It’s been tough to keep up on my writing with the addition of the grand kids to my mornings. We’re in a three-bedroom Orlando Marriott Vacation Club condo after a day at Universal Studios. The crowds were massive and the wait-times long, coupled with mechanical breakdowns. As a result, we only got through two rides, a tour of Harry Potter’s Daigon Alley, the Holiday Parade and dinner for seven at the Chocolate Emporium. Only Jimmy Fallon’s Race through New York and Transformers were ultimately off our list of things to do. We’ll return for our second day after our first day at Disney World. My wife is looking forward for her return to the park after many years of missing out when I came solo to see my son’s family. That won’t happen in the future since her recent retirement. We did, however, get to Disneyland together, without any kids in tow.

My back was aching yesterday after many hours on foot, so I reduced my running to just the minimum mile this morning while winding through the surrounding golf course. My son got in line early, hoping to score us some passes to the new Star Wars’ rides, but apparently failed to make the cut. We’re all now waiting for him to complete a short nap before we get to the grounds ourselves. I started the day like a kid, with left-over chocolate ice cream and Oreos – “The Breakfast of Champions” – training food for a long day of screaming kids, traffic jams, crowded shuttles, pricey souvenirs, and Fast Pass envy.

I will continue to add to this post as I wait our turn in lines throughout the day. Did I mention that it’s also pouring down rain and my youngest grand daughter is crying – in the “Happiest Place on Earth?” Next was an unplanned expense – Disney ponchos for seven, plus a 20 oz Diet Coke was only $4.99. After a $14 hot dog and a Diet Coke bomb, we settled in for a 90-minute wait on Star Wars’ Smuggler’s Run, followed by 90 more on Toy Story. It always reminds me of a paid television live shot at a Burger King, where our news announcer picked up the sheriff toy that was part of their Kids Meal promotion, held it in the air, and proudly announced that he “had a Woody.” He quickly showed an embarrassed look on his face once those words gradually sunk-in and those around him started to giggle. As our Disney day continues, I’m sure there will be lots of silly giggles.