The Disney Driven Life

Community Blog for Neurotic Disney People

Tweet This Post

Not too long ago I was on sitting at my computer watching some Disney World videos when I suddenly got very tired and fell asleep. Strangely when I woke up I was in Stitch’s Great Escape! It must have been the chilidog burp that aroused my senses and awakened me. Well, I reacted quickly and ran out of the theatre, down Main Street USA and left the Magic Kingdom. I hopped on the monorail and made my way to Epcot.

As I entered Epcot I saw some familiar sights but something about it was different. I noticed there was no line for Spaceship Earth so I decided to go on. It felt great to be back on one of my all-time favorite attractions. The narration to Spaceship Earth started but it wasn’t Judi Dench’s voice. The voice sounded familiar but it took me a moment or two to realize the narrator was none other than Russ Leatherman the voice of Moviefone. What really gave it away was when he said “press 1 to see the Greek Math Teacher, press 2 to see the Roman Road Network.” Other than the narration the attraction was pretty much the same as I remembered. After the ride I found out that Project Tomorrow: Inventing The Wonders Of The Future was gone. I guess it was walled off for some new attraction to be built in its place? I thought that was a little odd because it wasn’t there for very long.

When I exited the pavilion I spotted a man holding a park guide the size of a telephone book. I asked if I could look at it for a moment. The man was kind enough to hand it to me. The title read ‘The Unofficial Guide To Walt Disney World 2020’ and the cover picture was a roller coaster I don’t ever remember seeing in the parks. So, I asked the man if the year was a misprint. He politely said “No it’s 2020.” Then I asked are you sure? Again, he politely said “it’s 2020.” So, I asked once again if he was really, really sure. He grabbed his book and told me he would get security if I didn’t get away from him. So I walked away scratching my head and thinking this couldn’t be possible. Did I fall asleep for 10 years? Seeing a cast member walking by I asked her what the date was, she said “February 16, 2020.” Now, in total shock I just turned away and started walking aimlessly thinking where have the last 10 years gone?

That’s when I happened upon what was Innoventions whose name was changed back to Communicore. I started to go in and then I stopped myself. Again, I tried to enter but I just couldn’t move my legs which were starting to shake at the knees. What was I going to find inside and how much has changed in the last 10 years? Finally, I got up the courage and went inside and the first thing I noticed was a huge section with a giant apple. The sign above the apple said “Green to the Core.” It was an environmentally friendly Apple electronics exhibit that included 3D Mac computer screens.

From there I went to Ellen’s Energy Adventure except it was now called Miley Cyrus’ Energy Star Adventure. It had an amazing musical interactive pre-show. The Dinosaur attraction was just how I remembered it but with an updated energy story as told by a grownup Miley and her dad Billy Ray. After going on this attraction I went over to Mission Space. Finally, an attraction the way I remembered it and still so much fun. Then it was on to Test Track. This great attraction is even better now with an updated video and new ride vehicles modeled after futuristic GM automobiles.

I was having so much fun as I made my way over to the Imagination pavilion. I was glad to see that Journey Into Imagination with Figment is still there and even happier now that the original Figment has returned.  Also, there’s a new film, the Muppet Avengers in 4D (based on Marvel Comics Avengers). The film casts the Muppets as super heroes out to save the world from evil forces trying to pollute the atmosphere and destroy the planet’s ozone layer. This was definitely an E ticket attraction and worth the wait on a very long line.

Then it was onward to The Seas With Nemo and Friends and I have to say this themed pavilion has withstood the time and is holding up very well. The kids and adults alike still love Turtle Talk with Crush and everyone loves the aquarium. Oh, I almost forgot, the Coral Reef Restaurant is gone. There is still a seafood restaurant but it’s called The Pirate and Princess Treasure Cove.

So, now I get to The Land pavilion and the Sunshine Seasons food court has been remodeled with some new menu items. The Garden Grill is still there and now it serves both breakfast and dinner. The Living with the Land attraction is still the same but there is a new film starring Wall-E where the Circle of Life used to be. The biggest change however, was at Soarin whose name was changed to Soarin Over America. It’s still the same great ride and music but before the ride begins the guests get to pick their flight by using an electronic device installed next to each rider’s seat. The choices were California, Florida, New York, and Hawaii. When I went on the majority of passengers chose Hawaii.

