Disney Gras

I received an e-mail from my mother today, detailing an upcoming trip. You see, my mother has wanted to go to Disneyland since she was five years old, watching the building process on television. For years, she entered every contest that had a trip to Disneyland as its prize, but never won. Now, my mother has grandchildren older than she was then, and the park is celebrating its 50th anniversary. By gawrsh, she's going!

The original plan included my parents, my brother, his wife, and their four girls. I would not join them. When my stay in California was extended through mid-April, however, I was added to the party. But do I want to go?

My problem is not with Disney or Disneyland. My lack of interest springs from the same well as my disinterest in Mardi Gras: throngs of noisy, pushy people. And, as if adults aren't noisy and pushy enough en masse, at Disneyland there will be kids, too! Loads of them. Some of them related to me, and thereby allowed to tug, jump, and scream in my vicinity. I need an aspirin just thinking about it.

Yet, for all my reason NOT to go, there is one compelling reason to do it: it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. My mother waited 50 years for a trip to Disneyland and I'm being handed one on a platter. "Any traveler worth her salt...." I know I'll never pursue this on my own dime, so why not take a look-see? You never know... I might just enjoy myself.