In this 2-part post, I share how I vacationed for 16 days in the middle of July. Donovan joined me for a few days. The first stop I made in Orlando was business for Lead4Change. My reservations included three Hilton Grand Vacations properties: Las Palmeras, McAlpin-Ocean Plaza, and Lagoon Tower.

The Conference July 9-12

I began this journey in Orlando, where I participated in my second professional development of the summer. I attended my annual Lead4Change meeting as a member of the Educator Advisory Board (EAB). If you are an educator, please check out this free service-learning leadership program at www.lead4change.org. Members of the EAB attended the National Network of State Teachers of the Year (NNSTOY) Conference at Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek during our 4-day stay. We also went on a private tour of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal. Although D met me in Orlando, I continued my professional development.

July 12-15

Because we were already in Orlando, I took advantage of an HGV offer and booked at Las Palmeras. I did not use points or pay the registration fee; instead, I participated in the HGV referral program. We booked accommodations at the same type of property offered to my friends and family and paid $112.00 for a 4-day stay. If you do not believe this price is a bargain, google Las Palmeras. Christopher took advantage of this offer, and his testimony appears in the post About LSKTravelz. I DO NOT expect anyone to purchase a timeshare.

Las Palmeras

We took an Uber to Epcot because we wanted to experience Drinking Around the World. If you make it to Epcot, you should know this is not an official sanctioned Disney activity. The purpose of the World Showcase is to learn about each country that you visit while you sample food and quench your thirst with a beverage. Because security will search your bag before entering, you should include going through security as part of your planning. I took 30 minutes to get through the line because I had a purse. D made his way through security in 5 minutes. In the souvenir shop, D purchased a passport to track the countries we visited. I picked up my souvenir Christmas ornament.

Tips and Tricks

Here is additional information you should know before you start drinking around the world.

• Share drinks and food. We split most of the alcoholic beverages. Not only will you consume less alcohol, but you will also save money.

• Be aware of the squirrels. Some of them are “gangsta,” and one tried to grab our food. When we moved to a different table, the squirrel followed us and tried to jump on the table.

• Stay hydrated; do not buy water. After we paid $14.00, yep $7.00 per bottle, I watched someone ask for water at one of the food stands. Some establishments have cups of water ready for you.

• We took 5 hours to complete the journey, and we did not start in Mexico. In one of the posts I read, the blogger made it clear that you should not start in Mexico. That was our last stop.

On the Move

I like Las Palmeras. The rooms are large and well maintained. The outdoor bar is another place to hang out. D agreed, and he also noted the property is kid-friendly. He believes any adult activity would enhance the property. I am always working and, I had a delightful conversation with one of the employees. He is attending the University of Central Florida. Before we left Las Palmeras, I used the laundry facilities. I have learned to pack fewer items in my suitcase because I wash my clothes when I travel. Checkout was at 10:00AM, and our flight to Fort Lauderdale was at 11:00AM. We called an Uber.

South Beach July 15-18

We ate breakfast at The Club MCO (Priority Pass Select). After we landed, we took an Uber to the timeshare property in South Beach. Since we were in Florida, D and I booked a flight to Fort Lauderdale. I am always looking for ways to maximize my timeshare ownership. Why fly back to Chicago to book another flight to travel to South Beach if you are already in Florida? We used points to book at Ocean Plaza, paid the $67.00 registration fee, and hung out in South Beach for a 4-day stay. I slept on the sofa sleeper, and D took the bedroom.

Ocean Plaza

Ocean Plaza is an older property in the midst of a remodel. Even though it was not as roomy as Las Palmeras, the accommodations were just fine. There is no pool, but there is a Jacuzzi, chairs, and loungers on the rooftop next to a giant chessboard. Prepare yourself for one elevator in this four-story building. Everything we wanted to do was within walking distance. We started with a walk across the street. That trip was short-lived because of the stench from the overpopulation of seaweed. Of course, we were hungry. D discovered Krispy Krunchy Chicken, and I ordered seasoned fries at the place next door. I satisfied my sweet tooth at Insomnia Cookies then we settled in for the night.

Wet Willie’s, CJ’s Crab Shack, La Sombra, and Insomnia Cookies

We headed to Wet Willie’s. I do not know why we had a cocktail first. The bartender highly recommended CJ’s Crab Shack. The food was delicious. Check your receipt for gratuity before you tip. We left CJ’s and took a different path back to the timeshare. We stopped at H&M for some great deals. I also looked for my souvenir Christmas ornament, and D looked for magnets. D hung out in the room while I met a friend at La Sombra Restaurant & Lounge for Happy Hour from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. The mojitos were $6.00. They also have free yoga classes on Monday and Wednesday. Of course, I needed dessert, and we stopped by Insomnia Cookies. I did not realize there were locations in Chicago. Although there is a lot of activity on Ocean Drive, make your way down Collins or Washington to see what is happening.

The Bass Museum

Time for some culture. I headed to The Bass Museum of Art, and I cannot tell you what D got into while I took advantage of the art scene in South Beach. One of the EAB members suggested I visit the museum and a restaurant inside one of the hotels. I stopped by Diez y Seis. The meal was delicious. I returned to the room and adjusted my suitcase to accommodate the items I purchased at H&M while D washed his clothes for the next stop.

Flight #3 How I Vacationed for 16 Days

D and I had a liquid breakfast, and I tried the tiramisu at an Italian restaurant near Ocean Plaza. We took an Uber to the airport. Initially, we booked a 1:30PM flight, but we had to rebook a later flight. I do not know if I shared with you that D has unique taste buds that can only taste chicken, pizza, and shrimp. Because the Fort Lauderdale airport does not have an airport lounge, we used our Priority Pass Select benefit to dine (no longer available) at a Kafe Kalik. The salad was tasty, and D enjoyed his skewers of shrimp. We finally made it to New Orleans. I will meet you in another post for Part II.