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| Entry into Magic Kingdom |
Six years ago I was planing a vacation and discovered it was
as cheap to fly to Florida as to drive to California. I'm not much of a
world traveler but the idea intrigued me. Florida, images of oranges and
palm trees began dancing in my head. I spent hours exploring web sites
of hotels, page after page of reviews. I visited the Disney World website
looking at rides, shows and events. "Yes," my mind argued, "It's a
very long way away." "But, how much fun would that be!"
The fun won out and taking a chance I booked flights for
myself and two grandchildren. Away we went ready to explore. The red eye
flight proved somewhat tiresome. The airlines had somehow 'shrunk' your
allotted seat space and I found myself squeezed into a very small space
and wanting to sleep. Getting off the plane in Florida, finally, it was
dawn. Wow, I felt like Dorthy in the Wizard of Oz. The flowers, palm
trees and sunshine! It was if we had stepped into a different world.
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| Ferry Boat into Magic Kingdom |
The first trip, I did the economy plan and we took the
shuttle buses from the hotels to the parks. That in itself was an
adventure. How interesting to see people from all around the world,
different languages, different cultures all excited about Disney World.
People from other countries were very friendly and the conversations
were ones I will always treasure.
On the ten mile trip, we begin to see signs of Disney!
Billboards with Animal Kingdom and Epcot. Animated signs sharing the
thrills of Tower of Terror. We were getting closer!! Finally, a large
colorful arch declared, Welcome to Disney World! Impatiently we could
hardly wait to get off the bus. Finally we were out and figured out what
we were doing. I purchased 10 day passes for each of us and then chose
our destination. I decided we'd explore Magic Kingdom first, it was and
is the traditional Disney. Tickets in hand we discovered the fascination
of getting to choose whether to take a ferry boat or monorail to the
Magic Kingdom. |
| Epcot |
Unless you've been there, trying to share the wonder of
having four parks to explore is impossible. We spent the next ten days
finding all the nooks and crannies of Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood
Studios, and Magic Kingdom. We ate, drank, existed Disney. So many
favorite spots! I can't begin to tell you how much I love Kali River
Rapids. Even the pathway to get to the ride is awesome. Once on the
ride the beautiful trees overhead take you to a different world. The joy
and excitement of the fellow riders is a delight to see.
There are dozens, yes dozens of fun, fun rides. I'm not a
thrill ride person by any means and I still found many, many awesome
rides I went on again and again. At night, the firework displays are
incredible. The music, the inspirational moments breath-taking.
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| Aninal Kingdom Tree of Life |
I could talk all day about my Disney World trips. I've lost
count but I think I've gone 8 times in the last 7 years. For me it has
been a way to relax my mind and soul from the challenges of life and
work as a counselor. Recently someone scolded me on my Disney trips. "I
don't understand how you could spend so much money on an amusement
park." They shared earnestly, hoping to help me see the light of reason.
I shook my head, only a true Disney fan could understand the magic.
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| Elephants on Safari Ride |
At the treatment center where I work, I try to teach my
clients how essential it is to their recovery to plan fun into their
days. That without planning for times of relaxing, staying clean and
sober will became more challenging. They nod their heads, but I
continually hear stories of people working so hard at "recovery" that
life loses it's meaning and they relapse because they are exhausted
working at being clean. For each of us, in whatever stage of life we are
in, finding balance is crucial to our being our best.
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| Hall of Presidents- Magic Kingdom |
In my own life I'm learning that dusting furniture is
becoming a lost art; that it's more important to my well being,
physical, emotional and spiritual to plans adventures where I rest,
restore, and refresh and give me the resources I need to encourage and
strengthen others on their journey.
Today the Fourth is beginning, I hear grandkids waking up
wondering what the day will bring. With God's help I will try to make
some memories for these little ones; taking a few moments for myself
hopefully at the coast to enjoy the ocean air, and hike a sandy beach,
perhaps planning my next trip to Disney World!
May your today's
be a mixture of the have to do's and the want to do's, and the just
plain fun to do's...understanding we have a God who teaches us how
to run and not be weary, to walk and not lose faith.
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