Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Take 2. Welcome everyone, to the Mouse Ears Podcast. Podcast, where we talk about all things travel, but mostly Disney. So this week we are not talking about Disney. We are not talking about Universal, we are not talking about SeaWorld, we're not talking about Legoland. We are talking about the top three things to do in the greater Orlando area beside the theme parks. I know, I know what you're thinking. There's stuff to do there besides Disney. There is a lot to do in Orlando besides the theme parks. So stay tuned. We're going to dig right into it. And let's go. Let's cue that intro.
Welcome back to the Mouse Ears Podcast. I am one of your wonderful, glorious, tremendous hosts, Brooks. But with me, I have even more wonderful, tremendous, stupendous people. I have Steph over there in Florida. Florada. Steph, how are you doing? And how many inches of snow did you get?
[00:01:12] Speaker B: I am tremendous. Hi. We got zero inches of snow, but it's been a very ugly day. 57 degrees. That has been a steady climate, no sun at all. It's kind of weird, kind of chilly. I'm not prepared for it, but how are you doing?
[00:01:31] Speaker A: Oh, we're, we're cold. I don't think it's gotten above freezing for the past few days in Charleston, South Carolina, or Chucktown, South Cackalacky Elton over there in the great state of Texas. How are you doing? And how many inches of snow did you get?
[00:01:48] Speaker C: Howdy. Howdy. Great indeed, if I do say so myself. Currently we have a zero on the ground. We got two and a half to three inches, kind of depending on where you might be walking in the great city of Houston. So it's cold, I'm feeling frosty and I am ready to record.
[00:02:06] Speaker A: Yeah, we, I think, I think we got four or five inches. Oh boy, they closed down. So one of Charleston's big landmarks is the big Cooper River Bridge or the Ravenel Bridge. They it's one of the biggest 10Ks in the country every year. They closed that down and people were actually snowboarding down the bridge.
[00:02:30] Speaker C: Okay, so might I just say I'm going to interrupt you for a real hot second. Texans and Houstonians alike came out in clutch when the city of Houston shut down on Tuesday. There were a bunch of my type of people and I am talking about those people that do enjoy some good old fashioned time on your side. By sides and or four wheelers. Yes. They were in fact riding on the streets, the snowy streets of downtown Houston. So I want to say a real big shout out to all those guys and gals and kids that were down there, glad y'all were safe. And I am ready for the summertime.
[00:03:13] Speaker A: Yeah, I'm not.
[00:03:15] Speaker B: We get summer 360 days a year.
We get five days of like a chill. And I like it.
[00:03:26] Speaker C: I know. And that's why I'm ready to go back.
[00:03:29] Speaker B: Come on over.
[00:03:30] Speaker A: I mean, I thought. I thought I was doing good coming to a coastal town, but this is. Ellie has enjoyed the snow until she was sledding and wiped out in the laundry basket that we're using as a sled.
[00:03:46] Speaker C: When you sent that video, that was great.
[00:03:48] Speaker A: Very, very light. I'd say wipeout. It was a very, very soft wipeout.
[00:03:54] Speaker C: But no blood.
[00:03:56] Speaker A: No, not at all. But we are not here tonight to talk about the snow. We are here to talk about the great city of Orlando, Florida. That's right. So real quick, we normally. This is about the town that we do the new news. We are going to actually do a little something because we're recording this episode actually a week ahead.
So when you're listening to this, this is not. This is like 2.2thursdays ago or are.
[00:04:25] Speaker C: We in the past?
[00:04:26] Speaker A: Yes. It's your kids, Marty. We gotta save your kids. But are you telling me this thing runs on?
[00:04:33] Speaker C: What you mean to tell me is you. You built a time machine out of a DeLorean?
[00:04:40] Speaker A: Well, I figured if we're going. If you're going to travel in the past, you gotta go in style.
[00:04:44] Speaker C: No, we're not talking about Universal either.
[00:04:46] Speaker A: Yeah, so. And we're not. We're not talking about Disney either, or Sea World. We need to do a Sea World episode. Anyway, I digress.
New news. So what we're gonna. What we're doing, we're gonna actually record new news separately.
When you or listening to this, head over to Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and check out the new news there.
It will be posted and you'll have all the latest news. But before we get into our episode, because we're talking about or the city of Orlando and things to do in Orlando, theme park related. So, yes, there is stuff to do in Orlando besides the theme parks, even though most of the time I go to the theme parks. But before we talk about that, we're going to go to the trivia master himself, Kelton, for the trivia question.
[00:05:49] Speaker C: I'd be more than happy to.
Today, last week and every other episode of the Bouncers podcast is always brought to you by the Magic Candle Company for our trivia question. Next time you want a Disney inspired scent to fill your home or office. Whether it may be a candle room spray or more. Make sure to use our special promo code mousears for 15% off. That is M O U S E E A R S 15% off of any future magic candle company purchased. Here we go. And this one is going to be a bit of a doozy, so I'll be surprised if anybody gets it.
What was the first theme park to open in Orlando, Florida? And I'll say it again. What was the first theme park to open in Orlando, Florida? I think you know. That's fantastic. Stay tuned to the end of the episode to find out the true answer.
[00:06:48] Speaker A: It's a Coney Island.
[00:06:48] Speaker C: Back to you, Brooks. It is not Coney Island.
[00:06:51] Speaker A: Oh, yeah. No, no. Wrong iconium city.
[00:06:55] Speaker C: Wrong city of beautiful. We're talking about the beautiful city of Orlando.
[00:07:00] Speaker A: That's right. So what we did with this episode. So again, we're talking about things to do in the great city of Orlando and surrounding Orlando, Greater Orlando area, Central Florida.
[00:07:15] Speaker C: Greater Orlando. One of those.
[00:07:17] Speaker A: I was going to say. I was going to. I was going to ask the res. The Floridians, because Kelton, as you said in the previous episode, is split 50, 50. Where you're from. Are you from Texas? Are you from Florida?
[00:07:31] Speaker C: Well, today I'm going to rep my great state of Florida.
[00:07:36] Speaker A: You're Floridian.
[00:07:37] Speaker C: I am. Because I am, you know, shouting out my hometown of good old fashioned Melbourne Beach. I am wearing the hoodie that of my high school, Melbourne High School. My marching band hoodie. That's right. A shout out to all you guys over there in the. 3, 2, 1, let's go.
[00:07:54] Speaker A: Okay. What instrument did you play now?
[00:07:58] Speaker C: I played trombone and then my senior year, I didn't actually like do anything with it, but I did start to learn the tenors or quads if you're on drum line.
I have no rhythm though, so I.
[00:08:12] Speaker A: I'll be honest, I do not have any of my clothing from high school. That is, I graduated from high school 20 years this year.
[00:08:26] Speaker C: Congratulations on your 20 years, Brooks.
[00:08:29] Speaker A: Thank you, Steph.
[00:08:30] Speaker C: What has it been like two or three for you.
[00:08:34] Speaker B: Spend more than that.
[00:08:36] Speaker A: I will say I did, I did keep my, my letterman's jacket for wrestling from the longest time, but I ended up donating that to Goodwill. So someone is walking around with a.
I think in Charleston, South Carolina, someone may be walking around with a lakeside high school wrestling letterman's jacket with Walker on the back.
[00:09:00] Speaker B: For the record, it's been more than 10 years. I know I look young and I know I'm the youngest, but.
[00:09:06] Speaker C: Well, I mean, at this point I've done my shout out, Brooks has done his. Do you want to shout out your old alma mater there for your high school?
[00:09:15] Speaker B: Sure, why not? Where I. Where I graduated. Because I did switch high schools.
[00:09:20] Speaker A: Oh, I did too. I didn't, I didn't.
[00:09:23] Speaker B: So I went.
[00:09:24] Speaker A: I went to three high schools.
