Fun Quota '09-The Disney Trip

I have been writing this post in my head for the last week but mounds to do at school + insane crazy tiredness = just now getting written. For those interested I plan to write a 2nd post tomorrow about the logistics of our trip if you are considering going to the dark side and doing Disney. I personally think we hit a balance of going with reasonable expectations of a often tired, whiny, pooping on himself 3 year old. We didn't expect that every moment was going to be rainbows and unicorns. Bill's planning was key to this trip along with my knack for winging it, got us through the non-Disney filled moments.

First off if you know me in real life either now or ever you might ask, YOU of all people drank the Kool-aid and actually enjoyed the trip. YES, I admit it I did. For for the most selfish reason of all, watching the shear joy and excitement on Ben's face was worth every minute suffering through yet another musical performance or another employee of Disney wishing me a "Disney Day" about 900 times. These employees must have a Valium lick at the time clock as no promise of health care equals this devotion to your job.

ok... the trip in my fav pictures with commentary

Friday night into Sat Am we took an overnight Amtrak train from Raleigh to Kissimmee where we met Bill's mom, Pam. When Ben woke up around 6:30am his first words were, "mommy we are still on the train." Yes... and we will be for another FOUR hours!!! Note mommy sarcasm.

Once there we, checked into our hotel, the Port Orleans-Riverside and literally got not only the building we wanted, but a perfect room within an easy walk to the food court, pool, and shuttle stop. I loved this hotel and highly recommend for families trying not to spend your child's education at Camp Micky while wanting to be on Disney property.We requested a trundle bed for more room and Ben loved sleeping on a special bed giving Daddy a bed to himself.

Sat night after long naps we ventured out to the Magic Kingdom to watch the first of many parades and our only attempt at fireworks. As expected from the 4th of July, Ben was scared of the boom-booms so we bolted for Tomorrowland to ride race cars with no line.

Sunday we spent a half day at Animal Kingdom, new to all of us. We took advantage of the FastPass system to ride an African Safari as well as suffer through Finding Nemo-The Musical. Seriously, these people are not only smokin' crack but need to realize that there is a time and place for musical theater, high school.
That night we went to Epcot where it was the last day of the International Food and Wine Festival. I totally enjoyed my Irish cheese plate while Bill's mom, Pam enjoyed the largest glass of Guinness I have ever seen. Bill and I tried to ride the it ride of Epcot, Sorin' which simulates hang gliding, but with an hour wait we bailed. We had our first of two character meals. \This one served family style featured Chip, Dale, Pluto and Mickey. I have to admit I totally bought it and loved the experience. The food was great and each the characters hammed it up for the kids.

Monday we hit the Magic Kingdom again and took the train to the far side and worked our way specifically to Fantasyland where the most old school kids rides are still delighting the masses. Ben wasn't scared on any of the rides and thankfully, we had done our research and skipped the fear inducing ones. Later that night we returned to Epcot where we had reservations at the Biergarden in World Showcase. We got a table right next to the stage. The food was great and watching Bill minus over 100 lbs. living it up dancing with Ben still makes me smile.

We finished off Epcot and Bill and I got into Sorin' at one minute until closing. Yes I ran, and yes I felt like I was going to die after a heavy German meal. Pam took Ben back early to avoid the fireworks so we leisurely walked around Epcot together and enjoyed the only couple time we had on the trip.

Tuesday we spent the morning at Hollywood Studios where I kid you not we did the best thing on this trip: a stunt show involving car chases, people catching on fire, and in general a really bad parenting choice at it's best. Ben needless to say loved it and I think with our explanation that all was pretend we didn't set him back too much to want to go to a monster truck rally for his birthday. We also suffered through Playhouse Disney Live Action show. Did I mention how much I hate anything that resembles a musical?

Tuesday night called for rain, but fortunately we were all tired and needed a night off to pack and plan our last day. We did take the riverboat from our hotel all the way into Downtown Disney to get souvenirs and dinner. It finally started raining while there. Given the three straight days of cold, rainy weather at home we dodged a serious bullet in Florida.

Wednesday we slept in, checked out and hit the Magic Kingdom once more for our 2nd character meal.This was an endurance test for any reasonable person over the age of 10 to suffer through the adventures of Pooh and friends. While the food was good the loud, chaotic atmosphere was for die hard fans only. I would have been happier eating a corn dog and sitting on a curb than watching children and adults alike following the Pooh parade all over the restaurant to the mind-numbing music.

Of all the days of flawless transportation, little time waiting, of course us trying to get out of Disney Wed afternoon turned into something from Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. At my worst I was running, yes running, through the food court getting food to take on the train to to use up our remaining food credits only to get to the train station for a 2 hour delay.

Once on the train we settled in and actually slept for a majority of the night, despite the man within ear shot talking loudly on a cell phone about the "price of rock vs power" on his cell phone as well as using profanity on a whole new level. NICE! Especially since he rode all the way to Raleigh with us.

At our post trip wrap up- aka we are waiting on our bags and need time to kill I polled everyone for their favorite part of the trip:

Ben- Riding on a train. We could have forgone the Disney part of the trip and just booked a 5 day train ticket.

Bill- Test Track and Sorin' at Epcot, eating/keeping down a plate of fav food Sauerbraten at Biergarden

Heather- It's a Small World, the hotel, having Bill's mom along to help, watching Bill interact with Ben.

Pam- Definately not the ride home via bus where someone had had a heart attack around Tifton, GA at 2 am. She hands down get's worst travel experience. I didn't poll her but my guess would be watching her son relieve childhood through her grandchild.

Our Vinson Family fun quota was totally exceeded for 2009 and I think we built up a reserve for 2010.