​It is after 3pm in Central Florida, you are in a theme park, storms have bubbled up and let loose a torrential downpour and everyone is grumpy!  Having packed your patience, you've got this!

For most of the summer months, there is typically an afternoon storm.  I say storm, because the word rain invokes images of skipping through the pitter-patter of soft raindrops wearing a yellow rain slicker, hat and boots and recreating the Gene Kelly scene from Singing in Rain. Oh no, no no - we are talking, mean, dark, angry clouds that appear on the horizon seemingly out of nowhere with loud kaboom lighting and a strong, torrential downpour! 

Don't despair and embrace the adventure! Instead of giving in to your inner flight response by running to the park exit as quickly as you can, take a breath, relax and don't throw in the towel, so to speak!

Here are a few nuggets to help you manage  your visit when the inevitable happens – the afternoon deluge!
 
Be prepared!  Do not gauge your need for rain gear based on the beautiful, blue sky you woke up to because it will be a different story later on in the day.  Not always, but most likely.  Along with the copious amount of sunscreen, lip protection and hydration supplies you have in your backpack, make sure you have rain protection gear, preferably not an umbrella.  Why you ask? It is extremely hard to navigate through a crowded theme park with an umbrella over your head, without poking your fellow guest.  Be Kind, wear a poncho!

At the first sight of that awesome storm brewing, your first instinct might be to run back to the car and leave the park. In the rain, those flip-flops you are wearing are an accident ready to happen. If you try to make a run for it, you will be slipping and sliding all the way to the exit. Resist the urge, my friend!  Rain is an excellent crowd thinner, so be the one that stays and enjoy all that newly found space!
 
One thing to understand about afternoon Florida rainstorms – they usually do not last long.  But, if it is raining when you wake up, then, most likely, it will be raining most of the day.  This is not based on any science, but from a lifetime of Florida living!

Summertime in Florida is all about the beautiful blue skies, warm days, wait, who am I kidding, hot days, rainy afternoons and making awesome memories! Grab that poncho and embrace the rain but not the lightning!  Lightning is not our friend and requires a healthy dose of respect.  When lightning is in the area, do not stay out in the open but head for shelter, preferably inside a secure building. If you are at the beach, in a pool or at a waterpark, take direction from lifeguards and team members seriously!

Now grab your family and your patience and go make some awesome Florida summer fun memories!

It's hard to imagine a Florida without Walt Disney World, but, there was such a place, not so long ago.  Before WDW, the weekends were a time to load up the family in the station wagon, along with a picnic basket full of homemade goodness, a cooler full of beverages, lawn chairs, towels and first aid kit because you know, there's always that one kid!  Most adventures took place at the beach, a state park or one of the beautiful, natural springs. 

But, on  rare occasion, that weekend outing might have been a trip to Cypress Gardens, located in Winter Haven, Florida.  It wasn't an easy drive, especially with a backseat full of impatient little ones. As parents, you had to be all in; totally committed to the outing.  There were only two lane roads and at that time, Winter Haven was literally in the middle of nowhere! 

Cypress Gardens is considered Florida's first attraction opening its doors on January 2, 1936.  It didn't have a resounding first day; due to the rather cold weather. But soon, word spread and the gardens thrived. Gracious Southern Belles strolled the park, which added to the theming but the main attraction was the incredible water ski show.  The ski show was world famous and to this day, Winter Haven is known as the Water Ski Capital of the World.

The ski show was known for doing the pyramid formation, which thrilled and mesmerized the crowds! Perusing old family photos, I found these classic Cypress Garden pictures, well, actually slides.  These photos are from the 1950's. 

​Although jointly owned by Polk County and the State of Florida, Cypress Gardens is now under the care of Legoland Florida. It is also listed on the National Register of Historical places.  

Planning a trip to Legoland doesn't usually include enthusiasm for a hike through the botanical gardens, splendid with azaleas and home to one very, enormous banyan tree, which by the way, is really cool to see- Just sayin' - but worth the effort, if only for the historic nature of the attraction.  The botanical gardens are not as glorious now as they were in their heyday, but they still hold the charm of a by-gone era.  Have you heard about the pool in the shape of the state of Florida? No, you say? Well, you will just have to visit and Instagram it!  

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Nothing holds a child's attention quite like their favorite Legos! Imagine the family fun you will enjoy, as you experience the ultimate Lego adventure that is, Legoland Florida! With our first visit to Legoland just around the corner, I was excited that the grands would be here visiting.  I knew they would just love the place and they did!  Although there was so much to see and do, with a lot of rides and interactive exhibits for both the girls to enjoy, I think they were just below the age for optimum engagement of everything in the park.  Don't get me wrong, there was plenty, I mean plenty of things to enjoy with them! When little ones are exhausted and just can't do one more thing, it has been an extraordinary day!

Who would have thought that a 3 year could drive? She loved taking control and experience this pint-sized driving school, located in Lego City, for herself!

Little bit was not old enough to take to the open road at the Ford Jr. Driving School in Lego City, but she had fun pretending, in this kid-size Lego car!

Fun ride on the Duplo Tractor train, with mom, in Duplo Valley. The Duplo dog has definitely caught the attention of the littlest grand! 

I just couldn't resist! Life imitating art!

First roller coaster ride for the three year old.  That's her and her mom in the front car with their arms in the air!  Oh what fun!

The coolest attraction was the new Lego Ninjago The Ride, in Lego Ninjago World.  Little bit and I didn't wear the 3-D glasses but we all enjoyed the action!  This is definitely a must-see attraction! 

Entering Lego Ninjago World!