I kept walking through Future World and I observed a lot of construction going on where the Wonders of Life Pavilion used to be. I asked a cast member if this was a Wonders of Life Refurbishment. The cast member said “didn’t you hear it’s going to be the New Horizons pavilion.” I cannot tell you how happy and excited that made me feel as Horizons was one attraction I sorely miss seeing at Epcot.

Still full of energy I couldn’t wait to see what’s in store for me in World Showcase. As I crossed into World Showcase almost everything looked the same by its outward appearance but I noticed something over at the Japan pavilion, why it’s the same roller coaster that’s on the cover of ‘The Unofficial Guide To Walt Disney World 2020.’ I raced over to the attraction and it looks incredible. Very well themed and the name of the roller coaster is Mount Fuji. This coaster has been rumored for years and years and now it’s finally been built. Another noticeable change to World Showcase is the addition of a new country, Russia. I never thought I’d see the day it would be added but, here it is and the food is pretty good too.

I can’t believe I made it around the whole park in one day and I still had time before the newest version of the Illuminations fireworks show was to begin. My legs were starting to get a little tired from all the walking so, I decided to take a break and sit down on a bench. I guess I dosed off because when I woke up I was back home still sitting at my computer.

Who knows what Disney has planned for its parks over the next 10 years? One thing I do know is that the Imagineers are always dreaming up new and exciting adventures to bring to the parks.

Contributed by: Stuart S. (NDD #47). Stuart is a contributor to the Disney Driven Life and is the author of the Disney Geek Dad blog.

Tweet This Post

There are a lot of different places in Walt Disney World to get pizza, but none as unique or authentic as this!

A new restaurant is opening in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion called “Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria.” This restaurant will serve different pastas, meats, fish and authentic pizzas for what has been called an “authentic price” (about $20 US and up for pastas, meats, fish and about $17 US for pizzas). The restaurant already existent in Downtown Disney in Disneyland, and it is not known if this restaurant will be a sit down like the Disneyland location, but I would guess that it is based on the prices.

Word first started circulating about this new restaurant when it was noticed that some trees had been cut down near the back of the pavilion. It has now been confirmed that it is in that area near the back of the Italy pavilion where the restaurant will be located. While construction is underway, there is no word as to when the restaurant is scheduled to be complete.

Contributed by: Jessica C. (NDI#21). Jessica is our resident “Gossip Girl” and creator of The True Disney Fan Blog.

Tweet This Post

It never ceases to amaze me how different something can appear if you see it from a new angle. Mission Space, in this view, is all flowing lines and clean circular forms. You feel as if you’re riding that spaceship out among new worlds!

This is a nine-exposure HDR, made right beside the entrance to the queue just as dusk was falling. I sat in the rather awkward spot for about half an hour to get the shots used for this image.

To buy a print, visit http://pixie-dust-pictures.com/disney. Now through January 5, 2010, save 35 percent on your order by entering the code “santa” (without quotes) at checkout.

Contributed by: Scott B. (NDD #57). Scott is the owner of Pixie Dust Pictures and a contributing photographer for the Disney Driven Life.

Tweet This Post

UNDERDOG, ALPHA-DOG OR SLY DOG

In our family I’ve been homeschooling my children for four years.  I started with DD7 when she was of preschool age, and she has thrived with this educational style.  Way back then we began learning the colors and shapes by studying Disney animation, carried on through Disney-centered phonics and math, and then we studied the countries represented in Epcot’s World Showcase.  She currently devours advanced Disney-adopted literary classics like Alice in Wonderland and Mary Poppins even though she is in the first grade, so it is obvious she has been served well with our choice to homeschool.  However, DS5 has been struggling with his studies at home lately, and it has given me cause for concern. 

DS5 started off brilliantly when he was three (much like his sister).  In some subjects he was on track to surpass her achievements, but now . . . . not so much.  Of course in any style of education, there will be good days and there will be bad days.  In recent weeks, though, I loathe to admit that the bad ones have been coming in greater numbers.  It has made me pause at times to re-evaluate whether we will continue on our homeschool path or transition to institutionalized education. 

While our family is a homeschooling family, I am not a hard-core homeschool-mom.  Unlike that brand of mom, I am not one to extol the “superior virtues” of this educational form over others.  The reason is I firmly believe the best style of education is different for various families, children, locations, circumstances and times.  So far these variables have always pointed us to homeschooling, but discerning what is best for our family now seems more challenging since this recent change in DS5. 

