I always kind of figured it was a myth.....

I always kind of figured it was a myth. Then... one magical night downtown... I found it.

  

 

 The Vegan Hot Dog Cart.

 

 Its real.

 

And it  is DELICIOUS.

 

Vegan, Carnivore, Omnivore.... Whatever your meat-eating preference, I promise this will be the best hot dog you have ever devoured.

 

 

Before you write this off as crazy, hear me out. I am a person that never goes downtown.. just because I'm not big into the club scene. However, within two weeks, I have made three trips to this hot dog cart. I'm pretty sure the guy that runs the place is going to think I'm a stalker. The Chili Cajun Hot Dog is 100% worth it though... I have no regrets.

 

 

The Vegan Hot Dog Cart is locally owned and ran by three friends. (Eat Locally!)  

You can catch them every night downtown on Orange Ave (seriously, a vegan downtown option is amazing)... from 9pm to 3am.

If this is past your bedtime, you can catch them every other Tuesday at Tasty Tuesdays (hopefully EVERY Tuesday soon).

They also work different veggie events around town, most frequently Earth Day at Lake Eola.

 

 

 

They have a few different options... some quite unusual.

 The Kimchi dog (think Korean BBQ) is next on my list to try.

They have recently been featuring a Holiday Dog, which is basically like eating  Thanksgiving in a bun. The hot dog is covered in Cranberries.. it sounds weird... but it is sweet and somehow amazing.

 

 

My current obsession is the Chili Dog. Infused with Cajun flavoring, covered in chili and vegan cheese ( both made by them) and topped with fried onions. Oh, it sounds like heartburn, but its 100% Vegan.

 It will leave you will feeling satisfied, slightly spicy and completely addicted.

 

Do not let this majestic opportunity pass you up.

 Go.

As soon as possible.

(I already have plans to go tomorrow.)

 

https://www.facebook.com/TheVeganHotDogCart

 

 



The Most Fun You Will Have Downtown... For Only $10

I am not usually the person that is found hanging out downtown. On one rare night, I was down on Wall Street (for the first time ever) and I found myself staring at some guy dressed as Marty McFly. I couldn't figure it out... what was this guy doing?. A moment later, I noticed Madonna talking up Where's Waldo. Then.... then I saw Nightrider walking around, with a car and all.

 No it was not Comic-con nor Mega-con. It was the once a moth event known as Orlando Pub Crawl. With awesome themes, four free drinks, free cover for four bars and an unforgettable night... all for $10! Even if you're not a big club/party person (which I am not).... this event is still for you.

Unfortunately, I had missed the awesomeness of the 80's Pub Crawl and I vowed not to miss the next awesome theme. Last night, The Walking Dead Pub Crawl happened and it was anything but dead.
For a few extra bucks, you could get your make up done at the bar. Of course, with normal Orlando flare, most people did their own make-up and costumes.... and it was PHENOMINAL.



My friend Ryan as a character from Walking Dead



There were show characters, there were survivors, there were zombies, and there were normal humans that just wanted to drink. No matter how you were dressed, you were guaranteed a smashing time. Random fans were taking pictures with each others left and right. Fandoms were mixed, mingled and created. One guy even brought a box of twinkles... (think Zombieland). Friends were made all around.



Vegan Zombie "Grains Not Brains"

This five hour downtown night was truly unforgettable. We got into four different clubs,  with a free drink at each one and two dollar specials all night.  Walking between the bars, we definitely freaked out some pedestrians which was unintentional but totally worth it. Each bar was mingled with pub crawlers and people that had no idea what was going on. It was quite entertaining.

 

 I was actually lucky enough to go with a group of friends that were really into the event. We even were able to get a special effects artist to do our makeup before we went.



If you have an event and need some professional make up, please contact me for her info! She is amazing!

I definitely suggest looking for a theme coming up that you're into... getting a group together... and going all out. It was invigorating going down town and not having to worry about heels, make-up, hair or how you look. Instead the focus was on the costume and just having fun!

If you want to see some far better pictures- please check out Orlando Pub Crawl's Facebook page to see their official photographs!  I was way too busy having fun to capture shots. Also  don't forget to follow them on FB to find out about the next crawl. Www.orlandopubcrawl.com

An Unofficial Self-Proclaimed Insider Look at Universal...

 

 

I have a friend that recently moved to Florida and the other day when we were chatting I asked if he had ever been to Universal. He said he had and he finished the whole park in two hours. TWO HOURS! I was flabbergasted! Universal is one of my favorite places on Earth and he finished the whole park in TWO HOURS!! Once I picked my jaw up off the floor, I realized he we went with another Florida resident and she gave him the tour... the I've been here a million times, let's ride the coasters and leave tour. I seriously mulled over this for days because it bothered me so much. I realized that we are spoiled here in Orlando and we take advantage of the wondrous world in our own back yard. Places that as a child living in Ohio I only dreamed I would be able to visit. Even worse... we are allowing our bad habits to rub off on others.

