Monday, July 25, 2011

Magic Monday

We're finally home!

Our final leg in the Fabulous Fifty Fountain of Youth Vacation took us a bit inland.  There was really only one logical destination.


We decided to bite the bullet and endure enjoy Disney in July for three reasons. First, because it's the happiest place on earth where everybody is a kid.  Second, because even though we love historical vacations, we're not complete nerds....


 And third? Because we're  cheapskates and hoarders who had managed to save four unused sets of Disney World tickets since the year 2000.

Sad, isn't it?

And so we ventured inland to spend a few days at Disney World.  We figured we could cover a lot of ground in a less time since we wouldn't be chasing princesses all over the park this time.

Yeah, right...
Want to guess which daughter loves which princess?
(And don't you dare say that Mary Poppins doesn't count. In our house, she does.)


Of course, In my opinion there is really only one Disney Princess...


Who is yours? 


I've decided not to overwhelm this post with Disney details. After all, most of you have Disney memories of your own. I'll just give one personal pick and pan.

My pick for personal favorite was the movie ride at Disney Hollywood Studios.
 (Which I still call MGM) 

I was completely delighted from start to finish, even though the only passenger in our boat who got the concept of "sing along " was the delighted blonde on the third row.


In her head, she sounded just like the Mayor of Munchkin City.

My pan was Prince Caspian from the same park. We thought we had hit the jackpot with a less than ten minute wait, but then, we figured out why.  You just basically stand in a dark room and watch a trailer of the movie. Can't I watch the whole thing from the comfort of my own sofa? Why, yes, I can.  And no. I didn't take a picture.

All in all, though, we had a wonderful time,
and I'm very pleased to report that our quest was a complete success. 

After several full days at the Happiest Place on Earth,
we definitely no longer feel 50.


We feel 80.  


It's good to be home.

41 comments:

Ann said...

By chance, did you run into our other friend who is also admiring the Disney Princesses?
We love most things Disney, too. Even with older kids, it's a fun place to go. Hope you were able to ride the rides with water .... like Splash Mountain. Last time we were there it was closed due to storms ... sigh.

Hope you all had a great time and I know how good it is to be home ...

Cheers!

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Debbie, I live in Orlando and have not been to Disney in about 5 years, I guess i kind of had Disney overload, but it is on my fall to do list as there is so any new things. What a fun time it looks you had, no matter what your age!

Carol

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Oh, yeah, it's definitely good to be home! I'm glad you made some new memories with your family -- although Disney in July would have done me in completely!

Barbara F. said...

Debbie, I've been to Disney World several times, and always had a fabulous time, my first trip was 1979 and my last was 1992 (?). I doubt I could do it now. One of my trips was in late July, with friends and their kids, and it was hot-hot-hot!! Glad you had a wonderful trip. xo,

Patti said...

Sounds like a fabulous time!!! Disney's great anytime...even July!!

Since we used to live in the greater Orlando area, Disney was part of our stompin' grounds. We used to go quite often. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Haven't been there in over a decade now...I'm definitely in need of a Disney fix.

Thanks for sharing your vacation with us. And, again, happy 50th birthday to you. Now we are both members of the Fab 50 club!!

Have a great day.

Love,
Patti

Unknown said...

Love being a kid ... occasionally! So glad you enjoyed your vacation, great place to go.

You have so much to look forward to in the 50s ... you're gonna just LOVE it! Happy Birthday sweetie.

Have a beautiful week ~
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon

Sharon said...

Oh how fun! We live about 40 minutes from Disneyland, and I haven't been there in 20 years. Crazy, huh? But I did go to Disney World in Florida with a group when my youngest was in high school. And yes, it can age you quickly!

My *pick* would have to be the Tower of Terror. As a rule, I don't like scary rides that involve a lot of movement - I tend to get very nauseous. But, I was with a group of moms, and peer pressure made a reappearance from my high school days. One mom who had been on the ride here at Disneyland said it "wasn't so bad." So, I did it. It was unbelievably scary...and FUN! Aforementioned mom said, "Wow. That was quite a bit wilder than the one at home." Yeah. Figured that out.

My pan - hmmm. Maybe the exorbitant cost of food?

My guess on the princesses? Well, I'm putting it out there. I think perhaps Miss Practical likes Mary Poppins. Ms. Poppins seems like a no-nonsense kind of girl, but with a heart of gold, just like Miss Practical. And Miss Whimsy? Perhaps the princess in the yellow dress - (Yes, having a senior moment and I can't for the life of me remember her name - is it Belle from Beauty and the Beast?). She just has that whimsical thing going.

I'm probably way off.

But of course, a certain someone would just love Cinderella. After all, there is an UNCANNY resemblance to a couple - youngsters, really - who are still living a fairy tale.

