I recently unearthed a travel blog from 2016 detailing a family trip to Florida and the Bahamas. This is my first ever travel blog, which showed my interests in travel writing. It was a joy revisiting those memories, although I realised the account lacked detail. The images are also not the best quality. Memory of those times has faded somewhat, and while I’ve done my best to enrich the narrative, there may still be gaps. I hope you enjoy this “blast from the past,” as much as I enjoyed reliving my memories.
It was an ordinary evening that turned extraordinary as we bundled into the car at 6:00 pm, brimming with excitement, and started our journey to Kolkata Airport. Being a frequent traveler, I am accustomed to economy class, but I thought, “Why not add a dash of comfort to our journey?” So, I asked her about the possibility of an upgrade to business class. To my delight, she replied affirmatively, her smile growing brighter.
Our flight arrived soon after, its massive structure imposing against the night sky. We boarded, found our seats, and after a scrumptious dinner on board, I dozed off. Upon waking up, the flashing lights of Dubai greeted me, an impressive beacon in the darkness of the night.
In Dubai, we found our way to the Emirates A380 lounge, a haven of comfort amid the bustling airport. The clock read 2:30 am as we boarded our connecting flight to New York. We spent our time sleeping, interspersed with entertainment from the onboard selection Freshened up with a hot cup of cappuccino, the rather long flight ended.
Upon arrival in New York, we swiftly hopped onto another flight to Orlando. From there, a friendly taxi driver navigated us to our abode for the duration of our visit, the enchanting Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resorts. The stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere promised a memorable stay. The rooms are rather small, but the location and the perks are unlike any other. After all, you won’t be spending much time in the room anyway.
Rejuvenated from a brief rest, we decided to explore Hollywood Studios. On reaching the ticket counter, we opted to extend our 5-day park hopper pass to a 7-day one, to make the most of our trip. The park hopper granted us access to all disney parks over 7 days, with transport. We opted for the fast pass, which had a steep price but was worth it as we spent hours of time skipping the queue. The highlight of our day was the spellbinding ‘Fantasmic’ show, which left us awe-inspired, and we retired to our hotel rooms with the magic of Disney lingering in our hearts.
On Day 1, we greeted the morning with enthusiasm. I savoured a hearty breakfast of eggs and cornflakes before we embarked on our expedition to the Epcot Centre. It was a day filled with thrilling rides from the exhilarating ‘Mission Space’ to the informative ‘Living with the Land’ boat ride that offered insights into modern cultivation practices. We also did the Indoor rides, which included Soarin and the Nemo ride, where we had lunch as well. Test track, another high speed ride was amazing and a ride not to be missed. I loved it a lot.
As the day wore on, we toured the World Showcase, marveling at the replicas of Chichen Itza in Mexico and the intricate temples in China. We also wondered around the beautiful showcase of Morocco, France, Canada and Norway. Dinner at the Boardwalk was an event in itself, as we feasted on sumptuous Italian food, entertained by a talented juggler performing with glasses and balls.
Our day ended with a thrilling ride on the Rock’n Roll rollercoaster at Hollywood Studios. As we nestled into our hotel beds, exhausted but content, I realized we were not just on a vacation, but a journey of discovery, thrill, and wonderment. This trip promised to be a treasure trove of memories that we would cherish forever.
Day 2, we hopped onto the Walt Disney shuttle bus that carried us to the water park, arriving just in time for the park opening at 9:50 am. Once there, we stashed our belongings in a locker, slathered on some sun tan lotion to protect our skin from the scorching Florida sun, and raced towards our first ride: the exhilarating Crush N Gusher and Storm Slides.
Our water-filled adventure continued as we tackled a 60-degree slide that made our adrenaline surge and our hearts pound with excitement. Around noon, we took a break for a delectable lunch of salad and burger, seated right by the Wave Pool. Suddenly, we heard a roar that sounded akin to a tsunami, only to realise it was the massive wave in the pool! We couldn’t resist diving in, letting the water wash over us and laughing at the unexpected surprise.
Post lunch, we floated along the Lazy River, soaking in the relaxing vibes and the warm sun. After a day filled with splashes and screams of delight, we headed back to our hotel for a much-needed afternoon nap.
Once we were refreshed, we made our way to Downtown Disney, an iconic shopping, dining, and entertainment centre. We found cute outfits for my sister, and indulged in sea salt caramel ice cream from Ghirardelli – an absolute must-try! Our visit ended with a peek at an impressive T-Rex statue before we hopped on a bus back to our hotel.