 

 

 I say get rid of your "Let's hit the rides and leave" mentality and take in everything there is to do at Universal Orlando! I decided to do an unofficial blog about all the wonders at Universal that I, a self-proclaimed insider, love.

 

 

 

 So here we go..... (Please imagine your own movie theme music at this time... preferably the score from Back to the Future).

 

Old Hollywood

 

 

Whenever I enter Universal.... I cannot resist going into the Lucy Tribute. Even if you're not a huge I Love Lucy fan, it is still a great look at Hollywood History and how television production used to be. They also have a great array of old Hollywood novelties you cannot find in other stores.

 

 

For me, a lot of the great things in life are in the details... so I suggest you pay attention to the signs at Universal. Keep reading and you'll understand why. This is probably the only version of Rodeo Dr. I could afford to shop on....

 

 

 

This may be my favorite store... ever. I mean, come on it is shaped like a bowler hat! And it sells hats!! Every kind of hat, so stop in and try some on. It is here that I learned I could never rock Marge Simpson's haircut.

 

 

As Weezer says.... Beverly Hills, that's where I want to be! Take the right selfie with this sign and your gullible friend on Facebook might actually believe you're in Cali.

 

 

It wouldn't really be Hollywood without stars would it? The walk of fame is here!

 

 

You can also find quite a few of your favorite actors/actresses walking around too such as Betty Boop and Marilyn Monroe. Get ready for that new profile picture!

 

 

Terminator 2 is definitely one of the classics but when is the last time that you helped Arnold Schwarzenegger save  human kind? This show is amazing! Half live actors... have recorded... full of adventure! It's also kind of a kick to see what they predicted future technology to be and how far we've come. So come with me if you want to live have fun.

 

 

I am truly embarrassed at the number of times I passed this building without realizing that it really is a LIVE MAGIC SHOW! If you pass by while the doors are open, go in! It features several magic tricks that are sure to delight. These magicians do reveal their secrets... so if the kids (or you) are really into it, you can even buy a kit for each trick that teaches you how to do it.

 

 

While you're walking down the street, take time to look inside these store windows. They are so detailed. If you're really lucky, you may find some cleverly hidden references.

 

 

Located on top of the Horror Makeup Show is this sign for McCurdy and Sons Photo-Graphics. Perhaps named after Arthur McCurdy who developed the portable tank for developing film??

 

 

Speaking of the Horror Makeup Show... if you make one stop in Hollywood it HAS to be this! This show is a non-stop riot. It takes you behind the scenes with a horror makeup artist to see how they use movie magic to make creatures come to life. Universal takes a second to laugh at some pretty horrible creations they've had but they also highlight the progress and changes within the industry that allow the use of the CGI transformations we see today. It's great for all ages.

  

 

 

Stop here at the right time and you can join some of your favorite characters from Despicable Me and Hop for a dance party!! Make sure to check a map for the times for Universal's Superstar Parade.

 

 

Getting hungry yet? Stop by one of the grooviest places around for some fries and a shake... Mel's Drive-In. Does the name sound familiar? Versions of Mel's have been featured in various movies such as Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and American Graffiti.

 

 

I always take time to stroll back in the Garden of Allah Villas. It's absolutely beautiful and a great spot to take pictures. It is almost always empty because everyone just walks on by...

 

 

Does the name sound familiar? Well it should. Garden of Allah Villas was located on the Sunset Strip and was a temporary home for numerous famous people including F. Scott Fitzgerald. 

 

 

Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone

  

Don't let the heading fool you... let's be honest you want to hang out here too. If you haven't... well you are missing out! While sure... only kids can ride Woody's rollercoaster, there are a ton of things you can do to feel like a kid again!

 

 

 SpongeBob Storepants is more than just a store... Inside you can often find SpongeBob or Patrick waiting to take pictures. You can also climb inside SpongeBob's pineapple and see Gary!

 

 

 ET is waiting for you to help him fly home! What other ride lets you ride a flying bike into outer space?? Sure... it has been around for a while but it is a classic!  Plus, no other ride actually says your name at the end of it!!!

 

 

Fievel Goes West was one of my favorites as a kid and it is a blast to go into now! Climb around giant props to feel like a kid again. It also makes awesome Instagram pics.

 

 

 

Normal Florida weather means that you're probably a little hot right now...

 

Follow George's footsteps through this water area to stay dry! Or if you want... go your own way, splash, play and cool down.

