The City Beautiful

By Arnav Mehta

I woke up to the rough thud of the plane's wheels touching the runway, a reassuring signal that the tedious journey had finally ended. On my way to the Baggage Claim area, I noted that the airport was alive with energy—a vibrant emotion of families reuniting, people rushing to catch their flights on time, and tourists eagerly checking their itineraries. Orlando, here I come!

The hotel’s sleek, modern design released a welcoming warmth, serving as a perfect sanctuary after my long and monotonous journey. I fell asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow and woke refreshed at 5 a.m. Gazing at the serendipitous sunrise, I reached for some crunchy toast, fluffy waffles, and sweet, delicate pastries, all complemented by a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

We eagerly made our way to the first-morning shuttle to Universal Studios. I could feel the buzz of excitement around me; everyone was high on adrenaline about what lay ahead. We had a glib driver who was quite verbal about being tipped correctly at the end of the ride. He made it sound like an obligation. So much for the complimentary bus ride our hotel provided!

With excitement bubbling inside me, I lost myself in the vibrant chaos of Universal Studios, and I was drawn to a particular ride called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter; I felt as if I had been instantly transported right into the pages of the books. Stepping into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was like stepping into a cherished childhood dream, where every corner brimmed with magic and nostalgia. I will always carry this experience with me. I even bought a souvenir: Professor Dumbledore’s wand! My parents had to yank me out of that world because I kept riding it on a loop, and then we headed to Jurassic World Land. The 90-minute line horrified me as I wondered how to survive the wait. However, after watching the ride videos, I was convinced to go for it, even with the long wait ahead. Luckily, while in line, multiple screens showcased the rules and regulations, making me enjoy the wait. It also resembled a museum during a section where they presented artifacts used during the creation of the films. The roller coaster was a terrifying whirlwind of sharp drops, dizzying loops, and breathtaking views, all combining to create an exhilarating dance with fear that left my heart racing long after the ride ended. In the end, my adventure at Universal Studios was not just about the rides and attractions, but also how it related to movies and films that made it a memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I was sweating profusely as though I had just emerged from a pool so we went to buy an Ice Cream, as I unwrapped the ice cream, it started to melt in the intense, scorching sunlight.

The next morning, I checked into the Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort the next day. In the check-in line at reception, I inhaled the fragrant aroma of Florida's Orange Blossoms, which are very famous in that region. After a smooth check-in, I dropped off my luggage and headed to the Magic Kingdom. To reach the Magic Kingdom, I first took a shuttle to the ferry pier and boarded a ship that whisked me across the waters to the vast island of magic.