[00:09:25] Speaker C: Good God, Brooks.
[00:09:26] Speaker A: In four years. Yeah. All in August.
[00:09:28] Speaker B: Too much.
[00:09:28] Speaker A: Sorry.
[00:09:30] Speaker B: Oh, you're good. That's a lot. I only switched once, but I graduated from Boca Prep International. I was there on a soccer scholarship. So I'd get up, go to school, play soccer for two hours. Co ed. It was just, it was a really very sports oriented academy. I would shower, we had locker rooms and everything there. Have like a snack slash breakfast, and then go to our classes. And our classes were like two hour intervals, so we wouldn't have all of our classes, like all of the subjects in one day. We had. They were broken up. And then, you know, we'd be in class for six hours, like with a lunch break in between, and then that's it. Then you go and do your sports in the afternoon. It was just really, very, really cool. I want to say that the craziest thing is that I speak both English and English and Spanish languages.
Growing up, I was like, oh, great. I am bilingual fluent. That's awesome. No, I go to this school and I'm like the only one that speaks two languages because the majority spoke six or more. I was like, it was an international school. So every, every quarter we would have all these exchange students. So it was really cool. Played sports, got to meet people from all the world. It was.
[00:10:50] Speaker C: Yeah, but sounds really cool.
[00:10:53] Speaker B: But my graduating class was 18 kids. There were four girls. I was one of the four people. In total. All of high school was 70 something.
So we had prom all four years because what's the point of having an 18 person prom? And let's see, what else? And that school was a total of like 200 something kids. And it was from preschool all the way to 12th grade. But I only went there sophomore, junior, senior year. And I graduated with an international baccalaureate diploma. So actually, if I wanted to, after I graduated there, I could have gone to any college in the world because those credits would have transferred over. It was very hard, but very cool, unique experience. Soccer scholarship, because that was my life back then.
[00:11:39] Speaker C: I was just happy I graduated.
[00:11:42] Speaker A: Same here.
[00:11:45] Speaker B: Well, after this fantastic history lesson, getting to know the Mouse Ears podcast crew.
[00:11:52] Speaker A: Yep.
[00:11:53] Speaker C: Yeah, you Dived in a lot deeper than I thought. Thought you would.
[00:11:56] Speaker B: I did. Honestly, I'm very proud of the experience I had because it is cool. Was unique and it was. I learned a lot. I still have, like, in my mouseum, if you could see behind there. Got all my binders and books from.
From when I was in high school, because it was.
Yeah. Nice memory lane. Sorry, guys. I totally went down the rabbit hole.
[00:12:21] Speaker A: No, it's.
Kelsey also played co ed soccer too, in high school.
[00:12:26] Speaker C: Nice. So love it. Love it.
[00:12:30] Speaker A: She went to a very small high school. It was not like that, but it was in. She grew up in a very small town.
[00:12:37] Speaker B: Well, I can't say that soccer isn't tied to today's episode at least.
[00:12:42] Speaker A: Yeah.
So see, it's all connected in the great circle of life. But today we are talking about what us, the Mouse Ears podcast hosts, the MEEP posts, for the most think are the top three things that you and your family can do outside of the theme parks and in and around the Orlando area.
So with this list, again, we have our. We have a definitive Meeps top three.
So we each gave our top three, and then we went through that beforehand and we have created the top three. So we're not going. So we're not doing the way we normally do it, where we each give our own top three. This is the Mouse Ears podcast top three.
[00:13:34] Speaker C: This was like two days worth of narrowing down. I mean, how many did we have on the list? Like 15 or 17 things.
[00:13:42] Speaker A: There's a lot to do. I mean, there's. I mean, I went off of a list. I mean, in my research, I went off the list. It's like 25 things to do in Orlando. I'm like, like, man, I need. I need to go to Orlando more.
[00:13:56] Speaker C: And not do the theme parks.
[00:13:58] Speaker A: Whoa. Now, I mean, take it.
[00:14:00] Speaker C: You have to do.
[00:14:01] Speaker A: You need a rest day at Magic. You need a rest day. But I will say this too, and little plug for a season one guest, Peter Burkhart from the Brookheart Project. Him and his wife Sarah and their lovely family live in Orlando. They're from Chicago. They live in Orlando now. But if you go back and watch some of their daily vlogs, they will show some of this, Some of the stuff that they would do as locals there in the Orlando area. Every time we go, every time Kelsey and I go to Orlando, I always want to go to, like, Winter Garden and all these different places and, like, go to the farmer's market and all stuff. And she's like, we Have a strict schedule of theme parks.
[00:14:47] Speaker B: It's tough. It is tough.
[00:14:50] Speaker A: But we have a lot to talk about, especially with the number three.
Now, Kelton, you did. You created our show notes. Are these in. We didn't even discuss this before. Are these in order? Three, two, one. Okay, so these are just in no particular order.
[00:15:09] Speaker C: No particular order.
[00:15:11] Speaker A: Okay, so we're going. We're going to start with what I think probably you could do. Probably a whole episode if you wanted to go in depth of all this stuff to do.
[00:15:23] Speaker C: Do you want me to talk about Idrive?
[00:15:24] Speaker A: So, yeah, I think we could all talk about Idrive.
[00:15:27] Speaker C: We. We all could.
[00:15:29] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:15:29] Speaker C: There. And there's a section of Idrive that I would like to leave for Steph to talk about because she's mentioned this topic a number of times.
[00:15:38] Speaker A: Every time we mention our drive, it's like, wait, we. You can do this.
[00:15:42] Speaker C: So for those that don't know, International Drive is a road that actually. So it's funny because it kind of stretches from like, Universal all the way on down to the Orlando or the, sorry, the Orange County Convention center, which, as we all know now is right by Epic Universe. There is. Y'all.
[00:16:01] Speaker A: It really is international. I mean, it goes. It goes from universe from Epic. It goes from islands to a completely different universe. So it should be an intergalactic drive.
[00:16:14] Speaker C: It very well could be with some of the things that, I mean, we're going to read off here. So if you find yourself bored in Orlando. I'm sorry, I mean, at this point, because, like, if you're staying out of the theme parks, there is so much for you to do. International Drive has everything from attractions, shopping, dining, dinner shows, which is separate from dining. Who would have thought that, right?
You also have the night life, which is just fantastic. So great. I can't wait to talk about. There's one I'm going to highlight a little bit in each one. Then there's recreation and you can even relax with some spa treatments. All on International Drive, which runs straight parallel to i4.
So to get started with it, I drive has about 19 different main attractions. You've got everything ranging from mini golf to helicopter tours, which are usually the ones you see flying over the theme parks. They actually have a skydiving place. I don't. Not really sure what you call it, but it's called Ifly Orlando. Get in a suit, go, go into a tube with a big fan and skydive. Technically, you got Fun Spot America and ready Indoor Go Karting. A chocolate museum. And cafe escape rooms. Topgolf, you've got the old Ripley's Believe it or not and wonderworks. Y'all, if you haven't done anything like that, I strongly recommend that you do something like that. I mean, it's. Excuse me. So on top of that, now this is kind of a newer thing that they've added in, but they've got this place called Icon Park. Okay. And I'll get to it a little bit down, you know, lower as well. But Icon park is home of the Orlando Eye, which is the giant Ferris wheel that stem, you know, you can see all over Orlando. And I thought, thought I read that it's like 410ft in the air, which I don't know if is actually true or not. So I'm gonna have to go back if somebody wants to look that up, you know, to kind of see. I don't remember exactly what it is, but 410ft does not sound right.
So there in Icon park, it consists of an aquarium, a museum of illusions.
[00:18:47] Speaker A: I have an answer.
[00:18:48] Speaker C: Will you do Go for it.
[00:18:49] Speaker A: So the Orlando Eye, what was your previous guess?
[00:18:53] Speaker C: 4.
