In October 2023, I embarked on my first journey to the USA. It’s been quite the ride, and I’ve detailed every bit of my adventure in my blog post, “A New Home, A New Start: My First Days in the USA”.
Our initial trip with my husband here in the US was in the bustling city of Orlando, Florida a stark contrast to the peaceful vibe of Vero Beach, where I’ve made my new home. Orlando greeted us with its lively, energetic pulse. It’s a city that never sleeps, filled with vibrant cityscapes and a buzz that keeps you on your toes.
A Celebratory Trip to Orlando
The reason for our trip? A special invitation from my husband’s friend, Megan, to celebrate her birthday, turning our visit into an unforgettable escape. We journeyed to Orlando with another friend, Kristin, who kindly offered us a free ride.
Traveling with friends made the journey to Orlando even more special. Despite battling motion sickness, the excitement of exploring new places made every moment worth it.
Our accommodations in Orlando were nothing short of amazing. We stayed in a spacious house that comfortably fit all 10 of us, complete with a heated pool where we spent a lot of our time relaxing and bonding.
It was my first experience hanging out with a large group in the US, aside from my husband’s family. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, making me feel right at home.
Fun and Exploration at Epcot
The highlight was celebrating Megan’s birthday at Epcot. Tickets were pricey, over $150 per head in our time, and Epcot’s vastness meant relying on maps to navigate. To save on parking, which costs $30 to $50, we all took Ubers.
We wore matching “birthday crew” shirts, making Megan’s day extra special as strangers wished her well.
Epcot is fantastic for adults, with its mix of futuristic attractions and cultural exhibits. It used to be the only Disney park serving alcohol, leading to the popular “Drinking Around the World” challenge. This involves enjoying a drink from each of Epcot’s 11 countries (Canada, United Kingdom, France, Morocco, Japan, America, Italy, Germany, China, Norway, Mexico), which can add up to over $100 just for drinks, with food costing anywhere from a few dollars to over $20.
We embarked on a fun challenge to get a tattoo checklist, aiming to mark off each country within Epcot by enjoying a drink there. However, due to my low alcohol tolerance that triggers allergic reactions, I stuck to a mocktail. Nonetheless, it was an exciting day filled with new tastes and fun. Exploring Epcot was like traveling the world, enjoying different cultures, foods, and the company of friends.
This Orlando trip was more than just a visit; it was a gateway to new experiences and lasting memories.
