A dear friend posted an entry today about her favorite vacation. I hadnt really thought about a vacation in so long that when I read her comments about Mexico, it immediately got me thinking about my favorite place...the 'happiest place on earth...Disneyworld.
Now some people may think that is a very bold and naive statement but may I just say...ehem. When I think of vacationing, I think of Disneyworld. And Walt. And the smells, sounds, and sights that automatically make me feel young and innocent.
My love of Disney started when I was an infant. I saw The Rescuers at the theater and became completely inconsolable at the sight of Madame Madusa who scared the pixie dust outta me! My mother carried me out crooning Wish Upon a Star in my ear, hoping against hope that I would not be forever scarred by the apparition of that crazy red-haired woman and her pink slipdress. Now, when I see it, she still gives me the willies. But I digress. I grew to love other Disney classics that are so appealing to little gals: Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty etc. I also became very attached to Swiss Family Robinson and Mary Poppins, still am actually. Disney appeals to two of my many sides...the artistic and the whimsical.
When my husband and I went to Disneyworld on our honeymoon it was such a singular experience...and somewhat surreal. We were only 19 and kept looking around for our chaperone the whole time, feeling kinda naughty for being on our own, free to canoodle and cuddle as much as we liked . Something about the place made me feel even younger than I was which resulted in my skipping about like an pea-brain most of the time. I remember so well the smells of Epcot, the sunburnt raft ride and cold chicken at Tom Sawyer Island, the song on The Carousel of Progress, the mickey mouse ice cream bars.
On our one year anniversary, we visited again, this time with family and friends. The memory that stands out the most is riding a six-person bike at The Boardwalk Resort, endlessly honking our horn and annoying all of the retired guests. I've never laughed so hard...kind of like the giggles you get when you jump on a trampoline. Touring the 'world' with my brother and his wife was even more fun that it had been on the honeymoon because their energy added a different vibe to the trip.
On September 11th of 2001, three of my girlfriends and I were trying to figure out why terrorists had to choose the date of our vacation to attack. We were supposed to leave for Disneyworld on the 12th and planes were grounded. When we finally did leave, on the 19th, we were understandably scared to death to fly. My palms were sweating as we landed and I truly felt that this trip was a mistake. It turned out to be the best so far. The staff was endlessly helpful, the guests more determined than ever to be happy, and the lines nonexistent. We did all the girly things like night-clubbing and shopping to our heart's content. Our hotel was within walking distance of Epcot and my most precious memory of the trip was strolling around The WOrld Showcase by myself in the dark during Illuminations. Only if you've been there, do you know how that feels.
Finally, in 2003, I took my three year old son. And seeing The Magic Kingdom thru his eyes was just as fabulous as people say it is. Now I did all the cheesy things like take pictures with the characters and watch the silly 'Broadway-style' shows without feeling like time was being wasted. The Swiss Family Treehouse seemed bigger, the animals on the Jungle Cruise seemed real, Splash Mountain was terrifying suddenly, and playgrounds were crazy-cool! The pool at the hotel was actually visited multiple times and nobody hurried. Naps were taken during the day. Ice cream was eaten at leisure. Parades were viewed for the first time...and thoroughly enjoyed! Disneyworld with a child is a wonderful thing.
Now I find myself planning my friend's vacations there when I'm not going on one myself. Something about planning out their trips makes me feel like I'm still a guest. I'm always reading up on new 'hidden mickeys' and reading the Unofficial Guide.
To sum up: I know there are many other places in the world to visit. I know I'm missing out on so much by spending my vacations so single mindedly. But when I look at my photos I'm immediately grasped by a strong urgency to visit again. And you know what they say: 'If it ain't broke...'
5 comments:
I loved reading about your trips to Disney World. We went when Colton was only 4 months old. It was wonderful, except for the fact that the tickets that I bought on eBay were stolen and we couldn't get into Magic Kingdom because they had figured it out by then. We were sick that someone would sell us stolen tickets. They were passes that could be used at all the parks for 1 day. Our plan was to go to MGM, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom in 1 day. That was a mistake. We wound up missing out on so much. And were so incredibly disappointed when we couldn't get into Magic Kingdom. I wanted to cry. I waited all day to get Colton a souviner of WDW. A Mickey from Magic Kingdom. He didn't get one. I loved the Aerosmith ride at MGM a great coaster and great music combined what could be better? And Epcot was wonderful. We tried to cram 3 parks in one 1 day. Big mistake. We wound up missing so much. I can't wait to take him back. Maybe when this little bun is old enough to enjoy it too. I know Colton would love it now. Next time we will buy our tickets at the gate. I hope you get to go back soon.
My sister in law and I are kind of Disney experts, especially when it comes to planning.
We always get great deal and we usually end up w/ a package so that we never have to wait in line for tickets. We get the park-hopper pass for the duration of our stay and everything is on our room key, which can also be used as a charge card. We are FIRM believers in only staying at one of the Disney Resorts. Your experience is so much better. Usually, Disney releases great deals for the slow times of the year; Sept and Oct are the best!
I ramble, I know. I just have so much information that I feel like I have to share...ha!
We love WDW too! My family and I went a few times when I was a kid and stayed in Ft. Wilderness. Epcot was new and the Magic Kingdom was, of course, wonderful.
Later, in 1996, Donny and I went with Josh and Melinda and had the best time - she, as you said, is an expert and we enjoyed seeing WDW through their eyes.
Recently, last November, we took Bella to Orlando, but didn't stay on Disney property. Still, we went to the parks for like 4 days and had a blast! You're right, Ashley, WDW is so much better when you are with a child. At that point, I got the "Disney bug". We are planning another trip for next year and will stay on property. Donny wants to stay at Animal Kingdom, but I've always wanted to stay at the Contemporary, so we'll see. I still have a lot to learn, before I am a Disney expert like you and Melinda, but I'm on my way! It really is a magical place. (Although lol, one of the few arguments Donny and I have had was at the Magic Kingdom - it was hot and crowded and we were cranky - oy - it's a long story - Josh and Melinda were there so I wonder if they remember - anyway, we laugh about it now)
Sorry to ramble, but when I saw the castle I couldn't resist posting a comment.
Now I know who to consult when we finally go with our chillens!! I haven't been since I was 8 (& went to Epcot & SeaWorld at 14). It's long overdue. Maybe our budget will suddenly blossom miraculously. Until that time, I'll let your lovely reminiscence fuel my dreams!
Thanks for having us on one of your trips to disney. We are planning to go again in Oct and you are more than welcome to come if you like. Sorry for the short notice.... we just started planning this a couple of days ago.
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