Disney World Orlando Florida - Adults Day Out

                                                              

Disney World Shopping

Filled with childhood memories of a fantasy and fun , I couldn't help but think that a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida would be the perfect birthday gift for one of students turning 20 years old! With the pressures of adulthood looming over her and the usual stresses of work and everyday life pressing down on the rest of us it was time to indulge in the magic, beauty and unending fun that is the Magic Kingdom!

Space Mountain Disney World Orlando

The adventure started right away as we entered the gates on perfect spring like day in February the sun shining down on the no less then awesome landscaping that seems perfectly kept and adds so much delight for the senses. As soon as we entered  'Main Street' several of us immediately stated the rides we wanted to start with and the first on all our lists was 'Space Mountain'.  A space themed roller coaster that slides you around a giant sphere at top speeds. The surroundings lightless (like space) with stars and comets rushing past you with each turn  and the sounds of other  coasters screaming with delight as they swoosh past you seemingly just inches away. Wow! That was fun.

 

The Wonderful Fast Pass

After Space Mountain I noticed that  theme park visitors can access what Disney has termed ' a fast pass', this concept is ingenious. By inserting your ticket in to a kiosk you are given an 'appointment' for that ride. This cuts 'waiting in line' time significantly and its free!

                                                        

Greatest Celebration On Earth

So, with that in mind we made our way to Adventure Land to ride another less intense but oh so much fun rollercoaster called 'Thunder Mountain'. After retrieving 'fast passes' for the ride we had some time before our appointed ride time and so decided an espresso would be great. 

                                                      

Relaxing Jungle Cruise

As walked about there was endless eye catching stores and Disney characters, laughing smiling kids and content looking parents, beautiful gardens and inviting rides all causing some of us to say 'oohs and ahhs and look at that'.  Eventually we came to a bakery that offered not just coffee but treats galore As we waited for our orders to be filled we enjoyed the artisan glass blower creating shiny little animal figures over a red hot glass blowing kiln.
                                          

Enchantment!

After that it was time for our appointment with 'Thunder Mountain' and with the 'fast access' passes we had retrieved earlier our wait time was all of 3 minutes before we were chugging up that first majestic slop. A thrilling ride with sharp corners and tunneling turns that races through a rock like mountain. I noticed other people on the coaster seemed to be enjoying themselves as well, nearly every person on the car threw their hands up and squeaked out shrills of excitement as we plummeted down.

                                                        

Haunted Disney

 
                   
Next, it was on to the Haunted Mansion were the cool halls of the authentically haunted ride envelope you into super natural grander. Relaxing in our two person 'Doom Buggies' we were spirited through room after ghost filled room of the undead.  Leaving us all feeling refreshed and  ready for the next fun filled ride.

                                           

Pirates of the Caribbean

We did this all afternoon, walked from ride to ride in a slow leisurely pace, sipping more coffee or stopping for some maple roasted candied almonds along the way. Gathering 'fast passes' and taking detours to interesting alcoves or to take a picture with a pirate.

Exciting Ride!!!

The spirit of Disney seems to nurture that place within us all that so often becomes muffled with all that we busy ourselves with. It brings out an innocence that we as human begins can revel in whether we are five or fifty years old. It's about fun and amusement, magic and mystery  and just giving up on the pressures of being an adult for a little while anyways.  


                                                           

Stitch Adventure

The highlight of  that day came for me when I saw my teacher  a fifty year old man grinning on as his hands flew through the air on another great ride, he appeared so care free in that moment and full of wonder and excitement. This was the quintessential Disney experience.

                                                          

Main Street and the birthday girl!

As the sun began to set and the park began to close we all walked back to the parking area fully satiated with the satisfaction of an awesome day. Grateful to have experienced such relief together and it was a day we will never forget. Thanks Walt!!!  Sincerely, Big Kids!

Landscaping Extraordinaire!

Beauty Everywhere.

March 2006
Morning Extra Magic Hours
Magic Kingdom® Park - March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Epcot® - March 7, 14, 21, 28
Disney-MGM Studios - March 4, 11, 18, 25
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park - March 6, 13, 20, 27
Disney's Blizzard Beach® Water Park - March 1 - 31
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon® Water Park - March 1 - 31

Evening Extra Magic Hours
Magic Kingdom® Park - March 5, 12, 19, 26
Epcot® - March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Disney-MGM Studios - March 6, 13, 20, 27
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park - March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

April 2006
Morning Extra Magic Hours
Magic Kingdom® Park - April 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27
Epcot® - April 4, 9, 16, 18, 25
Disney-MGM Studios - April 1, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22, 29
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park - April 3, 12, 15, 19, 22, 24
Disney's Blizzard Beach® Water Park - April 1 - 30
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon® Water Park - April 1 - 30

Evening Extra Magic Hours
Magic Kingdom® Park - April 2, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 30
Epcot® - April 7, 11, 13, 18, 20, 21, 28
Disney-MGM Studios - April 3, 12, 19, 24
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park - April 15 - 22

More information available: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/index