[00:18:54] Speaker A: So you are wrong. Is 425ft.
[00:18:58] Speaker C: Hot dog. As Mickey Mouse would say, hot diggity dog, that is.
So the Orlando Eye definitely has multiple flashing red lights on top.
Well, it's Mount Everest.
[00:19:14] Speaker A: Google says 425. Wikipedia says 400.
So it's who?
[00:19:22] Speaker C: I'm not sure which one. Anyway, so.
[00:19:24] Speaker A: Oh, hold on. As you can tell, the Orlando I says is 400. So Google, you got it wrong.
[00:19:32] Speaker C: 400Ft tall. So on top of. I mean, there's just a lot of different main attractions and air quotes for those who are listening and not watching that you can do outside of the main theme park areas like we've already mentioned. On top of that. So moving on from attractions, we love to talk about food on this podcast. And International Drive is not shy. I mean, sometimes there's restaurants stacked on top of restaurants at this place and you've got everything. You got Mexican, Asian, Chinese cuisine, seafood, steakhouse, pizzeria, Italian American, and of course your desserts. I love some old fashioned ice cream.
[00:20:17] Speaker B: Plenty of chains, food chains, all the chains.
[00:20:20] Speaker A: Johnny Robbins and Jerry's.
[00:20:24] Speaker C: I mean, then on top, you know, it's so stay away from the train, the chains. Try something else, please. And, and I mentioned that because there is one.
So with dining, we have also have dinner shows, which is different from dining because you have entertainment to go along with that. And I was reading about this one, that something I wrote on the show notes just had me cackling earlier, which is the dumbest thing, but I had to write it. So I want to talk about Mango's tropical cafe. So it's a little Latin theme. So of course I'm sitting here going, well, are you wanting to feel a little spicy per se? Oh, yeah. Talking about salsa spicy. So how about getting that salsa spicy taste from the best Latin themed dining experience at Mango's tropical Cafe. We're talking salsa right inside of the state of the art dinner experience that provides a one of a kind Latin themed legendary entertainment featuring dances from the salsa, the bacha and reggae and pop.
You know what? I even.
[00:21:46] Speaker A: I even I knew that one. Kelton.
[00:21:48] Speaker B: Well, I would pay money to see you there, Kelton.
[00:21:52] Speaker C: You'd have to pay a lot, fam.
[00:21:55] Speaker B: Same with Michael. Between you and Michael there, I am.
[00:21:59] Speaker C: A sit at the bar kind of person. And that is all you're gonna see.
[00:22:04] Speaker B: I know Brooks is gonna dance.
Feels so out of place.
[00:22:08] Speaker A: Well, I used to take bachata lessons.
Yes.
[00:22:12] Speaker C: How will I feel out of place?
[00:22:15] Speaker B: If you walk into a Latin. A Latin.
They call it a cafe. A Latin restaurant in your cowboy boots and hat, you'll feel out of place.
[00:22:27] Speaker C: Well, first off, first off, not in the state of Texas because let me tell you, I was about to say some of the Latin descent people here, the thousands of dollars that they have on their feet, alligator skins, the. I'm telling you, the rodeo is coming. And my Hispanic brothers and sisters, y'all be looking fly. I have never seen boots so pretty.
[00:22:54] Speaker B: Definitely a different cultural experience out there.
[00:23:00] Speaker C: Well, yeah, I drive as touristy.
[00:23:02] Speaker B: Yeah, that's. I would love to see that, though. Really want to see that.
[00:23:06] Speaker A: Can I mention another dinner show that's listed here? Absolutely.
I feel like is right up my alley. And I feel like would also be right up Jenny's alley. But we didn't mention before Jenny. Unfortunately, he's feeling under the weather tonight. We miss you, Jenny.
[00:23:25] Speaker C: Yes, we do feel better, but.
[00:23:27] Speaker A: Yeah.
But this is the sluice mystery dinner show.
[00:23:34] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:23:34] Speaker A: Grab your cloak and magnifying glass as you become your own version of Sherlock Holmes and be a detective as you attend this dinner show. As the show begins, you are immersed into a world of comedy and intrigue as the cast work to solve a variety of mysteries. This show is full of improv and crazy characters that keep you on your toes as you get closer to solving each mystery. Unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks as you. As you join in the fun of this dinner Show. Have y'all ever been to a dinner show like that or like a play where you're also involved?
[00:24:16] Speaker C: I tend to stay away from those.
[00:24:19] Speaker A: So I remember.
So I remember my grandfather was in a play and they, and it was a, it was dinner theater and they needed waiters. So I was. So I was one of the waiters, which actually helped me get my thespian card to the, to the National Society of Thespians in high school.
Since we were talking about high school earlier. I was a jock and I was Troy Bolton before Troy Bolton was cool. Shout out to High School Musical, bringing it back. But so I remember like serving all the food and stuff, but the waiters were also involved. And like, I remember some, like some of the. Because the actors, they had their normal lines, but the actors just like doing full improv. And my grandfather played like this philanthropist and, but also this womanizer and like he came in, came in with a woman that was a lot younger for him in the play. And my grandmother was sitting right there front and like he was like, now hun, like, this is the play. And after the play my grandmother was nice, but during the play she was staring down daggers into.
[00:25:42] Speaker B: My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard.
[00:25:46] Speaker C: So before we move on from the dinner shows, I want to mention one more.
[00:25:49] Speaker A: Yes?
[00:25:50] Speaker C: And I say this for a reason. I've got a, an old friend of mine who I've known since elementary school. He actually works and is a stunt person for the Pirates Dinner Adventure.
[00:26:03] Speaker A: I was hoping you were going to say that.
[00:26:06] Speaker B: Yes, very popular.
[00:26:07] Speaker C: So pirates Dinner Adventure. You're going to climb aboard an 18th century Spanish galleon that is anchored in a 300,000 indoor or 300,000 gallon. I missed the word gallon there. Indoor lagoon. And take a seat. For an awesome dinner show full of swashbuckling adventure. Indulge in, in a port of call feast as you and your family enjoy the singing, the dancing and the dueling this show has to offer. It is the perfect mix of comedy, romance and action that will have everybody hungry for more. And actually, yes, he does. He does a lot of the. His own stunts and flips and swinging from, you know, mass to mass and all that great stuff. So Jason, if you're listening, shout out to you, my guy.
[00:27:01] Speaker A: So. So it's like, oh man, Now I can't think of it that, oh, medieval times. But with pirates.
[00:27:10] Speaker C: Medieval Times, if you wanted to go just out there on 192, head east. So very popular. 1.
[00:27:20] Speaker A: I think I would enjoy pirates more than medieval times.
[00:27:23] Speaker C: Oh, I think so, too.
[00:27:25] Speaker A: I would, of course, if I went there when I was a little kid, I could not say ARG. It would be WAG.
Because I couldn't say my Rs. It came out.
[00:27:39] Speaker C: I'm hoping we gave you enough time. I think it's time to go shopping. And I know you've been dying for this one.
[00:27:45] Speaker B: Listen, I am not a shopper. I really am not. Except for, like, Disney shocker.
Okay, so. So, okay, yes, I am excited, but mostly because the Orlando area has so many outlets and so many stores.
[00:28:01] Speaker C: Oh, yeah.
[00:28:02] Speaker B: And I feel like that is just. How do I phrase this? We get people from everywhere, right? In Florida. Florida is a major tourist destination, and people like to come and see what we've got as far as, you know, merchandise and clothes and things that they might not be able to get in their own hometowns. And the fact that Orlando has two major. Major mall shopping centers and two major outlets. Really, they're always crowded. There's really never a time when there's not a bunch of people visiting them, locals and tourists alike. My favorite thing, and which is why I mentioned, you know, Disney merch, is because both the Orlando. And I'm sorry if I pronounce anything wrong. The Vineland Premium Outlets. I say. I can't say. I always say Vineland. Vinland. It's like Vineyard. I say Vineyard.
