I pride myself on being quite the cynic. It is in my blood and I view the world through cynically colored glasses.
So, we set off a week ago for the “happiest place on Earth” “where dreams come true”
I was prepared to put my critic’s hat on and see right through all of the positivity nonsense. I imagined taking a swing at one of the character’s when no one was looking. Or maybe throwing a rock at one of the dolls on the Small World ride. But then I sipped the “kool-aid” and my perspective began to change.
We arrived at our hotel and the kids immediately changed into their Halloween costumes.
We then headed out to Downtown Disney, via a scenic riverboat ride, and the kids were beginning to grasp the scale of it all. It was a special moment to watch. Maybe I can remain cynical but enjoy Disney through their eyes.
It was a bit chaotic but how can you complain when the kids are scoring chocolate from the Ghirardelli store.
We were up the next morning at the crack of dawn so we could make it to Magic Kingdom for the pomp and circumstance of their park opening. My thought, “Holy %$^&, this is going to be a rough week if we are going to keep up this pace.” We arrived on schedule and the place was all decked out Halloween style.
Fine, it was an impressive display. And that is when I started to grasp the immense attention to detail Disney prides itself on.
I should inform you now that my wife had this trip planned out and researched like nothing I’ve ever seen. From the hotel choice, transportation throughout the week, lunch and dinner choices, which rides were the best and which were overrated, which shows to attend when and which parks to attend on which days. But the absolute greatest decision of all, was to rent a double stroller.
I was hesitant to put my 8 year old son in a stroller as it seemed a bit “soft” but that absolutely saved us. The kids were never wiped out and it was easy to keep an eye on them at all times. We may have battle wounds from pushing it around all week but if they weren’t complaining, it was a good time for all.
We hit up all the rides
I forgot how much I enjoyed roller coasters and fast rides. I have to admit I “felt like a kid again” and it was a great father/son bonding experience lying to my son that the rides weren’t that fast or that scary. I look forward to watching my son lie to his son.
I always found the Disney characters to be overrated and silly. It is just a bunch of lazy kids who don’t want to get a real job and are secretly harboring resentment against the world as they run around with those fake smiles on. But then I saw my daughter’s excitement when she saw her favorite character, Minnie Mouse, and all those thoughts were set aside.
We hit up Epcot another day and did the tour of all the “countries”. Initially, I scoffed at these fake countries as a weak imitation of the real thing. But again, I got sucked in and enjoyed the hell out of it.
Food from all over the world and public drinking? I am so there. The food was off the charts but I must admit we enjoyed the non food portion the most.
Halfway through the tour, we got hit with a deluge of rain so we had to cut it short. Maybe that is a good thing. A drunk adult at Disney isn’t a pretty sight. Plus, more of a reason to go back, sans children, in the future.
Another day was a stop at Animal Kingdom which had the most character of all the Disney parks (is it possible to say anything in Disney had “character”?)
The safari tour there was incredible and all of the animals were out in full effect.
Our final night was fireworks at the Magic Kingdom which, as expected, were above and beyond anything we’ve seen before.
It was all over and I would do it all over again, except eating another Disney inspired dessert
Looking back, there were three things that stood out for me:
- The attention to detail – from the characters on the rides, to the way the lines were mapped out was unbelievable. They truly have thought of everything.
- Customer service – simply world class and even for all of us cynics out there, you can’t deny how enjoyable they make every facet of your experience.
- Family – we managed to spend an entire week together without losing our minds. The kids have memories they will cherish forever and their ages couldn’t be more perfect than they are now. I would love to push the “pause” button now and not let them age any further.
And just to prove that my wife and I actually spent some time together during the trip, I give you visual proof of both of us.
Thanks for reading through this long read!
ONG
My fiance and I are actually going to epcot for our honeymoon, though we’ve always scoffed at the Disney side of Florida. We’ve been making trips all over Florida for the last five years and have always avoided theme parks but decided it would be interesting to do something different for the honeymoon!
Great Post!! Loved the narration to go along with the pics!! You have an amazing talent for writing with humor!! Glad you and your family had fun!! =)
I was at Disney World – Orlando with my husband & 2 kids this last August. I have to agree that these parks provide a wonderful experience for the whole family. As you said, the attention to detail and the customer service were outstanding. I was especially impressed with all the performers. It was 96-degrees F with heat indices up near 110-F, and most of the character actors were dressed in long sleeves and pants or long dresses. They were always unfailingly polite, patient with the kids, and had smiles on their faces. Even during the 3 p.m. parade, when they were dancing through the streets in the heat (and sometimes the non-refreshing rain), with sweat literally dripping off their noses, they were still smiling and looking happy for the crowds. Between entry fees, meals and souvenirs, we paid quite a pretty penny for this trip, but I’ve got to say that the people there really did their best to make sure that our experience was worth it!
I’m so glad the trip was better than you anticipated, being a cynic myself, I know how you feel.
Thank goodness you all had fun, and thanks for the amazing photos!
I love Disney World for all the same things that you and your beautiful family enjoyed,and because when you are there you can become a kid again,and forget all your troubles.Loved your great story and pictures.
Great story…but the cynic in ME thinks you have to be holding something back….hmmmm…my kids, of course, want a Disney vacation, but I just can’t get into feeling it? You had a good time? Really, really?
I live in the UK. We took our children and grandchildren to Disney. I saw the world though a childs eyes both times. No regrets here and Disney gets a thumbs up from me everytime.
Glad you had a fun week…..your children will remember it forever, trust me, they will.
Great walkthrough of the events my friend. Happy to hear the kids had such a great time and you were able to enjoy it as much as they did. Disney is definitely the place you go to leave your adulthood at the door and enter with the mindset of just being a kid throughout the whole experience. Yes, some things they sell and serve can get you to the point of “ok, enough already” but overall, always a great time.
Enjoyed revisiting Disney through your photos! My little girl and I took my parents there for their 40th wedding anniversary many years ago. She’s now 30! Good times! Thanks for posting.
“I look forward to watching my son lie to his son.”
That was the best line ever.
I’ve never been to Disneyworld/Land, even though everyone else around me has. Chuck’s been with his kids. My parents and my two older brothers went to Disneyland in Cali in the 70’s before I was born. I’ve always been wrong place, wrong time. I’m sure it would be kind of fun, but I’d rather spend the money to go somewhere else if I had a choice.
You guys look like you had a fantastic time, jealous of the Grand Marnier slushy! I laughed out loud at “A drunk adult at Disney isn’t a pretty sight”. Oh, and AWESOME pics of the castle at the end w/ the fireworks. Look like they came out of a travel guide, good job!
I was cynical, but made the jump to the big leagues: Misanthropist in development, nice blog…
Hi, Just wanted to say Hi
From one obsessive neurotic to another…