Disney in January

So, I've been waiting almost 2 weeks for this trip to begin, and I am so excited that I have only one more day to wait!

I was talking to my dad two Saturday's ago about how, when I'm older, I plan to travel to Hong Knong, India and Europe. I get really annoyed becuase we never seem to go anywhere or take many vacations, and all of my friends always come back from these amazing destinations like Paris and Bermuda.

But anyway, my dad just suddenly asked if I wanted to go to Disney World. I said, of course, sure! Then he suprised me by randomly saying, "OK, let's go in a week or so."

I didn't believe him at first and asked, "Are you for real?" And he was! So, we decided to take off four days from school to go to Florida.

Actually, I was born in Orlando and, when I was younger, went to Disney a lot. (Or at least that's what my parents tell me haha). However, we have been living in Asheville, North Carolina for almost 10 years I think, so all I remember of Disney is a pond filled with ducks.

Yeah...

My brother and sister, on the other hand, were born later, so they haven't even been at all! I'm am so excited for everyone. I just do not think that my siblings understand exactly what Disney is. Of course, like I've said, I have never trully been either, but I think that it seems like an incredible place. Come on, it's DISNEY WORLD! Sure, I understand that there are those long lines, pricey food, and its all...well, fake...but isn't Disney the quintessential American vacation?

I can finally check Disney off my list! And everyone seems happy!

Except my teachers. They are all horrified at the idea of me missing an ENTIRE 4 days of school. I know it's so long right. (Sarcasm by the way!) ;-) But, I asked for all of my work in advance to do in the car (it's an 8 hour drive), so I am pretty confident that I won't be too far behind in school when I return. Also, I am betting on at least one snow day while I'm gone, which would be wonderful so that I would only miss 3 days, and therefore be exempt from my exams still.

But, no matter what, I have no regrets of going, and am looking very forward to this experience, even if it is only for four days (2 at Disney).

The good thing is that we are taking the trip in January, when it is so cold, wet, gray and dreary here in Asheville. I am so happy to be going somewhere sunny soon! My parents are also hoping that the lines and temperatures at the park will also be down from normality, because it is the low season. I am not making any expectations like I normally do, though, because they always seem to end up ruining the trip.

We plan on leaving realy early morning (i.e. 4 AM) Sunday and drive to Daytona Beach. We should arrive there at around 2:30 accounting for lunch and bathroom stops. Then, we will enjoy ourselves at the beach, swim in the pool, and go eat at the Hard Rock Cafe (I hope.) The hotel we have chosen (Boardwalk Inn & Suites) is anything but luxurious; in fact, I personally believe it is gross and I haven't even arrived yet, but my dad just wanted somewhere located on the beach, and we are only staying there for the night.

***Also, this small trip is not intended to be our big splurge vacation of the year; just simply a relaxing time to enjoy ourselves and have a break from school and work. I think that Disney is best enjoyed this way; so we do not plan to be rushing from park to park to try to see everything, as we only have 2 days at Disney.

The next morning, our plan is to wake up, spend a few last moments at the beach, and then say goodbye to the Atlantic Ocean and hello to Mickey Mouse! We will be staying at the Port Orleans Resort Riverside, and will visit the Magic Kingdom first to get all the essential Disney mushy crap out of the way: Cinderella Castle and taking a picture with Mickey, etc. I've heard that the Magic Kingdom is rather small, so I do not really care about it in itself, although the Castle looks amazing!

As I said before, this is not a serious trip, and we only intend to hit the highlights of Disney to have the basic experience.

That night we will do MGM studios, which seems interesting from the pictures I have seen.

On Tuesday, we will get up early and go to the Animal Kingdom to get first dibbs on the African Safari Ride, which I am really looking forward to. I've never seen an elephant, hippo or giraffe (at least I think). I also really want to ride the Himilayan Mountain Yeti roller coaster.

Finally, that afternoon we will go to Epcot- the best for last I suppose, as it is the park I am most looking forward to.

Then, the next morning we will take advantage of the hotel's grounds and pools and then leave and head for Savannah, Georgia, near the S.C. border. I've been to Charleston before, and my friends tell me that Savannah is quite similar in characteristics. I just hope that it isn't gray when we are there becuase of the winter climate- the pictures look amazing with the Spanish moss, fountains, broad oaks, blue skies and stately, southern mansions. Hopefully, the coastal climate is different from what we are experiencing up here in the mountains.

I just hope that Saturday will pass as quickly as a day at Disney woill!!! It's time for me to get some sleep before the trip!!! I'm so excited! (How many times have I said that in this journal???) lol

Kevin