If you send five college girls to Orlando for spring break, it’s almost guaranteed that chaos and hilarity will ensue. From Uber rides to taking on Universal Studios in the rain, here are just a few highlights of what I learned after spending a week in Florida:
1) Seven hours is a long time.
Don’t let anyone try to convince you that the time will just fly by; it will not. It will drag on and you will need to make a few stops to cope with all of the driving, and so that your legs don’t lock up and you get out of the car forgetting how to walk. It happens. “Stop, stretch, and snack” is my new motto for the road.
2) Rain is always a very real possibility.
Take an umbrella, a poncho, literally anything that could fold up and possibly keep you dry. Because rain can literally come out of anywhere – this is Florida, it’s alarmingly similar to the environment of a rainforest, and that means constantly hot, humid, and rainy. Rain needs no reason or cause. Pay attention to the weather and plan accordingly. Beware, white is a dangerous color; wear at your own risk.
3) An Uber is always a good idea.
That’s not to say to be stupid about it, but if you plan to drink or feel as if you will be inhibited to get home in any way, get the app and grab an Uber. It’s easy, it’s quick, and if you’re lucky, your driver will be really cool. Shout out to you, Danielle, you handled that pop-tart meltdown like a true professional. If we could give you more than five stars, we would, because you were hands down the best driver that we had all week – immense props to you.
4) But don't get in the wrong Uber.
All of that being said, try to refrain from presuming a car is your Uber simply because it’s out front and waiting for you. Also, don’t be that person who allows people to walk up and almost get in your car because you didn’t lock your doors – saying “I’m not your Uber driver” won’t stop everyone. You’re lucky that the majority of us were lucid enough to understand.
5) And when in doubt, stop at 7/11.
They have Slurpees, they have hotdogs, and they have almost any other snack to satisfy your needs. It’s truly the way of the future – or maybe, just the way of springbreakers. Either way, it’s safe to say that we went here more than any other food establishment, and that’s just on a daily basis. There’s always a snack waiting to be had at 7/11 – with a Slurpee on the side, no less.
There’s not really a “wrong” way to spring break unless you just don’t have fun whatsoever – our best adventures were usually when we left – the exit from Magic Kingdom or leaving downtown Orlando.
Remember: the fun isn’t in the plan, it’s in the adventure.
