Windsor Palms Review

Windsor Palms is a development in the Famousa Gardens area of Kissimmee. It is perfectly located just minutes from Disney (15 minutes from driveway to Parked to Animal Kingdom parking lot). 

The development includes many one story and two story pool houses, and two different styles of condo buildings. While Windsor Hills, a resort built after this one, has pool houses designed for short term renters, Windsor Palms pool houses are designed more like a residence and has more of a home style appeal.

The gated community includes a guard house manned 24x7. There are over 3.5 miles of sidewalks for walking, jogging, or bike riding. 

The club house is a real gem. It includes sundry shop with basic groceries and souveneers. An arcade, gym, showers, and sitting area. A pool bar serves drinks and food. The movie theater sits fifty people and guests can select movies from a large library. There is a large pool area with plenty of deck area and deck furniture. The club house includes basketball courts, tennis, and a sand volleyball court. All services can be seen by watching the community's TV station channel 998.

The community has daily trash pick up by a "garbage barge" (a golf cart pulling a trailer).  All lawn are maintained by a work crew so there won't be concerns if a neighbor neglects their property.

Negatives? The resort offers bus rides to the parks for $13 per person, that seemed expensive. The resort also backs to a water reclamation area with a giant water tower. 

If you visit the community, you might wonder why there are two guard houses: one by the bridge entrance, and one unused except by the facilities crews. It turns out that the bridge crosses a highway that was build after the resort was built. The highway was built around 2005 and blocked entrance into the resort. To fix the problem, a bridge was built over the highway, requiring a new guard house.

We had a great time at the resort and wouldn't hesitate for another opportunity to stay there.

The Last night's meal

Every year on the last night on Florida we have a huge smorgasbord of all our left over food that we can't take home.  We did pretty good this year! Dinner is two hamburgers, a box of waffles, some cheese quesadillas , and some ice cream Sundae cones. 

We are taking home with us 2 cases of water, some gator aid, Smirnoff, and potato chips

We threw away a dozen eggs, blue berries, Some slices cheese, partially used salad dressings, half a loaf of bread, and some jumbo hot dogs that weren't all that good tasting.

Compared to previous years, this year was the most successful at managing our groceries and not over buying.

Disney's Backside

Sometimes, we like to live on the wild side. Thug life. Be on the edge. Do wild a crazy things. And then sometimes we just like to go drive around the back side of the Magic Kingdom. Yes, that's right - there is a (somewhat) secret back lot tour of the Magic Kingdom that I bet you didn't know existed. And... as long as you don't get caught? It is F R E E !!!

Simply go to the toll booth for Magic Kingdom parking and tell them you are going to the Contemporary Hotel. Instead of taking the road that goes into the Magic Kingdom parking, you'll be told to follow a road all the way on the right. Follow that road until you see the contemporary hotel on your right, and then keep going straight past it! You should see Space Mountain directly in front of you and the Train Station off to the left.

Keep following that road, avoiding any turn offs the head off to the right. You'll know you made it all the away around when you pass by the entrance to the Floridian.

Honestly... you aren't going to see much. Just a bunch of pine trees. But that isn't the point! How many people can brag that they have driven around the back side of the Magic Kingdom? Not many!

As a disclaimer: This is an employee only access road and it isn't intended for guests. As long as you aren't causing problems, getting out to take pictures, etc - I don't think anyone will bother you. I don't think this is a security hazard either because there is a tall fence with barbed wire along the road.


You can see part of the journey with this video.

Disney Springs: Portobello

We ate at Portobello's at Disney Springs, an Italian restaurant, today. I made reservations for 7pm, arrived at 7pm, and was promptly seated.

We were seated at a table that had two chairs and a bench. The bench was long and supported six tables, all close enough together to get to know your neighbor's fairly well.

The restaurant was well themed for an Italian restaurant. My view of the restaurant made it look like a sun porch with a nice view of Disney Spring's outside. My wife's view was of the bar and the Italian styling of the restaurant.

