“Hi, my name is Kelly, and I am an adult.“

At least I think I am.  Well, no that’s not true.  My “number-of-years-on-the-planet” says that I am, but really, most days, I don’t feel like it.  I’m actually in denial, I think, about how old I really am because, in all honesty, I still feel like a much younger version of myself.  But then, inevitably, reality kicks in: “Oh look I need new tires!”, “I need to call a plumber because you flushed what down the toilet?”,  “Why are all these lights on?!”  I cannot believe that I am starting to sound like my mother!  Yep, and it’s then when I’m reminded that I am, in fact, a grown up.

However, if I have to be a “grown up,” is that really such a bad thing?  I mean, I might even go so far and say that it is quite possibly even more fun than being — dare I say it?! — an actual kid (even if you’re like me and are still refusing to admit to, and actually act your real age most days…but I digress).  Ok, sure, we typically have to get up and go to work (be it at home or elsewhere), but at the end of the day, for example, we generally don’t come home with armloads of homework (no I’m not counting making dinner, doing the dishes, or taking out the trash — isn’t that what the kids are for?? (I am so getting egged at Halloween…); I’m talking the dreaded book reports, science projects (although those do end up becoming yours, don’t they?), and math assignments, especially those evil word problems!  To this day, I cannot tell you, if the train leaving Miami at 8am on Tuesday going 120 mph heading to Albuquerque uphill in a snow storm, then why did the chicken cross the road?  What??  Wait, where was I?  Oh, right!  Homework.  Ok, so even if you do have to take work home with you, at least, after all is said and done, you get paid!  So, whose inner kid is laughing about getting a recess and naptime now?  Huh??  Yeah so is mine, but, come on, do you know what you can do with that paycheck that you can’t do with that game of tag or any of that extra beauty sleep?  We can go to Walt Disney World (“WDW”)!  Ha ha ha ha ha!  So there inner child!  Stuff that in your pipe and…

*ahem*

Uh, right, so my point:  While it’s very true that I may not always feel like paying bills, getting enough fiber, or admitting that I probably shouldn’t be shopping at Hot Topic anymore (whatever, pink hair is awesome!), I do know that there are benefits of actually being an adult — aside from the no homework!  I mean when I am able to spend an inordinate amount of time planning for yet another trip to one of my favoritest (it’s a word; ignore what spellcheck says!) places on the planet, WDW; that’s good enough for me!

Disney World?!  Really?!

Oh yes,  I said, “Disney World!”  Now, I know, you’re either nodding in agreement or asking, “Wait, but isn’t that place for kids??”  Well, if you’re here, reading this, then you’re probably just like me (help the world now!), or are a little curious about whether or not it is possible to hit Fantasyland and ride “it’s a small world” as a group of full grown adults and still walk out with your dignity.  To which I simply reply:

"it's a small world" in the Magic Kingdom * photo by ghartler

No, you can’t.

Oh, I’m kidding!  But if you refuse to ride it (like some husbands I know), it’s ok!  There are plenty of other things to do, places to go, things to eat and drink, and rides to ride that more than make up for it!

For those of you who know what I’m talking about, I bet you’ve, at some point, also wandered around the parks with just your spouse, significant other, friend, sibling, cousin, mailman…no, not the mailman, but with that person or persons who are actually old enough to drive, vote, drink, and stand taller than the 40″ ride height “ruler,” and thought, “I l❤ve you for being here with me!”

Well, I know I definitely have!  My husband, Brian, who by the way you will get to know as the “DH,” which generally stands for “darling” or “dear husband” (it can also stand for other D-words that shall not be repeated here!); he and I have been married since 2005.  Does it show?  😛 Anyway, we honeymooned in Walt Disney World and fell so in love with it that we have, without fail, returned for every anniversary since!  Currently, our “family” is comprised of several furry critters, all of whom we consider our kids; however, so far, to date, Disney has not redefined its definition of “kids.” So when we travel to WDW, we tend to do so on our own.

So, for this reason (no, not because I can’t ride Space Mountain with my cats , but because I don’t travel with human kids!), I am here, to share my planning and traveling experiences with you.  Because, believe me, it can — and should, at least once! — be done!

Planning is A-Mazing!

Actually, planning is half the fun of a Disney trip!  No, no, it is!  I mean I love it so much that that’s why I am, as you may or may not — but totally should! — know, one of the guides for the Planning Your Adventure forum over at PassPorter.com.  It is definitely because one of my favorite things about choosing to go to WDW every year *woot* is all the yummy planningthat goes into it!  See what I did there?  “Yummy;” i.e. food, plus my referencing to adults who can hopefully drink…oh, there is so much fun to be had!

Ok, wait wait wait, now before I continue and you start thinking I’m just going to babble on and on each post about being one of those people who stroll up to Epcot’s Rose & Crown Pub in the United Kingdom pavilion at, like, noon and grab a Black & Tan and a Guinness, then head out into the Florida sun, double-fisted, ready to get all wild and belligerent during one of the new British Revolution shows…that only happened once.

I’m so kidding, but I totally know who you mean if you’ve seen it!

No, I’m just referring to all of the great things that we, as adults, get to experience and (responsibly!) enjoy at a place that so many think is for kids only.  They don’t even realize what they’re missing, and it’s this, the what they don’t know, that I plan on exploring, asking about, reporting on, dreaming out loud about, and maybe even contemplate doing at Walt Disney World because it does have so much to offer for those of us traveling with only one Disney-themed suitcase.  *wink*

Wait, all of our suitcases are Disney-themed.

Ok, fine, then this blog will be one that is for those of us who like to get away from the real world and escape to a place where we really are treated like princes and princesses, even if we don’t wear the costumes out in the parks, er, out in public, um…nevermind.  What I’m trying to say is that I just hope you will continue to come back and share in all of the wonder that can be had in a place not only meant for kids — but for us big kids too! So until next time…