So, we’re in Florida. Again. With hubby’s family. And despite the trip being full of things I really hate (large crowds, an alcoholic fast, salt water and sand) we’re managing to have a great time.
Epcot yesterday was okay. It was fun to be together and the weather was fantastic. But it was CROWDED – and for the first time, I was disappointed in Disney. The condition of the park did not warrant the ticket price. I can’t believe how out of date and frankly, just nasty, some areas were. It just was not up to the quality standards Disney has prided itself on for such a long time.
And let’s talk about Disney. Because it never ceases to amaze me how it always manages to bring out the worst in people. Parents, in particular.
So you plan this amazing trip for your family. You sink a couple thousand into it and anticipate a “magical” experience. But that is NOT what you get. You get waaaay more than you paid for. And not in a good sense.
Because when you get there, you require more from your kids than is possibly reasonable. Between the crowds, the heat, the waiting, the walking, late nights, early mornings and no naps… something has to give. Crabby is, naturally, what you get from kids who are totally and completely taxed. But, the kids aren’t what gets me. It’s the parents who (also suffering the aforementioned list of offending conditions AND the financial burden) lose it.
“We are GOING to get our money’s worth. You are GOING to enjoy this. And I am GOING to $%&@* require you to behave better than me!” The language. I’ve never heard so many adults curse at their children. What, like THAT’s going to improve things?? Sounds magical, huh? What’s magic is that somehow, you forget all that and can’t wait to go back.
Reminds me of labor. I think it could be argued that Disney is definitely a “labor of love”. Herding eleven people through a theme park is a lot like, well…. herding cats. Not easy.
Thankfully, it was a one day deal. We got in. We got out. And now we’re in Daytona until Sunday.
But did I mention the weather? And the family? We are really having a great time.
Today, the snowbird Minnesotan half of the family went to the beach. My family went with them, but I opted to stay back and go to the pool. Alone. Not upset about it in the least.
Going to enjoy the peace, and crack open The Pillars of the Earth, the behemoth of a book recommended by so many. And Oprah. Dang, it’s long. 1,000 pages about the construction of a 12th century cathedral. I can hardly wait.
Now if I could just find me a pool boy who would bring me a margarita.
More like a pool grandpa in this semi-retired community.
Alas, we’re at my tee-totalling in-laws place – so there is nary a drop of ANYTHING. Anywhere. God bless ‘em.
And – HEY! – a big shout out to my fantastic hubby, who saw fit to get a hotel room instead of making me sleep on an air mattress in the living room. Next to my teenaged nephews. Something about 13 people in a condo with three beds and two toilets feels too much like camping for my taste.
And maybe, just maybe, the in-laws will babysit one night so the adults can go out drinking to dinner. We just have to stay out late enough that we all sober up, or everyone’s in bed.
You think I’m kidding.
I told you. I’m high maintenance sometimes. I’ve never claimed to be anything less.