“Come on, DS5,” I instruct.  “Let’s see if we can get a little further today.”  DS5 drags his unwilling body to his school desk, and I take my place at the front of the room near the board.  After the routine declaration of our country’s pledge and one round of that world-peace promoting song, “it’s a small world,” we sit to discuss our daily work. 

“Today we are going to continue with reading skills, arithmetic combinations, writing, science and geography,” I explain in a cheerful tone that is of Cast Member quality in Mickey’s land.  The look on DS5’s face is one of pure torture, and I overcompensate for his lack of enthusiasm with my best toothy smile and animated behavior.  “Let’s look up on the board here at some sentences I’ve written.  Can you read them out loud for me,” I inquire.  With a heavy sigh DS5 stammers, “The d-du-duck is m-ma-duh-mad.”  It is painful to listen, and I have difficulty understanding his regression.  Just a month ago, DS5 could have read this sentence without hesitation.  “Yes, the duck is mad.  Good job,” I encourage, “Let’s try the next one.”  “The ri-ri-rid,” DS5 stutters.  “Oops!  There are two vowels in that word,” I remind.  DS5 corrects himself, “Ride.  The ride is f-fu.”  DS5 wrinkles his face in disgust.  “Mom, I don’t want to do this,” he whines. 

My heart is broken for him.  He is clearly struggling.  I suggest, “Maybe we should review.  Let’s go through the alphabet and recite our phonics.”  In a deadpan voice DS5 says, “A says ah for Abu , B says buh for Beast, C say cuh for Clarabelle, D says duh for Donald . . . .”  As he goes through the whole Disney alphabet, I am relieved that he has at least retained his preschool material. 

“OK,” I say as I regroup, “Are you ready to try the sentence again?”  DS5 shakes his head, looks out the window at the beautiful spring day and asks, “Can we do something else?”  I consider his request, I am not normally one to bend to whim, but I acknowledge that one advantage of homeschooling is flexibility.  Perhaps on this occasion I should give a little and accommodate my frustrated underdog. 

“Alright,” I relent, “Let’s work on geography.”  As I pull out my teaching aides, I cheerfully instruct, “As you know we’ve been studying Canada which is our country’s northern neighbor.  It is represented on the extreme right side of Epcot’s World Showcase and is the home of  . . . .”  I pause for DS5 to finish my sentence, but he just gives me a blank stare.  “Kenai and Koda of Brother Bear,” I declare.  Why does he not remember?  We’ve been discussing this basic knowledge for at least a week.  As I go over once again the particulars about Canada’s terrain, cultural diet, official languages and government, DS5 doesn’t seem to retain any of it. 

My concern is growing into bewilderment.  What if he is learning disabled?  I am an intelligent girl who’s completely capable of teaching a kindergartner, but I have no training in special education.  Perhaps I am unfit to meet the needs of DS5.  It’s been a month since I’ve noticed his academic decline.  Have I missed the key window of opportunity in recovering him from his mental deficit? 

A new logical thought comes to me and strikes terror in my heart.  There was obvious progress made behaviorally and academically when my children’s health improved.  What if this is a sign that a new health problem has cropped up?  I begin to feel slightly ill as my imagination lists various potential ailments for my consideration.  Will my son be alright?  Will our lives be further disrupted by therapies and interventions?  What does this mean for our Disney vacation?  I feel myself go pale with fright. 

I am pulled out of my thoughts by DS5.  “Can I go outside and play,” he asks as he notes my change in demeanor.  I feel inclined to give my consent.  I don’t think I can teach right now anyway, for I’m suddenly nauseous and may need to vomit.  I hold up my finger to gesture that he should wait on my response, and I sit in silence momentarily as I attempt to sort my thoughts. 

DS5 is impatiently kicking his foot against his desk, waiting for an answer when DD7 appears.  She has school worksheet in hand and, obviously, is here to ask for some assistance.  However, she sets eyes on the board and says, “Oh!  Those sentences are easy.”  DS5 sits straight up.  His eyes widen, and he stiffens as if the hair on the back of his neck is bristling.  I have seen this behavior from DS5 a time or two before in DD7’s presence. 

Being the oldest and a high achiever, DD7 has always taken a leadership role amongst my brood.  As a result, she is admired and respected by her younger siblings.  However a few times now I have seen DS5 move into a competitive mode in response to her, and he has even made DD7 follow his lead on occasion.  I’ve rationalized that though he is a middle child, he is also the male of my offspring.  This has made me suppose these small measures of competitiveness are actually small steps toward the alpha-dog position. 

