Hello, and welcome (or welcome back)!
I hope everyone is doing well and feeling safe, healthy, and happy :).
On this week’s blog, we are going to dive into ‘My Solo Travels’ Series: Part 7–Disney Springs.
The first night of my trip, I went to Disney Springs. By the time I landed in Orlando and went to my room at Disney’s All Star Resort, I was ready to have fun. My luggage hadn’t even been dropped off by hotel staff yet (a courtesy when you use Disney’s Magical Express transportation from the airport) but I didn’t care. I wanted to jump right in.
I grabbed my Mickey-shaped backpack, loaded up my bag with my wallet and ibuprofen, and I was on my way. I went to the bus stop in front of the hotel to pick up the motor coach destined for Disney Springs. As I was waiting for the next bus to arrive, I took in my surroundings. I saw families, couples, groups of teenagers, and twentysomethings just like myself. Even though I was alone, I felt so safe and secure. The warm evening Floridian air wrapped around me like a blanket.
After the bus picked us up and dropped us off at the bus terminal at Disney Springs, I took a minute to soak everything in. I had only gone to Disney Springs once before, back in 2017 with my family. But when I went a few years ago, we only went to eat dinner at ‘The Boathouse’ (a fabulous seafood restaurant–little pricey) and we didn’t spend time walking around. This trip would be different because I could actually spend time looking around at everything.
I went into stores, I gawked at art like the art-fanatic I am, and I scoped out where to eat dinner. Dinner was a real treat. I talk about this in my food tips on Instagram and on the website, but I HIGHLY recommend Cookes of Dublin as a casual eatery. It has great seafood and other entrees for affordable prices, the wait staff is friendly, they have indoor and outdoor dining, and a diverse menu. I got a drink and a fish and chips combo meal for around $10.
After I finished dinner, I continued walking around Disney Springs. There really is so much to see. If you have not yet been to Disney Springs, but have been to Downtown Disney, they are kind of similar, but Disney Springs is more modernized and entertainment-centered.
They have a bowling alley, movie theater, and rides. What really piqued my interest, however, was the outdoor live entertainment. They have a few outdoor amphitheaters set up right by the big lake in the center of the complex. I was delighted to find out there would be a professional guitarist playing on the night that I went.
About 10 minutes before the show was set to start, I went to a food cart and got a Minute Maid Strawberry Lemonade slushy (gotta remember to stay hydrated!) and took my seat on one of the theater benches (make sure to rest also!). The warm night air still wrapped around me.
Then….Nicholas Marks came on the stage. He was phenomenal. He played a variety of songs, engaged with the audience, and really put on a great 30 minute show. One of my favorite parts was a gentleman dressed in all pink that accompanied Mr. Marks. The pink gentleman danced the entire time in the audience and showed everyone what it meant to be yourself and have a great time.
By the time I got back to my room that night, I was wiped, but exhilarated. And my luggage was in my room waiting for me! I called my mom to tell her about my day and about Disney Springs, and I went to bed with a smile on my face, ready for what the next day at Animal Kingdom would bring.
Until next time….
Stay safe and stay magical!
Ashley, MCT
My Chronic Travels 