Disney

by Caroline



Greetings from Chicago! But wait, the title says "Disney" . . . . what's that all about? Well, back in November I went to Disney with my friend Kathy, her 2 boys, and various members of her family. I think I should cover that trip before I begin this trip.





So, as I said, I went to Disney with Kathy and her family, including her father. Her father, by the way, is a Santa Claus. A Santa Claus who spends the year making wooden toys that he gives away at Christmas! Can you imagine going to Disney with Santa? Kathy tried to warn me but it is something that has to be experienced to be believed. He gets as much attention as the characters walking the park. The kids, staring from a distance, not really sure; their parents, "we don't want to bother you, but" . . . Dick was great with them all. The cast members loved him, the characters had a great time playing off him.



But the best of all, was Cheryl. She was the character handler at the Crystal Palace breakfast. Cheryl, who sees behind the magic every day, was thrilled to death to meet Santa! She brought over kids, other adults, and co-workers. She had us laughing the whole time and we certainly seemed to make her day.

I also had a great time at that breakfast because it was Winnie the Pooh and friends (my faves). A while back (sorry, no link to the particular post), the Yarn Harlot challenged readers to get pix of elected officials holding their socks or other projects. Well, elected officials are not in my circle but . . . .

We did a park a day, several character meals, and SeaWorld. We walked our legs off! I got to ride some of my favorite nostalgia rides: Snow White, Peter Pan, Jungle Cruise, and Pirates (I couldn't talk anyone into Small World); some more recent faves: Buzz Lightyear, Muppets (not actually a ride, I know), Space Mountain (took me a long time to ride this one - I'm a chicken); and new rides (new to me, it's been a while): the Speedway Test Track, Woody's 3-D Arcade and Atlantis (SeaWorld).

We were there for Disney's change-over to the Christmas season. We went to the first night of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. The park closes and a limited number of people (56,000 pre-sold tickets) are allowed to stay till midnight. Most of the rides are open and the counter service eateries are open with a section set up with free hot chocolate and cookies! The castle was, well, magical.

Tonight, in Chicago, I go to the taping of NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. I can not tell you how excited I am.