[00:28:59] Speaker C: No, Vineland.
[00:29:01] Speaker B: Vineland. It just sounds weird.
The Vineland Premium Outlets and the.
Which is the other one? The International.
No. Well, the outlets. The International Premium Outlets.
[00:29:14] Speaker C: Oh, yeah.
[00:29:16] Speaker B: They both have Disney warehouse stores for you to be able to go and get Disney merchandise directly from the parks or even Disney cruise Line at a really great reduced rate. Is there a line? Yes, but it's a lot of fun to go shopping there. And again, they have a bunch of stores. Great deals, always a fun time. I especially like to go there for Christmas shopping, like for presents and stuff. So that's the first thing I wanted to mention. And then as far as malls go, there is the mall at Millennia and the Florida Mall. You can't go wrong with either location. I'd say the mall at Millennia has a very modern feel to it. Every time I go there, I always end up eating at PF Chang's. Love PF Chang's. Love the mall at Millennia. And there's just. What's fantastic is you have the mall, but even just in the surrounding areas, there's a bunch of other stores. You've got your TJ Maxx's and your Michaels and all these other stuff around. So really there's just something for everyone. And all four of these locations are within a very close radius of one another. Within 30 minutes, I'd say, arguably, depending on traffic, but I'd say within a 30 minute, give or take. 40. 30, 40.
[00:30:36] Speaker C: You're really only going like 10 miles. So, yeah, 30 minutes does sound about right.
[00:30:41] Speaker B: So. Which I think is really great. Our dear Elise, she always talks about when she travels, making sure she has enough luggage space for anything she might buy. And this is one of those episodes where we will emphasize this. If you get the opportunity to go shopping, you know, the times that I've gone to Disney with my family, my whole family, I'll be honest, we can't afford to do a whole week going to the parks, but we'll definitely carve out a couple days to go shopping. So lots of, lots of, lots of stores. And you won't see the same stores at all the different locations. They'll have different ones everywhere. So, yep, go shopping.
[00:31:21] Speaker C: They. They definitely do. And you know, and if you're, if you're not into the, you know, the clothes shopping, things like that, that's okay because they've got other great things. Like, you know, for me, I'm talking a nice, a really nice Bass Pro shop there. Everything from a couple dollar lures to a couple, you know, hundreds of thousands of dollars for boats like that.
That's where I'm going either there, or I might go pick up a new pair of cowboy boots over there. The old boot barn, right attached to the same mall as Bass Pros.
I could spend a lot of money in two stores real fast.
[00:32:03] Speaker B: I hear you, I hear you.
[00:32:06] Speaker C: There is, there's a lot of, you know, a lot of great shopping just. And actually on I Drive itself on International drive, they have 164 stores there.
So it is, it is quite a bit. And moving along with International Drive because everybody, you gotta. If you're young and nimble. I'm not as young anymore, but that's okay.
We're talking about nightlife with 10 different bars and seven restaurants. And to go along with that, there's actually quite a few. But there's one that I want to mention, and that is Ice Bar Orlando.
[00:33:02] Speaker A: Sorry, I was on mute. Yeah, I knows your nose there, Kellum.
[00:33:07] Speaker C: That sounds like a super Ice Bar Orlando. It's.
It's a funky one. And I say that because, well, first off, it's the world's largest, which shocks the heck out of me.
But then on top of that, it features 70 tons of ice that's all hand carved by the employees that work there.
But it offers an experience that is totally unique and that you really won't want to miss.
For the wimps who don't enjoy the cold like myself, you are provided thermal jackets and gloves at the entrance. So if you're on one of those hot days, don't worry, they literally and physically have you covered. But then of course there's an area able to warm up to bust out those cold dance moves on the floor over there.
So for people who like Steph and Brooks that like to get their groove on, Mike and I will be over inside the ice bar.
At the bar, just.
[00:34:18] Speaker A: And you have your db Your designated buddy.
[00:34:20] Speaker C: Designated buddy. Everybody have their designated buddies.
[00:34:24] Speaker A: Buddy.
[00:34:25] Speaker C: But then you have everything, you know, from the pub to like British hospitality, which, you know, the only tea I like is the tea in the harbor.
I know, I'm sorry, it's just the way it is.
Going down to Irish Latin. Then there's, you got the King's dining, which has a bowling alley, pool tables and a very retro type of style. And then just one of the regulars, the all famous how at the moon, you know, it's kind of like House of Blues. You can't m. You know, can't miss places like that too. But that really covers at least a lot of the food portion. You know, there's so much more.
Yeah, you got. Yeah, you've got recreation where you can play golf actually at like, you know, Shingle Creek, which is, you know, kind of a more famous golf course. And side note, I actually went to school for college over at Rose Rosen Shingle Creek for my hospitality degree, UCF's Rosen School for Hospitality Management. Anyway, so you got that. A couple of CrossFit fitness places. Get your fit on and then when you're all done with that, you know you've got eight different.
[00:35:40] Speaker A: Get your daily wad.
[00:35:41] Speaker C: There you go.
[00:35:42] Speaker A: Hey, I. I did CrossFit for a year.
[00:35:45] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:35:45] Speaker B: Love it.
[00:35:46] Speaker C: I mean I have to after eating out at all of these places.
[00:35:50] Speaker B: There are so many good dessert places too. I just gotta say like some. That's a whole other episode I gotta trust.
[00:35:56] Speaker C: Yes. And then of course eight different spas to get your. Those deep tissue massages and get. Just getting pampered and general.
Honestly, we're already 40 minutes in and that's international drive for you right there. That is.
[00:36:13] Speaker A: I mean that is the. That is a shortened version.
[00:36:17] Speaker C: We could probably do a two or three part episode on iDrive.
[00:36:21] Speaker A: Strap in folks. It's another five hour episode.
[00:36:24] Speaker C: What's next?
[00:36:25] Speaker A: Well, moving right along. So I think, I think what we should talk. Should we go in order?
[00:36:33] Speaker C: It's up to you. You're the host with the most.
[00:36:36] Speaker A: I think, I think we're going. I think we're just going to go in order of the show notes because I think it'll be easier. So we're not going up and down. So next up we have the Kennedy Space center mentioned. Not only can you blast off in the Astro Orbiter there in Magic Kingdom, but you can also.
[00:36:56] Speaker B: Which is currently under refurbishment.
[00:36:58] Speaker C: For what? What do they need to refurbish?
[00:37:01] Speaker B: Couldn't tell you, but it is under refurbishment, I'll tell you that much.
[00:37:05] Speaker C: Hold on. I want to know. Do you. The people out there. We're going to the universe.
[00:37:11] Speaker A: Mouse ears. Universe.
[00:37:12] Speaker C: Do you actually like, you know, Mission Space?
[00:37:16] Speaker B: I do.
[00:37:17] Speaker C: I'm not a fan of it.
[00:37:18] Speaker B: I do. Is it my favorite ride? Would I ride it every time? No, I can only go on it like once a year because I never have anyone to go on it with. So I either go by myself or someone really wants to go on it.
[00:37:30] Speaker A: Which is rare now. I will say it's been years since I've tried it and I think the last time we tried it, we did orange.
[00:37:38] Speaker B: Orange is faster.
[00:37:39] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:37:40] Speaker B: Green is not. So is it right?
[00:37:42] Speaker A: Yeah. And I'm usually like, I can go all like, I can go on the rise. Like I don't get sick or anything like that. Kelsey was worried that I was going to stop at one of the trash cans on the way out because I was. It's the only time that I've ever been white in the face after a ride.
[00:38:02] Speaker B: Ooh, that's not good.
So I always use Mission Space as like an indicator to identify how busy the parks are.
If there is no wait time, aka 5, that means it's not that busy for the most part.
