The Happiest Place on Earth

I took my kids and my crankypants bad attitude down to Disney World this past week. John had a sales meeting in Orlando and it seemed like a good idea to plan a trip to join him.

I think I must be missing my Goofy gene (those who know me would be shocked to hear that). As I’ve aged (gracefully, of course) my tolerance for crowds has begun to wane. I’ve never liked the heat and I’m very selective when it comes to thrill rides (I peak at Splash Mountain. Ha ha, peak, get it?) Not exactly a prime candidate for the Disney experience.

But I have two children and a husband who just might be Walt reincarnated (or thawed… how does that work?) so repeat trips to see the House of Mouse are inevitable. He’s already planning our next journey.

There were some highlights, of course. John’s brother, his wife, their son, niece and nephew joined us for a day, and time spent with family is never time wasted. Even if you are spending it zig-zagging through the maze that is the line leading up to Thunder Mountain railroad (seriously, those Disney folks know how to move people efficiently).

We stayed at the Boardwalk Villas, which was convenient and lovely as well as delightfully close to a funnel cake stand. John asked if the boardwalk reminded me of summers down the shore as a kid. Let’s just say… Disney Boardwalk is to Sea Isle City, NJ as Disney Pocahontas is to actual history.

My blood sugars - when I checked them - held steady for the most part. All that walking does tend to balance out all that eating. I found myself eating less than during previous visits. The food's not even that great (where we eat), but it's so easy to try to get your money's worth at the buffet.

We spent more time at Epcot this visit, including a quick trip to “China” with Jake on our last day. This was my favorite part – he wanted to check it out because they studied ancient China this year and it really captured his imagination. We shared a lunch of fried rice and chicken and hatched plans to travel to the real China and Italy some day. John and Ryan can hang out with Donald Duck, we’re saving our pennies with the hope of joining my parents in Italy next Spring.