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A milestone trip in is the works, and all have been briefed that Mommy is calling the shots this time and wearing the birthday button-for a week. Agendas & PowerPoints will be available in print, because I am making them and I want there to be no confusion.
There is a lot we (and probably you) don’t do because it is too hard to do when you have kids. Those who take care of an elderly or ailing loved one, feel free to chime in, as well.
For example:
- experiment with new recipes (with flavor)
- take a wine tasting class (someplace without a train table in the back)
- read for pleasure (your pleasure, not a chapter a night of Harry Potter, aloud)
- shop without the din of handheld video games in the background and bribes for staying quiet/being patient
- run out real quick to get an item that is not critical to tomorrow’s events
- see a new movie, play, or concert just because. (Caretakers rarely say, “What the heck. Might as well.”)
- bike without someone attached to your bike who is pretending to help it move forward
- skydive
There are more, but that isn’t the point. What I love about Disney is that I really enjoy a lot of the cool things they offer without compromising. I secretly hope Kim Possible missions will land us near my favorite adult beverage kiosks. Usually, they are. As a Muppet fan, I rally the troops to put on 3D glasses at Hollywood Studios, as opposed to handing over charge card and texting underneath my jacket during the latest offering by a trio of Chipmunks until it is over, like a tax with community service. I really like pin trading, and wonder if the cast members think I am a Toddler in Tiara’s mom when the kids look to me for cues as they choose the pins off the lanyards for exchange. (Whatever you want. Just not another Stitch and remember which letters of the alphabet we have at home, sweetie-B, C, D, G, H, I, P, S, T, U, W, X, & Z).
I asked for ideas on what cools things to try on a birthday trip from some facebook fans (Check out “You Might Be A Disney Addict If….”), since my kids can tolerate more changes to the schedule now, and are all about the birthday person rules, rule. As a backup they are old enough to attend Kids Clubs and are now OK with babysitters at Disney (and so are we).
Here are a few ideas that have been sent my way. Which are your favorites?
- Dinner at Victoria and Alberts. Nobody under 10 is allowed. You had me at 10.
- Characters in Flight. A balloon ride over the Downtown Disney Area.
- The Keys to The Kingdom Tour. A backstage (or under the stage) pass to the inner workings of the Magic Kingdom. I may pass on this one, due to time. It is a half-day event but it does include lunch. I think this is a 16 and over experience.
- Parasailing. This is a 10-minute experience that you can access from the Contemporary Resort. Highly likely.
- Surfing lessons at Typhoon Lagoon. The ads have younger guests, in bikinis (con) but the lessons happen before the water park opens (nobody to look silly in front of).
- Call/Answer the red phones at Epcot (the UK).
- A makeover, princess style. I have read about some ALL EARS writers trying this out, as adults. I am more likely to have a simpler version at the Harmony Barber Shop, and not the same day as Victoria & Alberts.
- Carriage ride around Fort Wilderness or Port Orleans Riverside. I’d be more likely to do this paired up with a dinner, or campfire.
- Epcot’s lesson to use a Segway, and tour the World Showcase. My friend did this, and scared herself. Hmm….
- Have a drink in each country at Epcot. Very popular, but I am not turning 21. Maybe if I spread it out over 11 days, but then I’d have to extend my trip. Not out of the question…
I don’t like to call these ideas “bucket list” items because I don’t like to discuss the end of life away from the Haunted Mansion. Also, my nickname is Bucket, so it just means “list.” On the same token, I don’t love when people call memorial services “a celebration of life.” I’d like to call mine, “Have yourself a good cry, because this is an appropriate place to do so, and you won’t find yourself weeping at random some day in 2 years or yelling a waitress who doesn’t bring you a food I always liked-day” We can work on it. I’m still well. Just looking for a week to really live the life I’ve been given, happily and rev up for a new decade.