[00:38:20] Speaker A: If you see a 40 being a way to Mission Space, go to a different spot.
[00:38:25] Speaker B: Yeah. If you see 30 or more permission.
[00:38:27] Speaker C: Space by Lightning Lane.
[00:38:30] Speaker B: Yeah, that's a good. Yeah, by Lightning Lane. It means it's going to be crowded and you're going to be doing a lot of lines, not just for rides but for food booths as well. So it is not a popular ride. I'm surprised they haven't announced something to get rid of it. Not because like the whole message behind it, you know, working with NASA and everything is awesome, but it really just isn't something that people run to, hey.
[00:38:55] Speaker C: We'Re not talking about mission space here. Talking about MySpace.
[00:38:58] Speaker A: Yeah. We're talking about the Kennedy Space Center. So the Kennedy Space center, located in Merritt Island, Florida, is NASA's premier launch site for human space flight. That is awesome. It was established in 1962. It is. It has been the hub for America's space exploration efforts, playing a pivotal role in historic missions like the Apollo program, which landed humans on the moon, and the space shuttle program. I mean, the fact that you could one day, you know, go to the parks that we're not mentioning today, and then the next day go watch something blast off into space.
[00:39:50] Speaker C: So growing up in Brevard county, like, I had the pleasure to do, you know, area code being the 3, 2, 1, for the reason of Kennedy Space center would be in the countdown.
It was. It was a huge deal. Now it's not like today where, you know, SpaceX does a lot of the launches out of Kennedy. So there's, you know, maybe two or three going off every week, or you may see, you know, you'll see a handful a month. You know, it was like, you know, one every two years. That would go something along those lines. Like, it was a bit. I have my. I think my parents still have the pictures of, you know, my parents and I and then my parents and my brother and. And I when we were visiting Kennedy Space Center. It was a. It was a big thing. And it is unfortunate that Jen is not on, because I know she got to experience the same thing living in Brevard county as well. It was. Y'all. It was awesome to see.
[00:40:52] Speaker B: I'll be honest. Obviously, I didn't live in Brevard county, but as recent as last year, I was at Magic Kingdom getting ready to watch the fireworks, and everyone stopped and stared at the sky because there was something in the sky launching or that launched or whatever from the Kennedy Space Center. At one point, you're like, oh, my gosh, what is it? Is that Tinkerbell? No, it is not.
But how crazy is it that you could see that even from the parks? If you're at the parks or otherwise, I. It's like the most surreal thing to witness. Whether, I mean, you're by the lawn, you know, by. At the Kennedy Space center, or just in the general area, being able to see that blows my mind.
[00:41:41] Speaker A: So I think. I guess I'm the only one that has not lived in Florida and during one point in their lives. But for five months. I did live in Huntsville, Alabama, when I was five, so I don't Remember it too much. But they. They also have a space center there too.
And I remember. I pretty sure my brother got to when because I think the big fifth grade field trip was you got. They went to the space center. So I think you got to go.
Of course I was five, so I was in kindergarten. We did not get to go to the space center.
[00:42:22] Speaker C: Boo.
[00:42:24] Speaker A: Exactly. Take the kindergarteners to the space center. Come on.
But I mean, like I said, the fact that you can be anywhere in the greater Orlando area and get to see that is very cool. But the center also includes iconic facilities such as the vehicle assembly building. Kelton, do you want to talk about the.
[00:42:49] Speaker C: No, you go ahead then. I have stuff to talk about. I'm so excited.
[00:42:53] Speaker A: Which is one of the largest buildings in the world where rockets are assembled. So if you're a rocket, people say it's like say I'm not a rocket scientist. Well, rocket scientists are there and they're assembling rocket and launch.
[00:43:08] Speaker C: Say that you're a rocket man.
[00:43:10] Speaker A: Yeah, that's right. So I cannot think of the next line from the Elton John song.
[00:43:17] Speaker C: I can't either. So I think it goes like rocket.
[00:43:23] Speaker A: Maybe it's a good thing we didn't sing it so we wouldn't get copyrighted and Launch Complex 39, which is the site of many historic launches today. Kennedy Space center supports many modern space exploration efforts, including launches from the Artemis program which aims to return humans to the moon and eventually Mars.
[00:43:47] Speaker C: I think it's going to happen. Okay. All right. All right.
[00:43:50] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:43:50] Speaker C: Vehicle assembly building. Here we go. Tell us about the VA Bab was actually one of the largest buildings in Florida until 1974. Not really sure what took its place. Could probably some building in downtown Orlando, to be honest with you. One of my favorite things about it is the fact that it is so big and the inside is just like an empty. I mean kind of empty ish. When the doors are open. Like it has its own like atmosphere per spade. Per se that you know, fog can linger inside and it sometimes I think can like even rain a little bit like inside the building. It's crazy and that. And just so you could understand how big this building is, there's an American flag painted on the side of the building. Okay.
Just the blue section behind the stars is the size of a regulation sized NBA basketball court. The blue part, I mean it is. It is that big and it. It's kind of nice and so further even. Side note to. To dig into family history. So me growing up there, Casey and her Family are from Colorado.
Turns out the fact that her grandfather actually was one of the rocket scientists that helped design and build the external fuel tank for the Apollo program. And that's awesome. We have all his documentation and a book that, you know, a little binder thing he put together about it. And actually the external fuel tank is actually sitting in a field in Jacksonville, Florida.
[00:45:35] Speaker B: That's incredible.
So that's incredible. Wow.
[00:45:39] Speaker C: Now the VAB is. It is such a cool building to get to go see.
It really is so.
[00:45:48] Speaker A: And then one other thing about the Kennedy Space Center. In addition to being a an operational spaceport at Kennedy Space center offers the public a glimpse into the world of space. Through the Kennedy Space Center Visitor complex. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, see real spacecraft like the space shuttle Atlantis and even meet astronauts. The center remains a symbol of innovation, exploration and the end during human spirit to reach beyond our planet.
[00:46:23] Speaker C: I like the D voice addition to that. That was good.
[00:46:26] Speaker A: Well, I felt it was appropriate. I mean that so I mean it is truly just an incredibles. I mean it's history.
[00:46:38] Speaker C: Yeah, yeah, that is history right there.
[00:46:41] Speaker A: So I love it.
[00:46:43] Speaker B: Well, I just love that it's like it's a museum. You have your training facility where people can actually go and experience what it's like to be an astronaut. You got the ability to talk to astronauts. You have the bus tour, you've got the viewing for the launches. This place is massive. It is what we would consider a full day park. A full day park, maybe two days.
Yes. There is so much to do, so much to experience. You can eat there. You don't even have to leave the premise.
[00:47:13] Speaker A: I mean so much to do, so much to see.
[00:47:15] Speaker B: And they've, you know, being who and what they are. They also have some fantastic deals if you're military students, so on and so forth. They've got annual passes, they got Florida resident deals, they've got special events, they've got add ons to your, you know, ticket and packages. There is so many different things that you can do at the Kennedy Space center that I think it's worth your while. I mean I'm not Jen. And Jen has so much more to say with her experience about this, you know, and, and it's close to the port so you know, if you're coming in a day early before cruise, for instance, don't know what to do, maybe you can do a candy space or the day after your cruise. This is something that I think anyone who is in the area and is looking for something to do should take Advantage of if they're not doing shopping.
[00:48:06] Speaker C: Well, I mean, and correct me if I'm wrong, we may not know. I think they're still talking about it in the history book, so why not see it in person?
[00:48:17] Speaker B: They're not talking about it in the history books. There's a lot of documentaries on Netflix and Disney that are fantastic and fun to watch. I love to watch them, love them.
[00:48:26] Speaker C: So instead of riding mission space over at Epcot, just hop on over there to Kennedy Space.
[00:48:32] Speaker A: Experience the real thing.