As DD7 opens her mouth to read the first sentence, DS5 blurts with the speed of Disney’s 1935 Max Hare, “The duck is mad!”  I raise one eyebrow as I look at my eager guy.  Curiously I petition, “DD7, why don’t you read the next one?”  DS5 beats her to it and verbally gushes, “The ride is fun!”  “Hmmmm,” I wonder.  With a bit of a condescending tone I say, “That was good DS5, but now I’m going to write a sentence for DD7.  It will be too hard for you.”  I quickly scroll across the board a statement with a word that is not phonetically pronounced nor one that I have attempted to teach before.  DD7 sneers in DS5’s direction.  DS5 growls back.  When I finalize my sentence clearly with a period, DS5 yells, “THE MOUSE HAS RED PANTS!” 

Both DD7 and I stand with mouths agape and in shock.  My hopeful alpha-dog is actually a sly dog.  All this time he has cleverly disguised his laziness as ignorance.  By design, he has purposefully been frustrating me in hopes of negotiating an early recess.  Spring fever has overtaken him, and he will do anything to get outside. 

I note that two can play at this game.  “Well DS5,” I proclaim, “You seem quite good at reading, but most people don’t excel in reading AND math.  Let’s see how you do.”  His little nose wrinkles with determination.  He is going to show DD7 that he’s got what it takes.  “I have one Mickey balloon, and Daddy buys me one more Mickey balloon.  How many Mickey balloons do I have?”  “Two,” DS5 responds.  “Well, that was easy,” I explain, “I’ll give you a tougher one.  In Walt Disney World there is one Magic Kingdom, one EPCOT Center, one Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and one Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  How many theme parks are there?”  Without hesitation he declares, “Four.”  I find myself impressed and decide to test the boundaries once again.  “I have one more question.  If you get this right, then I will let you take a break.”  DS5 agrees and looks poised to pounce on the word problem. “I have a 3-day park ticket, but I only use one day.  How many days do I have left?”  “Two,” DS5 exclaims and jumps out of his desk. 

We gather everyone and head to the yard.  As I supervise my little scholars outside and watch them work The Wiggles out of their systems, I marvel over the way I was duped by my little guy.  He had momentarily tricked me into thinking he needed a lower standard, but in reality he needed more of a challenge.  I’ll have to keep my eye on him in the future.  That kid is no saintly Ol’ Yeller.  He is a mischievous little Scamp.

*for ideas on incorporating Disney into your homeschool curriculum contact NDM#1 at ndm1@thedisneydrivenlife.com

Tweet This Post

ON THE JOB TRAINING

The basic itinerary for our week has been set.  The few dining reservations that we needed have been made.  It is time for the task that all NDMs live for – designing a strategy for conquering the theme park. 

I gather my three mouseketeers into our living room.  As a NDM, one of the responsibilities I hold is to teach my children the various facets of living The Disney Driven Life.  Among these, vacation planning is paramount, and this is a perfect opportunity to begin instruction in this crucial life-skill. 

I line my troops up in military fashion for inspection.  They are a young bunch, but they come from good stock.  Being my own offspring, I know the Neurotic Disney gene is somewhere in their composition.  It is up to me to lay hold of whatever Disney instincts each child displays and nurture these inbred inclinations until they blossom into undeniable characteristics of Disney neurosis. 

The little mouse that shows the most promise is DD7.  She is my mini-me.  From physical appearance to dramatic temperment, this one is almost a carbon copy of her NDM.  She already shows organizational abilities that should serve her well in vacation planning.  Her Disney trivia is nearing perfection due to regular pop-quizzes to which I subject her.  And–on occasion–she even mentions concepts for theme park rides.  As I look her over in my line-up, I surmise that she is definitely going places.  DD7 is one to watch. 

Next in line is DS5.  I suspect that this little guy will be my toughest case to crack.  As most little boys do, DS5 holds his daddy in high regard and tries to imitate every move.  Since DH only shows an amused tolerance for Disney, this puts me at a slight disadvantage where DS5 is concerned.  However, since I began my indoctrination early on with him, I have made impressive strides.  He has developed a solid interest in Buzz Lightyear and Captain Hook.  Plus, when DS5 does get caught up in a moment of Disney whimsy, he has been known to gather the money he’s received for chores and present it to me in support of our Disney habits.  A tiny smirk appears on my face as I look DS5 up and down.  He is not a lost cause, but there is work to be done. 

