By Alan Bittman
Fortunately, my wife, Cyndi, and I just missed the latest weather mess here in Albemarle County. Timing! Timing! Timing! While Central Virginia was treated to snow, ice and torrential rain, we were in Orlando.
Last year my brother gave us as a reference (read: “sales lead for a time share”) to the folks who run a very nice resort in Florida. The “catch” was a one-on-one with the sales force in the shadow of Mickey Mouse’s Florida home.
So after giving the timeshare company its due, we went to the Magic Kingdom. What a way to celebrate a fifty-year anniversary! The weather was great all week. The park was spotless. The staffers were very attentive. In short, we had a wonderful time. Who says two “sixty-five plusses” can’t act like kids?
We rode the ferry into the park and journeyed down Main Street USA. On the horizon was Cinderella’s Castle, and as we mingled with the folks meandering toward it, we were wide-eyed. Like magic, our ears caught the sounds of a stage show. Everyone was there – Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Cinderella and Prince Charming, Peter Pan and Tinkerbelle. What a way to start the day. Next came an antique fire truck carrying a barbershop quartet backed up by the same number of Sweet Adeline singers. Their performance lasted fifteen or so minutes.
Then things slowed down. We wandered around taking in the sights. We discovered Tomorrowland and rode the People-Mover to see all the sights. Cyndi hoped to get on the Space Mountain ride, but it’s not for people with arthritis and such. Bummer!
We had lunch with Pinocchio in Gepetto’s Workshop and left there for Liberty Square. We saw the Liberty Tree (at least there is something older than me). It’s well over one hundred years old.
We also found our way to a 3D show called “Mickey’s PhilarMagic” As we left that performance, the theme park staff started cordoning off the sidewalks and pathways. A voice announced that soon there would be the “Festival of Fantasy Parade.” People jostled each other for space at the curb and waited. Our patience was rewarded! Every Disney character was there – on floats, in costume, in full voice, singing and dancing. The parade was awesome. What a good time. After, Cyndi and I each celebrated with a double scoop of Edy’s Best Ice Cream as we relived the parade.
Sadly, our age caught up with us. Cyndi’s Fitbit said 11,300 steps. Whew. I knew we had walked forever. We agreed it was time to leave. But we promised ourselves a return trip. Next time we’ll get there late and stay late ‘cause we missed the fireworks show. Maybe next year?
“Hey” John, “want to set us up again??” We didn’t buy this time.
