"So you're telling me if I wait in this line, I might be able to throw up on the ride?"
Growing up in New Jersey, every few years, my family would take the 24-hour drive down to Florida to go to Disney World. There was so much anticipation and excitement during the drive, which always led to a fantastic overall experience. Except for the tea cups…the spinning always made me sick.
After I graduated college, I started working in television, and receiving VIP treatment everywhere in the TV world. At “Ellen,” I am very fortunate to be able to see every hit music act and A-List celebrity from the front row. When I got used to this, it didn’t appeal to me to wait in line for a roller coaster or cotton candy at a theme park any more. I kind of became jaded.
Then we had a beautiful baby.
Now she’s thirteen months old.
She can walk, smile, point, and laugh. She’s a little person.
"You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch"
When we went to Universal Studios in Orlando last week she walked, smiled, pointed, and laughed. We took her to Dr. Seuss Land. We took her to Woody Woodpecker Land. She even spent some time in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The lines were too long for Butter Beer, so unfortunately I did not try one.
At such a young age Babs is already intrigued by the lights, sounds, and people. We spent over ten minutes one day pushing the same button on the ground that turns blue when you hit it.
Through her eyes, Universal Studios was magical…and I slowly started to get it.
Once you reach a certain age, these parks are about your kids. Parents become excited when they see the glow in their kids eyes. If it will keep her happy, it may be worth it to wait an hour in line for your daughter to get an autograph from a princess. Did I really just write that last sentence?
I have a feeling that I’ll be spending more days at theme parks in the future.
However…whatever you do, please don’t tell my daughter we live an hour away from Disneyland.