If you're looking for
fun in the sun, relaxation, adventure and the happening of fetes and limes
for Orlando Carnival, I ... Sultry Gyul will gladly give you the 411.
Orlando
is the theme park capital of the world. The city destination everyone
associates the thought of Walt Disney Resort, Universal Orlando Resort,
Sea World, and Water Parks galore (Wet-n-Wild, Aquatica, Blizzard Beach,
Typhoon Lagoon, and Discovery Cove) and so much more. Oh! Kennedy Space
Center, I have actually felt the combustion and ground trembling on the
417 toll road from launches, and watch space shuttles from my backyard.
But perhaps Orlando should be better
thought of as an urban oasis and melting pot - where fruits
and vegetables grow in backyards, houses designed with beautiful architect,
diversity and multi-ethnic cultures from all over the world migrating.
There are thousands
of luxury hotels, restaurants, conventions, museums, and cheesy souvenir shops
And let's not forget ladies! Shopping, OMG... shopping, and outlet stores.
I must say very few places in the world can compete. With ready access to attractions,
hotels, restaurants, and malls it is easy to see why Orlando attracts millions
of tourist every year.
Even though
we are a city that is full of family attractions, we do have nightlife
and CARNIVAL!! That's right, you read correctly. Orlando Carnival
takes place every year on Memorial Day Weekend. Yes, I know it's short
and sweet and finishes to quick ... sHuhhhh! I know we need to do something
about that!
Orlando
Carnival has been growing for the past several years. I first attended Orlando
Carnival in 2006 as a vendor selling Conch. Conch Salad, Conch Fritters, Crack
Conch and Fish Dinner (Snapper, Macaroni Pie, Cole Slaw, Peas& Rice and Plantains).
I must say everything sold ... but there were lots of requests for Conch Water!!??
Sorry, did not have that!
In my second year, I played mas and limed heavily with friends. My third and fourth
year, I represented TJJ. But my first experience goes back to South Florida for
Carnival. But my favorite memorable Carnival experience @ Miami the year 2005.
Finally two years later met up with TJJ @ Rise
Miami meet Shine NY in 2007 and the rest is history!
TJJ
Party Guru's Guide to Carnival in Orlando
Prerequisites:
Transportation:
Reserve early due to high levels of tourism all year. If you're staying with someone
make sure the car/person is reliable and dependable. Orlando is one big circle
so it is impossible to get lost. (Just remember to access internet on cellular's
and save TJJ as your favorites and select events. GoogleMaps is already built
in ... how brilliant)
Accommodations:
Reserve early once again if you want the resort life. Also lots of timeshares
and vacations homes that are for rent. Better yet stay with a family or friend
who likes to LIME.
Food:
If you feel for a doubles, aloo pie, pholourie or buss-up-shut go to Singh's,
Jamaican Patty, ox-tails, chicken, and veggie dishes go to Sunshine Bakery or
One Stop Caribbean.
Duration:
Just Friday night until Sunday night.
Mas:
Cheups! You can organize your costume one-two weeks before Carnival. But it is
recommended to reserve early. But yuh know how sometimes us West Indians are last
minute or late
Health:
Walk with water, energy drink, Caltrate and extra bladder.
Itinerary:
Friday:
This is the main night where you start to warm up on your extended Holiday weekend.
The main event is the annual Glow
Fete and Club Lux (Jamaica Meh Crazy). Partygoers drinkin' and ting and
D'Jing vibes setting de mood.
Saturday:Islands Boys All-Inclusive
Fete is the place to be. I must say this is the main event for Carnival
Weekend. You pay one price and all proceeds to benefits charity. Then Club 360,
Island Limelight, Soca Implosion,
and D'Hut in which leads to morning breakfast fete.
Sunday:
Play mas on de road with Island Fantasy growing bigger, badder, and sexier. Jump
and have fun with Powerline Sounds HD, Bev Promotions, and other bands that are
playing mas. Then watch some live performances and enjoy some food. The weather
was not on our side this year. But that is alright, some people went out to Club
LUX or Club OHM for their final weekend fete.
I would like to thank everyone who promotes
their events on TriniJungleJuice.com.
Kudos to those who log onto the website and view the photogalleries, events,
music and videos, and who reads the reviews, blogs, articles and news.
I must say TJJ would not be in existence if it was not for the diehard
fans who keep us going. We love you all for letting the juice flow!
Big up to the ORLANDO MAGIC - 2009 EASTERN
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS. Wow!! YOU HAD A PHENMONAL SEASON!
When the mouse is away, the
cat gets to lime all day. See you next year Orlando Carnival!
Sultry Gyul for TJJ Familia Live, Love, Lime
General Warning:
You know Carnival Hunting is not an easy thing. Please don't drink Rum
until your kidney dies. Please take necessary precautions for those returning
to work on Monday. The solution is: drinking less rum and more Coconut
water on Sunday. Please don't contact your employer and call in sick,
just to lime on Monday. It is not worth it, especially given the current
state of the economy. Remember to travel with someone, drive safely, and
fete responsibly.