorld. I know there’s a lot of controversy surrounding the park, but my family has always loved learning about our world’s oceans and animals. If you’re a teacher and interested in discount tickets, check this out.
I cannot remember the last time I had been to SeaWorld, let alone an amusement park. Needless to say, we had a great time. Our favorite part was hands down the penguins’ exhibit. They are the cutest little guys. Sadly, we weren’t able to get a photo – no flash photography was allowed.
After a day checking out the dolphins, we headed over to Disney Springs for shopping and dinner! The area has really changed in recent years. Tip: choose hotels that are in walking distance to Disney Springs. It’s the perfect decision – no worries about traffic or parking. Our night consisted of delicious food, shopping and catching up with my sweetest friend – basically the best day.
We ended the weekend grabbing dim sum from my mom’s favorite restaurant, Ming’s Bistro. If you’ve never had dim sum before, I compare it to ordering multiple mini-plate appetizers of delicious Asian food. My absolute favorites include the pork belly, duck, leafy greens, sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, turnip cakes, shrimp dumplings – I could keep going. We eat until we literally can’t move; it’s the best! If you’re ever wanting to try the dim sum experience, let my mom know. She’ll act as your interpreter… for a fee of dumplings.
Orange Blossom Belle 