Our server brought us drinks and bread. The bread was a focaccia style bread with an oil and garlic dip.

For an appetizer, we got cheese balls - a fried breaded cheese and rice ball served with marinara sause. These were excellent.

Next was a Ceasar salad for $8. The salad was had an excellent rich tasting dressing.

For the entre my wife and I both ordered Spaghetti and Meatballs for $22. A few minutes after ordering, the waitress returned and asked if my wife ordered spaghetti and I ordered the Chicken Parm. I told her no, we both ordered Spaghetti. 

A few minutes later the food arrived and a Chicken Parm was placed in front of me. I decided not to complain - I like Chicken Parm but was looking forward to meatballs.

The Chicken Parm was very large and surprisingly filling. The Chicken laid atop spaghetti and was drown in baked mozzarella. The spaghetti was dry with just enough sauce to have once lightly coated the noodles. Here is my recommendation: order it with extra marinara sauce!

The Chicken Parm was good, but was not the best I have ever had, but was probably the most expensive I have ever had.

My wife received the Spaghetti and Meatballs. As with the Chicken Parm, the spaghetti was void of sauce. The meatballs had a mushy texture and a mushy taste. After trying some of a meatball I was happy I had received the Chicken Parm by mistake! My wife didn't like the meatballs and finished her dinner with them uneaten. 

The bill arrived and I had been charged for what I had ordered: spaghetti with meatballs instead of the $2 up charge for Chicken Parm.

The restaurant was a nice experience. Given the options available at Disney Springs I believe this is a better choice for a couple's night out. The food was, for the most part, very good and the service was, for the most part, excellent.

Balloons and Pictures: What to expect when dinning off property

Choosing to dine off Disney property can save you a lot of money and get you a better meal. For the cost of that same counter service hamburger at Disney World you might get you a steak at a local eatery. There is plenty of choices whether you are looking on Internal Drive, Iro Bronson, or other locations, almost every imaginable restaurant chain can be found (except Dicky's BBQ - you have to go clear out to the east side of Orlando. What's up with that?).

If you are dinning at a sit-down restaurant there are two things you need to be prepared for: Balloons and Pictures. You will find that these table side activities are tip based instead of fee based. That's because a tip is like a donation where sales tax doesn't have to be charged. That means the entire amount of money goes to the artist. If they are honest? They'll pay income tax based on their tips, but at least there won't be sales tax too. The problem with tips based activities is that it can be difficult to know how much to pay and it can be easy to insult the artist with a poor tip. Let me prepare you.

First, balloons. There is likely to be a balloon artist that will offer to make creations for your kids.

They don't do this for fun. They do it for the tips. They expect that if they bring a smile to your child's face, you'll bring a smile to theirs with a comfortable tip.These guys live off their tips and they put a lot into their costumes, supplies, and their craft. They can make anything from simple animals, hats, swords, to even more complex creations with different colored balloons all twisted together. Expect to tip $2-$4 per balloon art.

Next is the pictures. Like the balloon artist, photographers will come around to take your picture and then sell you the picture in a key chain, Christmas ornament (my favorite), or standard print outs. Expect to tip $5-$8 per key chain.

You might find other table-side entertainers (like a mariachi band) but that would be rare. These two are the most common and appear almost everywhere you'll go.

New Security Measures At Disney World

Security is an ongoing fear at Disney World. After the terror attacks in 2001, Dusney initiated bag checks. If you have a bag? A security officer must search it before you are allowed to enter the park.

I notice two additional layers of security this year.

First, there is an armed Sherif's Deputy standing guard at the entrance. In the past we would occasionally see police, especially at the front entrance to Epcot. But now we see them at every park. Disney has set up facilities to help keep the officers shaded and cool, so, I believe this is a permanent addition.

The next thing we noticed were metal detectors.