[00:48:33] Speaker C: The real thing? Yeah, I think it'd be that orange and green level.
[00:48:38] Speaker B: I think it'd be really cool, though, to like talk to an astronaut.
[00:48:41] Speaker A: Oh, yeah.
[00:48:42] Speaker B: Or experience their training. I've always wanted to do that.
[00:48:45] Speaker A: Always, like go up in the plane and experience weightlessness.
[00:48:50] Speaker B: Yeah. That machine that just turns you all over.
[00:48:53] Speaker C: Oh, my God.
[00:48:54] Speaker B: I just want to know if I can handle it.
[00:48:56] Speaker C: There's. There's actually, you know, a plane that they would use to train the astronauts to go up anti gravity.
[00:49:03] Speaker B: The simulations that they have. Right. Or is it a plane? It's an actual plane.
[00:49:07] Speaker A: It's a plane. Basically, it'll go up and then go into a nose dive. Yep. And basically for like 30. Correct me if I want.
[00:49:15] Speaker C: I think it's about 30 seconds.
[00:49:16] Speaker A: Yeah, 30 seconds. You experience weightlessness. I think they go like up and down 12 times.
[00:49:23] Speaker B: You see, I would do that, but I will never go skydiving. Skydiving. Just. I can't do that.
[00:49:33] Speaker C: Why would I jump out of a perfectly good airplane?
[00:49:35] Speaker B: Yeah, no, that is something stupid. And pay me to do.
[00:49:38] Speaker A: I would have to get on a airplane.
[00:49:40] Speaker B: Brooks, Brooks, that is a discussion off the podcast.
[00:49:45] Speaker C: All right, I'm going to fly to Charleston. Then you and I are going to take a guy's week and we're going to go somewhere. Okay.
[00:49:51] Speaker B: Please make this happen.
[00:49:52] Speaker C: And we're going to go somewhere.
[00:49:54] Speaker B: People on the Internet want to see it anywhere.
[00:49:55] Speaker A: It's like, what's the next flight out? Boston, Indiana.
[00:49:59] Speaker B: If you don't record your first one.
[00:50:02] Speaker A: What'S the second flight out?
[00:50:04] Speaker C: O'Hare. Chicago, Illinois. Going for a third option.
[00:50:09] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:50:09] Speaker A: Hey, I want to go to Chicago.
[00:50:11] Speaker B: Not that airport, though.
[00:50:13] Speaker A: Well, I mean, I want to visit Chicago.
[00:50:16] Speaker B: Chicago's fun. Yeah, Chicago's fun.
[00:50:18] Speaker C: No, we gonna get you to Houston. Yeah, come on down.
[00:50:22] Speaker A: Oh, yeah, definitely. But we do have a third option to pick.
And we're not talking about Chicago, Chicago. We are talking about the Anway center and in addition, the Camping World Stadium. That's right. There is Two places where you can watch professional sports there in Orlando.
[00:50:50] Speaker B: Okay, hold on. Timeout. I need to know this.
[00:50:53] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:50:54] Speaker B: It's really not Amway center anymore, is it? It's the Kia Center.
[00:50:59] Speaker C: It's the Amway Center.
[00:51:01] Speaker B: I know, I know. I call it the Amway, too, but if you're looking it up, it's the kiosk in. Unfortunately, in 2023 is when to me.
[00:51:15] Speaker A: Man, I. I always call it Amway.
[00:51:18] Speaker C: I. So I typed it up. I had no idea the name changed.
[00:51:24] Speaker B: Like, 2023.
Listen, even if it. I. If I hadn't looked it up, I would still call it the Amway center because, well, that's what it always is.
[00:51:35] Speaker C: Kia Center. Who?
[00:51:36] Speaker B: Like, it was the Amway center since 2010, and it changed in 2023. 13 years. No, sorry. No, no. But anyways, what is the Kia Amway formerly known as? Amway Center? Well, it is the home of the Orlando Magic basketball team. Yes, you can go watch sports in the Orlando area. What a. What a concept.
[00:52:00] Speaker A: And when I talk about the wild world of sports. No, complex.
[00:52:04] Speaker B: That's correct. So the Kia Center.
[00:52:08] Speaker A: Anyway.
[00:52:10] Speaker B: Sorry.
[00:52:11] Speaker C: It hurts my soul.
[00:52:12] Speaker B: Sorry, everyone. The. The. The Kia Center, Amway.
I can't keep a straight face.
[00:52:21] Speaker C: Can we. We just call it the Amway Center? Please, I beg of you.
[00:52:25] Speaker B: Someone else took over. The Amway center is not just home to the Orlando Magic basketball team, but actually it's the perfect date night if you're looking for a concert at a potentially reduced rate. Honestly, when I tell you us South Floridians would drive to, like, Orlando or even Tampa to go to a concert, because they will be substantially less than going to a concert in Miami or even the Hard Rock Stadium. Yeah, the guitar. So it's really just like. And there's plenty of artists, comedians, performers, you name it, that go at that go and perform at the Amway center that you don't have elsewhere. And it's. I mean, listen, we're focusing on the Amway center, but you've got a lot of other places in the area where you can go watch comedy shows, you name it. But I think this is, like, a really great thing I have. I have clients who ask me, hey, get. Can I book, like, sports tickets with you? Baseball or something? Well, this is some. Can we book them? I don't know. Maybe. Yes. I think so. I don't know. I don't know. But doesn't matter. Neither here nor there. This is something that families do, like to do and can do on any evening that they have an event. And there's not just the Amway Center.
There is. Let me get my notes.
[00:53:55] Speaker C: Camping World.
[00:53:56] Speaker B: The Camping World Stadium. Thank you. The ultimate soccer game.
[00:54:01] Speaker C: See, that's what I know it as is the Citrus Bowl.
[00:54:05] Speaker B: I don't like the name. Camping World Stadium just doesn't ring soccer to me. Orlando this the Camping World Stadium is the home of the Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride. So this is a must visit for soccer fans looking to experience the passion of an MLS match. Me, however, I'm still upset that Alex Morgan doesn't play there anymore. So it's taking me a little bit of time to get there.
[00:54:32] Speaker A: I'm gonna Atlanta United fan.
[00:54:35] Speaker B: Understandably so. I have Miami FC not even 8 minutes from my house. I think it's like. But I Alex Morgan love her. Shout out to her.
So as Brooks kind of mentioned, they do host major sporting events here like the Citrus bowl, the Florida Classic and even the international soccer and some international soccer matches. They also sometimes do concerts and festivals such as Monster Jam.
[00:55:01] Speaker C: I don't want to talk about it.
[00:55:03] Speaker A: And WrestleMania 33.
[00:55:05] Speaker C: That's right.
[00:55:06] Speaker B: And just some other major music festivals that draws in some great crowds. It is a family friendly atmosphere and again affordable prices for sports fans. So just really just something a great thing that anyone can do.
Any age and most there's. I want to say there's almost always an event going on in these locations whether I guess at a concert, comedian, performance, sporting event, you name it. So again and I feel people love to go to a sports bar and watch their games. Why don't you go see it in person? That's all I'm going to say. Anything else you guys want to add?
[00:55:50] Speaker A: So you covered it? Yeah, yeah. So one thing and I'll. I'll going away from the. Our top three things to do. So one thing that I wanted I thought about and I think this would be fun because even though I've never lived in Florida, I have spent time in Orlando doing other stuff. We know doing other stuff beside the parks. And we kind of talked about some before. There is a lot of places to eat in Orlando. Orlando I feel like is a very underrated foodie town. You know, somebody feed Phil. You need to go to Orlando. But I wanted to propose to y'all a local restaurant for people to try and. No, I'm not talking about Wawas. Even though that is somewhere I have to constantly go because I don't have Wawas.
