It’s A Small World After All

In a couple of weeks my crew and I will be heading for the sunny confines of Disneyworld. Besides the fact that for the first time ever I’ve been able to pay for my vacation ahead of time, I am looking forward to visiting the world of Peter Pan and Lightning McQueen. The last time I paraded through those hallowed gates, the father of my grandson was barely older than my grandson is now.  Cosmic synchronicity aside, I am so looking forward to a week of not making my own bed and no extra charge for air conditioning.

Alas, the world of vacation in general and DW in particular is not the same as it was 22 years ago. This spritely body is not as spritely as days of yore. So I think I’d better update my To-Do List.

• Be prepared for average day temperatures in the high 80’s and lows in the mid-60s. No sweats needed, as DW’s lows equal Wisconsin’s highs.
• Bring a small, portable container of baby powder. No reason to stick together more than necessary.
• Less is more. A week’s worth of underwear (Plus 1 method) is okay; 7 pairs of jeans, not.
• Get a haircut now so that it has a couple of weeks to grow into something civilized.
• Moving is relative. I can still cross distances as I did in the olden days. It just takes a little longer. Therefore, map out bathrooms and misting stations ahead of time. Note air conditioned venues as well.
• Food rules from home count double here. No creamy, spicy, or burpy delights. Stock up on imodium and Pepto.
• No need to try the lobster look the first day. Xtra duty sunscreen at 200+ suggested. ChapStik a bonus.
• Reinvent your idea of what water play is. A 4-year-old does not hang around the shallow end of the pool for any length of time.
• There are enough adults in the group that each one can schedule a time out. Use it. On yourself and others.
• The Smartphone is the new camera. Keep it close. Preferably in your pocket. Also doubles as a patience-building tool, as in Jet Pack, Jewels Saga, and Swamp Attack.
• Water is the lifeforce of DW. Pack many and refill often. Leave the imported beer until you get home.
• You will undoubtedly leave one important thing behind. Put something to the side (that you can buy down there) and purposely forget it. Break the curse early.
• Give up any idea of bringing a purse. No need to always take up two spaces. If it doesn’t fit in a fanny pack, you don’t need it.
• Granola bars are your best friends at the park. Just make sure to get your system used to all that fiber about a week ahead of time.

I’m sure you have your own dots you can add to my list. Any thoughts, experiences, or reality checks are appreciated.

Let’s hear it for the Mouse.