We’re back from Disney, the new job starts tomorrow, and yesterday I got a chance to see the documentary that I’m appearing in this Fall. What’s more, my first non-fiction fatherhood story will be published?soon as part of a collection in an upcoming book (I got the check for the article a few weeks ago so I guess it’s legit!), and my own book is still a lingering possibility, so to say I’m a little busy is an understatement. (Still it’s no excuse for not stopping by the blogs of my blog family so I’ll be doing that this week.)
Of course I have to talk about the trip a little bit. Disney is a trip that everyone should do once, and perhaps only once depending upon your tolerance for certain things. For example, the rides were fun and exciting but the lines are crazy, the heat serious, and the food fattening. I lived in Florida for a time so the heat was no surprise, the lines are legendary at Disney so I expected that too?(Fast Pass is a definite sanity-saver), and?overindulging in?food is a big part of what vacationing is about. So if you can deal in those things, go forth and enjoy. I still think I prefer a beach vacation though.
Dev was ok for about?fifty percent of the time. We give him a pass mainly because as one guide book puts it “Disney is an assault on all the senses” and that may be why he was a little off. Plus he was freaked out half the time. He did not like the 3-D stuff one bit. The faking of mice running off a 3-D screen or getting sprayed with spinkles of water by a movie were too much for the kid. He also completely flipped out on Stitch’s Great Escape, which a friend of mine warned me not to take the kid on. I ignored her because I’m a Stitch fan, but boy was that show creepy. He also didn’t love the Haunted Mansion, and thought we were going to get shot on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and was bored to tears by the safari. Dev, however, loved the roller coasters we went on, he was pleasantly thrilled by?Test Track, and Soarin’ and he thoroughly enjoyed the meet and greets (especially the Power Rangers). All in all I give the trip a thumbs up, though the Disney reverence of the Old South still freaks me out more than any of the rides…
On to the documentary: The documentary is good. Very good, actually. I do, however, believe that HD means “hot doo-doo” because I look really bad in high definition.?Anyway, the film?has a good mixture of humor and relevant info and?it should help a lot of dads get through the early days of fatherhood. I’ll keep you all posted…
Fianally, I wanted to thank all?of you that have sent your well-wishes for the new gig.?I’m?looking forward to the adventure!?
Ahhh – you’re back (and I’m first)…I’m glad you guys had a good time. I was sooo wondering how Dev would do w/all the hoopla that Disney had to offer. Good thing you gave him a pass.
Good thing he went too. There are so many folks of color that never get out and vacay to anywhere. He’ll have great memories…great diverse memories. Good job.
Good luck on your first day Keith!
Welcome back! This entry only strengthens my resolve that we’re going to hold off on Disney – land and world – for a few more years. I think Lovegirl would have a lot of the same issues that Dev did. Congrats on the literary accomplishment and the documentary. Enjoy the new job.
I couldn’t agree more that Disney World/Land is an assault on the senses– glad you survived it! And congratulations on your continued success.
Welcome back glad you enjoyed your trip. Congrats on all of your upcoming achievements!
Congratulations on your new job. I plan on taking my little one to Disney World when he is old enough to appreciate it. As a first time mom I tend to jump the gun a bit (he has been to see A Lion King already – he was 11 months old at the time) but I think exposure is important.
Anyhow, I am here by way of Literal Dan and I will be sure to stop by again soon.
I told you so. I’m glad to hear you had fun!
When I was six, my Dad decided to pack us up in his new pea green chevy impala and drive to Disney. It was hot and cramped but my parents were happy that they were able to provide the “All American” family vacation to my sister and I. Thirty-something years later, I can’t wrap my head around the whole Disney thing. Lucky for me, my sons (10 & 11) haven’t really pushed the issue, either. Hopefully they’ll continue to believe that “beach vacations” is all that I can afford! I love beaches and hate Disney. So instead I live vicariously and begrudginly through my “Disney” friends. Glad you had a good time, Keith, at least 50% of the time. Congrats on the documentary. You’re like the only “celebrity” I know–cool. Looking forward to reading about the new gig.
Yas
Clare is turned off by a few of the Disney rides too. We haven’t even attempted Stitch’s Great Escape. As an aside, I just read something about Disney that got me thinking–they love the FastPass too because it keeps people out of lines and walking around more to spend money. They’re pretty smart.
EVERYONE looks bad in HD w/o make-up. sigh. they’re gonna have to start making people up to get interviewed on the street if they don’t fix that or do something to make it less harsh on people w/o tv make-up. i LOVE disney and now that i’m moving to florida certainly plan to make a trip there!!
I want to first say thank you for all you do with your writing and informing about your family. I also write a little not as good as you. However I understand how it is when you are busy with family, life and writing. I just want to say keep up the good work!