Around February 13th we try to go on a trip somewhere. Not just because we like to travel, but it is Ace’s birthday! Last year we hit the slopes in Utah thanks to a generous friend, this year I came up with the plan. I went with the sunshine state, I wanted to be warm and possibly enjoy an area with a few less COVID rules (I am fully vaccinated for those wondering).
Plan: Go to Florida Thursday afternoon, come home Sunday afternoon
1. Fly into Orlando
2. Rent a Jeep Wrangler
3. Take the top off the Wrangler
4. Cruise around, get a sunburn on my bald head
5. Watch the sunrise on the beach
6. Run on the beach
7. Find something cool to do for the other day.
Winners and Losers: Some things went awesome, some things were a bust. Spoiler alert, more winners than losers.
Winners:
1. Avis car rental killed it! We landed and there was a HUGE line at the counter (I had a flash back from the two hours it took in Denver). But we went straight to the lot and our Jeep Wrangler was fueled, keys in it, and my name on the board to just drive off! BEST rental car experience I’ve had yet.
2. Discovery Cove was awesome. For a few bucks (they have a great military discount) we swam all day with exotic fish including sting rays. We even did the dolphin experience where I say the dolphin tried to pull me under, but it might have been a slippery spot and the included premium drink package that caused the problem.
3. American Airlines Admirals club was a nice refuge in the Orlando airport (MCO). Lots of room to enjoy a snack with your mask off (while keeping your distance of course).
Losers:
1. “The Club” at MCO was a bust. I don’t know if it was the COVID rules limiting the food selection and amenities but we couldn’t get relaxed and enjoy ourselves.
2. The Sheraton charged us $10 to self park in the lot in Orlando. Not cool in my opinion when you charge for parking when there is lots of land. The Four Points on Cocoa Beach had free parking when there is no room! Additionally, the front desk did not mention the charge…
3. I’m stretching looking for things here, but the flight to Orlando took an hour longer than the flight home. We were on an aircraft with two seats on each side the way there and three seats on each side on the way home. The bigger plane cut an hour off the flight and made a much smoother ride.
Looking at my list we hit all the items. We had a great time in Florida and staying in Cocoa Beach. The weather participated most of the time and we only got caught in the rain once. I think we will be back.
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