This past weekend two of the happiest me’s came together.
The kid me, that loves all things Disney and the college me that loved all
things social. I went to a convention, held at Disney World. Let me just stop
right there and point out how happy this made me!
That was me during the planning of our day at the park. The
next day was also spent at a different theme park Sea World, where I appreciated
the marine life and shows. We stayed away from the rides on account of them
being rained out and the whole of Orlando dealing with major thunder and
lightning displays. Which I also love but that is a topic for another time.
Now this time we were determined to see all four parks in
one day. And going to Animal Kingdom I realized I had my adult perspective on,
I saw that we were not in Africa but rather in a park that had elaborately
constructed sets, and roadways. At which point I immediately got miffed with
myself and reminded myself “self you are in the most Magical place on Earth! You
will lose yourself in it and become a big kid!” Happy to report this
transformation took less than five minutes. For then we saw Pluto and Goofy and
Donald and I perhaps gave the biggest inhale, saucer-like wide eyed, open mouth
expression those characters ever saw and immediately proceeded to follow them
to the picture area. I could not wait so I tried to take a picture while still
in line… at which point this happened!
Yup photo bombed by Pluto! How awesome is that?
It totally reminded me of what it is like to be a kid. And
what a great experience this is at any age. Especially as a mom walking around a
theme park with pure liberation of not having to tote a tot. Of not having him
run off. No temper tantrums was in itself liberating. It was two best friends
who have known and loved each other for a decade enjoying a couple of days in
the happiest place on earth.
It was the first time I went to Epcot and it was like a mini
world trip to all different destinations. And let me tell you the best stop we
made was to a French restaurant. Oh la la! There was a lobster bisque, salmon
and lentils and crème Brule. I got to eat in peace. Oh the wonder of that. A glutinous
peaceful feast.
So in conclusion this was my first vacation post baby
without the little munchkin (he was not forgotten as attested by the Shamu
Bubble gun, and 20 inch Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaur). A friendship was
celebrated, new connections made. Ideas learned through the Disney Institute
and an overall great time was had.
I want to reflect on that a little "But First... Let me take a Selfie!"
