We travelled for the first time as a family to USA east coast to visit my sister and her family this summer holiday. Everyone was so excited as we would be spending 3 weeks in Orlando, New York, Washington DC, Virginia before settling at Tampa, where they were based. My brother in-law has done a wonderful job planning and organising the holiday for us. Kudos to him!
There is no better place to start the tour than Orlando, where the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks are considered the best in the world.
We got day passes that allowed us to visit 3 theme parks, and we started our tour with Disney MGM Studios.
Regardless the day or time, the place is full of crowds.
Looking ahead to the Tower of Terror, an exciting ride of accelerated drop from 60m.
Hmmm... who swap my Ferrari with this old junk?
Route 66 ends at California.
I wouldn't mind taking this on Route 66.
Now showing: Planet Hollywood.
Break for dino ice cream anyone?
C-3PO losing his gold on one foot?
It's show time, Indiana Jones.
Like in all Indiana movies, there would be adventure and explosions. The good guy lives forever.
To get to our next theme park, we have to take the ferry across the lake.
Besides theme parks, the resort has a hotel. So convenient for the tourists.
Approaching the happiest place on earth, Disney World.
Following Mickey's foot steps...
...or fly away with him.
No wasting of time, to the Magic Kingdom we go.
Walt Disney leaving his mark across the globe.
The Magic Kingdom was opened in 1971 and has since been the world's most visited theme park.
A great way to see the park is to take the locomotive train.
The train enroute to a cowboy county...
...and a Red Indian settlement.
Mickey Mouse's bedroom.
One for the Pooh's fan.
Another break from a tiring but exciting day.
Sleeping Beauty Castle in the background.
Catching the Sleeping Beauty Musical.
The elaborated costumes and displays.
The day ended with a fireworks display over the Sleeping Beauty Castle. Unfortunately, I was there too late to capture it.
Epcot Centre is recognised by its iconic sphere, the Spaceship Earth.
Topiary pieces of Pluto, Goofy and Donald.
Admiring the fountain display.
The park has interesting horticulture art pieces throughout.
Be spotted.
Totem poles standing tall at the Canadian Pavilion.
Come under my wings and I shall protect you.
Beautifully constructed replicas of a British village in the United Kingdom Pavilion.
What a balancing act!
Entrance to the Morocco Pavilion.
Moroccan pieces on display.
The bazaar setting inside the Morocco city.
This is one of my favourite photos.
Italian Pavilion with Venetian & Roman architecture.
The replica of Saint Mark's Campanile stood inside the Italian expo.
The nicest buildings come from the German Pavilion.
The folklore German town square decorated with a clock tower and pretty facades.
Intricately made wooden wall clock.
Wooden toys, a typical German handy craft.
Temple of Heaven at the entrance to the Chinese Pavilion.
Stone lions guarding the pagoda.
A troll and Stave church symbolise the Norwegian Pavilion.
A full-scale Viking ship.
The Mexican Pavilion is constructed like the mesoamerican pyramid.
Mexican wall mural.
Sun setting behind the sphere.
Final shot for the day.
Disneyland is truly the happiest place on earth. It is indeed a haven for children, and I dare say no person would feel unhappy leaving the theme park. There is so much to see and enjoy, even for adults. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at MGM is a ride not for the faint hearted. Then again, the zero gravity fall is not to be missed. Simply awesome! My personal favourite would have to be Epcot Centre and its world expositions. There is so much to know of the various cultures and innovations brought by the participated countries. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves visiting all the theme parks. I felt like a child again.
And another travel trip awaiting....
