Easy Rider

Cruising Downtown Disney we stopped at the Harley Davidson store. They had two cool bikes in the windows made for picture snapping. Ty can't quite reach the handlebars, but he already wants one. Yeah, we'll see about that.

Animation Class

We sat through a fun demonstration about the art of animation and then a chance to draw Mickey just like the pros. The goal here was to have Ty do the drawing, but it somehow ended up that I did the work and he watched and critiqued my work. Are we seeing a common theme here yet? Oh and my drawing ended up totally lopsided with one ear bigger than the other.

Candyland

We were lucky enough to get to see the brand new Toy Story Mania! attraction at Hollywood Studios (Park #4 of Disney for those of you keeping score). As you weave through the maze of people on the way to the actual ride, the room is decorated with bigger-than-life-size versions of classic toys including Tinkertoys, Lincoln Logs and of course Mr. Potato Head. But if you looked down, we were following the color twists and turns of the Candy Land board (one of Ty's favorites).

The ride itself was pretty awesome as you shot virtual balls at targets in an old fashioned midway accompanied by the characters from Toy Story. Ty got frustrated with the device (you pull a string repeatedly to launch the balls) so he let me do all the work and just shouted out which targets I should hit.

London Calling

A phone booth? Who uses those things anymore? Not even Superman changes his costume in them. So logically Ty being born in the 21st Century was puzzled by this large red box. After getting him to give me the universal hand signal for being on the phone, he went inside the booth and saw indeed it contained a phone.

What other 20th century relics will our children need explanations for? Feel free to share your own ideas or stories.


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Now playing: The Clash - London Calling
via FoxyTunes

A Spoonful of Sugar

We saw Mary Poppins hanging out beside the British pavilion. I told Ty as we got in line that he should tell her he was learning "Supercalifragilistic", but he just looked at me like I was crazy. Yeah Dads are goofy that way.

Not the SS Minnow

Call it the boat to nowhere, or a round trip of the lagoon. Ty just wanted to ride the boat so we hopped on and took it around the world showcase. At one point we were the only ones left on board and Ty snuck up for a picture with the Captain.

On this trip we completed the checklist of almost all available modes of transport: airplane, train, monorail, boat, bus, and car. Might be able to count bike and stroller too. Now next trip we need to find a helicopter perhaps.

That's Origami

World tour courtesy of EPCOT. Stopped in Japan hoping to make a reservation at the sushi restaurant before the fireworks but they were already booked up. The hostess was sweet however and handed Ty a small bird made with origami. He loved it and we actually saved it and brought it home too.

Nemo and Friends

This is why I am a shareholder in Disney. They keep things fresh and clever. The Living Seas @ EPCOT has been updated with all the Nemo characters guiding you through the ocean exhibits. But perhaps the most fun was "turtle talk with Crush".

Kids sit down in a small room facing a screen with an animated Crush who says "Dude" about 50 times and actually interacts with the kids. Even if you forget the fact there is a guy watching the room on a hidden camera, it's so hilarious your kids think they just spent 15 minutes with the real Crush from the movie. Duuuude!

Giant Golf Ball

Day 3 of the Disney parks now. We finally asked someone who was wearing a button that said "First Visit" and managed to score one for Ty at guest relations on our way in. He proudly wore it for about five minutes before it became something else to stick in the backpack.

Ty also provided the best description for what the globe at EPCOT looks like. Whenever we saw it, he would point to the giant golf ball.

This was also the day that I rented a stroller for him realizing that walking around that lagoon in addition to the future exhibits would be too much for him. Turns out to have been a very smart move because it also provided him a private seat for the fireworks show later.

Stay on the Trail

Today your guide through the jungles of Asia will be Ty. Guaranteed to point out the fascinating animals on the trail including giant bats, monkeys, and of course tigers. Tips are not necessary, but appreciated.