DD2 is last in my brood.  She cut her teeth on Disney due to the obsessive Disney nature of her NDM and influence of her siblings.  As a result she puts all topics of conversation within the context of Disney (whether it is their proper context or not).  It occasionally makes for amusing misunderstandings that always cause DH to shake his head in dismay (such as referring to her immature breasts as “Minnies” rather than “ninnies”).  This reality is paired with the fact that she is the most dynamic personality of the group.  The fresh discovery of all things Disney along with her expressive nature is a powerful combination, and I find she has the ability to force all other family members to join her in uninhibited giddiness or despairing gloom as she learns the inner-workings of a NDM family. 

“Well,” I begin my pep-talk as I pace back and forth in front of them, “as ya’ll know we are going to Walt Disney World.”  My composed infantry erupts into chaotic silliness, whooping and hollering while “getting jiggy with it.”  “ATTENTION,” I yell.  My undisciplined company looks at me quizzically, and they settle enough to allow me to continue.  “There will be a time for celebration, but this is not that time.  This is the time where we buckle down and get to work.  There is a lot of preparation that needs to happen before a family can go to WDW, and everyone has to do his or her part.  Today our job is to devise a plan of attack.  Can I count on you to make productive contributions?” 

DD7 looks slightly stressed by my battle cry, but she obediently salutes me and shouts, “Yes, m’am!”  DS5 raises his eyebrows and looks at DD7 with a confused expression.  He doesn’t quite understand the meaning of my speech or his sister’s response, but he figures he better comply.  His chubby little hand goes up to his forehead, and he says with some uncertainty, “Yes, m’am?” 

All eyes turn to DD2.  Everything that just occurred has gone completely over her head, but she detects the serious tone of the moment.  Her little brow is wrinkled in determination.  She is going to participate like the big kids, and she’ll put all the pieces together later.  “Yes, m’am,” she bellows.  Then she slaps her forehead with her tiny palm in an attempt to salute. 

“Let’s do this, ” I command.  I take my place on the couch with my map, notebook and pencil.  Then I motion that my little brigade should gather around my feet on the floor.  They position themselves appropriately and look to me for instruction. 

“The first step in conquering a theme park is to define the attractions that you must see no matter what.  That way if something goes wrong and everything cannot get done, there are some priorities in place to help make wise decisions,” I begin.  “Do you understand?”  DD7 nods her head, but DS5 and DD2 shake theirs in a negative response.  I try again, “Mommy just wants to know what you want to do most when we go to Walt Disney World.  OK?”  Everyone chimes in with, “OK.” 

“DD2, we’ll start with you,” I initiate.  “What do you want to ride or see the most?”  She replies with absolute resolve, “Dumbo!”  I try to explain, “Oh honey, we can’t go see Dumbo.  Dumbo is in the Magic Kingdom.  We are going to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  What would you like to do in Disney’s Hollywood Studios?”  “Dumbo,” she declares. 

Clearly DD2 has not grasped the concept of Walt Disney World being a segmented entity.  I realize that I must back up a little to address this misunderstanding.  “DD2,” I remark with a tender tone, “we are going to Walt Disney World, right?”  “YES,” she shouts.  I continue, “Well, did you know that Walt Disney World has a lot of different parts inside it?”  Her eyes grow wide, and she shakes her head. 

It occurs to me that this concept begs for an illustration, so I send DS5 to retrieve one of our Mickey Mouse plush dolls from the playroom.  Once Mickey plush is in hand, I start my object lesson.  “Here we have Mickey.  Mickey has many parts, doesn’t he?  He has ears.  He has eyes.  He has pants.  He has a tail.  They are all parts of Mickey, and when we put them together we get one whole Mickey.  That is how it is is with Walt Disney World.  There are different parts like the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but all the parts make up the whole Walt Disney World.”  I continue, “Now there are certain things that only go with one part.  For example, we wouldn’t find a button on Mickey’s ear because buttons only go on his pants.  We wouldn’t find a shoe on Mickey’s nose because shoes only go on his feet.  It’s the same way with rides.  We can’t go on Dumbo The Flying Elephant because that belongs in the Magic Kingdom.  We are going to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  In the Studios, they have Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Playhouse Disney — Live on Stage!, and the “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” Movie Set Adventure.  Why don’t you think about which one you like best.  Then you tell me your answer in a minute.”  “OK,” my sweet cherub agrees. 