Security officers will randomly pick people to go through the metal detector. I imagine, eventually. Disney will have enough metal detectors to require everyone to pass through them.

These additional measures are welcomed because we all want to be safe in the parks. It is a bit of a hassle to go through the metal detector, but I packed a positive outlook at considered it to be like winning a prize of something to get selected. 

Hopefully these additional security measures keep Disney being a safe destination for the entire family!

Gaston's Cinnamon Rolls

A great way to beat the heat and find an impressive snack is to head over to Gaston's tavern at the Magic Kingdom.

The building is small and it can be difficult finding seats during the typical rush, but most of the time you can get a table.

It is counter Service. We order one or two cinnamon rolls for the four of us to split, and we take advantage of the free ice water.

The cinnamon rolls are almost the size of bowling balls! They are light and fluffy and excellent.

Magic Kingdom: Buzz Light Year Galactic Hero Tips

Disney World's Magic Kingdom is home to a game my kids love: Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. This is a game where you shoot a laser cannon at targets to earn points. If you roll your score, as I have, then you are a galactic hero!

Galactic Heroes are awarded with a certificate and a sticker or button.

Here are my tips on how to win big.

1. As soon as your laser cannon is activated? Take some practice shots to get used to where your laser appears when shot.

2. In the first room, locate the red robot on the left side of the track. There are two spots you want to hit. First, hit the Z on his orange jetpack. Next, hit the Z on the inside of his left hand (the second hand).

3. As soon as you are done with the robot? Turn your cart all the away around so that you are traveling backwards. You'll find a claw on the ceiling - shoot that as many times as you can.

4. You'll now enter the next room. Your target is the Z at the top of the volcano. You might find it difficult to rack up points shooting that Z over and over again. So, what you do is: shoot the Z, then shoot off to the side a little. Then shoot the Z again. Keep doing that and you'll keep adding to your score.  Shoot the volcano when you first enter the room, then keep shooting it after you pass behind the hill. 

While behind the hill, look to the exit. Near the ceiling are some Z's spinning on a white band. I have never been able to hit one, but, I have been told they are worth many points. 

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Also, on the back side of the hill there is a Z on a bee's butt that I have been told is worth many points too.

5. The next room has Zurg's ship and the opportunity to pile on the points! You must shoot the Z beneath Zurg's ship. You can only shoot it while you are entering the room, then, turn your cart backwards so you can continue shooting it while you exit the room. Your only chance to roll your score is to hit that as many times as you can.

6. The next room is a smoke filled room with red lasers surrounding the ship. You might think there is nothing to do, but, you are wrong! Turn your cart backwards so you can still see the room you just exited and continue shooting Z's. 

7. The next room has a cartoon of Zurg's ship. I am told there is a Z or a black dot on the cartoon ship that is worth many points, but, I have never found it.

8. The final room is where your picture gets taken and is your last chance to score points by shooting targets on Zurg's ship. I haven't found any high value targets in this last room, although others claim there are some.

9. The last thing you have to do is take a picture of your score before it goes away. If your score is all 9's? You are a galactic hero. Go to the check-out counter for your reward.

Now you know all my secrets. Just don't tell my kids. I like being able to beat them at something.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

We attended the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Kissimmee today. There were two showings: 6pm and 8:30pm. We picked the 8:30pm showing because on certain nights the tickets price is reduced.

We drove down rt 192 through parts where Kissimmee isn't the greatest place. Most of the area is known for fabulous resorts and things to do, but there is a section of 192 through Kissimmee that has seen better days. The hotels are run down, the shops are old and tired. When we pulled into the parking lot, we were greeted by a sign posted by the police warning us to lock up our cars and take our valuables. That was concerning. We parked in a lot that was once the parking lot for a Medieval Times amusement park, which appeared a thing of the distant past. 

The neighborhood is in stark contrast to the experience, which was first rate and excellent. We crossed a draw bridge, entered the castle, and picked up our tickets. We were each given crowns to wear that were of similar construction to the paper burger king crowns. There were six different varieties of crows and my family was given the Red and Gold crowns.

