We finally got out for an out-of-state vacation this weekend, visiting Kings Island near Cincinnati to open their new Banshee roller coaster (trip report forthcoming). Sure, we did the three-night Bahama cruise a few months ago, but since we drive to the port, I dunno, it just feels like an extension of Florida. For most of the last 15 years, I've probably averaged between 5 and 8 flying trips per year, so it's weird that I haven't been on a plane in 10 months. There were two forces at play here: I was saving money like it was my job so we could put money down on the house, and living in Florida, I seem to forget that one should take vacations elsewhere, because this is where I always used to go.
After arriving at MCO last night, it was weird to hear the recorded tram spiel in a totally different context. "Whether you're here to visit our world class attractions or returning home..." Yeah, this time it was home. Driving down the B-line, you see all of the billboards for the theme parks. There are palm trees. It was just such a strange context against the familiarity of Ohio, which didn't feel unusual at all.
Make no mistake, living here is fantastic. I just wonder if it will ever seem routine. It definitely feels comfortable, just not normal. I'm kind of hoping that continues for a very long time.
I will have to say this, I used to live in Orlando along 535 near the Disney complex entrance and I get what you are feeling. Orlando felt comfortable to me as well, the only other place I have ever lived outside of my childhood home that felt like 'home'. The not-normalness will last for a while, at least it did for me. I always woke up thinking "I can't believe I live here!"