By Doug Geed
Okay, I'm going to be 50 years old at the end of the year. I have three children and have been a broadcast journalist for 28 years. But I am also an unabashed Disney geek. Yup -- I love Disney World and want to visit as often as I can. And I'm really sad that our latest trip is over.
Neither my wife or I were lucky enough to go there as kids. It was 1996 when we made our first trip as a family (two kids and a third on the way) and within a minute of driving onto the property we fully understood what all the fuss is about.
We just came back from family trip number 7 and it was awesome. The first day was a little rough. We flew down when Tropical Storm Fay was hovering over Jacksonville. So I always say, our first ride this trip was Fay! But after she pulled out, we had great weather.
I've earned quite a reputation here at News 12 as "Mr. Disney" -- but there are also a lot of people here who have been going since childhood and know a lot more than I do. And us Disney geeks can spot each other from a mile away. It's the reaction of people when you tell them you're going -- the eyes widen, the smile broadens and a "I'm so jealous" blurts out -- that's when you know you've found one.
We try to hit each of the parks a couple times -- once in the daytime, once at night. The new Toy Story attraction at Hollywood Studios (used to be called Disney MGM Studios) is awesome -- just an outstanding event that's worth all the attention it's been getting.
And there's just something so special about getting on a ride that you've done over and over -- a special feeling like "wow -- we're back." Our morning sports anchor, Erin Colton, is a very close family friend and actually went with us on our trip back in '06. I think she was a little overwhelmed. After our second time getting on "Peter Pan's Flight" or our third time on "It's a Small World" or our 5th time on
"Tower of Terror" she was like "We're going on this AGAIN? We just did this the other day!" I mean don't get me wrong, at night we always make sure we have our grown-up fun by the pool and at the cabana bar, but when it's time for the parks, it's time to revert back to our childhood! And in this business, where we see so much of the bad side of life, it is such a relief going to what is rightfully called "the happiest place on earth."
I have to say, a couple of special attractions for us are both in the Tomorrowland section of Magic Kingdom. One is the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, a great place to
just sit back and relax. The other is Carousel of Progress. I'm ashamed to say that we didn't try it for years because we simply didn't know what it was. It turns out to be one of Disney's originals -- a favorite of Walt's that he created for the 1964 World's Fair. It is classic Disney and I urge everyone to visit it.
There were also quite a few Long Islanders when we visited -- quite a few people who recognized me and said hello. That's a great feeling -- to be so far from home yet to share this bond with others. Even a waitress at one of the restaurants (a transplanted Long Islander) stopped by our table to say she misses watching us!
I'd love to hear from any Disney freaks out there who'd like to compare notes. As you know, a lot of planning goes into a Disney trip and it goes by so quickly. The best therapy for when you get back is to either keep talking about it or start planning another one!
So let me hear about your family traditions -- favorite rides, restaurants, resorts, places in the park to hide away and relax. For the Geed family, it's unanimous -- our favorite ride is Tower of Terror. Splash Mountain comes in at number two -- and Rock N' Roller Coaster a super A-plus.
Liberty Tree Tavern is a dinner we have never missed. (For those of you who don't know, it's a restaurant in Magic Kingdom set up like an early American Colonial Pub -- and the theme is a Thanksgiving meal that's served every day of the year.
'50's Prime Time is a must for anyone who remembers the old t-v shows from the 50's and 60's -- Sci-Fi Drive-In is one of the most unique restaurants you'll ever see -- and Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace are our favorite breakfast spots. And a place that doesn't get a lot of publicity yet we love is Kona Cafe -- one of the restaurants in the great Polynesian resort. Jeesh -- our family even gets excited when we hear the voice of the guy who tells who to stand back from the monorail doors as they're closing. We know that recording by heart!
Yeah -- this may be a little over the top for many of you. But my guess is, if you've continued reading this entire blog, Disney is a special place for you too. And you totally understand it when I say, "I Miss Mickey."