We had a picture taken with the King (which would later cost us $16) and then entered a very large room that was part gift shop and part bar. My wife and I purchased the $16 margaritas served in a metallic looking souvenir glass. The refills were only $8, which we didn't partake because the margarita mix was horribly sour tasting.

As the crowd gathered awaiting to go into the area, there was a separate room where the King was knighting individuals. Another room provided a photo-op for trying to pull a sword from a stone. And yet a third room provided yet a third bar. 

We were told to arrive early because the best seats go on a first-come, first-serve basis. That wasn't true. The best seats go to those who pay extra for a "VIP" pass. Everyone else just gets lumped into the general seating, so, it doesn't really matter when you arrive.

After the 6pm audience exited, the Master of Ceremonies allowed entry into the arena. First he allowed all the VIP, calling each group by the color of their crowns. Then he called general admission, calling each group by the color of their crowns.

The arena is a large sand pit (it is larger then it looks) with seating around three sides. Seating is on a bench with a long counter in front of you. To get to your spot on the bench, you walk sideways down between the bench and the counter, down the area, until the people in front of you sit. 

The seating is tight but OK. You have the width of your table mat and not more. If you are on the large size? This could be a uncomfortable.  Luckily, we were fine.

After a moment, our "wrench" introduces herself and mentions there is no silverware to eat with. We will do it all with our fingers. Odd, but OK. We will drink the soup from the bowl, eat the baked chicken with our hands, enjoy the incredible 1/3 corn on the cob, a half of a baked potato, Texas Toast, and a desert apple pastry all with our fingers. How primevaly  enjoyable!

Our wench filled our goblets with water or soft drinks as the show started. The 90 minute show was filled with lights, music, horses, and knights. It finishes with a joust where the winning night must then battle the evil messenger from the North. 

We were told that bar keeps would be around during the show. We only saw the bar keep pass once, which was OK - we weren't going to order any refills.

Others passed by during the show as well. The photographer brought us our pictures ($16). I bought a light-up flower that changes color for my wife ($7). We purchased flags for our kids ($5 each). And then there were glowing swords, necklaces, shields, and all kinds of toys. It is very easy to get carried away and spend a fortune.

My wife was certain that when she purchased the tickets it said "Gratuity was included". However, our Wench explained to everyone that it wasn't, and passed out a tip plate to each family. So, what do you tip a Wench these days?  Our discounted tickets were $40 each, but I'm certainly not going to provide a tip based on that because it included entertainment. My wife and I kicked around some ideas and finally left what we thought was appropriate, yet with no real idea if we were even in the ball park of expectation.

We exited the arena the same way we entered (walking sideways down between the bench and counter). When we arrived back to the large gift store/bar, there was modern music playing with dance lights - it was like a big dance party. Many of the actors had come out in their costumes and were talking with the guests and posing for pictures.

Our boys are 13 and 17 and they loved the show. They were yelling and cheering and waving flags and pounding on the tables. They were really into it. Afterwards they said they had a great time.  Going to the show was a good decision, and going later for the discounted seats made it an even better decision. I don't know that I would return to this show every year. But it is an experience that is worth having occasionally, and was a lot of fun.

Orlando's Holy Land Experience

We decided to try something different this year. We decided to visit the Holy Land Experience. We see this theme park sitting just off I4 every time we pass through Orlando, so, this year we decided to pay them a visit.

What is at Holy Land? Gardens, statues, gift shops, a kid play area, and fabulous stage shows. When we arrived, we got a copy of the Holy Land park map – which was a complete waste of time. The map is horrible. We found it easier just to wander around and get a lay of the land. The park isn’t very large, so, it didn’t take us very long to figure it out.

