Orlando RV Campground and Old Town Kissimmee

34-Day Cross Country RV Trip + 7-Day Caribbean Cruise 2022

Day 13: Largo to Orlando, Florida

May 11, 2022

This is a day that we much looking forward to, our day getting into Orlando, where we will spend the next three nights before boarding the cruise ship. This will be the longest stay at one camping spot during this trip and we will certainly enjoy some non-traveling days when we can just relax and take in the local sights with ease. We have also made arrangements to pick up a rental car using Costco Travel where a Budget is not that far away, in fact, still in the city of Clermont up north of Hwy 27. For one, we needed to get our pre-cruise COVID tests at a Walgreens drive-through site nearby and the motorhome will not work in this case. Also, we should be able to move around better without unhooking the RV every time we want to go out and explore. This will definitely make it easier for us.

It should take us less than two hours from Largo to Orlando if there is no traffic. I was planning on seeing some sights around St. Petersburg or Tampa while in the area, but I guess we were all tired after traveling for two weeks. All we wanted to do now is just get to Orlando as soon as possible. 

The drive was easy and we did not encounter any traffic on the way. 

Passing by parts of Tampa downtown.

Really nice weather!

Orlando RV Campground (Thousand Trails)

Originally, I was not planning on staying at this campground because there are a couple of other Thousand Trails campgrounds nearby the Kissimmee area. For some reason, I was not able to book those campgrounds (possibly a glitch during that time, I was told later) but I was able to snatch three nights at this huge resort a little further away from town. It all worked out to the best, because this ended up to be our most favorite RV campground so far. After three days, we felt that this is 'home' with much amenities that we did not expect. For video of this campground, please click here. 

When we checked in at the gate, we were told to just drive around and pick a site, then call and let them know the street name and number of the site where we are parked. To be able to access the WiFi at the Recreation Center, we decided on an end site right across from the recreation room. Still couldn't get Wifi, but at least it was just a short walk to the center when we need to get online.

Absolutely beautiful weather the three days we were there.

Our site with space for the rental car.

Across from the Recreation Center (red top).

Since this is an end site (Triggerfish Road, Site #1), we were far away from all our neighbors.

Admiring some 'wild life' around the park.

some kind of crane

In the pond right behind the recreation center, we finally spotted a baby alligator.

The only one we saw in Florida.

They have a community garden near the pond.

Seems to be well-taken care of.

Old Town Kissimmee

After settling in and picked up the rental car, we decided to go down to Kissimmee Old Town and see if we can find something interesting, and of course, get some dinner. It took us about a half hour to get there and it was a fun drive. There are many touristy things along that drive, especially along Hwy 192.

It was easy to find parking on this Wednesday afternoon. We were told that this place is usually bustling with visitors on the weekends though. To be here at this quiet tourist attraction felt a little strange but we still enjoyed our time there.

Easy parking.

So empty!

The stores were opened, just not busy at all.

They even have rides there.

It's safe!

Ferris wheel

Got to have a picture here!

This must be the Morten Manor Haunted Attraction.

After walking around and taking in the vibes, we did not find anything we wanted for dinner, so we drove across to the other side of the road and found the World Food Trucks.

World Food Trucks, Kissimmee

What a find! There were all these food trucks gathered at the same spot where all kinds of food were available for purchase. It was quite difficult to choose from all these yummy food, but after walking around and checking, we ended up with a delightful but not too healthy dinner.

All these colorful food trucks.

Our pick.

MOR and I shared an order of this Mega Mofongo with different meats and seafood.

It had fried chicken, fried pork, shrimp, squid, and salad. 

with a huge mofongo that came with it.

ChC enjoyed his Peruvian/Chinese plate of beef with French fries and rice. What an interesting combination!

After that scrumptious dinner, we drove back to the campground for a restful night. We were happy!

For video of Old Town Kissimmee, please click here.

" 'Return, faithless Israel,' declares the Lord, 'I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful,' declares the Lord, 'I will not be angry forever."   -- Jeremiah 3:12

 

Three Sisters Springs at Crystal River

34-Day Cross Country RV Trip + 7-Day Caribbean Cruise 2022

Day 13: Old Pavilion RV Park to Largo, Florida

May 10, 2022

We do not have a long drive ahead today but we do need to make a stop at a town called Crystal Springs on our way. There is suppose to be a manatee habitat at Three Sisters Springs which we are very much interested to check out on this fine day.

On our way out from Old Pavilion RV Park, we passed through the main street of Perry which looked like a good-size town with many chain fast-food restaurants along the roadside. Our drive remained mainly on Hwy 98 all the way south. Not long after, we arrived at Crystal River City Hall. 

According to the information that we have, we are suppose to purchase our tickets at the city hall, and board the shuttle from there to Three Sisters Springs because there is no entry for private cars onto the grounds there. They only have limited parking for disabled visitors, as I understand.

Crystal River and Three Sisters Springs

Crystal River City Hall

Front of City Hall

Here is the entrance where we purchased the tickets and waited for the shuttle bus.

I'll say the bus comes by about every half an hour. Our RV was too big for the parking spaces here so we were told to park along the roadside next to the park outside under the trees. Perfect! 

There is an empty lot across the street but do not park there, it's private property!

Soon, the shuttle bus brought us to the refuge.

Here is the bus stop and the shuttle.

First thing we saw after we got on the boardwalk. Wow!

Boardwalk around the springs.

It must be heavenly living in this area.

Unfortunately, we did not see a single manatee even though there should be 40 'permanent residents' living here year round. We were told that none of those came into the springs today.

People could be swimming with the manatees here.

It was good that we came by, even though we did not see the manatees.

Waiting to get back on the bus.

Here it is!

On the way back, we could see different parts of the city on the bus. This city is usually bustling on the weekends but today it was very quiet.

Charlie's Seafood House

Again, it was past our lunch time and almost 2:00 PM by now. We still need to look for lunch and we have to find a place where there is parking for the RV. Right across from City Hall is Charlie's Seafood House that looked like parking is available and that was where we ended up. 

Good parking right out front of the restaurant.

We had the seafood platter and combination platter

son had the stone crab claws.

They all turned out really good!

View out on deck of the restaurant.

Front of restaurant

Our route for the day.

Vacation Village (Thousand Trails) RV Park, Largo, Florida

It was a couple more hours after our delicious lunch that we arrived at our destination for the night. Vacation Village is an Encore campground with Thousand Trails right in the city of Largo on a busy street out front. It certainly did not feel like a vacation place from the outside. Staff was friendly and helpful but we later found that this is a very crowded campground. 

This area near the office looks pretty nice with a swimming pool,

beach ball court,

shuffle board,

and tennis court (not pictured). But, that's it!

The rest of the park was cramped, like stacking on top of each others.

A tiny stream running through the campground.

Looks like most residents are long-term or permanent. Definitely convenient right by the main drag of town with a bus stop outside the park.

Our space for the night, which seemed decent. Our front view is directly looking at a wall with apartments on the other side. I believe this side of the campground is probably for actual traveling members as short term stay.

For more detail of this day and the campground, please click here for video.

"Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us."   -- Isaiah 26:12