We're back in town after spring break in Orlando and Miami. Gabe's family is in Miami, and this is the first year that we drove, partly to save money and partly because we thought it would be easier to stop in Orlando that way. The kids have been itching to go to Disney World since they discovered its existence, but we put it off. Mostly we wanted to wait until Chloe was old enough to enjoy it, but if I'm being honest, I have to admit that I didn't think it would be my thing. Big crowds, long lines, hot sun, and rampant commercialism are what I envisioned. Yes, all of those elements were present, but I have to confess that I loved it.
There is an old world simplicity to many of the rides, like Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, and It's a Small World. And Disney has figured out how to keep the crowds flowing. Moving walkways at the end of the rides keep things flowing, lots of things to see and do while waiting in line keep frustration at bay, and indoor rides and lines offer a break from the sun. A day at Universal to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter made for a stark contrast. Although Hogsmeade, Hogwarts, and the main ride, the Forbidden Journey, were great, the crowd management left a lot to be desired.
And at Disney there is that cheerfulness. I know some of it is manufactured, but it takes a certain type of person to look you in the eye while wearing bright yellow shorts and a matching white and yellow striped shirt and say, "Have a magical day!"
I think the finishing touch was when Oscar's ice cream fell off his cone and a nearby employee swooped in, ushered us back to the front of the line at the ice cream parlor, and got him a replacement cone, saying, "nothing bad should happen at Disney."
Yes, there were a few cracks in the facade, like when Oscar stepped off a ride the wrong way and an employee nearly exploded trying to get him back on the path. But overall, the atmosphere and relentless cheerfulness won me over. We also have a new family expression to try to improve someone's mood: "yellow pants."
We also had a few great days in Miami, sitting on the beach, visiting friends, and resting a bit, but, mostly, just enjoying our time with relatives that we see too infrequently.
All of this is a long introduction to the weekend snapshots. I didn't carry my camera around Disney and I forgot to bring it to the beach, but I did have it with me in Savannah. We stayed in Savannah overnight on our way back from Miami, and we loved it. It is a quintessentially southern town, with huge, spreading trees, Spanish moss dripping off branches, many squares with fountains and lush vegetation, intricate wrought iron railings, and lots of restaurants and stores to investigate.
We even witnessed a wedding in one of the parks. We had only one evening there before heading home, but we'll be back. Next time, I'd also like to check out Brookgreen Gardens, a sculpture garden that my parents visited and recommend, and you know we love a great sculpture garden.
I also have some great memories of Savannah, including a little hole in the wall soul food joint that, sadly, is no longer there. We ran in for take out on the way to the airport (having been there earlier in the week) and made everyone on the plane jealous as our delicious aromas wafted through the cabin.
Posted by: Andrea | April 27, 2011 at 08:23 AM
Sounds like a great trip Margy! I've missed the blog in your absence. We love Brookgreen Gardens, it's only a mile or 2 from the Rice family beach house. We should go there together one day!
Posted by: Tamara | April 27, 2011 at 09:48 AM
Like a great trip! I don't know what I liked better - Chloe's fish face or Olivia's polka dot nails.
Posted by: Sarah | April 28, 2011 at 09:12 PM