Glad to have you back. Sorry about the looonnnggg comment. Just pretend you're standing in lines again and the time to read this will pass quickly...

GG

Amy Kinser said...

Cinderella, for sure, is my favorite. I am so glad y'all had a great time.

Me and the girls are still on vacation. Mom is doing well. I will email you and give you some specifics.

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Cinderella here too.

Did that shiny red Kodak take these pictures?? They are beautiful.

Glad you are back... there's no place like home!

xo

Angel said...

I have thoroughly enjoyed your vacation posts! Sounds like you've had yourself some exciting adventures. I have never been to Disney World myself but, thanks to you, I feel like I've gotten an inside peek into the magic kingdom. :) Now that you're home, I hope you enjoy your much deserved rest.

Ms.Daisy said...

Debbie,
It is good to be home but, oh, the memories you will have to share in the years to come. Are you perfectly sure that is not you and Sir Lotsa dressed as Cinderella and her Prince on that float? Sure looks like you two! Thanks for sharing all with us.

~Jean

Gaby said...

We absolutely loved it when we went! We had to go meet Tiana, the newest princess that my daughter adores because she looks just like her :)

Can't wait to go back. Glad you had such a blast.

Chatty Crone said...

I love Disney but it can be a lot especially a lot - in HOT July! I went a couple of years ago then - it was HOT! Glad you had a good time - when are you going back?

xinex said...

You took wonderful pictures, Debbie. When the kids were small, we had annual passes to Disney World and I kinda got tired of going. But I haven't been there for a while so I wouldn't mind going back....Christine

CAL said...

Made me smile the entire time reading this blog. Thought of all the wonderful memories of years gone by when we visited with our son. And yes, he is a Prince although if you ask him he will say a King.

So good to have you home sweet home.

Maryann said...

Last week must have been the week to do Disney, I know two other families that went last week as well.
Love Disney, thought we'd stop going after the kids were grown but not that's not the case. We are just big kids at heart. Glad you had fun, and welcome back. (BTW our favorite attraction is Toy Story but the wait.... met some nice people though, that's what happens when you spend 90 minutes in line)

Joan Hall said...

I've enjoyed reading about your vacation. I've never been to Disney World - went to Disneyland in Aneheim several years back...we'll more than 30...Helped celebrate Micky's 50th Birthday...wow he is an old mouse now...

Anyway, welcome back home!

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Oh Debbie, I'm with you--no other besides Cinderella--the one and only!! Looks like you guys had an awesome trip but if you're like me "there's no place like home, no place like home"--

BTW, I left you a note over on my blog about the words in the blue box.

Love you,
D.

Tanna said...

LOL! That last little part cracked me up, Debbie!! Have you noticed it seems to get better and better to get back into your own bed? LOL! blessings ~ tanna

Anonymous said...

Hey Deb! Nice to have you back home and yakking at us! Thanks for sharing a bit of your trip to Disneyworld with us. Your pictures were terrific! Much has changed since my last trip there some twenty years ago or so. I think I would have loved the MGM ride, too. Didn't know it existed. I'm recuperating from my yard sale - thanks for stopping by and celebrating all my pinks. Now, it's time to move around some upstairs furniture. Doing a little every day because I have curriculum writing to do this week before I meet with my principal on Friday. This summer vacation is way too short! The sale was successful - never a lull and 100 degrees plus all day!. Crazy people out there. Goodwill got the rest by 2pm and Ed and I were done for. Couldn't move. Still not wanting to do much of anything. Enjoy your last few hours of 49 - 50 comes and then 51, etc. Fountain of Youth fantasies notwithstanding - we don't go backward - and I'm not keen on doing another yard sale for a very long time - if ever!
Joy!
Kathy

Kelli said...

WOW! Disney is one of our favorite spots! I know what you mean about the Prince Caspian exhibit, uh, whatever it was. Can you say major disappointment? Thanks so much for sharing your wild adventurous vacation with us!!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

That just sounds like an awesome vacation...I have never been...well none of us have and I so want to take Benjamin...Love the pictures and so glad you had such a wonderful and memorable time.

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi Debbie,

This post is so funny :-) We love Disney World, but I don't think we could do July (yikes). We always went in April, and it was hot then. These pictures are wonderful; they bring back really fun memories. I LOVE Cinderella's Castle. Have you seen the beautiful mosaic mural in the back part of the castle? It's one of my favorite things there. Last trip, we did the movie ride at Hollywood Studios park, and we also enjoyed it. It's been such fun to follow along on the Fabulous Fifty Adventure. Thanks so much for visiting my blog and taking time to leave a comment. I'm really glad you enjoyed the "tour". Have a great week!

Denise

no spring chicken said...

