People always talk about how Disney is such a great family vacation. I really didn't know what all the fuss was about. I mean of course it sounded fun, but not "the best vacation you and your kids will ever take." And wrong I was...
I think what makes it so great is that it levels the playing field of "fun" - everyone likes going to places that are believably imagined...like the way they make the streets when you first enter the magic kingdom so authentic looking...or how the inside of rides like It's a Small World is so wonderful...or how kids AND adults can have a blast on rides like Goofy's Barnstormer. I think our kids can totally tell when we are fully invested in a fun activity to the same degree that they are...when it comes to boardgames or make believe things around home they can sense that we are not into it as much as they are - and the contrast at Disney is stark.
Our trip started with the road trip to Orlando in the MDX which yours truly HOOKED UP with a full on Wii installed with the sensor bar and everything! The kids were in the backseat playing Mariocart while we are buzzing down the highway. Then there was the stop at the JAX Airport Panera's where I used to go when traveling to Convergys for a few years. We spent the night at a new Embassy Suites along the highway near Savanaha and ate at a total dive diner...Karin was right that it was a bad idea.
We arrived at the Animal Kingdom on Friday afternoon and were blown away by the cool decor and atmosphere of the "lodge." The kids hit the pool for a few hours and then we ate at our favorite pizza place in the whole world - Giordanno's.
Sat morning found us at the Animal Kingdom park where we had a blast. Notable experiences were the safari ride, birds of wonder exhibit, talking poor little Ava into riding the Everest coaster, lunch at some chinese fast food place near the river rapid ride that was awesome, and wearing ponchos on the river rapids ride. We dined at the Rainforest Cafe with the Turner's who had arrived that afternoon.
Sun morning found us at the "Magical Kingdom" as the kids called it. It was....awesome. Moderate if not short lines, and 18 hours of joint parent/kid equally enjoyed fun. I will throw this in there...I had not had a blister on my feet in 5 years...through countless 10 mile + runs, a half marathon, and a half ironman....but I got one at Disney. That is a LOT of walking folks! Notable experiences were torrential rain from 4 - 7 PM and "War of the Worlds" survival mentalities of the barbarian horde in the park, holding hands with my girls walking down beautifully lit "make believe" streets, italian dinner at that place near the front of the park with the Turner's, funnel cakes next to the lit up castle at midnight, 100 rides on Goofy's Barnstormer, my perfect score of 999,999 on the Buzz Lightyear ride, space mountain for the big kids (sweet!), fireworks and night time parade.
It was a great trip and we are already looking to add a new line item to the Drescher Budget to pay for the next trip where we take a family of 6 vs the family of 4 that made this trip.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!!!
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