Disney World Vacation - First impressions

Well, it was a whirwind mini-vacation, from Thursday night to late on Monday (2:00 AM - arrived home). The first time I went to Disney was when the boys were 6 years old, and there was alot of watching them, going on slow rides, afternoon naps by the pool and alot of "watch me, watch me" shouts. It was a fun trip, and not too exhausing if I remember correctly. Now 9 years later, keeping up with two 15 year olds was a bit of a challenge, but still fun and do-able.

DisneyWorld amazes me, with it non- stop merchandizing, the incredible attention to detail and the actual feeling of being away from it all. I did fall under the Disney spell - I admit it! - but stopped short of thinking that all of the clothes with MM ears were chic. First off we went to the original park, Magic Kingdom, where the Cinderella castle overlooks the whole park. Here is a picture of it during the day - and the illuminated night shot. Below it is a shot of a little US colonical house that you pass while walking to some of the rides. In clever Disney style, the dimensions of this house are off just a bit. Adjustments are made to the house measurements to make the structures seem cozier, more approachable. This is done everywhere - and it's a very clever approach. The buildings are not overwhelming, they look like you could walk in and settle down by the fire with a good book. Anyway.....

The park was filled with little girls dressed up as Pricesses. For just under $300.00 you can get your little girl the full princess treatment, complete with dress, hairdo, and nail polish. It certainly seemed excessive to me, but I can imagine how thrilled and happy I would have been as a 6 year old princess. Ah yes, Princess Mim of Brooklyn.

We all went on roller coaster after roller coaster. I love thrill rides, usually can't get enought of them. I am always terrified, can't believe I got myself into this, and scream out loud, or laugh hysterically through out the whole ride. My life passes in front of me as the ride twists and turns and speeds down steep slopes. But I keep going back for more. The great thing about doing this with 15 year olds is that they love the rides too, and will scream out loud along with you but probably for different reasons. Plus, I get to keep reminding them that I am OLD and they should be grateful for a loving aunt who will do this with them. They smile and pat me on the head and drag me off to the next ride. How lucky am I?

Here is a shot of the outside of the Everest ride, where you hurtle upside down and backwards

More impressions coming soon. Also to answer Kerstin's question - I think that Disney World is much bigger than Disney Land. World has the inside-the-park resorts and hotels and much more acreage than Land - but I'm not sure on the actual details.