Seven years ago, Kyle and I were married at Disney. Despite the fact that we didn’t get to have our ceremony outdoors because of impending rain, it was a dream come true to be able to say we were wed on Disney property. We spent three days splitting our time between the parks and a honeymoon suite at The Wilderness Lodge.
We lived in Orlando at the time and had annual passes to Disney so we went quite often. Epcot was our favorite place to go because drinking around the world is far too much fun. You know, for education’s sake, because in your 20s, how else are you supposed to learn about other countries?
Going to Disney with kids is fun, don’t get me wrong. I do love witnessing their wonder and excitement for all things magical. It’s just that there’s something equally magical about going to Disney as an adult and doing all the fun with someone you love and have fun with – without your kids tugging at your hems and whining about being hot or bored while waiting in line to meet their favorite character.
Kyle and I wanted to do something fun and reminiscent of the beginning of our relationship for our anniversary this year. We experienced and made it through the seven-year itch, so we were looking for an experience that would mimic the early feeling of our relationship, which is why we set off to Epcot during their International Flower and Garden Festival, which is a lot more like the Food & Wine Festival now.
Not only are there gorgeous flower displays, there are food stands set up all along the International Showcase that have fresh, delicious foods for you to try. They had some gluten free options for Kyle, but I ate a few things that were definitely not gluten free.
We stayed at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek which has a gorgeous pool area and fantastic rooms, but a bar with a bartender who might be in the running for rudest person EVER.
We woke up early in the morning because we wanted to be there when the Magic Kingdom opened. We had two things in mind: The Seven Dwarves Mine Train and Dole Whip. We made a beeline for the Mine Train and waited in the one hour line. I had heard it was like the “BEST RIDE EVER!” As a roller coaster aficionado, I was expecting something similar to Big Thunder Mountain or Expedition Everest. It was an enormous let-down. The line was more exciting than the ride, and I’m not sure I’d ever bother going on it again. Real talk.
After that, we headed over to Adventure Land to get some Dole Whip – the best stuff on EARTH. The last time we were there with Kyle’s parents and the kids, all I wanted to do was get Dole Whip, but as it were, my needs went completely unanswered back in the day, and I was denied my Dole Whip, so I got it TWICE the day we went in May, and I don’t regret it. If I could have fit it in, I would have had a third. I had one for breakfast and one for dinner, does that make it better?
After Dole Whip #1, we headed to Epcot just in time for the International Showcase to open. We started in Mexico with margaritas then headed around the world where we encountered a garden snake who has his own crossing guard. That’s Disney treatment for you! I snapped a picture of it, but as luck would have it, I can’t find it right now, which is probably good because my nerves are shot.
After our travels around the world, were dead tired by 2pm so we headed to Starbucks and then walked over to Test Track where we built every redneck’s dream truck to race on the newly improved ride.
I love what Chevy has done with the place, it was a ton of fun, and our vehicle only won in one category. I can’t even remember what that is at this point, but it was a gas guzzling machine with low performance, let’s just say that.
After our wild ride, we seized a photo opp with Mickey and then went back to the hotel for a nap before setting back out to the Magic Kingdom to see Wishes. That’s when we got more Dole Whip, rode Big Thunder Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, and It’s a Small World – Kyle’s FIRST TIME EVER! We headed around the back side of the castle to set up shop, and when the show got started, realized that the show happens in the front of the castle.
Duuuude.
The fireworks were awesome, but about half way through, we realized we couldn’t see much, so we abandoned ship and went to ride Space Mountain. I haven’t ridden Space Mountain in for-ev-er. I felt like a kid at Christmas and was stoopid excited. As luck would have it, the ride broke down as we got to the room where you can pick a side. And it was irretrievably broken, as in they shut it down for the rest of the night. I wanted to throw myself on the floor and wail uncontrollably, but I kept my composure and we left the park.
As always, we had a really great time and tons of laughs. I love spending time at the most magical place on earth with my love. It makes me miss living in Orlando so we could go whenever we wanted to, but I’ll settle for these stolen weekends away if I must.
I think all adults should experience Disney by themselves, just not during the summer time. Go when you can handle being outside. I promise it will be a way more pleasant experience.
While we’re talking about Disney, I wanted to share the most AMAZING thing ever. Kyle and I listened to the Hamilton soundtrack on our 6 hour drive to Disney. If you follow me on any other social media channel, you know I’m wholly obsessed with Lin-Manuel Miranda and have been for quite some time. I think he’s a mastermind genius. He just happens to be the mastermind genius behind the music in Moana, the new Disney animation film hitting theaters on Thanksgiving this year. If you’re not familiar with the film yet, make sure you check out this extended spot released during the Olympics this week. Then forget turkey and mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving this year and opt for popcorn and nachos instead.
Leave a Reply