On October 18, my lovely betrothed and I will celebrate three years of marital bliss. I like to think that we chose to get married in October because the changing of the leaves each fall reminds us of our special day and the vows that we spoke. The reality of the situation is that we were really super psyched about our Caribbean honeymoon and October means no kids, fewer tourists, and cheap rates. Granted, we were catching the tail end of hurricane season but what’s the point of spending thousands of dollars if you’re not willing to take a little risk now and then.
We debated returning to the Caribbean for our three-year anniversary but fiscal responsibility got the best of us. The cost of plane tickets always seems to throw a wrench into travel plans. However, thanks in equal parts to geographical proximity and extreme parental neglect by the Nolands, our new destination became a fairly easy choice. Everyone I talk to seems appalled that I’ve never been to Disney World so hold onto your hats because the mouse drought will come to an end in October.
My wife and I are both excited about the trip to Orlando. Growing up, I received regular reports from friends who made the journey to Walt’s place and reconnoitered Space Mountain and Epcot. Now it’s my turn to let my imagination run wild. Even though I’m 32 years old, I don’t think I’ll be able to leave without donning a pair of mouse ears and riding Dumbo and the tea-cups. I will do my best to make it look only sad and pathetic rather than utterly creepy. Grown men and kiddie rides don’t normally mix but this is the happiest place on earth and I fully plan on getting my money’s worth.
I called my dad to tell him about our plans and the conversation went something like this:
Me: “Hey dad, Kristen and I are going on vacation in October, we’re headed to Disney World.”
Dad: “Why are you going there again?”
Me: “I’ve never been before dad.”
Dad: “You mean you didn’t go with us?”
Me: “No.”
Dad: “Oh. That must have been before you were born.”
Me: “Wow, okay cool.”
Dad: “Wait, we didn’t take you when we took your sister?”
Me: “No, I didn’t realize you ever took her.”
Dad: “Yep. That might have been the most fun I’ve ever had on a vacation and we even took your mother.”
Me: click.
Imagine my surprise to learn that my sister had already visited the magic kingdom. That harkens back to the time I got two pastel t-shirts from my parents for my 21st birthday that made me look like I’d just returned from Jazzercize. My sister just barely beat me out with her 21st birthday gift. She got a Camry. But I’m not bitter. *
Kristen and I will spend part of our week at Universal Studios. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will most likely get the lion’s share of our time there. Not because there’s a great deal to see but because apparently there’s a two-hour line just to get into “Honeydukes” to get a butterbeer. I’m not even sure if there are rides at this place. That’s okay because my focus, apparently, will be on procuring an authentic wizarding wand and an overpriced cream soda. Shamelessly though, I’m okay with that.
Since we don’t have kids yet, we’re doing our best to travel as much as possible. From what I’ve always been told, the notion of not having a good time at Disney World is inconceivable. I’m excited to see if these icons that I’ve grown up hearing about and watching on TV meet or exceed my expectations. I certainly hope so because in our quest to save money and skip the Caribbean, we’ve discovered that this magical kingdom in Florida is fairly over priced but nonetheless, I remain excited.
Granted, I’ll probably not be screaming in the midway with Mickey and Minnie like other little kids of yore, or dancing with Cinderella in front of her castle. After all, I have my own Cinderella that I get to spend time with every day. Although sometimes, when Jeffrey goes poop on the floor, my Cinderella can be equal parts wicked stepmother and Cruella Deville. Fortunately for our animals, I’m able to step in and act like Princes Charming and Valiant.
One day, sometime after we return from our trip, I want to sit down with our nephews and compare notes. They went as kids and I went as an adult. I’m curious to see how we differ in our experiences. I wonder if there will be any differences at all. This is Disney after all. It makes no difference who you are.
Right?
* I’m actually not bitter at all. We were both spoiled rotten. Sometimes I have to take liberties though.
