Saturday, July 10, 2010

Wishing I was there...

I was flipping through my Disney photos the other day, and I couldn't believe how quickly that trip came and went. The band planned and fundraised from the beginning of marching season (July) clear up to June went we boarded the plane headed for Florida. It was 5 days of pure bliss, as Disney sure knows how to make your vacation lovely.

If you have never been to DisneyWorld, I just have to prepare you for perfection. Everywhere you go, there are happy people, happy rides, happy sights, and happy smells. Not that annoying kinda happy--just nice happy. Like I-don't-have-a-care-in-the-world kinda happy. You just sort of forget your life for the time that you are there and sometimes, that is a good thing.

I just got an email from Disney the other day telling me of the specials that they are offering this summer. And while I just got back, I did take note of the prices out of curiosity. Being that the kids went with the school as a group, Joe and I went on our own and stayed with friends to help cut some of the cost. But I have to say, I'm not sure we saved much with the specials they are running.

Currently, Disney is offering a 7 day/6 night plan at a value hotel for $1769 AND that includes 2 meals a day for 4 people. This is actually a really good package should you have a hankering for a Mickey Mouse fix. I have to say, we paid far more than that for less time doing it on our own. Check the website for specials should you be interested--Disney is offering some great packages these days.

The kids marched in the night parade, leading off for the Main Street Electrical Parade. This was a parade from long ago that they brought back for the summer season, aptly named Summer Nightastic. Gees, it was sweet. You can't help but get excited to see all of your favorite characters floating down Main Street all lit up with colorful lights.

Pictures don't do it justice--it is sweet little bug after sweet little bug, all jazzed up with neon lights blooping down the street. Add in Pinnochio, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and Pete's Dragon (remember that one?) and it was dreamy. Sigh. It all went so fast.

I'm so glad we had this opportunity to go with the kids and the band this summer. We went once when the kids were younger, but you know, you just always want to go back. Time flies, pallies. Those darn kids are grown before you know it and those summer vacations together disappear too quickly.

If you can swing it, go take advantage of these deals--they really are good. I don't work for Disney and I certainly don't get paid by them--I'm just saying that in this economy, they are offering some sweet deals as well.

And you know, they just know how to make memories. Great ones at that.

17 comments:

Ann said...

I've never been to Disney but it's on the list of things to do some day :) I like the idea of I don't have a care in the world happy.

Junk Drawer Kathy said...

My sister and niece are going to Disney in November. My sister writes the "countdown days" on a whiteboard on her fridge. They are beside themselves with anticipation. I was there once and you're right. They know how to "do happy." We forgot all about the world we left behind for four days. Incredible!

Catherine said...

I've always wanted to go to Disneyland or Disneyworld but have yet to make the trip. Why does a person 'wait' to do these things? Hmmm...

Have a good Saturday Lin!
xo Catherine

Melodie said...

I would like to go there but with an only red neck son who would prefer an antique tractor show or roughing it in the woods for a vacation and a husband who is the same way....sigh...I will probably never get there..sigh !

Anna said...

Wow is that a coyote?
Never been to Disneyland, not in CA or Florida or Paris, which would actually be closest to us from here.

For all of you nice people who har suffering from a heat-wave, I would just like to report that it is 89.6 degrees Farenheit outside here, and the time is about 5.40 p.m.
Yes! We can have hot weather!

Have you visited my Y-post?
I am going to post on The Red Cat Society page today. I have a red cat named Gustav, that I would like to introduce.
Hugs,
Anna

Anna's Y-words

Terra said...

My dh and I have never been to Disneyland, though our children have been there with friends. You sure describe it as being fun!

Chocolate Covered Daydreams said...

Working at Disneyland, the highlight of the summer was when the electrical light parade would start. Even before the parade started, there was this magical feeling of anticipation in the air. Brought back great memories. Thank you.

Lola said...

I've been to Disney World twice. Once when I was a teenager and then again 10 years later. I'd like to go again, but it's not in the budget this year. Maybe next year.

Grace said...

Hot, humid, long lines, screaming kids - what is the attraction? And I grant you I have never been a Disney fan. I vaguely remember Bambi's mother dying. Don't get it. Didn't when I was a kid, sure don't now. (you know I had to stick my curmudgeonly 2-cents in, right? I never bought into the princess crap when I was a kid - a pragmatist from birth.)

