Walking The Courtyard - Loews Portofino Bay, Orlando FL

 I have been doing a lot of clean up of my photos and trying to see what needs to stay/go and came across this wonderful photo - already watermarked and ready to go! I have no idea how I never shared this before as it really appeals to me. Something about the wonderful golden background, with the patterns up high, contrasting against the shadows in the foreground and the darkness of the gentleman walking up this hallway is enchanting for me.

This was taken at the Loews Portofino Bay hotel in Orlando, FL. They had this lovely interior hallway leading to their restrooms and multiple conference rooms. I loved how they took the time to decorate it like an outdoor Italian courtyard, even though it was entirely inside!

{PHOTO} The Thirsty Fish Bar aka "The Y Fish Bar"

I must need a vacation because, lately, I seem to have hotels on the brain. I posted a photo of Disney's Contemporary Resort earlier this week and today I share an outdoor photo of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel's "The Thirsty Fish Bar" (both hotels are located in Orlando, Florida). I've shared one photo from this hotel previously showing their beautiful lagoon and the Italian boats. It was a wonderful hotel and I can't way to try it again.

I personally love the golden tones in this shot and the shadows across the sidewalk at the bottom. Too bad the light on the sign was so bright it blocked out the word "thirsty". Instead it looks like it's "The Y Fish Bar". 

You know, that is a good question. Y Fish? Personally, I prefer veggie-ta-bulls meself. Yes, I was that kid who ate all her veggies. My mom struck gold in that area. You're welcome, mom.

{PHOTO} Contemporary Resort - Magical Shops of Fantasia

In all my trips to Disney, I have never truly explored the Contemporary Resort.

We’ve eaten breakfast there once many moons ago and I’ve ridden through the resort on the monorail countless times, but this evening we decided to have dinner there. I had no idea how many underground floors there were! There is a whole world hidden inside this resort and it’s on many different lower floors for exploration. It was really cool AND I learned the true entrance to the hotel is actually a floor below this one where all the shops are.


Summer is coming and I am just not a fan of being at Disney during the summer and standing in line for an hour (or more!) melting into a puddle of sunblock and Mickey Mouse shaped ice cream.  BUT I was invited on a weekend, all expenses paid, trip to Disney. So, am I going to say no because of the above complaints? No way - time to break out the sunblock and ice cream!


The good news is that being a Disney pro means knowing all the insider tips/tricks and also realizing that since we live close enough if we don't see/do something we can come back next time with our passes.


I am super *stoked* about getting more Disney shots. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions of what you'd like to see a picture of at Disney? Doesn't matter the park - our passes let us go anywhere we please!

{PHOTO} Orlando: The Boats On The Water

This past Christmas, my family stayed at the beautiful Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios Orlando. It had a great Italian theme, which included this water view with gondolas and boats (permanently anchored).This was looking away from the main hotel, so this was the view from most rooms there.

In the distance, you can even see a little bit of the park.

{PHOTO} Disney's Grand Floridian Resort at Twilight

Walt Disney World's Grand Floridian Resort, as viewed from the dock at the Polynesian Resort. I'm not sure which is more my favorite, the smokey gray/blue against the golden lights or the silhouette effect of the lamp.

What do you think?

{PHOTO} Disney Fans: Do You Recognize This?

I'll give you one hint:

It's in Epcot!

{PHOTO} Mad Tea Party: Spinning Into Oblivion

I don't know when it happened.

When I was little, I could spin & spin & spin & spin & spin until I just couldn't see straight and thought it was the best thing ever. Now, well, just writing spin that many times made my stomach do a lil' kickflip.

One year spinning like a top was awesome and the next year I went on one spin ride at the fair and was sick for two days. Cruel, cruel inner ear - why have you forsaken me?

Alas, this means no more riding Disney's Mad Tea Party - but watching it is definitely still fun.

{PHOTO} Rose & Crown In Moonlight

This is one of my most favorite places in Walt Disney World's Epcot - the Rose & Crown Pub in England.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend (it's rainy here in FL). If you're lucky enough to be in Epcot this weekend & get to stop at the Rose & Crown Pub, drink a pint of Guinness for me!