I have a secret, well not so secret vice, I love all things Disney. My kitchen includes Mickey/Minnie dishes and silverwear. I have Disney tea towels and bath towels. I even have a Mickey toaster that burns the Mickey ears into my toast.
I have been to Disneyland in California five times. The first was in 1980 when we still used coupons to get on the rides. And DisneyWorld. I think I have been here nine times. And to be honest, I have gone several times without any children. I go for my own enjoyment.
I am back in Orlando for another Disney holiday. My husband has a meeting and I came along for the adventure. While he is giving lectures, I will be at Magic Kingdom with my brother in law and his significant other. They have season passes. Yes, my brother in law loves Disney even more than I do! He has even run in the Disney marathons. I think just to get the medals.
In any case, two days in Orlando means a day at Epcot and a day in an enchanted world. And for those Universal addicts, I was there last year and I do love Harry Potter World and Susical Land. But really nothing compares with Disney.
Since I live in the Kansas City area, I feel another point of affinity. Walt Disney actually started his career in KC, and there is an effort underway to restore his original studio.
And yes I know that that Mr Disney was not always the nicest of people even though he gave us wonderful animated movies. But on the other hand he opened Disneyland the year I was born! I grew up watching the Wonderful World of Disney on television. Who can ever forget those shows? Not me.
Some might say that Mr. Disney was a bit anti-Semitic. It could be true. But I am the proud owner a several Disney Hanukkah decorations, including a hanukkiah.
My parents never took us there. But I have made up for this many times. One of my favorite trips, besides the many times with different family members, was taking a childhood friend for her first Disney adventure over seven years ago. It is great going with someone who has never experienced it before. What a trip.
I will say, the only time I would not return is on December 26. I did that once in California. My cousin and I took three children. It was a bit of a nightmare! So many people. So many long lines. But I got the best hat ever, a wizard hat from the “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” that lights up. It was great for the kids to stay with us as it got dark out. I still wear it for special occasions.
I even purchased special Minnie ears for my daughter to wear at her bridal shower. I guess the purple ribbons and veil called out my name. And my understanding daughter wore it!
So here I am back in Orlando. I am so happy to be going to DisneyWorld tomorrow. Another adventure begins.
zicharonot 
Have a great time! We’ve been there three times—with our kids. I admit that we had great trepidation the first time, worrying about the crowds and the commercialism. But we had a great time and went back twice after that!
I always have a great time. Thank you.
I LOVE Disney too. Especially Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom in Disneyworld. Peter Pan is one of my FAVORITES!
That was one of our favorites as well.