 

If you catch someone unaware... you can surprise splash them which is just as fun as it was when you were a kid!

 

Need to dry off? Tired of walking? Take a break and hang out with some of the best actors around...

 

This show is adorable. It is also a great place to catch some of your favorite characters including the pug from Men in Black.

 

It is absolutely mandatory that you stop and admire these props from Back to the Future.

 

I now request a moment of silence for contemplating how great this trilogy is.

Springfield

Whether you're a Simpson fan or not, it is amazing how Universal transformed this area that was originally just the Simpsons' Ride into a real life Springfield.

 

If you haven't eaten yet... this is the perfect time. They have donuts, hamburgers, chicken and a taco truck.

 

 Thirsty? You can even stop by Moe's Tavern for a Flaming Moe or a Duff Beer

 



 

 World Expo

Nothing says fun like some friendly competition....

 

 

Which is exactly what you'll find at Men in Black. Want some tips? Listen for the announcement to hit the red button and score some major points. If your team scores high enough, at the end... they will give you the suit. Moral of the story? Aim well and go for the SUIT!!

 

 

Where else could you get the opportunity to do Fear Factor?? Why not auction to do it for the day. I have yet to do this but it is definitely on my UO bucket list!!

 

Harry Potter!!

 

 

Okay so it's not open yet... but they have a great view of the progress!

 

 

 

You're probably wondering why I added a picture of the fence surrounding the construction... that's because this is not just an ordinary fence. Downloaded the ScreenPLAY app for your phone and watch these posters come to life. The Jurassic Park poster is definitely worth your time... it looks like the T-Rex is coming out of the poster! Bravo Universal, bravo!

 

San Francisco

 

Welcome back to California for an amazing time!

 

 

You probably remember the attraction Earthquake... well it got a makeover. Follow director Christopher Walken (Yes that Christopher Walken) as he gives you the opportunity to be in his next action movie. Try to sit up front so you get chosen!! In the end, you even get to watch it! It is so worth the time.

 

 

Missing Jaws yet? I am. At least you can still take your picture with him at the pier.

 

This may just be a candy store.. but you should go inside. They have great gifts you can take home... or eat there if you have a major sweet tooth! Watch out though because they do sell flavored bugs. Yes. Bugs.

 

I had always just walked by Beetlejuice until last year and now I totally regret it. This show... which recently received an update... is a true monster bash!

 

New York 

 

 

Time to head back to the East Coast... and of course... there is a Starbucks here. Or if you prefer, there is also a Ben and Jerry's.

Much like the Hollywood area... New York is filled with history and beautiful sights. The Empire Hotel is a famous hotel in New York.

If you have Irish ancestry... this store is a must. You can look up your family's symbol. It also comes available to buy on mugs, key chains, etc.

There's areas of New York that you can walk through and they are just stunning and almost always empty. Once again... look closely at the signs. You may find some hidden meanings.

 

Finnegan's bar and grill has the most delicious french fries in the park. I definitely recommend eating here if you haven't stopped for food yet.

My favorite ride at Universal is the Mummy. You should ride it numerous times. Seriously, it is that good. It actually used to be King Kong... if you look closely you may be able to find the statue of him still inside the ride!

 

While Super Hero Island is next door... you can catch the Metropolis Tribune here at Universal.

 

There is no subway... but this definitely gives the feel of New York and it is a great photo op.

 

 

Production Central

Production Central is the area where you will find numerous new and exciting rides! But first... there is a classic.

 

Be honest with yourself... when was the last time you actually went through Twister? It's time you do it again.

 

 Rip Ride and Rocket is phenomenal. Jump on this one of a kind roller coaster, choose your own background music, and take off. While waiting in line, you can look up codes for extra song choices on your phone!

 

Put on your ogre vision goggles and go on adventure with your favorite fairy tale creatures. Pay attention when you leave the attraction, the characters might be out for photo opportunities. 

Another 3D adventure is right across the sidewalk with Despicable Me. Be prepared for a cute storyline and a very awesome time. The line for this ride is can be really long due to high popularity... so try to hit it up first thing in the morning!

 

 

The newest attraction is Transformers and it is everything you hoped it would be. I don't want to give anything away so that is all I will say... besides RIDE IT SOON!! I also recommend hitting this up early in the morning before it gets super busy.

 

 

With everything there is to see and do at Universal... it will definitely take more than two hours. Turn off Netflix for a day and actually spend the whole day exploring this wondrous place that is right down the road. If you haven't seen the Cinematic Spectacular at night it is amazing. Check online to see what nights it is running. Also, don't forget Mardi Gras is still going on for the next month!!