Disney Fun - My Future as a Baton Twirler?

Well, last weekend, Mike and I headed to Disney. I had to be at a conference for work starting on the 20th, so we took advantage and spent the weekend before at the parks.  Mike was in charge of finding a hotel for the weekend, since I was staying at the Contemporary for the conference, and we didn't want to spend $350 a night!

He found the Wyndham at Downtown Disney through a discount available to employees at AT&T.  We thought the Wyndham was a good name and the hotel would be okay. Apparently, they don't think much of their employees.

We got there (after a way-to-brief stop at the outlets) and found that we were in an "outside" the Tower room with external access, next to the loading dock. Even better, it was a room designed for disabled access. This meant all the controls and hanging rods were waist high. The best part - the shower and toilet were all in one area with no divider! Mike even took a video and posted on his facebook with a video tour.  Hotel Room - deeply discounted..... Look on Mike's face - PRICELESS

We were there over President's Day Weekend, so everything was pretty crowded, but on the plus side I learned that there is a Vera Bradley outlet in Orlando!

We decided to purchase Annual passes while there. We plan to head down a lot this year, and with an annual pass, you get free parking and discounts on Disney merchandise, restaurants, and hotels (no more Wyndham!).

We spent most of our time at Magic Kingdom, where Mike totally kicked my butt at Buzz Lightyear and I remembered how much I LOVED the Electrical Light parade.

But as a special treat before the light parade, we had a parade of baton twirlers from all over the country. Before I jump into this, let me just say that as a child, I ALWAYS wanted to be the one wearing the sparkly costumes, and if it came sequins and boots with fringe - I was all in. (Apparently as a child in the mid-to-late 70s, I also refused to wear pants of any kind and preferred full-on dresses with crinolines or short-shorts. Not sure if I planned a future as a Dallas-cowboy cheerleader or some other less savory profession.)

Anyway - back to the twirlers... We had great seats for the parade - on the cement curb in front of the train station. (When I say great seats - we could see everything up close, but my rear end was completely numb when I stood up.) I was watching the twirlers and mentally judging their costumes (ugly,  cute ribbons, too short, spandex pants?, oohhh sparkly!)  Mike was amusing himself by playing games on his i-Phone. Then we heard a cheer from the people on the parade route before us.

Coming down the road, twirling their hearts out....... the Senior Adult women of Texas! They were wearing short sparkly red skirts, white/blue tops, with sequined silver cowboy hats and white fringe boots! Not a one of them was under 70!  I am ashamed to say that I did not snap a pic. I was way too emotionally involved in the cheering. The absolute best part was the lady who was being pushed in a wheelchair - just a-twirling away!

I just could not help myself - I joined the standing ovation and cheering. I think it's fantastic to see older people who are active and really enjoying themselves (especially in glitter boots with fringe).  I hope I have the moxie (and the legs)  to twirl at Disney when I'm old. Of course, Mike would be far too embarrassed to push my wheelchair!

Hmmm..  I wonder if it's too late for me to take baton lessons......

Anyway... off to pack for a trip to Newark (again for work). From Disney to Newark... what a difference! The happiest place on earth to..... well.... Newark.