Orlando Small Business: DW's Journey

DW, founder of DW's Journeys, and I worked together in 2017 which is how we became acquainted. He is a great person and I wanted to ask a little about his business and share with you my readers. 

My dream job is a travel blogger. That's not exactly what you do but there is a lot of overlap. I have to say I'm sorta jealous. What gave you the willpower to make this jump and create your own business?

Oh don’t be jealous! I’m sure you can make that dream come true. We can definitely collaborate on some travel locations in the future!

Travel blogging is my true aim, and to have the option of booking similar adventures for others through my agency, DW Journeys, is an added bonus. It’ll be my blogging version of show and tell!

The idea to create my own business really came from having put together trips for myself or family and friends and being asked to do it again. The willpower to do so is fueled by the enjoyment of putting those trips together, constantly wanting to put something great together for whoever asks, and wanting them to enjoy it and ask again.

What's your #1 tip for any vacation?

Try something new: A new excursion, a new restaurant, even a new resort or hotel. There’s always a chance something will surprise you.

If someone wants your help planning a vacation, what's the best way to get in contact with you?

Best ways are by email (​dw@dwjourney.biz​) or the message link on my Lens Worthy World Facebook page. I’ve been taking the time during the pandemic to revamp and overhaul my website and Facebook page so I’m easily reachable through these two options.

You recently were turned on to Escape Rooms. Tell me about your fascination with them?

When I was introduced to escape rooms, the article described it as live action gaming. The gamer in me was intrigued and my addiction to them began. I love the challenge, the puzzles, the clues - a great room can fully immerse you in the experience and it’s exciting! You bring your friends and family along, and let the teamwork begin! I’m ready to go play one right now after answering the question!

What other hobbies do you have?

I’m definitely a gamer. Video, board, card, mobile… if it’s out there, I’ll possibly try it! I’m currently collecting all the expansion boards to a game called Villainous. It’s a board game based on the Disney villains and you’re attempting to succeed in their plans but also foil other villains’ success. I like that each player gets their own board and challenge but can also mess up other players on their board. Plus, I’m a Disney fan so I had to try it!

I love music as well. I play piano but I love to sit back and listen to a good saxophone or violin solo, or anything that has that big band sound.

How did you end up in FL?

I was honestly tired of snow! I had visited Florida a year before I moved and loved the weather. I had just figured I would vacation here once a year but the winter following that visit was horrendous for the northeast - there was a snowstorm every week for about three weeks straight that January.

I was already looking to move and when that forecast hit, I looked at Florida on a whim. The opportunity presented itself, the finances were available and I jumped on it! I put stuff in storage until summer, hopped on a plane in between two smaller snow showers in February, and I’ve been enjoying the Sunshine State ever since!

Where would you like to be in 5 years?

In five years, I’d love to be constantly on the move. I love traveling more than I thought I ever would and by that time, I hope to have cleared my bucket list of destinations and replaced them with all new locales.

I’d also love to be more of a vlogger by then as well, with the opportunity to do giveaways of the type of trip that I’d just taken.

What is one good local restaurant in the Orlando area you like?

I’m going to fail this question because you said “one”, but I’ve got a few and I’m still trying out others! I was just turned on to Kobe Japanese Steakhouse on International Drive. I would go once a week if I could. I mean, I COULD, but I probably shouldn’t. Right?

There’s also a spot on International Drive called Merguez that serves Moroccan cuisine. They also have an amazing burger and fries!

Another of my favorites that isn’t in Orlando is in New Smyrna Beach called The Taco Shack. My favorites are the mofongo and the Beachin’ Burrito.

I’m always open to try someplace new, and I have a few other locals pointing me in all different directions! I can’t wait to write about them!

Where is one place you haven't traveled that is on your bucket list?

I’d love to go to Ireland. It would have to be at least a two week stay - Blarney Castle, Killarney National Park, the Guinness Brewery, L. Mulligan Grocer just to begin. I’m hoping that 2021 will be the year I go, but either way, I still have a little more time to plan it right and hope that it’s accessible.

Where is one place in Orlando that you recommend skipping?

That’s a tough question. There’s a lot to see, do, and eat! The best answers I have are generic ones, but the first circles back to my #1 tip: if you have it back home, don’t make it your first stop here. The second is: if most of the locals don’t go, you probably shouldn’t either.

Don't forget to follow DW on Facebook @LensWorthy and as always feel free to like, share and comment.