There’s something incredibly magical about walking into Universal Studios, and on Day 4 of our adventure, I found myself feeling like a little kid on Christmas morning. The energy, the excitement, the anticipation – it was palpable, contagious, and undeniably fun.
As I walked through the entrance, I couldn’t help but marvel at the park’s sheer scale. It’s not just a theme park – it’s a world unto itself, a universe of thrills and enchantment. Every detail, from the carefully crafted storefronts to the remarkably friendly staff, seemed to have been designed to immerse visitors in a truly fantastical experience.
As we strolled on, my heart pounded in anticipation. We had chosen the Incredible Hulk roller coaster as our first ride. As the ride rocketed off, I could hear nothing but the wind whistling past my ears and my own exhilarated screams. This was my first time ever on an upside down rollercoaster and boy oh boy it was an experience.
We then ventured into the land of Spiderman. Riding the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man was akin to stepping into a comic book – the 3D effects were so real, it felt like we were swinging through New York alongside our beloved web-slinger.
Transitioning from the bright, colourful world of superheroes, we entered into the heart of adventure at the Jurassic World. Here, we were transported back to a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. From the heart-stopping drops of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster to the more laid-back yet equally enthralling Jurassic Park River Adventure.
A short walk from the world of dinosaurs, we entered the Revenge of the Mummy. As we embarked on this thrilling escape from the Mummy’s curse, I found myself laughing out loud at the pure, unadulterated fun of it all. It was a blend of fear, excitement, and utter joy that only a ride like this could inspire.Next, we cranked up the tunes at the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. With each twist and turn, we were rockstars, with our own chosen soundtrack blaring in our ears.
Yet, the cherry on top of this day filled with thrills was the magical world of Harry Potter. The world was magical, and magnificent. The two rides – Hagrids roller coaster and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride – were immersive and well designed. I also indulged in some butter beer and some street performances which gave the place a feel. Boarding station 9 ¾ was also an interesting touch added. The train journey from the main park to Hogwarts is very unique. The train windows show schemes across the world of harry potter which is magical and a great touch to the overall experience.
As we exited Universal Studios, I found myself not just physically exhausted, but emotionally spent as well. We had experienced so much in a single day – the fear, the excitement, the joy, the wonder. It was an overload of the senses, a truly memorable experience. And as we enjoyed a much-needed meal at New Punjab, the day’s adventures replaying in our minds, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly grateful for such a day.
Day 5 began with an air of buzzing anticipation as we set off for the Kennedy Space Center. The excitement of exploring this epicentre of space exploration was palpable. We passed through the entrance, our digital tickets in hand, and stepped into a realm that embodied human ambition and curiosity.
The first thing on our agenda was an IMAX movie, which transported us to the vast depths of space. We journeyed through galaxies and observed celestial bodies right from our seats. It was like being an astronaut for a day, and the experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Following this, we embarked on a guided bus tour of the Space Center that was chock full of information. The intricacies of the powerful SLS rocket, its structure and capabilities, left us all in awe. It felt like we were privy to the inner workings of the space missions, giving us a deeper appreciation for the magnitude of these undertakings.
We then had lunch amidst this intriguing environment, fuelling up for the next leg of our adventure. The Atlantis spaceship movie was next, painting a vivid picture of the iconic spacecraft and its voyages. The exhibits pièce de résistance, however, was the spaceship tunnel. Crawling through it and sliding down the 40-degree slide, we got to experience a simulated astronaut journey first-hand, an opportunity of a lifetime.
Day 6 arrived with a promise of more magical adventures, starting with retail therapy at Vineland Mall. Our shopping spree was accompanied by a food spree at Taco Bell. Nothing beats a hearty meal of nachos and pizza, especially when it’s one of Papa’s favourite American treats.
In the evening, we went to the Magic Kingdom. It was 9 pm and you might be wondering why we went so late. The answer is magic Hours. People residing in Diney get access to parks at odd hours to skip the whole queue. Queue times are literally less than 5 minutes, and we got through the whole park in 5 hours. We kick-started our night with the mesmerising Electric Street Parade before embarking on a host of thrilling rides. The Tales of Winnie the Pooh took us into the heart of Hundred Acre Woods, while the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train invited us into the dwarfs’ enchanting world. We did the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the Barnstormer as well.
The Space Mountain catapulted us into a cosmic adventure, filled with shooting stars and celestial satellites. Because of low lines, I did this ride twice. Jungle Cruise took us on a delightful riverboat tour of Asia, Africa, and South America, while Splash Mountain had us giggling as we took a log flume ride through a Southern-themed spectacle.