You are my absolute favorite nerd! You tried to convince us that you were all hep and stuff... but then you belted out the songs on the MGM ride and the deal was sealed. You are a nerd that loves historic vacations, thinks Mary Poppins is a princess, and doesn't care who is around when show tunes are being played... LOVE you!

Blessings, Debbie

Mevely317 said...

Ah-ha!!! ... I THOUGHT so, Debbie!
I got such a kick out of this post.
A few years back we joined my son and family at WDW ... also in July. Endured is the right word for sure ... I think they need to give away merit badges to anyone over 30!

FrouFrouBritches said...

Are you telling me that you had four unused tickets to Disney and that's how you got into the park? If so, I'm completely amazed and impressed that you kept up with them.

I looooove Disney. My best trip is when I was 25 and went with my parents and brother and sister. I'm DYING to take the kids. Next time I win a million dollars, I'm going!

I'm so glad y'all had a good time on your trip!!!! Thanks for sharing. It's the closest I've gotten to a vacation in YEARS!

Denise said...

I agree that Cinderella is THE princess. I don't know if it's the dress or the coach but she wins hands down in my humble opinion. Not surprised that we agree!! Now, princess picks for your girls...One is easy. Mary Poppins for Miss Practical. I think based on her independent personality, probably Mulan too. That leaves Snow White and Belle for Miss Whimsy. Both have that poufy dress thing that I think she likes. Am I even close?

Your pictures are wonderful. I haven't been to Disney since your last trip in 2000. I'd love to go back sometime but maybe not in July. I'm guessing since you won't actually be 50 until December, we're going to be celebrating from now until then. Sounds like lots of fun to me.

corners of my life said...

We are headed to the happiest place on earth in December for my {big} birthday. Thanks for your Pick and Pan advice.

Crickit said...

What a great post!! I'm glad you all got to have a vaca! I would have been the "other" blonde singing like a munchkin in munchkin land!

FUN!! :)

Shug said...

I love this place....Guess I'm just a big kid at heart...My all time favorite ride is the "soaring"
ride...I think I could just stay on this ride..
Love the smells of the orange blossoms and the free spirit that you feel while flying...

Glad you are home and glad you all had a wonderful time..
shug

Donna said...

Oh what fun! I want to go back to DW so bad. Of course, their's only one princess, and that's Cinderella. I'm glad you had such a great time.
D

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Haven't been to Disney World since 1988, or was it 1987? Too long ago to remember. It is a magical place, although I only went to theme parks, even in my younger days, to keep the peace. Not sure how I'd react now. HA!

It's always great to get home from wherever you've been. Welcome!

elizabeth said...

I have a hankering to go back to Epcot after I saw a blogger post about her trip to "France" via Epcot, and they had the cutest French towels and cafe au lait cups for sale in a little shop there. Doesn't make a lot sense for me to make the trip for that reason though. :) Anyway, your trip looks great. Happy 50! I turn 54 next week. Ouch!

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

Great photographs! I love vacations, but it tires me out-so we only do short one or two day trips.

Jennie said...

Belle is my personal favorite. I like that she's quiet, sassy yet refined, confident, and always has her nose in a book.

Impressive to brave central FL in July. I think that would make anyone feel like they're knocking on death's door!

Glad you're home. I know what a relief it is to cross that familiar threshold after too long away. Hope you and the family had a WONDERFUL time!

Tami said...

Now that looks fun! So beautiful. I would have to say that my 2 favorite princesses are Mary Poppins (I think she counts as well. We love that movie!) and Cinderella. I have always loved when the animals make her dress-that's my favorite part.

Sharon said...

C'mon, Debbie - you've got to tell us which princess goes with which daughter - I'm dying to know!!

(I felt validated that Denise guessed similarly to me!)

Debbie said...

I had forgotten! I meant to tell you that you were exactly right. The Practical One loves Mary Poppins the best, and Miss Whimsy is all about Belle.

Sue said...

Sorry to be so late in commenting on our new favorite place ~ although I'm not sure I could handle it in July!! Looks like a wonderful vacation, and I'm with you, Cinderella is my favorite, with bookworm Belle a close second.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I love Snow White, but Cinderella is pretty cute, too.

No wonder you feel 80. Disney is July is a terrifying prospect. I once mapped out all the "cool" (and I mean cool as in the refreshing feel of AC) rides. I had to get it down because I kept having visitors who wanted to do Disney. Pirates of the Caribbean was my personal favorite back in the Dark Ages when I used to agree to going along for the thrill of it all. ;-) There was never much of a line there and in the Tiki Bird Room, so we went there when there at the hottest part of the day. Now, I bet with Johnny Depp, that "Pirates" is packed. Shucks!

xo,

Sheila :-)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Disney 'in' July. I'm the typo queen today.

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