Blogger's Note: Thank you for visiting my blog focusing on my fandom of all things Disney. I am reviving it after nearly 2 years for a couple of reasons. I have memories from trips to Walt Disney World I want to share with you. I also want to discuss the almost constant stream of news and events in the world of Disney and share my opninons. Again, welcome back. I hope these new posts help me make a connection with you, my readers, and together we can share our common interest in the "Wonderful World Of Disney".
Ron Havens-aka "Goofy Guy"
In December 2015, my wife and I made our 3rd visit in the last 11 years to Walt Disney World. Each of those visits were different and unique in their own way. The first in 2004 was a family vacation with our two sons. In 2010, it was just the two of us celebrating my 50th birthday. And last December, an evening at the "Very Merry Christmas Party" in the Magic Kingdom was a part of an anniversary trip that included our first trip to shores of the Gulf Of Mexico at Clearwater Beach.
Once we got back from that last trip, our plan was to return to Florida, in December 2017, with our adult children and granddaughter to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. But sometimes things happen a lot sooner than you expect. In this case, a lot sooner.
One Friday afternoon in the middle of February, I was taking a short afternoon break from my job when I got a phone call. The ringtone told me that it was my son, James.
He called to tell me that he and his wife, Brandi, decided that they were going to take our granddaughter, to Walt Disney World the week of March 6th. He invited us to go with them.
This really took me back. As a Disney fan with above an average knowledge about the theme parks I had a couple of concerns. My first thoughts centered around the fact that they were going during "Spring Break" season. Attendance at the WDW parks during that time is among the highest of the year.
My second thought was that it had only been 3 months since my wife and I took our last trip to Florida. Getting time off of work again so soon, and covering the cost of the trip were uncertain issues. It was frustrating but I couldn't see any way we could go.
After telling them that we couldn't go, Paula and I started talking. Our initial decision was so unsettling.
I did some research with my online Disney trip planning resources and discovered that, although for that week the expected crowds, although expected to be above average, with a little planning were manageable.
Our consternation over the decision we had made was centered around this reality. With or without us, our granddaughter was going to Disney World. How could we miss something that was so important?
Aria is our only granddaughter. Ever since she was an infant she has been a fan of Disney characters; especially Minnie, Mickey. Over the last couple of years she has grown to love Disney movies as well ("Frozen" and "The Aristocats" are her favorites).
The anticipation of being with her as she looks down Main Street USA and sees the castle for the first time, feeling the joy as we watch her meet her Disney friends in person, and witnessing the reflection of the Magic Kingdom fireworks in her eyes were irresistibly compelling. There was only one thing for us to do. By the end of that weekend we had changed our minds.
By Tuesday of the next week, the path was clear of concerns. It was going to happen. We were going with our granddaughter to Walt Disney World!!!
But the decision to go was just the first step in our journey to Orlando. Getting the most out of a Walt Disney World vacation these days requires more than just buying park tickets and making hotel reservations. There was a lot of planning to do.
Coming in Part 2: Planning Our Disney Experience
