Orlando Disney v. 58

In 1983, on the way home from visiting family in South Florida, Bob and I, and Bobby and Maria got off an overbooked plane in Orlando. According to Bob, the other passengers cheered.  I remember them all being relieved. We had left the baby bottles for Maria in the back of Bob's brother's car.  We had one Platex nipple (not sure why only that), a can of grape juice, and a hungry screaming purple faced baby.  Due to the miracle of overbooking and compensation, we got enough cash to buy a baby bottle with formula, take a cab to Disney, and spend a few hours at the Magic Kingdom before we boarded the next flight home.

We still like to go to Disney, even though it is shocking to pay the bills.  Our favorite hangout and value is the campground- Fort Wilderness.  There are plenty of free things to do there even without going into the parks- activities at the pool, campfire, sing-along, and a movie every night.  

Becca really wanted to see the Animal Kingdom.  She's got this thing for Rafiki!  The crowds were larger than at Universal, probably since it was a weekend, but still manageable.  We had a great lunch at Tusker House, and Bec got to have photos with both Donald and Daisy.  She's got a thing for Donald Duck too...

The parade was pretty cool too.  Very creative floats!  See those arrows on the ground?  Disney cast members lay that tape down everyday before the parade to tell people how to get around during the parade.  Then they pick it up after... 

We watched the holiday performance at every EPCOT country.

Jingling bells for Father Christmas in England

Pin trading in Norway

She still wanted to take pictures with the princesses.  It helped that a few "20 something" girls were ahead of us when she asked, "Am I too old for this?"

 

 It rained on us, so Pooh insisted she keep her hood on.

At the Magic Kingdom, Becca was transformed into a pirate at the Pirate League Salon.

Taking the Pirate Oath

 At Hollywood Studios, Becca auditioned for American Idol even though she is too young to actually compete.  She and another 13 year old did get a chance to entertain the audience waiting for the parade.  Never met a microphone she didn't like!

It would help to remember the words...

 The Osbourne Family Spectacle of Lights was packed, and loud, and rather a spectacle :).  I am just baffled by the obsession with the whole Osbourne Family though.  Hmmm...