January 8 to 11: Disney World!

What did we do next? We went to Disney World!

We checked into Fort Wilderness for four nights and enjoyed ourselves at all four parks. One could say that Disney is wasted on children because adults enjoy it so much. We are very glad, however, that there were plenty of children there. They we so cute and fun to talk to. We enjoyed spotting the various princesses (they have complete make-overs including hair, make-up, fingernails, and outfits with shoes and everything for $175 and up!). We watched one little girl get her face painted and the surprise and pleasure in her face when she first saw herself was priceless. We talked to kids standing in line with us for rides.

The day we arrived we went to Disney-MGM Studios. Because we were staying at a Disney property we qualified for "Magic Hours" where one park a day is open extra hours. To tell the resort guests from the common riff-raff, we were issued bracelets. This entitled us to stay three extra hours after the normal closing at MGM on Monday.

We took advantage of our extra hours to attend the second showing of the evening fireworks and water and lights and live action extravaganza. Mickey is at the top of the island mountain.

Tuesday we spent in Epcot visiting Future World and World Showcase. We enjoyed it all. Ron didn't buy the pirate hat even though he looked quite dashing.

The country exhibits each featured various aspects of their cultures. We have always wanted to see the terracotta warriors of China. At least we saw the small version at Epcot.

Wednesday we went to the Animal Kingdom. This park was new to both Joyce and Ron. It was odd being lost and seeing everything for the first time because we were both at least somewhat familiar with the other parks. Above is Joyce's lunch of a BBQ sandwich and coleslaw (the Diet Coke is there but not pictured). We found all the food to be good, better than we had remembered.

You know you're not in Kansas anymore when the birds walking around the outdoor tables looking for crumbs look like this! And these were not robots but real, live ibis.

One of the hippos was active a little earlier than usual but was yawning.

Thursday we went to the Magic Kingdom, which is like Disneyland in California. This was the menu of the week -- at least at the Jungle Cruise.

The Spectromagic parade was beautiful. This peacock is just one example of the stunning floats.

These flowers are from another float. After the parade was over we took the boat to the parking area (some days we rode the park buses and some days we drove if we were going several places during the day). We watched the fireworks across the water and went home. Friday morning we packed up and moved on.