I have a birthday coming up in the first week of August, and generally take some time off each year to enjoy Central Florida in all it's signature heat and humidity. I suspect New Jersey (where I was born) can be just as bad as Florida this time of year, causing one to sweat without moving while sticking to the seat of one's car.
Like the people who actually stayed in Jersey, I've found the best remedy for the mid-summer weather is a day at the beach. Last year, it was New Smyrna, which I talked about in another post. This year, I will probably do the same on one day, and something completely different on another.
I may do the dreaded theme park thing.
For those of you who live in the real world outside of the Sunshine State, you must understand that hitting Disney or Universal Studios, is not something people in Central Florida generally like to do.
It's like touring the Space Needle if you live in Seattle, or standing around the Liberty Bell if you live in Philly.
The locals do it once, and never get around to doing it again.
Sure, there are some who moved here for the very reason that they and the kids would be in close proximity to Cinderella's Castle. They are the one's who buy the annual passes, with the Florida resident discount, and are sure to get their money's worth.
The rest of us are content to go to Mapquest, print out a map, point our visitors towards Interstate 4 (west towards Tampa) and wish them good luck and a good time, while waving from our driveway.
This time, it may be different for me.
I have a free, one day pass, to Universal Studios, courtesy of AARP. To be honest, they sent it to my parents, who would rather not walk around for miles in the summer heat. (The pass expires at the end of September).
So after a quick trip to the ATM outside the Publix grocery store, I will head to Universal. There will still be a need for cash, even if I am actually getting in for free...and the suites at Universal know this.
If all goes well, I may even try to go to (gasp) Walt Disney World!
It has been over 10 years since I've been to anyplace Disney, and would probably prefer EPCOT or Animal Kingdom to the more youth oriented Magic Kingdom.
Still, I've been itching to try one thing, suggested by blogger and sitcom writer Ken Levine.
I want to get one of those mouse ears hats. You know, the black felt ones they write your name on?
I will have them write "Vincent" on the hat.
Then, rip off one of the ears and wear it all day.