If you like gardens and statues? Then this place is for you. We don’t like them. So, we headed straight to the coliseum, which is a 2000 person auditorium. The auditorium is incredible with a huge stage, comfortable seats, and everything you would expect a TV station like TBS to put into it. The biblical centered plays were serious and funny and heartwarming. We found ourselves crying at times and laughing out loud other times. For us, the various shows in the coliseum made the trip worth it. I believe that before the coliseum was built, they might have done many of these shows in various areas around the park, but, all the shows we saw were inside the theater. 

We did walk around and look at the rest of the park. The child’s play area is impressive and even our 13 year old was able to find some things that were fun. We didn’t realize the area included a miniature golf or else we would have played it. 

The park has various things to see, like replicas and wax statues. We enjoyed having communion, given by an actor who was playing Jesus, in a building made to resemble the 

room of the last supper.

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The park closes early. While most Orlando parks have fireworks at the end of their day, Holy Land does something different. They have Jesus near the exit providing a blessing and praying with gatherers as they head out. You don’t have to participate, but, if you stop over at the garden next to the exit, we found several dozen people partaking. 

Affordability? Admission price was around $50 per person. Parking was free. We didn’t eat while we were there or buy any souvenirs so I can’t speak to that.

 

We had a surprisingly good time at Holy Land. We didn’t know what to expect and were surprised. If I were to return again? I would set my expectations that I’ll be spending most of the day in the Coliseum enjoying the shows. I might venture out for some miniature golf or a Chick-fil-a sandwich. But the real gem are the shows they put on.

The Best Location To Watch Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular

Hollywood Studios has a new fireworks show and it is arguably the best ever. The 13 minute Star War: A Galactic Spectacular provides music, video, and fireworks all to a Star Wars theme.

The show is massive, projected on a giant build-up of the Chinese Theater, two other buildings, plus projection against smoke screen, spot lights, lasers, spirals of flame shooting forty feet into the air, and fireworks across the sky. What is the best spot to see all this? I'll tell you. But with one warning: the show is so massive that it is impossible to take it all in  from any one location. There are various different things happening on each of the three different video screens while other activities are happening in the sky over head. This isn't a one dimensional show - the lasers from the ships on the screen shoot overhead of the audience, and the emperor's lightening electrifies the palm trees while the engine noise from the ships shake the ground under your feet.

A significant challenge with getting a good spot is, in part, all the trees! Even the best spots will still be obstructed by trees. But there is a huge difference between having a thin palm tree covering part of one screen, and trying to watch the event through a large leafy tree.

Disney ropes off a portion of the viewing area for their $70 per person desert event. You can imagine that those people paying $70 will have the best viewing area. Your goal, if you want a good viewing area, is to get as close to that roped off area as you can.

On the map above, I have placed an X for the best spot, used red lines to show where the video screens are, and a red circle to indicate the direction from which most of the fireworks are.

I saw the show three times. Once from near spot # 29 on the map and the view was very disappointing. And twice from where the X is drawn on the map.

You can see the show for yourself here:  Night 1. Night 2.

Prequels Missing From Hollywood Studios

When Disney bought Star Wars, they didn't just buy the original three movies. They bought everything! Comic books, cartoons, books, prequels, merchandising - you name it.

Most hard core fans will tell you that the original three Star Wars movies from the 1970's and 80's are the best. The prequels, which tell the story of how Darth Vader became Darth Vader? Are in many ways an embarrassment to the franchise. Who can forget that floppy Jar Jar Banks, the horrible speed pod racers, the terrible acting by Hayden Christensen, and the cartoon-like CGI.

When Disney bought Star Wars, George Lucas put forward a script that was believed to deliver more prequel level garbage. Thankfully, Disney tossed it into the garbage and went their own direction for Episode 7.

Hollywood studios is filled with Star War opportunities. From light saber battles, movies, character experiences, stage shows, storm troopers, night time fireworks, and more! Thankfully, the prequals do not play a significant role anywhere in any of this. There are brief flashes of when Darth Vader was assembled. We see the battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi that turns Anikan into Darth Vader. We see some very quick flashes of Padma, Qui-Gon, Mace Windu, and a few others. That aside? It is all about the original three movies and Episode 7: The Force Awaken.

