Something On A Sunday

Seattle Washington 05 25 10

A long way from Montmartre.

A Sign Its Saturday

Just a bite before you go ...

On 'if i lived in central florida'

From time to time I will include a short post about what I’d be doing if I lived in Central Florida. This has ranged from grabbing a Dole Whip in Adventureland to experiencing every exhibit found in Innoventions. Essentially, it is my way of going from day to day, here, away from Walt Disney World. I pause and wonder what I’d do if I were close enough to drop by the World on the way home.

I have this sense that I am not alone in my thinking. It is safe, I feel, to assume that there are several of you reading this who have had the same thought. You’ve asked yourself the question, “What would I be doing if I were in Walt Disney World right now?” You’ve probably said, “I wish I could live close to the parks.” Truthfully, there is not a week that goes by that I haven’t thought that once, twice, well several times.

My trips to the parks are packed; too packed at times. Three of my last five trips have only allowed me to be in the parks for two days. While I love the opportunity to be there, for even a short period of time, it is too quick. To fast. It goes by so fast and it affords so little time to fully take in the parks. We, you and I, know that the parks are filled with so much to be experienced and explored, and it is constantly changing. We also know that nothing short of living within an easy morning, afternoon or evening drive will give us the time we need to truly find all that is there to be found. A backstage tour during my last trip re-enforced that to me. That, and instilled the desire to take a tour with every new trip.

The parks change. Yes, this is both good and bad. I am sure I am not the only one who wishes I could once more explore Horizons or take another trip through the World of Motion. And I would love the opportunity to tap the riches of my imagination with Figment, and, The Dreamfinder. But we need to remember what Walt Disney himself once said, “Disneyland is something that will never be finished. Something that I can keep developing, keep plussing and adding to. It’s alive. It will be a live, breathing thing that will need change.” We can be sure that this same spirit lives in Walt Disney World. So while we can look fondly back on those attractions of the past, we can look forward with great anticipation for the new things on the horizon.

This is what “if i lived in central florida” means to me. It is the chance to anticipate what is will be new, while enjoying the things of the past. It is the opportunity to not be rushed. It is the time needed to fully and completely enjoy everything the parks present to us; more than what can be taken in during a week, two weeks, or even a month. Someday I’d like to have that time, and barring that, I’d like to be close enough to visit frequently and savor all the flavors of Walt Disney World.

I’d sit and watch and listen to a complete fountain cycle; two or three times.

I’d experience every attraction in Innoventions.

I’d find a place to sit in every pavilion on the World Showcase, for hours.

I’d visit every special event.

I’d find a park bench on the second level of the Main Street Station and watch the day go by.

Yes, if i lived in central florida i’d ...

Something On A Sunday

Juneau, Alaska 05.25.09

Note: I think I have written this before on here, but it bears saying again. I never had a desire to travel to Alaska; that was my wife's dream. But after having been there, I wonder what I was thinking. It is spectacular! I would go back again. I want to go back again. I would live there if it wasn't for the fact that it is 4,215.3 miles from Juneau to the Ticket and Transportation Center.

That is further than the distance between Nashville and London, England. During the time I lived just north of London I never made it to Walt Disney World. I didn't even make it over to Disneyland Paris during that time. Yes, I have been there twice, but not once while I lived overseas. So knowing that, chances are my trips between Juneau and Lake Buena Vista would be few, if any.

Then, it all comes down to priorities doesn't it? But more about that later.

A Sign Its Saturday

Sometimes the little ones have got to cut loose. And when then time comes, head over to the ...

Something On A Sunday

Juneau, Alaska 05.25.09

Question: If you could write a caption for this photograph, what would it be?

A Sign Its Saturday

You've made the trek in from the parking lot and have come through The Oasis and Discovery Island. You now find yourself in Dinoland U.S.A., but you are hot and sweaty and need a little refreshment. Sure, you can head over to Restaurantosaurus, but if you need something quick, stop by ...

Something On A Sunday

Pike Place Market 05.26.09

A Sign Its Saturday

August is National Dinosaur Month. Okay, it isn't really. Actually, October is International Dinosaur Month. But to beat the rush, I thought I'd spend the month of August posting some Dinoland themed signs. First up, as you approach US 498 you're greeted with a sign that announces, "You're Here!"

...if i lived in central florida i'd...

... be making my way over to Disney's Animal Kingdom. I am feeling like a little Finding Nemo - The Musical would be good right about now. "Now go out and have an adventure!"

Something On A Sunday

I love neon! During the month of August for Something On A Sunday, I'll try to dig up some photos from our trip to Seattle in advance of our Alaskan cruise. I think I found some neon that evening ... and on the cruise.