Spaceship Earth - EPCOT
I am often asked, “Don’t you get burned out on Disney World living so close?” Never! I feel privileged. Monday was even more special. My granddaughter got in free because it was her birthday and was pinned with a badge marking the event. All through the park, people would say, “Happy Birthday, H.” At first she said it felt funny to be at Disney where she had been so many times on her birthday, but I think by the time the day was over, I think she felt very differently.
Bathroom tile in Animal Kingdom
We covered three parks in twelve hours. The only casualty was my feet. Blisters rubbed on the balls of both feet in sandals. I’ll never again laugh at tourists with socks and sandals. I think they are on to something.
My girls and their mother are dare devils. Space Mountain was closed for repairs (what a shame), but we went on Test Ride and later Thunder Mountain in the dark, a different experience. My only disappointment was not seeing Meerkats at Animal Kingdom. I was told they were underground during the day in the heat. What about the Kalahari? I think it gets hot there. Maybe they don’t have to forage for food here and have turned soft. But we saw gorillas and lions and tigers, oh my. Also lots of giraffes and hippos. The shade at that park is amazing on a hot day.
There is another level of excitement surrounding the park adventure. Last visit in July the monorails were out of service because of a fatal accident the night before on one. Just last week all buses were taken out of service when a bomb-like device was discovered under one bus. Yeserday we had to apply hand sanitizer repeatedly because of the Swine Flu threat. But other than that, it was a day at the park, and a very special one at that.
Son & Granddaughters
A N H I N G A 
Disney is such a magical experience (if you can get past screaming kids and crying babies). I haven’t been in a while. We used to have annual passes to Disneyland when I lived in southern California. Since then, I don’t think I’ve been to a Disney park. Yeah. It has been a while.
My dream is to go to Disneyland or Disney World without kids. I’ve never gone without kids and I think it’s time.
I’ve gone both ways, with and without kids, and love both. My husband and a couple of friends went a few years ago and we spent the day in the countries of World Showcase in EPCOT. It was the closest we got to an international vacation. So much fun, and we got to sleep in our own bed.
We took the whole family for the EPCOT Christmas dinner and show. The rest of the time has just been for the kiddies and was a joy to see them having fun, not that I don’t enjoy a few rides myself.
Sort of strange to read this, because- my daughter brought home a paper today where they ask them questions in different tenses, and she said the place she most wants to go is Disney World.
It sounds like a very special day. You made me want to go again, describing Thunder Mountain Railroad. I love that ride- especially in the dark on a balmy Florida night. The last time I went to Disneyworld was over 12 years ago, so they didn’t have animal kingdom.
I agree with you. A Disney fan never gets burnt out for long on the experience.
I hope Sierra gets to go soon. There is always something new. The new Jack Sparrow animitrons blew me away. They ARE Johnny Depp. I just wanted to jump out of the boat.
Sounds like fun. It’s been 20+ years since my one and only visit to Disney World. I’d love to go again someday.