Doing Disney

There is this penchant to be where dreams can come true…and what a cinch it is if one has the opportunity to do it with one’s grandchildren, albeit a bit too young to really appreciate the many wonders around them. So, late last April, I landed in Los Angeles for a few days of rest, then caught up with my two sons and their families in Disney World – Orlando by April 30.

First consideration is the limitations for domestic travel in the U.S.: Only 20 kilos maximum/luggage and an oversized luggage costs $200.00! According to what airline you take, passenger may be charged from $25.00 per checked in luggage to about $100. I know though that there is an airline that allows you one check-in luggage for free but the ticket cost is higher.

Cabin luggage with no weight limitation (but strict size dimensions) can be a back-up if weight is a problem for the check-in luggage. Only one is allowed, plus a handbag for ladies & a briefcase for men. Consider: flight connections which will mean going through escalators or running through long corridors to get to the gate in time.

My Los Angeles – Orlando flight on American Airlines passed through Forth Worth (Texas). I ran through the airport to the waiting flight as my LAX-FW flight was delayed. Good thing my cabin luggage was practically empty. Still it was a hassle when I was rushing to get to my gate. This also happened when my Cebu-Hongkong flight was delayed for almost an hour. My Los Angeles connection was awaiting the delayed passengers – we were literally running through Chek Lap Kok! Good thing I checked in my cabin luggage in the international flight.

I arrived Orlando at close to midnight and looked for the Disney booth to get to my shuttle. There is a free shuttle for guests but you have to make your booking way ahead through the internet. Disney hotels & resorts are usually full.

By the time I entered my room at 1am dawn, I was hungry and thirsty and all outlets were closed! It was the only time I was caught without a ready pack of snack item in my bag! I was too tired to do anything but jump into bed.

Second consideration is the clothes you wear while in Disney World – a huge complex of four theme parks (a separate article in Lifestyle this Sunday), two water parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, DisneyQuest – a 5-storey interactive theme park , Fishing on 5 Disney waterways and Golf in 5 golf courses. With the strong Florida sun, it is best to wear loose clothing in natural fibers: cotton is best! Linen with a bit of rayon is alright as it is crumple-free. Bring extra clothes as you can’t predict how many times you may change in a day. Bring swimwear. Even if you are not considering your resort’s pool as the children may go into the wading pool or those spurting water areas in the park. Be prepared!

Comfortable footwear is equally critical in the make or break of your Disney adventure. I had to consider pushing one of the 4 strollers in our party and the carrying of the 4 babies on and off the buses, rides, etc.

Pack lots of sun block cream, lotion, spray – whatever is your preference. Just have one handy! Also good quality sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head from too much sun. (Umbrella is not an option when your hands are always full.)

Last consideration is the availability of food when mealtime for the little ones is due. It is best to have some cookies and fresh fruits, aside from the disposable “bottles” of milk. (Thank God for new technologies!)

Well, I survived one week in sizzling hot Disney World in Orlando and another week in Anaheim where we had another two days in Disneyland with some family members. It was cold by 5pm in Anaheim. Good thing I always placed my cardigan and my thick scarf in my Longchamp handbag. Layering is the thing to do! Oh, and wear a “camiseta” under your blouse if you expect cooler nights.

I was a child once more for most part of May. When I was back in Cebu by May 20, the reverting to adulthood was such a “traumatic” realization. Despite the aching back, arms and feet, I yearned to remain in Disney World/land where all of my dreams did come true!