Observations on Disney World Part 1

Disney World in Florida is truly a fantastic and magical place; it lives up to all the hype (both negative and positive) These are a few of my observations, from my many many visits to the Wonderful World that is Disney.

Disney World is known as the happiest place on earth, and I can see why, it’s a dream come not only for the children, but Disneymaniacs  and it’s a shopaholics paradise, you can’t walk two feet without hitting some sort of gift shop.

Word to the wise, for the happiest place on earth you will hear an awful lot of crying and screaming. ( and sometimes not just from children) Truth be told there are an awful lot of sad , tired, misbehaved children in this magical paradise.

WARNING DO NOT GO  HERE IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE AROUND CHILDREN (OR ADULTS WHO ACT LIKE CHILDREN, OR ARE YOUNG AT HEART)

This is not the place for grouches, grinches, or grumps. If you are miserable sod at heart, a vacation at the Magic Kingdom (should actually be the Magic Empire if ya ask me, but they didn't and I guess that doesn't have the same ring to it) is not quite the right fit.

Here are a few things to determine if a trip to the Mouse  House is right for you.

1) Do you have a tolerance for  yelling and screaming children, who despite the fact the parents are right there still manage all sorts of mischief, from falling over to grabbing toys off shelves, to running into people without nary an apology.

2)Do you posses a strong immune system, as the selfsame children will be sneezing and coughing all over you,  and sad to say they will not be the only ones. Many adults will hack and sneeze all over your direction.

3) Do you have a high tolerance for rudeness. It's one thing for an over excited child to forget  how to say excuse me and please and thank you, and push past you ,run into you, smash into you or kick you, now flash forward to the adults! For some reason some adults find it perfectly acceptable to check their manners and common sense at the door.  You will often find  them  forgetting   how to say excuse me and please and thank you, and push past you ,run into you with the push chair and smash into you with the massive camera around their neck. And lets not forget pulling  any toy or merchandise out of your hand (this applies to either adult or child)

4) Can you process massive amounts of stimulation of all senses, causing near sensory overload.Are you willing to overdose on the sugary sweetness of just walking in the Magic Kingdom, the smell of caramel and candy permeate the place. If you are traveling with children can you harden your heart to not be suckered into buying everything  they want (or for that matter can you do the same for your self if not traveling with kiddies?) Are you are prepared to hear have a magical day at least 5 times an hour, and have a certain song stuck in your head for the rest of your natural existence?

5)  STAMINA! If you are not prepaid to walk miles and miles, stand in queue for great lengths, again this is not the place for you. Depending upon when you go, the weather can range from lovely to hellish! There are days in July through September that can reach well above 90 degrees F (add the walking and the standing in queue to that).

6) CASH/TRAVELERS CHEQUES/CREDIT CARDS (WITH A VERY LARGE LIMIT)

Disney is expensive, even on a package. Trinkets, toys, clothes, food water, and incidentals all add up. Make sure you are all stocked up and ready dish the dosh.

Check and re-check your list!  If you are 100% certain you can survive all of the above (and the weather if in summer through early autumn)  Congrats You've decided to take that epic journey to the magic that is Disney World!

(can you hear  the fan fare?  don't worry you soon will)

More tips coming soon.