“DS5, what do . . . . DS5?”  I look to the spot where DS5 was seated, but he is no longer there.  “Where is DS5,” I ask my daughters.  DD7 points her finger in the direction of the playroom.  “DS5,” I holler, “Get in here right now, young man!”  DS5 comes stomping into the room.  I reprimand, “What do you think you’re doing?”  “I’m bored,” DS5 responds, “Well, if you don’t do your part today, you are going to be bored when we go to Walt Disney World.”  I am well aware that the statement I just made is not only inaccurate but an impossibility; however, there are times when a NDM will spew nonsense in order to enlist the cooperation that is needed.  “Please have a seat,” I request.  DS5 plops on the floor, and I ask him, “Now what do you want to do most in Disney’s Hollywood Studios?”  “I don’t know,” he replies.  To help refresh DS5′ s memory of some options,  I look at my theme park map.  “Some things that you might like are Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, Star Tours, Muppet Vision 3-D and Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show.  Do any of these appeal to you?”  My pencil is poised, and I’m ready to record his dictation.  But there is no response.  I look up from my notebook.  DS5 is staring out the window.  “DS5,” I whine.  My cranky call pulls him out of his daydream state and back into our living room.  He displays a blank expression and says, “Huh?”  I heave a big sigh.  This is proving to be more difficult than I’d originally thought. 

I turn back to DD2.  “Have you thought of what you want to do most,” I ask her.  She nods her head in affirmation.  “Mom,” DD7 interupts.  “Yes,” I reply.  “Do I have to ride on the elevator ride,” DD7 inquires.  “You mean The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror,” I correct, “If you are tall enough to ride it, then you have to ride it once.  If you don’t like it, then you don’t have to ride it again.”  DD7 sits in silence and considers the words I’ve spoken, so I focus once again on DD2.  “Tell Mommy, Pumpkin, what did you decide is your favorite attraction.”  “Dumbo,” she proclaims.  I close my eyes and give a frustrated smile.  “OK.  Thank you,” I tell her.  “You may be excused.” 

DD2 toddles off to the playroom to play while I try to make some progress with my remaining planning partners.  “DS5, please stop pulling the threads out of the throw rug,” I fuss.  “Mom,” DD7 interupts again, “I don’t want to ride The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.  It looks scary on the DVD.”  I try to calm my irritated nerves and rationally explain, “Sweetheart, it’s not as scary as it seems on the DVD.  You are in a seat with a big seatbelt.  You’re perfectly safe.  Did you know that when I was a little girl, Pop-pop made me go on all the rides that scared me?  Because he did that, I got used to them.  Now I love them.  But I never would have liked them if I never tried them.”  DD7’s lower lip begins to quiver. 

Oh dear!  This situation is deteriorating at an accelerated pace.  I look over at DS5.  He is picking at a scab.  “Oh!  Stop that, DS5,” I say in disgust.  “Stop that now!  Gross!  Yuck!  Eeew!  You may be excused!  Go play,” I exclaim.  DS5 gets up and walks off to the playroom. 

I am left with DD7 who looks more depressed than Eeyore without his tail.  I know that some comfort is warranted as well as a talk to bolster her courage, but I am desperate at this point to accomplish something.  “Could you please tell me what you want to do most at Disney’s Hollywood Studios,” I beg.  With the dramatic flair that DD7 is known for, she bursts into tears.  In between heavy sobs she manages to communicate, “I just can’t!  How can I possibly know what I want to do, when all I can think about is what I don’t want to do?”  With that she throws her sorrowful head in my lap and gives way to a pity party that is reminscent of Alice’s when she discovers her body is too big to pass through the locked door and into Wonderland. 

With a sobbing child in my lap, I stroke her hair and wonder where I went wrong.  This was supposed to be a simple exercise in Disney vacation training that would help build excitement for our upcoming trip.  Instead it became a frustrating experience of torment for all involved.  “There must be a better way,” I think to myself.  I know I will find it, but in the meantime I think I will stick to designing park strategies on my own.

 *for information about Disney theme park strategies contact NDM#1 at ndm1@thedisneydrivenlife.com

Tweet This Post