Hollywood Studios: A Galaxy Far Away

In the race to add Star Wars attractions to Hollywood Studios, a new stage show has been thrown together named A Galaxy Far Away (see Video). The show takes place at the center of Hollywood Studios in front of the Great Movie Ride.

The ten minute show includes many favorite star wars characters addressing the crowd before a backdrop of movie clips and star wars music.

Boba Fett, Chewbacca, R2D2, C3PO, BB8, Storm Troopers, and Darth Vader are just some of the characters you'll see during this show. If you like Star Wars then this is worth catching.

Driving to the Magic Kingdom

You are driving to the Magic Kingdom. Hurray! You drive into Disney World property, pass under the giant Disney World sign and you are there, right?

Wrong! Gotta go through the parking booths and pay $20. Then you can drive over to the parking lot where you'll be directed where to park your car. And then you are at the Magic Kingdom, right?

Wrong! Next, you need to board a team. The tram is like a train and it will drive you out of the massive parking lot. And then you are at the Magic Kingdom, right?

Wrong! Now you have a choice. Would you line top pass the seven seas lagoon on a ferry boat? Or the monorail? Once on the other side of the Seven Seas Lagoon, you are finally at theMagic Kingdom, right?

Wrong! Next you have to pass through security, which will search your bags and might have you go through a metal detector. And then you are at the Magic Kingdom, right?

Wrong! Next you have to go through the ticket area where they scant out card, fast pass band, or tickets to make sure you are ok to enter. And then you are at The Magic Kingdom, right?

Yes. Then you are at The Magic Kingdom.

2106 Villa walk-in Inspection

Last year, I provided an example of a Villa Walk-In Inspection. When you first arrive at your vacation home, before you bring in any luggage, you need to perform a walk-in inspection. You should video the inspection and/or take pictures. The purpose of the inspection is to document the condition of the home at the time of move-in so that you can protect your security deposit.

Here is our 2016 inspection: Click Here

Once the inspection is completed, you need to email the property manager AND owner a list that includes (a) problems that need to be immediately fixed. (b) problems that might need to get fixed, you will follow-up and let them know. (c) problems that don't need to get fixed, however, you want to make them aware that the problems existed at the time of move-in.

We do a very thorough inspection. Even so, we always miss things. This year, we missed that the refrigerator door shelves were all broken, the pool skimmer was not skimming the bugs, the laundry basket in the washroom was broken, items were missing from the garage according to an inventory we found, and the sprinkler head near the front door was missing (causing a flood every time the sprinklers came on).

It may seem ridiculous to do such a lengthy and thorough investigation. However, you need to remember that you could be held financially responsible for any problems with the house. Problems much be communicated immediately to the owner and management company.

Pictures with Kylo Ren and Chewbacca

New for 2016, guests can have their picture taken with Kylo Ren and Chewbacca.

The character meet and greet is at the back of Disney World's Hollywood Studios in what was one the Art of Disney. The complex has been transformed into a Star Wars themed experts emcee that includes a short movies, arcade games, the cantina, artifacts from the movies, and opportunities to get your picture taken with Star Wars characters. 

When we visited the site, there were two jaws in the cantina available to interact with and have pictures. 

In addition, there was Chewbacca and Kylo Ren. Chewbacca was just as you would imagine him: tall and loveable. Kylo Rem put on an act attempting to intimidate and scare the guests. My family gathered for the picture and then Kulo paced angrily in fromt of us. He then stopped in front of each of us, his helmeted face just inches from each of ours with an intimidating stare. A caste member finally asks Kylo where a recording of this encounter can be made. Kylo answers in the original actor's vaice permitting the recording. Finally, he stood next to us while the picture (called a "scan") was made.