Our grand finale for the day, however, came with the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride. Midway through the second run, the ride stalled! But the unexpected turn of events added a hint of adventure to the already thrilling day. Rescued by the ride operators, we had an unexpected behind-the-scenes peek. We returned to the hotel, our minds buzzing with stories of roller coasters, river cruises, and a behind-the-scenes adventure.
Our seventh day in Orlando began in the cosy confines of Pikabu, a charming eatery we’d come to frequent. Breakfast was followed by a trip to Blizzard Beach, where the sun blazed brightly above us. We made our entrance, eager for the thrills that awaited. The first of those was the Teamboat Springs, the world’s longest family white-water raft ride. Together, we navigated the winding currents and thrilling drops.
The Florida weather was as unpredictable as our adventures, and soon enough, a sudden downpour sent us scurrying to the Melt-Away Bay wave pool. The waves ebbed and flowed, matching our laughter and high spirits. As the rain abated, we split up to conquer more rides. A tactical move – mother in one queue, father and I in another.
I’d be remiss not to mention the heart-pounding adrenaline rush that was the Summit Plummet. At a height of 120 feet, it’s one of the tallest free-fall water slides in the world, and let me tell you, the descent was nothing short of electrifying. We also had our share of fun at the Downhill Double Dipper, racing each other down the twin tube slides.
That afternoon, we traded the snowy slopes of Blizzard Beach for the wild frontier of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Our first stop was the Kali River Rapids, an exhilarating river raft ride through the lush jungle. It was a refreshing contrast to the morning’s icy adventures.
Lunch was an affair to remember at the Yak & Yeti Restaurant. The flavours of Asian cuisine tickled our taste buds, and the engaging map game kept me entertained.
Post lunch, it was time for the highlight of our visit – the Expedition Everest roller coaster. This ride isn’t just about the thrill, it’s an immersive journey through a Tibetan village at the base of Mount Everest. Racing forwards and backwards through the mountain, while an angry Yeti tries to thwart our path, was an experience unlike any other.
Our adventure continued at the Avatar: Flight of Passage. This breathtaking 3D ride took us soaring on a banshee over Pandora’s lush landscape. As we swooped over vast oceans and dense forests, it felt as if we were truly part of the Avatar universe.
The day wound down with a Kilimanjaro Safari through the African savannah, where we saw lions, giraffes, zebras, and more unique animals in an open environment from a jeep which was amazing. The adventure culminated in a thrilling ride DINOSAUR, back in time that took us face-to-face with these ancient beasts.
As we returned to our hotel, heads filled with memories of plummeting water slides, roaring Yetis, and majestic animals, it was clear that our Orlando adventure had left an indelible mark on us.
Next day, the journey from Orlando to Miami was as smooth as one could ask for, with a private Mercedes taxi that made us feel like VIPs. We reached the dock and were greeted by the magnificent Norwegian Sky. The sheer scale and beauty of the ship were captivating, and we knew our vacation had started.
We passed through the hustle of the check-in process and were intrigued by the diverse set of passengers. After exploring the luxurious interiors of the ship and settling into our well-furnished cabin with a balcony. The rooms were small but well designed and had a nice balcony area with views of the sea. We ended the day with a bellyful of laughter, courtesy of the onboard comedy show.
Our day began with an appetising breakfast and an exciting view of Freeport harbor. As we disembarked, we met a character dressed as a pirate who had a parrot on his back which was a nice touch who certainly added flair to our vacation pictures. We headed straight to the beach, where my father and I indulged in some water sports while my mother captured these delightful moments.
Post our beach adventure, we returned to the Norwegian Sky to continue our exploration. I dived into the onboard swimming pool while my parents enjoyed a rejuvenating dip in the hot tub. As evening fell, we decided to have dinner at La Italiago, an onboard Italian restaurant that served an exquisite range of pizzas and ended our meal with a delicious Chocolate Napoleon.
Our third day was packed with a variety of activities. While my parents pampered themselves with a spa treatment, I took the chance to lounge by the pool, enjoying the sun and the vibrant ship atmosphere. Later, we all participated in a game of Bingo, testing our luck amid bouts of laughter and cheers. I also played some games like mini golf, video games in the arcade and also shuffleboard, which I think I got addicted to.
I spent the rest of the day engaging in several activities around the ship – from challenging my cognitive skills with Sudoku puzzles to admiring the fascinating ship architecture. An evening show, aptly named ‘Fountain,’ provided a blend of comedy and dance that kept us entertained.
