Theme Park Adventure

We planned our Orlando trip a year ago - for our grandchildren, you would suppose. You would be wrong. The adults became tired of the youths' apathy when each year we asked the loaded question: you'd like to go see Mickey, WOULDN'T YOU? The years were slipping away. Someone needed to take a leadership role. Nana and Pap rose to the occasion.

We reserved two condo units at Marriott's Cypress Harbour. June 9 finally arrived. After an all night drive, we arrive comatose but revved up for a fun week. We picked up Todd at the airport that evening. The first day we attended church, then did little else except sit by the pool and ride paddle boats.

Then we hit the parks. One group went during the day; others used the previous group's tickets to return later in the day. My first outing was an evening shift to Magic Kingdom, with Gregg, Emily, and Katrina. The place was packed. We hoped to see the electric parade and the finale. Despite the crowd, the place is still magic. The castle was a spell binding presence, bathed in alternating colors.



The parade started, but we couldn't move, or even get decent view. The girls were troopers - no whining. We caught a glimpse of the parade floats.





When the parade ended, we threaded our way to the Haunted House. Sitting down was a welcome break; theme park visitors realize that most of the "experience" is walking and waiting in line. On the way back to the park entrance, the fireworks started. Then we realized from announcements that the laser light show was next. I had heard about it but did not see it in any literature. We watched from the train station; the girls were tired but patiently allowed the adults to watch the spectacular laser light show.

Then the real fun began; going home. Long lines to leave, wait for the boat ride to the parking area, then wait for a tram, then finally the short drive home. Arrive at condo around 12:25 am and do a fast fade.

In between park visits, we lounged by the pool, shopped at numerous retail venues, and at times kept busy doing nothing. Connor, Todd, and Dave played tennis. Late afternoon showers helped break the heat.



Next park stop: Epcot. Connor, Suz, and I set out early in the morning. First stop: Space Mission ride. Since our last visit, they have added a "less intense" ride experience. I did that first. Then Connor shamed me into doing the more intense Space Mission version. It was intense; I was within milliseconds of blacking out (really) on the takeoff run. After that ride, we roamed around the international section and enjoyed a beautiful day.

Last park visit was Animal Kingdom. None of us had been there before. There was lots of variety. I passed on the Mount Everest rollercoaster ride. We liked the river raft ride, but it was too short. The silverback gorillas were majestic; really up close views. Then there was the very large dino photo opportunity.



Time is growing short. The trip home back to Bittersweet Woods and reality will soon intrude on our pleasant break. Time for the obligatory resort portrait. This one was quite good, actually.


Good memories until the next visit.