Disney World is not for Sissies - Part 2

I have to confess, in the middle of all the fun and games, smiles and laughter, there were also times of tears.

I "teared up" the first night at Fantasmic.  Okay...I cried.  I don't know why.  Maybe being taken back through so many Disney memories.  Maybe the incredible display of imagination.  Maybe I was exhausted.  Anyway...two days later, Jeremy admitted that it made him "tear up" too.  Just sayin'.

I teared up on the "It's a Small World" ride.  Mostly at the end when we were all singing along.

I teared up when the Fairy-Godmother-in-Training couldn't style Lauren's hair because she had an eczema patch on her scalp.  Something about products and policy and doctor's notes.  I understood.  But she didn't.  Oh that sweet, disappointed face!  Have mercy!

I teared up when Jacob spilled coke in his lap and he was embarrassed that people might think it was another kind of accident.

I teared up when I saw this note that Lauren left in the room.

I teared up when each of my grandchildren, at separate times, said "Thank you, Nana, for bringing us to Disney World."

I teared up during the fireworks finale when the explosion was shaped like a star and everyone was singing, "When You Wish Upon A Star."

And tears were shed on the last trek to the shuttle after the final night parade and fireworks.  When every muscle, joint, and vertebrae ached from the miles walked, hours sat on hard, cold concrete to save the best place, and from jerks and sudden drops of ridicululously fun and scary rides.  

Oh, mark my words.  Disney World is not for Sissies.  Or maybe it is.

Disney World is not for Sissies

Disney World is a team sport.

For the full Disney experience, it's imperative that you arrive when the parks open...or before...since Magic Kingdom has an awesome welcome show at 7:45 a.m.

And stay until the electric parade and fireworks at the end of the night.

Forget a regular meal schedule.  No time for breakfast until you've arrived at the park and made a mad dash for the Jedi Training Camp to get your future Jedi signed up.  Lunch at Mama Melrose's was at 3:40 p.m.........

...aka nap time.

Dinner reservations at Cinderella's Castle were for 8:40 p.m....

 ...aka bed time.

Twilight Zone's Tower of Terror looks fun from a distance.

But requires some major pep talks on the approach.

You may have to battle the dark side...

find yourself in Mater's mouth...

and escape Donald's choke hold.

Disney resorts offer free shuttle service to hop the parks.  Rarely is there much of a wait time, but when there is, take full advantage.

By the end of the day, there is not one body part that doesn't hurt.  Three days + three parks = six tired but happy teammates.