On the fourth day, we allowed ourselves the luxury of sleeping in until 9:30 AM. The morning routine began as always, breakfast, followed by freshening up. The excitement for the day heightened as we left the cruise ship and stepped foot on the beautiful island of Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas.
Our first destination in Nassau was the famed Queen’s Staircase. This major landmark, carved out of solid limestone by slaves in the late 18th century, was a significant slice of Bahamian history.
Next, we journeyed to the world-renowned Atlantis Resort, the first of its kind to be built. The grandeur and magnificence of the resort were awe-inspiring, as was the exquisite marine habitat. Here, we indulged in a bit of retail therapy, browsing through an assortment of high-end boutiques. A sweet interlude was a scrumptious milkshake from Ben & Jerry’s, a delightful indulgence that added to our pleasant memories of Atlantis. Following this we did some touring and local shopping in Downtown Nasau.
The afternoon sun greeted us as we returned to our cruise ship. Onboard, we witnessed a game of Deal or No Deal which was fun. The day concluded with a sumptuous dinner followed by a captivating show named ‘Las Vegas Nevada.’ The electric atmosphere and vibrant performances were a treat to our senses. Retiring to our room, we packed our bags, left them outside for collection, and surrendered to the call of a peaceful sleep.
Our final morning on the cruise was tinged with a sense of sweet sadness. After our last breakfast onboard, we packed our remaining belongings and bid adieu to the ship. A quick taxi ride later, we were checking into our new residence in Miami, the luxurious Ritz Carlton.
Despite the travel, we couldn’t resist the lure of the hotel’s inviting swimming pool. We spent the early afternoon lounging by the poolside, soaking up the warm Miami sun. This was followed by a leisurely stroll around the vibrant neighbourhood.
Lunch was a culinary adventure at Sushi Samba, where we savoured an array of unique fusion dishes that married Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines. The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to shopping, exploring the myriad stores that lined Miami’s bustling streets.
Our evening was highlighted by a special dinner at Hakkasan in the iconic Fontainebleau Hotel, for an exquisite meal of contemporary Chinese delicacies. After bidding goodbye to our friends, we ambled back to our hotel, ready for a good night’s rest.
The sixth day in Miami began with a flurry of shopping. We purchased a new suitcase and made a pit stop at Macy’s. My mother and I decided to savour a scrumptious Falafel meal at Maoz, while my father returned to the hotel to drop off our purchases.
The afternoon was pure relaxation. We lounged by the pool, revelling in the warmth of the Miami sun. Snacks of hummus, bean dip, and chips were enjoyed by the poolside. A refreshing mixed vegetable salad added a healthful touch to our lazy afternoon. We ended our day with a room-service dinner of delicious pasta, which was served with great care and presentation. With our bellies full and hearts content, we settled into a peaceful sleep.
Our seventh day started early at 7 AM. After a quick supermarket run for breakfast, we headed straight for the beach. The morning was spent building sand castles, soaking up the sun, and devouring delicious patties.
Lunch was a humongous single slice of pizza. Each of us managed to polish off an entire slice! The afternoon saw me playing solitaire and tennis at the hotel, while my parents spent some time at Nikki Beach with our relatives.
We rounded off the day with dinner at a Tapas bar near our hotel, where we savoured a scrumptious Paella. Exhausted yet satisfied, we headed back to our hotel to catch some much-needed rest.
Our final day in Miami began late, waking up at 10 AM. We started the day with shopping at Bal Harbour.
Our last evening was celebrated with a grand dinner at Zuma, where we indulged in contemporary Japanese cuisine. We were carried to the restaurant by boat which was spectacular. The flavours, the presentation, the ambiance, everything was unparalleled. It was the perfect way to end our Miami adventure. A few standout dishes were the sweet potato and asparagus robata grills, the sushi selection, the spinach salad and a not to be missed, the truffle rice pot. This was my first introduction to truffles and from that day, I have loved this delicacy. Zuma, as a chain in general, I can say is the best restaurant in the world for me.
The day of departure arrived all too soon. We started our day with a repeat of the huge pizza slice, this time serving as our lunch. We then checked out of the hotel and headed to the airport.
Upon reaching New York, we indulged in a shopping spree at Ghirardelli, Godiva, and Lindt, stocking up on decadent chocolates. An in-flight meal was enjoyed, followed by me watching some movies and savouring a cappuccino at the aircraft bar.
The final leg of our journey was filled with in-flight video games and the growing excitement of returning home. On reaching Kolkata, after completing the immigration formalities, we collected our luggage, exited the airport, and finally returned home, carrying with us a suitcase full of memories from our unforgettable holiday in Florida.
Travel Footprints 