We did it. We survied. And so did the baby.
The beginning of June took us 2461 miles to east of home to Kissimmee, Florida. We flew out on June 3 and didn’t fly home until June 16.
Initially Allie and I had blocked off these dates for a large family vacation that included a flight to Denamrk and Baltic Sea cruise. However, as it came time to book, the cruise and airfare we hesitated. The thought of taking a 9 1/2 month old infant seemed daunting. There was a trans-Atlantic flight to consider as well as almost-daily excursions. Some people advised us that we didn’t have to go on daily excursions into the port cities. We could merely stay aboard the ship and have fun there. I demurred at this idea, though. I couldn’t imagine being at port in a new city and country and choosing not to explore. I felt like I would resent not being able to join the rest of the family because I had to take care of the baby. In the end, we opted for Orlando. It was a non-stop flight followed by a stretch staying at one place where we could set up a home base.
The Flight
Los Angeles Internaton Airport (LAX) is about an hour and half away. We booked a morning flight thinking that this would be plenty of time to check in and get supplies if needed. We booked an Alaskan Airlines flight operated by Virgin American. This was the first time I took advantage of the offer to board early for those parties needing more time. I now understand why traveling familes need more time. There is just more to carry and more things that need a place.
Faith started the flight calmly. We had heard advice to try and have the baby suck on a pacifier or to drink a bottle to help with the altitude. It just didn’t work out for Faith. She just wasn’t due for a bottle. And she had long ago (on her own) given up on pacifiers. But even without the bottle or pacifier she didn’t fuss. Allie kept her in the Lille Baby Carrier for as long as she would take it. The first part of the flight she slept in the carrier while being held up against Allie.
After the first hour, though, things got a little messy — literally. The last 4 hours of the trip included 2 episodes of vomiting as well as a blow-out where the onesie could not be salvaged and ended up in the lavatory trash collection. Over all, she took the flight well but I have a newfound sense of appreciation for parents who choose or have to fly somewhere alone with an infant.
The Parks
We did the “typical tourist thing.” We went to the theme parks. Specifically, we went to the Walt Disney World Theme Parks — or at least most of them. We opted to skip the two water parks as well as Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In total, we went to Magic Kingdom twice, Epcot twice, and Animal Kingdom three times.
Magic Kingdom
Though similar to the original Disneyland in Anaheim, California, Magic Kingdom in Orlando is not the same park. One thing Allie and I enjoyed doing was picking out all the things that were the same and different between the two parks. Another thing we noticed was that Magic Kingdom feels roomier. The sidewalks and walkways feel wider.
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdon is a mix of theme park and zoo. They have a great safari ride that is reminiscent of the one at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. However, they also have attractions galore with typical Disney flair. The theme park is divided into world regions. There is Africa, Asia, Pandora, and Dinoland USA. Africa and Asian had your fair share of animal encounters as well as shows and rides you would expect from Disney. Pandora was an awesome theme area that comes straight out of the James Cameron film Avatar. Dinoland USA — well it’s a whole area devoted to dinosaurs. Obviously there are not real dinaosaurs lumbering through this area of the park. But there is an entertaining simulated ride that is very siilar to the Indiana Jones ride in Disneyland.
EPCOT
Epcot was special because Allie planned to be there for my birhtday and that included reservations at the Italian restaurant in the Italy section of the park. The pasta dish I ordered, in my opinion, is one of the best Italian dishes I have ever had.
Epcot is a paradise for foodies. The unique thing about Epcot is the World Showcase that allows you to “visit” 11 different countries around the world. If you want to stroll to Japan, you can buy a kimono, drink some sake, or eat some sushi. Or you can do it all. Sprinkled through the countries are Disney characters too. Mulan will sit and greet guests in China, Belle in France, Alice in England, Anna and Elsa in Norway, etc.
All in all we had a blast and we can’t wait to come back to Orlando next time.
