Always Looking Forward to the Next Adventure 

This was the advice from my boss, when my retirement was confirmed: “Don’t let the door hit you on the butt on the way out.” 

Just kidding. What she really said was, “I want you to always be looking forward to your next adventure.” Luckily for me, she meant more “travel to places,” rather than “jump out of a perfectly good plane!” adventures. 

Cinderella Mosaic
Last year, my best friend Christine (already an old hand at the retirement gig - years!) invited me to go to Walt Disney World Resort with her family, for their somewhat-annual trip. I pooh-poohed the offer. Why would I go to Disney, I’ve been to Disney – both World and Land! 



First Class!

When I texted her months later that I was retiring in December, I started the countdown in my head, “Three, two, one…” Her response was that quick: “Well, if you’re retiring in December, you can come with us to Disney World!” Tough argument to beat, so that’s how a January 2025 trip to the Wonderful World of Disney became my first Retirement Adventure. (By the way: I treated myself and flew first class. I mean, if you can't do that when you're retired, when can you do that?) 

Travel Buddies in the Magic Kingdom.
As a side note: Christine and I have traveled together extensively, and by that, I mean four times to New York City. We’ve shared teensy hotel rooms, stood in TKTS lines, munched on sidewalk vendor food and went to shows and shows and shows. It’s our thing; we are great travel companions. One thing I’ve learned about Christine years ago – she’s a planner. More importantly, she is The Planner. She promptly contacted the resort and added me to their meal plan (a MEAL plan!) and their room account. 

And shock of shocks – I had a fabulous time! We visited a different park every day and I was amazed at how huge and different Walt Disney World is; my last visit was as a senior in high school (when E tickets were the big obsession). 



Tron - a big Nope.
We hit all the rides, all the things, having paid a premium to skip the long lines (a very smart way to go). Some old favorites were a stroll down memory lane (Hall of Presidents, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise), some new ones (Avatar Flight of Passage, ToyStory Mania, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure), and a few I flatly refused to get on (Tron Lightcycle – but kudos to Chris). 




Showing Minnie Mouse my Minnie Mouse mani.
The meal plan was a stroke of brilliance, allowing us to dine at a variety of places, including our All-Star Music Resort café. I quickly became a Disney pin collector/trader, hunting for unique pins and "hidden Mickeys" - it's a whole thing. We walked and walked and walked, and even the chill and light rain didn’t deter us from getting our Disney on. We even had time for shopping in Disney Springs and the brunch buffet at Chef Mickey’s in the Contemporary Resort (where I stayed with my grandparents in the 70’s!). 

Honestly, I left my inhibitions and doubts at the huge front gates and had the most wonderful time. Five days immersed in all things Disney was plenty but trust me when I say – I’d go again in a heartbeat!

Stay tune for more Retirement Adventures!
A family joke - get it?


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