I bet April is the busiest month of the year. We embarked on our thirteenth road trip with a stay in Orlando, just a few miles from Orlando International Airport—somewhere unfamiliar, ready to learn a new experience. One of the hotels offered a shuttle service from the airport, and I thought it was a great opportunity. It gave us a day to enjoy before heading over to Cocoa Beach using their express shuttle. So independent—and why not? We can experience it without needing a vehicle. Uber? I will explain that in the story.
When we arrived at Orlando International Airport, I didn't need to use the restroom, but Ace raced me to an elevator to go up to the second level and out to the relief area—with the suitcase on my back. I burned a decent amount of calories! From ground level A14 to the far end of the arrival level in just six minutes flat. Speedy Gonzalez!
Then we explored around the ticketing area, checked a few things out, and decided to head back down to the ground level to call for a shuttle. Somehow, the driver spotted us while I was trying to read the stall sign—and the shuttle van was already there. Perfect timing.
Upon checking in, I learned that I needed to sign a service animal agreement with two important questions. I answered them and signed without issue. There is nothing to worry about or get upset over it. The hotel has its policy, and it is our responsibility to respect and follow it. If any damage occurs, we are responsible for it. By signing and agreeing to the rules, we show that we are responsible and set a good example as a service animal handler.
After we settled into our room, we familiarized ourselves with the layout. Our room was conveniently located just across from the stairs, so we ditched the elevator and used the stairs instead—up and down. Sixty flights of stairs in less than 24 hours.
When I felt the urge to head over to Florida Mall, just a few miles away. I tried using the Uber app, but couldn't get it to go through. I tried multiple times and grew frustrated. It's new to me and I'm still learning, but at that moment it felt useless. I figured I would enlist a sighted friend later to help me sort it out because I do want to be able to use it. So, the trip to Florida Mall was canceled, and Ace was more than happy to take another nap.
We used the shuttle service to head back to Orlando International Airport to catch another shuttle to Cocoa Beach. The shuttle ride to Cocoa Beach was smooth, and the driver was very helpful. Once we arrived at the hotel, I was floored when they said I was supposed to have an interpreter... say what? I asked Ace to down-stay while I pulled out my keyboard to connect to my iPhone so I could communicate with the front desk.
We have been traveling quite a lot, and I've spent most of my life as a solo traveler. I've always proven to the world that I am a fierce and independent traveler. Now, with Ace by my side, no one should underestimate our ability to travel. It was eventually resolved, and we got ourselves checked in. They offered me an upgrade, and I seized the opportunity.
The room was spacious and cozy, with plenty of room for my friend and me, along with two dogs. Of course, I invited my friend and her Dogs Inc puppy! The best part about our room, once again, is that we're right next to the stairs. Very convenient—we can head straight down the stairs to the relief area. However, there's no way to get back in using the stairs, so we have to go around to the front entrance, which works just fine. We're loving it, and we're already counting more flights of stairs during our stay!
Ace and I learned the layout of the hotel, and the ocean looked so inviting. It was just within walking distance. We had a long day and were completely beat—and so were the dogs. I think the puppy was happy to see Ace again, and she has been on her very best behavior—only five months old. Of course, she couldn't help herself from wanting to "hug" Ace, but Ace stood firm and did not initiate it.
The next morning, just before sunrise, we walked over to the beach. I was overjoyed that Ace could guide me while I walked a bit wobbly, like a child. For context, I have Usher's Syndrome, which affects my balance. I sometimes walk like I'm off-balanced, but it doesn't bother me what people think. Ace has never judged me for how I walk. He is strong, well-built, and fully capable of handling me. He carefully guided me, watching over me to make sure I was safe—and we made it all the way. Phenomenal. I was overjoyed.
I know few of my friends have had to assist me in the past, and I don't want to rely on that again, especially when a guide dog isn't strong enough to support me. Ace is phenomenal—he doesn't shut down, and I'm constantly amazed by how steady and reliable he is. I'm in love with my titan. Ace guided me back to the hotel, though by then he was tired—he definitely earned a good nap.
After a while, we headed out to the pier, but I was floored to find out the parking was overpriced. Twenty bucks? We were not prepared for that—forget it. Instead, we headed over to the Ron Jon Surf Shop and explored the massive store. Ace enjoyed the new exposure there. He was so curious about all the novelties and stayed on his best behavior—the best. We even encountered a little ankle-biting dog... definitely not service dog material.
After a long afternoon of rest, we stayed productive by setting up my two booths, Raffle Central for Florida DeafBlind Association (FDBA) and Central Florida DeafBlind Junction (CFDBJ) at the conference center for the big day ahead. I hosted Carble Tournament, and Ace put up with me beautifully—staying quiet and restful until a little after 10 p.m., which we had never experience before. It was well past our bedtime, but it was an amazing opportunity for everyone to engage and compete in such a fun way.
We all slept so well and were enthusiastically looking forward to another walk to the beach to catch the sunrise.
Our second walk to the beach sent our confidence soaring beyond imagination, and Ace's ability to guide me is doubly incredible—it's only our second time. Ace-mazing! Ace even spotted a cruise ship in the distance, and I was so satisfied knowing he had the chance to watch it sail toward the port.
Then the sun rose beautifullly, and I felt at peace knowing my late guide dog, Prince Kartie (PK) is enjoying himself. I had his eco-friendly ashes, done through hydrocremation, released into the ocean right here in Cocoa Beach. I also had others who were part of PK's life released in different areas along Florida's east coast, so I know he is there.
It was a magnificent day. My confidence soared, and it carried me through the entire day working at the booths. Ace was phenomenal—quiet, content, and simply ace-mazing. Of course, the puppy Vistana stopped by to say hello and interact a bit and Ace was the best mentor the whole time. We were completely exhausted after the conference ended and took time to rest.
The next day, I decided to take another walk to the beach—not all the way this time—but enough to film a video to share how we walk on the sand, a little wobbly, and to show just how well Ace guided me. The confidence is real, and the feeling is incredible.
It's been a wonderful experience here in Cocoa Beach. We loved the breeze, and we will be back.
Here's a video that features several photos and videos woven throughout the clip.
Next up, we have our fourteenth road trip coming up in just a couple of days! Why another one? To celebrate Ace's early 3rd birthday!