Thursday, January 17, 2019
(If you missed a day, check out the “archives” to the right –>)
This morning I got my first chance to look at the Coronado Springs resort in the daylight, and what a sight it is! My room is just above and overlooking a nice heated pool. The building I’m in is surrounded by beautiful landscaping, a running track, and a large pool area with a snack bar and laundry service.
The “Dig Site” is the large pool within the complex and it is huge. But, since the air temperature is about 60ºF this morning, it looks a little odd to see three lifeguards on duty yet almost nobody near the pool (and certainly nobody in the pool.)
On the way to the central lobby area to scare up some breakfast I saw a sign warning me to stay away from the edge of the lake as alligators and snakes may by lying in wait. So, I steer clear so as to avoid becoming breakfast, myself.
(Click on any image to enlarge.)
The “little” pool near the room 
the landscaping is perfect 
AThe Dig Site has a much larger pool 
There’s lots of wildlife here 
Some of the wildlife is best left alone
After breakfast, it’s time to head out to the Magic Kingdom to see what’s new and different. The Magic Kingdom is (for those who do not already know) the one park here that is most like Disneyland in California. As a California expat, I’ve been to Disneyland many times. I can still clearly remember my first trip to Disneyland at a tender age. On that trip, I wanted to ride all of the rides (especially if they were fast rides) for as long as my supply of “E” tickets would allow. In subsequent visits throughout the course of my life, I’d return to all of those favorite, fast rides. Again and again.
This time, I decided to do something different. I decided to try some of the slower rides. The ones I’d always avoided or simply overlooked in the past. Why? Probably because I’m 67 years old, not seven.
Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom 
The Entrance to the Magic Kingdom.
Following a quick bus trip from my resort to the Magic Kingdom park I’m greeted by a lovely entrance that looks much like Disneyland in California. Inside, like in Disneyland, Main Street leads you directly to the central castlek, here known as Cinderella Castle. Disney photographers are lined up all along the center of Main Street, taking photos of visiting guests with this inspiring castle in the background. It’s a photo that everybody wants to have. I wanted one, too, but I’m too cheap to pay for the professionally produced photo. So, I got this:
As I mentioned, this trip I planned to enjoy some of the slower rides I had overlooked in the past. The first ride I came across (one that I’d never been on) was the Liberty Belle, a replica of an old river paddleboat. It takes a leisurely 20-minute loop around Tom Sawyer’s Island. Now, I might not have enjoyed this ride in my youth, but I just loved it today! The route goes past camps, docks, and even an Indian village. For just a little while, I thought I could actually be cruising down the Mississippi in the 1800’s.
The Liberty Belle 
Thunder Mountain 
The Alligator Swamp. Can you find the alligator?
But, then my fantasy of cruising the ol’ Mississip’ was jostled back to reality (?!) by this escapee from the Country Bear Jamboree:
Now, just because I was aiming to try all those rides i eschewed in my youth, that doesn’t mean I was not still attracted to a couple of those old favorites. I was, and I succumbed to their irresistible draw. Here are two photos. Do you recognize the rides?
In the end, it was a short day in the Magic Kingdom. I left at about sunset and returned to my room where I fell into the arms of Morpheus for the rest of the evening.
Good night!