[00:56:40] Speaker B: I was supposed to spit out my coffee. Thank you. I did not Expect because I don't.
[00:56:43] Speaker A: Have wawas, but their sub, their Philly cheesesteak sub, and Mac and cheese to die for.
[00:56:51] Speaker B: I haven't had. I'm a Mac and cheese girly from Wawa.
[00:56:55] Speaker A: Mac and cheese may be the best Mac and cheese I've ever had.
[00:56:59] Speaker B: Mac and cheese.
[00:57:00] Speaker A: So good.
[00:57:01] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:57:02] Speaker A: Fun fact.
I was picking up wawas for Kelsey, Ellie and I when Ellie took her first steps. I got a video on my way back from Wawas. Ellie taking her first steps. I was like. And then she literally stuck her face into the family size bowl of Mac and cheese. But we're not a girl.
We are not talking about wawas. Even though I could talk about wawas.
I want each of y'all to think real quick of a local restaurant you want to suggest for people to try. And I will go first.
And I think I've talked about it a few times, but I will mention it again. If you like ramen, if you like anime, there is two places to go in Orlando, same name, Koopa Saiyan. I was finally able to convince Kelsey to let me go and try it because I've been following them ever on Instagram ever since they opened.
And after I ran the princess Half Marathon in 2022, was able to convince Kelsey, please let me try this as my celebratory.
I did it. And it was everything I thought it could be and more.
The food is amazing. She even has said several times every time we go back, she wants to go just for their zucchini fries.
[00:58:30] Speaker C: Oh, nice.
[00:58:32] Speaker A: So they don't just have ramen, but it is incredible. Again, they have two locations, one on University Boulevard and the other on Thenland or Violin. Every Vineland, however you want to say it.
But and I will say this, if you're at Universal, it's only about five, ten minutes.
You can. You can have amazing ramen.
[00:58:58] Speaker B: That sounds really good. And I'm getting really hungry. And I had dinner right before we recorded. That's a problem.
[00:59:04] Speaker A: Yeah, I had zooka soup. That's right. Your boy can cook. All right, who's next? Kelton, I think you were ready. Frosty. Frosty himself.
[00:59:14] Speaker C: I am feeling frosty.
[00:59:16] Speaker A: Are you feeling hungry?
[00:59:17] Speaker C: I'm feeling hungry for a chop house.
And I'm going to give you the original location, Manny's original chop house. Now, I am really stretching that Greater Orlando circle on this one. For my locals off Highway 27 down in Davenport. For my non locals, you're pushing 45 Minute Drive. However, hear me out.
No reservations. It opens at four when you sit down. Picture, if you will.
[00:59:51] Speaker A: Okay, let me close my eyes.
[00:59:53] Speaker C: Yes, your table. You have a table? Yes, the old checkered red and white tablecloth. When you order your steak however you like it. Rare. I'm a medium rare guy. The only way could be medium. Stop there. We don't go anywhere any further than that. No, you get sides. A couple of sides, two sides, nothing.
[01:00:19] Speaker A: Tell me size.
[01:00:21] Speaker C: You can have like your baked beans, your. What is it? The apple.
Cinnamon. Apple slices. You got the. The corn on the cob.
[01:00:32] Speaker A: Please tell me there's potato.
[01:00:34] Speaker C: Well, of course there's a baked potato. You're having a steak.
You've got cornbread. Warm cornbread. I'm telling you, we gotta drink coffee.
[01:00:45] Speaker B: They hold me. Hold me over.
[01:00:47] Speaker C: On top of that, you get a salad. Either house or Caesar. Here's my thing.
[01:00:53] Speaker B: All the way.
[01:00:55] Speaker C: The salad comes out in one of those large kitchen mixing bowls. They slap that bad boy right in front of you. Oh, yeah. They don't like. It's not in a nice small bowl. Oh, no. This is home style. Boom. Right there on the table. So if there's four of you and four of you order all, you know, a steak with a sides and a salad, there's going to be four large kitchen mixing metal mixing bowls on that table. You ran out of that.
[01:01:19] Speaker A: You're just like one person. Order the salad. And we all agree on the salad.
[01:01:24] Speaker C: It goes. When you order the steak, like it's. The salad is there. You're getting the salad no matter what. All four of y'all are getting the salad.
On top of that, you have the warmest.
[01:01:37] Speaker A: Okay, let me close my eyes.
[01:01:38] Speaker C: Warmest bread with the cinnamon butter. Yes. So much better than Texas Roadhouse.
[01:01:45] Speaker A: Okay, so famous. We're going right with what time? Okay. I was. Okay. I was about to say too the price.
[01:01:55] Speaker C: What's the 20 to $30 a person? Nothing more than Texas Roadhouse.
[01:02:00] Speaker B: That's fantastic.
[01:02:01] Speaker C: But better.
Oh, yeah.
[01:02:05] Speaker A: We have cars for fam.
[01:02:08] Speaker C: We do, but we would have to go Wednesday night when I get in. I get in at 8:30 and they closed at 10.
I guess we're going anyway. Manny's Original Chop House down there. Highway 27 in Davenport.
Steph, how about you?
[01:02:25] Speaker B: I'm starving. Thank you very. You mean you want me to go next?
[01:02:30] Speaker A: Okay.
[01:02:31] Speaker C: Yes. How could you follow that one up?
[01:02:34] Speaker A: I'm glad I went first.
[01:02:35] Speaker C: Bread rolls.
[01:02:38] Speaker B: Do they have like some nice butter too? Like some specialty butter?
[01:02:42] Speaker C: Yeah, it's the cinnamon butter. Oh, so good. Yeah.
[01:02:46] Speaker B: Diets just don't exist in my life.
[01:02:49] Speaker A: Just whip it on. The.
[01:02:50] Speaker C: Whip it on all it is. It kind of exists. Like my lottery winnings. It just doesn't.
[01:02:56] Speaker B: Gosh, I got goosebumps just because I'm so, like, thrilled by the idea of food. Like, what is wrong with me? Bread and butter.
[01:03:05] Speaker C: God bless.
[01:03:06] Speaker A: That's our bread and butter, baby.
[01:03:08] Speaker B: I love Texas Roadhouse. So if you're saying this is better, like, better.
[01:03:12] Speaker A: Wait, real quick. Did y'all know that for Valentine's Day, you could get a bouquet of Texas Roadhouse rolls sent to someone? I'm dead serious.
[01:03:21] Speaker C: So I love that, and I want to tag it on with a side note. If you call early enough for Thanksgiving, you can buy just, you know, the dough of the bread. The bread rolls for your Thanksgiving meal.
[01:03:37] Speaker B: No way.
[01:03:38] Speaker C: Yahweh.
[01:03:40] Speaker B: God. I can't tell Michael that.
[01:03:41] Speaker A: Amway.
[01:03:42] Speaker C: Amway. I'll te. I'll. I'll text Michael for you. I'll let him know that you could. He needs to order the bread rolls. He needs.
[01:03:50] Speaker A: He needs a bouquet of Texas Roadhouse rolls.
[01:03:53] Speaker C: You know what? That's what you should get. That's what you should get Michael for thank. For Valentine's Day. Get him a bouquet of Texas Roadhouse.
[01:04:00] Speaker B: By the time this drops, it'll be right before.
[01:04:02] Speaker A: Yeah.
[01:04:03] Speaker B: Valentine. So get your notepads out, people. I'm crying that way. Comment? Really? Just.
[01:04:12] Speaker C: People are going to go, what is the Amway and Citrus bowl like?
[01:04:16] Speaker B: I thought this is a travel podcast.
[01:04:18] Speaker A: We're traveling in Orlando. We're traveling back in time.
[01:04:22] Speaker B: We probably just spent 10 minutes talking about bread.
[01:04:24] Speaker A: And I don't see the problem here. Steph, what is your local restaurant?
