Magic Kingdom

Disney's Magic Kingdom was the third theme park we went during our winter break in Orlando, Florida. We've been to the Magic Kingdom a few times before, but it has undergone some renovations since our last visit. The lines are always pretty long, so it might make sense to splurge for the "fast pass" if you want to take all the rides in one day. We had scheduled a lunch with the Princesses in the big castle, which was definitely the highlight for the girls. The lunch is very popular, and has to be booked weeks, if not months, in advance. But if you have little girls, it's really nice, and worth all the trouble with the advance booking.

It's a process getting into the theme park... the parking areas are vast and there are several modes of transportation you can take from parking to the park entrance.

Mickey Mouse in the house

These mosaics are from the Magic Castle

This is main attraction... The princess lunch took place inside the castle.

Another amazing mosaic depicting the Cinderella story

Cinderella hard at work posing with dining guests! 

The menu was not very adventurous, but the food was decent

You get some little extras like these "wishing stars" for the kids.

The main thing, though, is that you get to pose with all the Disney Princesses.. This is Snow White

Aurora, i.e. Sleeping Beauty

Ariel, i.e. Little Mermaid

Jasmine, from Aladdin

You also get pictures of posing with Cinderella in this folder. 

Desserts were pretty! and yummy. 

One of the new attractions was Ariel's Grove

Dumbo, the classic ride, is still there too. 

Goofy

Donald Duck

Daisy Duck

Minnie Mouse - our favorite!

I have a feeling that it will be quite a while until we set foot in another theme park... Although we had a great time, our next vacation will definitely be something very different. This vacation was very active, so maybe the next one will be just vegging out on a beach - a vegication!

Happy

Yesterday we New Yorkers finally got to enjoy some milder weather. I was singing the "Happy" song all day. Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth... Was sitting outside of Cafe Angelique in the West Village, in the best company, sipping my coffee and humming with happiness. Amazing what a few rays of sun can do to the spirit! 

Islands of Adventure

Universal owns two theme parks in Orlando, and here are the pictures of our day at Islands of Adventure. We had a great experience, even though we went on a Holiday (President's Day)  and I was expecting lots of people and long lines. There was none of that. The lines were not bad at all, and this park is also designed in a way that the waiting is an experience. The biggest draw here is the Harry Potter ride, and I have to say that it was amazing. I was truly impressed with the quality of the full experience. The ride itself was a simulation and you truly felt like you were flying high above the Hogwarts on a broomstick. Fun for kids and adults alike. 

This huge tower sits at the entrance to the theme park

Upon entering, you walk through this structure - pretty cool! 

This was the cartoon area

This was entrance to the Harry Potter Land

The size of the buildings was amazing. 

Hogwarts

Inside Hogwarts, you walk through the castle while waiting to get on the actual ride

The talking portraits of Hogwarts

Aladdin's eastern land - we went to see a live Aladdin Show which was lots of fun

Wolverine and the kiddos

The Spiderman ride was a bit scary for the little one, even though she's a big Spiderman fan. (Don't ask!)

Dr. Seuss Land was very cute

Upon leaving...

 

Universal Studios

During our winter break in Orlando, Florida, we went to three theme parks. The first day was spent at Universal Studios. I had never been there before and had heard some mixed reviews. However, it was a lot of fun, for both adults and kids. Compared to the Disney theme parks, the lines wer much shorter, and the waiting time was designed to entertain you so the waits did not seem that long. Most of the rides were 3D simulation rides, which I actually really liked, since I am not much for the roller coasters anymore...

Entrance to the Universal Studios theme park

The "movie sets" were cool - this one was New York, the Public Library.  

There was a Mardi Gras parade at night, complete with floats and throwing the beads. 

The transformers ride was a big hit the man of the house.. 

I liked the Disaster "movie production" where you took part in making the movie

You can also audition for a live Fear Factor show...

Fear Factor competitors drinking a smoothie made out of all kinds of gross stuff...
they also had to complete pretty difficult tasks being suspended from the ceiling on wires, etc. 

The park was beautifully made!

My artsy shots...

Lots of food options both inside the theme park, as well as right outside...

All in all, if you're going to Orlando, I would definitely recommend visiting the Universal Studios. You don't have to be a big movie buff to enjoy it.

Wang & Next Fall

I have a feeling that next fall we will all be wanting gray wool with utilitarian pockets, thick turtleneck sweaters with inventive textures, sporty style with big statement zippers, maybe even leather sweatpants, statement coats, utilitarian bags, slim shopping bags in luxe materials like croc, over the knee boots, and the mule that has the front boot but is open from the back.

Or, at least, that's what Alexander Wang showed in both his own collection, as well as the one he designed for Balenciaga.

The first five looks are from Wang's own line:

And these five beauties are what Wang designed for Balenciaga:

The hardest thing about this post was picking the looks from Wang's collections. So many good looks to choose from. And even though in high fashion, it may not be a good thing to call the looks wearable, I feel that these looks are very wearable and I predict that they will be copied for all the fast fashion stores. I can't afford to buy the originals, so I am HOPING they'll be copied for Zara, H&M & the like...