Destination: Orlando

A few months ago, I decided to book myself a warm-weather vacation on a week that I didn’t have any photo shoots booked. It’s a direct flight from Madison to Orlando International Airport and the flight time is only about two and a half hours.

 

I found a hotel called Hotel Monreale in the i-Drive district that was centrally located for what I wanted to do. It’s within walking distance of several cafés, restaurants and the i-ride trolley line.

I’d never been to Orlando and going to Florida ended up being a very smart idea since Madison had quite a cold snap while I was gone.

 

I brought my Canon R6 MKII camera and 35mm prime, but didn’t carry it that often. 

 

The Packers played the first day of my visit so I watched it at my favorite Tex-Mex joint: Chuy’s.  

I’ve been to Vegas about a dozen times and Orlando reminds me a bit of Las Vegas or the Wisconsin Dells. 

Chuy's on International Drive, Orlando
Chuy's on International Drive, Orlando
One of the colorful buildings on i-Drive
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
A fun, twilight photo at Cuba Libre Restaurant on i-Drive.
Kavas Tacos + Tequila
Bando Orlando b/w
An abandoned storefront in Orlando.
Wonderful, nighttime view of the swimming pool and Icon Park from my hotel.
A Day of the Dead mannequin at Café Tu Tu Tango
I've been playing a lot of Fallout 4 lately and Twistee Treat reminded me of something I'd see in Nuka-World.
Colorful building and bus on i-Drive
Mirror selfie during some downtime
Mural in progress. Artist unknown.
Regal Cinemas at twilight
Daytime view from my hotel room
I walked an average of three miles a day, which is typical for my vacations.    
I walked an average of three miles a day, which is typical for my vacations.    

I’m really glad I was able to get away from the Wisconsin winter for a week and had a lot fun in Orlando. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Hotel Monreale which is located very close to i-Drive and Icon Park.