Disney -- part I

I will for the most part let the pictures speak for themselves. We had a wonderful trip to Disney World a few weeks ago. The weather was delightful and the crowds were not bad; it got hotter and more crowded the last couple of days, but that was OK by us, as we had seen most of what we wanted to see and were just going back to hit favorites at a couple of parks.

We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, and we really took advantage of all it had to offer, mainly a lovely pool with activities and a small stretch of beach. We spent a few hours in a park each morning and then a few hours at the pool each afternoon. That time at the pool was what enabled me to feel like our trip was a real vacation. That and Eva’s joy and delight with various parts of the parks. To enter the Walt Disney World resort property, we drove under an arch that said, “The Magic Kingdom: Where Dreams Come True.” A number of times throughout the week, Eva said to me, “Mama, this is my dream come true.” Joy to a parent’s ears. I am so grateful we could take this trip, stay for a whole week and move at a less-than-breakneck pace.

Eva felt no need to go on anything remotely daring and really enjoyed the characters and the shows as much as any rides. Tops on her list in terms of rides were Barnstormer (a tame, pretty short roller coaster in Toontown at Magic Kingdom), Toy Story Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Soarin’ at Epcot (the latter was probably my favorite, too – it gives one the illusion of flying – amazing!).

Eva was a “rock star” at the pool, entertaining the activities director, lifeguards and other guests one afternoon as she danced for an hour to the fun tunes the activities director was playing. She won the hula hoop contest for her age group one day and BINGO another (she could not have been more thrilled). One morning, we didn’t go into a park and rented bikes instead. We rode along a beautiful path to Fort Wilderness, where she rode a pony and then played on a playground – sometimes, it is the simple things in life!

While we were at Disney, Eva lost another tooth (for those of you attempting to keep track, she’s lost 7 altogether!), and the tooth fairy came through with a Lady and the Tramp trading pin! When at Disney World . . .

There were a few rough moments – each of which involved one of the ubiquitous, strategically-placed gift shops at the end of a ride. Eva spent her souvenir money and mine within the first few days. Maybe next time she’ll understand what I mean when I say, “you might want to wait to spend all this money, in case you see something else you want later in the week.” Fortunately, one can call Disney World, describe the item and indicate in which gift shop the item was seen and buy the item over the phone. Santa is set!

If you’re planning a Disney trip in the not-too-distant future, let me know. I’d be happy to share my tips and recommendations.