Things in Orlando (not the world) the proove you have arrived

[cynic710]

Coming from Connecticut the sites, sounds and feelings of being in Orlando and the surrounding areas are always a great, exciting start to a Disney trip. So what about all of you? what things besides the parks themselves really let you know that you have finally arrived?

for us:
1. MCO all together is a great reminder
2. Disney themed billboards are always thrilling to see
3. highway exit signs for the world
4. the cheesy orlando tourist trap gift shops
5. palm trees

 

[danpam1024]

the ears on I4-10 minutes to BW!!!!!

 

[ChevisMickey]

I don't live in Orlando, however with family there I visit several times a year. An exciting start to our Disney trip will start with the billboards and exit signs, but we don't get the Disney feel until we see the signs as we are entering Disney property. Then we know it is time to begin our Disney fun!

 

[zurgandfriend]

The tram to the main terminal, and that first blast of heat as you leave the terminal to board the DME always do it for me.

 

[Disney Shib]

I'd have to say the smell of MCO. It just screams i'm on vacation and don't have to go to work tomorrow!

 

[Allym146]

Disney's Earport in the Orlando Airport.

 

[James122]

International Drive. All the corny tourist trap attractions are always sign that I've arrived in one of the biggest vacation meccas in the world.

 

[jkl2000]

The tram to the main terminal, and that first blast of heat as you leave the terminal to board the DME always do it for me.

That and a palm tree will do it for me!

 

[Disnee4Me]

We drove down from Connecticut the last three trips during the Christmas holiday and just hitting the Florida border gets me excited thinking that it's just a couple of hours away (and also that I don't need that winter coat on).

 

[LIMA TIME]

We drive from NC, so making the big right hand turn from I-95 onto I-4, then once we drive under the Seminole county over pass, everyone in the car is going nuts. (usually my wife punching me with excitement.) Then it is on to pure delirium once we drive past the Amway Center in Down town Orlando.

 

[DaveN1996]

Tram to the terminal and of course all of the crappy knock off gift shops all around

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

As your halfway out past MCO and this comes on...

 

[MaxsDad]

We drive from NC, so making the big right hand turn from I-95 onto I-4, then once we drive under the Seminole county over pass, everyone in the car is going nuts. (usually my wife punching me with excitement.) Then it is on to pure delirium once we drive past the Amway Center in Down town Orlando.

We drive the same route. Other landmarks that build to a pinnacle once you go under the WDW Welcome Sign:

Shortly after you cross over into FL, you go on a bridge that crosses a waterway north of JAX. I always look at this one house that sits out on a peninsula on the left near the HWY. It looks like it would be such a nice place to live. Tells me I am in FL.

I also always look for the Hampton Inn in St Augustine that we stayed in on the way down the very first time I took my kids to WDW. I know I am less than 2 hours away now.

The LPGA Blvd overpass. Why don't the highways in my town look this good?

We cross over another large body of water near Samford, but it is labeled as a river. Looks like a lake to me.

Altomonte Springs. Is this giant building vacant? It sure looks it.

Passing Universal. I try to see Hogwarts from the road. Not a safe endeavor.

 

[75disney]

We always joke with our girls that the monorail at MCO is their first ride of the trip.

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

Flying into MCO and going to the tram to luggage claim. Also, passing the Disney shop and various restaurants.

 

[LIMA TIME]

We drive the same route. Other landmarks that build to a pinnacle once you go under the WDW Welcome Sign:

Shortly after you cross over into FL, you go on a bridge that crosses a waterway north of JAX. I always look at this one house that sits out on a peninsula on the left near the HWY. It looks like it would be such a nice place to live. Tells me I am in FL.

I also always look for the Hampton Inn in St Augustine that we stayed in on the way down the very first time I took my kids to WDW. I know I am less than 2 hours away now.

The LPGA Blvd overpass. Why don't the highways in my town look this good?

We cross over another large body of water near Samford, but it is labeled as a river. Looks like a lake to me.

Altomonte Springs. Is this giant building vacant? It sure looks it.

Passing Universal. I try to see Hogwarts from the road. Not a safe endeavor.

This is too funny, the LPGA blvd is our marker that I-4 is coming up. (love this one)

and I totally forgot about the big empty building.

glad I'm not the only crazy person who gets excited at the site of completely random landmarks.

 

[SyracuseOrange]

I'll also say the tram to the airport. And since I live in NYC where we are sadly without it, the sight of a Chili's always brings a smile to my face and is something that I really only see in MCO these days.

 

[mitchk]

The tram does it for me too. As you stand there holding your bags, it kinds of hits me. Than the magical express line, stepping out into what I hope is sunshine, boarding the bus, and as soon as that video starts, I'm like...I'm at Disney World!

 

[LucyK]

I love the ride to the main terminal using the fake monorail! And the palm trees. But specially being greeted by the guys at ME. So cool.

 

[BiffyClyro]

The heat hitting you like a brick when you exit the plane.
Sanford airport - So grateful to see on arrival, worst vision ever on the way back
Seeing wonderworks/ Ripleys and everything else on I4!
Passing Universal/ Sea world etc.
BILLBOARDS! - I love your big cheesey american billboards!
The Buena vista bush thing near Disney!
Seeing a Dennys on every corner! (I know this is the same for everywhere in America, but i live in the UK)