How To Be An Adult (But Act Like a Kid) At Walt Disney World About This Page:

[PassPorter News]

by Heather MacDonald, PassPorter Guest Contributor

Hello, my name is Heather and I'm a twenty-seven year old Disney-holic. People ask me all the time if I go to meetings. I don't, I just call my travel agent. I just recently returned from Walt Disney World and this trip I realized that there are some things that I'd always assumed were just for kids. Boy was I wrong! Here are some things I learned about how to bring out the kid in me.

The most important thing to remember is this: Don't be embarrassed! The cast members (CMs) have all seen people doing something sillier than whatever it is you're doing. Trust me. They've seen me skipping through Fantasyland with a fist full of balloons!

My first recommendation to bring out the 8-year-old in you is to head to the Magic Kingdom and make your first stop The Chapeau shop, which is tucked down the side street near Tony's Town Square. Pick out your favorite set of Mouse Ears and have the very talented cast member embroider your name on the back. Personally, I love my Jack Sparrow pirate ears, but the classic black are a close second. Now you are dressed and ready to go!

Next stop, if you can manage to get the much sought after reservation, is breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table. Have your picture taken with Cinderella and then head on up to breakfast. On our last visit we were the only people without children at breakfast and the cast members gave us a pirate sword and a magic wand to participate in the special "Wishes" ceremony performed by the Fairy Godmother. (Things like this also make great gifts for people back home that are jealous that they didn't get to go to Disney with you. My favorite bartender is currently using the magic wand to disappear customers from the bar at closing time!) If breakfast with Cindy and friends doesn't work out for you, I would recommend either Pooh & Friends at the Crystal Palace or Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Just find out where your favorite characters are eating breakfast and make sure you take lots of pictures. Cast members have been very good about taking group photos for me!

After breakfast, plan to take my favorite tour: Mickey's Magical Milestones. This tour is all "on stage" (no backstage access) and takes you through Walt and Mickey's history. You might even get to meet the big guy up close and personal! While it might sound like the Mickey Mouse tour is for kids, it's mostly a history lesson and perhaps better suited for adults. The tour takes about two hours and is cheap by Disney standards: only $25! Contact Guest Services or call 407-WDW-TOUR for information on booking this tour.

By now it's mid to late morning and it's time to ride some rides! Quick -- run (or skip) from Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear to Frontierland to hit Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain. Don't forget to take your Mouse Ears off on the rides! Right about the peak of lunch time is the best time to ride Dumbo The Flying Elephant if you don't do it first thing in the morning. Yes, I said ride Dumbo! If actually riding Dumbo is a bit much for you, at least have someone take your picture sitting in the Dumbo photo spot next to the ride. I have mine hanging up on the refrigerator. Stop by Pirates of the Caribbean and visit with Jack before heading off to lunch. You ate a big breakfast, so you can wait until after the lunch crowds have subsided to grab a hot dog at Casey's and listen to the piano player or leave the park for something more civilized!

After lunch it's time to grab a spot to enjoy the parade. Don't be afraid to interact with the characters as they pass. Some truly magical moments can be had simply by waving or smiling at the right character!

After the parade, plan to head out of the park. Afternoons in the World get hot and crowded. All of those people who do have little kids are now awake and active and wanting to ride the rides. I vote we leave the parks for the day and relax! After a busy day in the parks I love a round of mini-golf at either one of Disney's fantastically themed putt-putts. Finally at the end of day retire at the pool bar for a nice relaxing cocktail after a quick trip down the slide into the pool! If you still have energy or have gotten your second wind, you can always head back to the park of your choice later in the evening once the crowds have thinned out.

With a little planning and the right attitude, there is magic to be had at Walt Disney World for everyone. Leave your self-consciousness at the front gate and plan to enjoy!

[Ceara's mawmaw]

Sounds like a plan..... I always feel like an 8 year old at the World......my family has enjoyed my wide eyed excitment at actually getting there and the cold chills I get when I first step on main street............