BeadedTail said...

Okay, how am I going to follow Grace's comment? LOL I for one love Disney. I go to Disneyland after Thanksgiving when there aren't long lines and it's not hot and humid. I cried at Bambi as a kid and still do now but the parks are so much more than the movies. I think even Grace would crack a smile at Disneyworld!

Sharkbytes said...

Not for me- If I never go to another amusement park again in my life it's soon enough, even Disney. $1769 for a vacation? Wow... maybe I could swing $176.

Grace said...

Sharla: Oh no I wouldn't! I do not get the point of the place...Wanna see me smile? Plunk me down in Central Park with a pretzel and a balloon...Yay!

Pricilla said...

I've been to Epcot but not Disney.
It is fun down there.

Glad you are enjoying your memories.

Lin said...

Ann--It's unbelievable how they take you away from everything. We went right after 9/11 and we all just forgot things for a few days and actually laughed again. It was sorely needed. You gotta go.

Kathy--Oh, I know they will have a great time! Yes, it is a lot of money, but I think it's worth every dime. It is such a happy place!

Catherine--Oh, if you can, you really should go. Even if it is only for a few days. Be prepared though--there isn't much relaxing. You have to wear good shoes because you do a LOT of walking to see things.

Melodie--Oh, bummer. Who knows, you may just get there someday. I think people don't really know how wonderful it can be until you have been there. It is magical--really.

Anna--Hi, pally! I haven't chatted with you in ages! I hope you are doing well. Yes, that is a coyote and yes, I will go read that post. :)

Terra--Oh, if you can go, you should. It is great fun for adults too!

Chocolate--That parade was the BEST! Oh, it was so adorable! I can't believe you worked at Disney--I'll bet you have stories, eh?

Lola--I know it's hard to save for that trip, but really, the prices now can't be beat! A lot of the packages include 2 meals as well. I do love Disney, don't you? I hope you get there again.

Grace--I have never had a great fondness for all the movies and I have to admit to not seeing them all, but it is a lovely place to visit. I think even you, Grace, might have a small grin on some of the rides. Really, the lines are not as bad as you think either.

Beaded Tail--Isn't Grace a hoot?! I think she would have fun there too.

Sharky--Disney is beyond an amusement park, Sharky. Have you been there? It is just lovely with all the flowers and beautiful scenery. That price is for 4 people for 7 days AND it includes 2 meals a day. That also includes hotel, transportation, and tickets for everyone to get in the parks. When you break it down, it is a STEAL. It's not for everyone, but for those with kids, it is a lovely trip. Uh, they also have a campground for you rustic folks.

Grace--You are so funny, Grace.

Pricilla--I think Epcot counts as Disney and yes, it is tons of fun. It was nice to have Colin's senior year end on that note.

Helene said...

Yeeeeeeeeesh I work in Disney World. I have no desire to go there-not even when I was a Florida resident offered massive discounts. There was a guy down there who only worked to go to DW. Mickey Mouse behind my desk, cartoon cells framed, stamps framed, drawings framed, collage photos, pins on neck ribbons, tigger all over the place, mickey ceramic heads, melamine mickey plates. Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
All Mickey, all the time.

Thanks for your happy posts though-I'm still sick he got shot in the face. I cry every time I open the paper. I don't like this new normal-I hate that phrase now. I want Fred back outside playing with elderly Dixie the dog knowing his brother is fine and everything to go back the way it was. Channel 7 and the Trib were hanging out here Thursday-I wasn't too nice to Stacy when she asked about them. She didn't get no one was out this way.
I think I need a Hobbes hug :-(

JODI said...

You got me thinking about our band trip to the Rose Parade...where we will also march in the Disneyland night parade...which has me thinking about fund raising to get there...which reminds me I got an email to sell and make those dam bandwiches again in August.

Looks I need another vacation, and this time to Disneyworld!

Lin said...

Helene--Oh, pally, between the O.D. on Mickey and the sadness of losing a friend in such a way is just horrible. I feel so bad for his family--not only in his death, but how he died. It was awful. I will keep them all (and you) in my prayers.

Jodi--WOW! Both Disney AND the Rose Parade??? How exciting! I'll take one bandwich, please. Hold the mayo.