Saturday, May 29, 2010

Observations & Comments

We just returned from our first family Disney Vacation.  I’m melting into the couch this evening while I watch the first game of the Stanley Cup Finals, alone.  The hubbs is at a buddy’s house and Ava is sleeping.  I’m melting into the couch for two reasons: 1). I’m at the tail end of my second Zen-tini and 2). this couch literally eats people alive.

Together with Aunt Drew (part time) we covered four parks, one water park, lots of sunscreen, Mickey Water and long lines.  We ate shit park food and got minimal sleep.  Most of this was done with smiles on our faces; smiles for the little princess Ava.

Throughout the week I made numerous observations and kept most comments to myself…until now.  The following list is in no particular order.  It’s not meant to offend anyone…  Please feel free to comment as you’d like.

1).  There’s something magical about seeing your daughter spot the Castle for the first time. 

2).  Everything is virtually perfect in the Magic Kingdom.  I’m almost convinced that the clouds are manufactured along with the scent of baked goods that’s pumped in the air on Main Street, U.S.A.  (fact…look it up).

3).  There are some snotty kids out there.  They’ve been raised by snotty parents.

4).  Most people have no freakin’ clue how to walk in crowds. 

5).  Some parents have too many kids. 

6).  If your child is screaming for something and you just give it to them, they quickly learn that you can be manipulated.  Duh.

7).  A lot of people love/adore their kids so much that their names are tattooed all over their bodies.  (not that there’s anything wrong w/ that).

8).  There are some ugly sandals out there…so ugly that I can see other feet being offended.

9).  Having your three year old daughter walk around Hollywood Studios without a shirt is, in my mind, inappropriate.

10).  It’s enlightening to see hundreds of children reach out for a ‘phantom’ object during a 3D show.  Made me want to reach out, too.

11).  I admire the marketing technique of having a gift shop as the exit of every attraction/ride/whatever you want to call it.

12).  God bless the ‘cast’ in the Disney Parks, especially the janitorial staff.  The bathrooms are a pleasure to walk into. 

13).  No matter how much I do not like thrill rides, such as coasters, etc. I will participate in an attraction if I have a personal stake in it.  For example, I’m a huge fan of the Twilight Zone…had to do the Tower of Terror (that I did about 15 years ago), had to do the Aerosmith Rockin’ Roller Coaster…great band…great music.   

14).  Continuation of #13: You know you’ve got a set of pipes when your husband can hear you screaming on a roller coaster…OVER the loud music that’s being blasted through speakers mounted behind EACH rider. 

15).  Crazy ladies, inquiring about thorough plane checks, should not ride airplanes. 

16).  After going to Blizzard Beach, I’m not sure why I’m self conscious about my body in a tankini. 

17).  Fireworks are awesome.

18).  It’s all about the kids.  Even the kids meals are better than the adult options. 

19).  Can’t believe that I paid close to $10 for some of the salads that I ate. 

20).  The ice cream, chili fries, pizza, cheese burgers, iced cappuccinos, egg/bacon/cheese sandwiches and the chicken nuggets WERE worth it. 

21).  And on the other hand, I’m fearful to weigh myself and run the Jim Thorpe 10K on Memorial Day. 

22).  Everyone yells at their kids; even if they are princes and princesses.

23).  There are a lot of special needs people in the world.  Some, unfortunately, appear to abuse the benefits. 

24).  The Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is a joke.

25).  Yes, we ate at Joe’s Crab Shack & yes, we ‘stole’ the tool they gave us.  After all it said, ‘Stolen from Joe’s Crab Shack’.

26).  The ‘prince wave’ is weird.  It’s not a wave…it’s like they’re petting a horse, or dog.

27).  Ava was not a fan of the team boat water ride.  Neither was Mom. 

28).  I can’t believe that the Flyers are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.