[01:04:30] Speaker B: So I'm going to stay away from dinner, and I'm going to provide a breakfast. Can also be a lunch or a brunch. Location. Not far. We're talking like, less than about 10 or less minutes. From the parks, from Walt Disney World, specifically, because, hello, this will probably be the best biscuit you ever have in your life. Fight me on it. I'm talking about Maple Street Biscuit Company.
And that is on Earlo Bronson in the. Feels like the celebration.
[01:04:59] Speaker C: Oh, my God. It's 192. Just say it correctly.
[01:05:05] Speaker B: I didn't live there, so I know Earlo Bronson. That's what I see when I go there.
[01:05:10] Speaker C: Earlon.
[01:05:14] Speaker A: And, Steph, I need to introduce you to Vicious Biscuit here in Charleston.
[01:05:19] Speaker B: Please take me when I go visit you. Yeah.
[01:05:22] Speaker A: When you might come.
[01:05:24] Speaker B: Yes, please. I love biscuit. Michael, Loves biscuits. Well, we found this place and it's actually in the same plaza as where the Disney Cruise Line headquarters are. In celebration. I really enjoy getting the biscuits there. They don't have just biscuits. They actually have breakfast. Like meals, plates, dishes, fantastic coffee, drinks, like, but different flavors. You don't get your traditional one. You've got some fun specialty stuff. Stuff which is always a good time. I love a good specialty coffee. Brooks, I'm sure you would absolutely enjoy it. So here's the thing about this location. I being a big foodie girl, I am religious about using Yelp to find new food locations. Love it. Especially, you know, for my reviews and whatever. So this was on my list for a while. We finally got around to. I'm like, no, Michael, we need to check this out. This place is close. You know, it has really good reviews, so on and so forth. We get there and the line is literally wrapping around the location into the parking lot. And Michael just looks at me like, I'm not, I'm not feeling this line. And I'm like, no, no, no. Like, it's okay, it's okay. We're gonna do this. So I get a head start. I get in line. He's parking the car. It's actually like moving fast.
The. It is a revolving door of people. That is how good it is. Where it is just non stop people walking in and out, in and out, in and out, in and out. And it's not open at all hours of the day. It's like, it's got like a breakfast and like a lunch time.
But it was just, I mean, people were going dressed up, people were going dressed to the parks, people were in PJs. I mean, every kind of attire you saw, you saw just again, I'm like, if there's this many people here standing in line, that's wrapping around the building into the parking lot, it's got to be good. We can't miss it, miss up this opportunity. So it kind of works in like a. I want to call it like a Panera style, where you walk in, you order at the cash register, and then you're just waiting in the vicinity until they call your name with your dish and kind of just find somewhere to sit if you're not taking to go. Their biscuit sandwiches are to absolutely die for. Absolutely die for. Their jam, Unreal. Their bowls, forget about it. Their coffee, forget about it. Or order the whole menu, right?
If you're not wanting to sit there and have, you know, your sandwiches, you can order ahead. Like A dozen biscuits. Michael and I have done that too. Well, we'll order a dozen biscuits and it'll hold us over for a week.
We just have our biscuits, but we're getting their biscuits because they're soft and they actually stay soft for several days. And it comes with their. Oh, my gosh. I can't even.
Just trust me. Go to.
I'm gonna make sure I'm saying this correct. This is a mouthful. Maple Street Biscuit Company. You won't work at it. Good for breakfast, good for brunch, good for making you happy.
And with that.
[01:08:38] Speaker C: I'm so hungry.
[01:08:39] Speaker B: Have you been there?
[01:08:40] Speaker C: I have not. I have a question I really would like to.
[01:08:45] Speaker B: Yes.
[01:08:46] Speaker A: Question. In the gallery, you talk about biscuits. Do they have gravy? Do they have biscuits and gravy?
[01:08:53] Speaker B: Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah.
[01:08:54] Speaker A: Okay.
[01:08:55] Speaker B: Oh, yeah.
[01:08:56] Speaker A: How is their gravy?
[01:08:58] Speaker B: I did not try, actually. That's not. That's a lie. His did have like a gravy, I think. Yeah. They have a two flaky biscuit covered in our house made sausage gravy with a kick.
They. They have chicken and waffles. They've got bowls.
[01:09:12] Speaker A: I do like chicken and waffles.
[01:09:13] Speaker C: Milk and a pancake.
Cigar on a waffle.
[01:09:17] Speaker A: Cracking a crap.
[01:09:18] Speaker B: I'm trying to see. Listen to this one. I think this is. Is this the one that Michael had?
Can I see it? I can't see it.
[01:09:26] Speaker C: You get one, then we gotta wrap it up.
[01:09:28] Speaker B: I will wrap it up. Just go for your go visit yourself. It's worth it.
[01:09:33] Speaker A: Well, I think we have given a lot of options for people to do outside of the parks. I mean, that Sticky Maple does look fantastic. But if you do remember, way back in time, we did have a trivia question.
Kelsen, take it away.
[01:09:51] Speaker C: Well, going back in time, just like Pitbull did, what was the first theme park to open in Orlando, Florida? It was a tough question, but I will have to say if you. If you had guessed SeaWorld Orlando, you'd be wrong. You would absolutely be wrong. It was actually Gatorland did not know that. We did not even talk about. And that was it.
[01:10:16] Speaker A: It was on our.
It was actually my honorable mention.
[01:10:20] Speaker C: Gatorland opened up in Orlando in 1949.
[01:10:26] Speaker A: That's crazy.
[01:10:27] Speaker B: Have you been? I haven't been.
[01:10:29] Speaker C: I have not either. Being a local.
[01:10:32] Speaker A: I have not been. I have called their voicemail, y'all.
[01:10:37] Speaker C: You need to do it if you haven't called.
[01:10:39] Speaker A: It is hilarious.
[01:10:42] Speaker B: Really.
[01:10:43] Speaker A: Correct me if I'm wrong.
[01:10:44] Speaker B: Why do I not know this.
[01:10:45] Speaker A: Yeehaw. Welcome to Gatorland, Florida's premiere gator extravaganza.
Something like that, isn't it?
[01:10:55] Speaker C: I believe that is how it starts.
[01:10:57] Speaker A: Yeah.
[01:10:57] Speaker B: That's hysterical.
[01:10:58] Speaker A: If you. I think I. I first heard about it from the comedian Gabriel Iglesias talking about it.
[01:11:04] Speaker C: Floppy.
[01:11:06] Speaker A: And he was talking about it and it's like, for Spanish, press one. And he's like, oh, I gotta press that.
He presses it. I don't speak Spanish, but you're sure gonna love this park.
[01:11:18] Speaker C: It is it. Do some research on it and it's expanded and over, you know, the 80 years that it's been open, I mean.
[01:11:27] Speaker A: Like, the voicemail is hilarious, but in all honesty, it looks incredible.
It looks. It looks fun.
[01:11:35] Speaker C: A lot of good alligator and crocodile research has gone, you know, goes into it. If I do believe they work with Disney when it comes to relocating some of the alligators that do end up on property.
Oh, definitely. We will. We can make it the honorable mention. It's worth looking into. If you are not going to. You're going to have a rest day from any of the theme parks in Orlando. Definitely. Take a look at Gatorland.
[01:12:08] Speaker A: Well, folks, I think that just about does it for this week's episode of the Mouse Ears podcast. Don't forget to join our Mouse Ears Podcast Facebook group and follow us on is back TikTok and Instagram to stay up to date for all things travel, but mostly Disney. And if you're interested in having a fairy tale journeys agent, book your next trip, visit fairytalejourneys.com and let them know that the podcast sent you. Lastly, if you enjoyed our weekly. If you enjoy our weekly episodes of the Mouse Ears Podcast, we would love for you to leave us a review wherever you listen to us until the next episode. Thanks, everyone. Bye.
