A Disney Birthday

Everyone in life has goals they want to accomplish for various reasons, or simply because "That would just be cool!" Me too. One of those was rollerblading along the California coast, which I did in 1992 at Newport Beach. It was a simple pleasure, and it was so worth it.

Just before moving to Orlando, the idea of spending my birthday at Walt Disney World turned into a similar goal. Mickey is a treat anyway, but on your birthday would be even better. This week, I got to live that dream and have the pinnacle of birthdays in my life. From well wishes from family and friends on Twitter, Facebook, and email, to a great group of locals here in Orlando, to Disney's continued excellence, the day was truly epic.

Before we go any further, thanks to Coaster Crew's Matt Grass for this article's photo. Great shot! You can also see more pictures from the day in my 2010 Disney World Birthday album on Facebook.

As you can imagine it was a busy day with much going on during our group's time at Epcot and Magic Kingdom, so here's the sum up:

• Trying for an early start and realizing it was a painful way start to the day...and laughing about it. It did set the mood for much humor once we did get going around 10 am.
• Not five minutes at Epcot, I dropped my Blackberry, cracking the screen in two places. As Mr. Eric Long pointed out, "Crackberry" was no longer just a clever name, but fact. While concerned...oh who am I kidding? I'm at bloody Epcot! You could've amputated my left leg and told me I was a leper for how excited I was.
• Cassie disappeared into Guest Realtions and returned with a birthday button for me to wear. Nice! Free swag gooooood!
• Started off the park time at Coca Cola trying different flavors...and getting much needed caffeine. Beverly is still nasty, German coke helps get rid of said nasty, and there's video of the whole thing.
• First ride of the day was Test Track. Missed World of Motion in a few ways, but a great rework. Even put my hands up on the outside high speed turns. (Yes you read that right.) On a side note, there's a lady in Huntsville Alabama who's proud of me for riding and being less of a weenie, despite the motion sick thing. Thanks Jessie. ;)
• Nixed Mission Space on even the less intense side. Just didn't want to risk feeling lousy all day. Remember, I said LESS of a weenie.
• First character pic (of several throughout the day) was Aurora near France. She taught me the proper gentleman's way to stand next to a lady of quality. This was an unexpected honor and a valuable lesson. Thank you again good lady.
• Soaked in the beautiful landscaping and wonderful architecture of World Showcase. Really appreciate those fine points so much more now.
• Next photo op was Snow White. From voice to giggle, to mannerisms, you'd swear she stepped right off the screen. It was an honor to meet someone so talented. Outstanding job!
• Morocco had some of my favorite architecture. Kept feeling like Indiana Jones again while walking the area.
• After a fun photo op with Jasmine and Aladdin, it was off to Japan, where I lucked out on a Zen garden shot that included the Shinto arch, but the Mexican Pavillion perfectly aligned in the background.
• While in Japan's main gift store, a cast member wished me happy birthday and bowed. I thanked her, and immediately out of habit, returned bow. This surprised her, she giggled and said, "Oh! Ok." I grinned and said, "Old martial arts habit." Don't think she expected that. (chuckling)
• Had lunch at the Biergarten Buffet and caught the show. The festive atmosphere and most tasty German food were an excellent call. Our cast member Natalia, was exceptional, even getting coloring book and crayons that helped soothe the fussy toddler next to us. She and another gentleman gave me a birthday card and she even posed for a picture with me. Can't be sure, but it sounded like this was her first day on the job. If so, wow!
• After lunch was a photo op with Mexican Donald who kidded me about my name (RapidsNerd) and flirted with Cassie quite a bit. Yeah, Donald was a hoot and had everyone laughing.
• On the way to Soarin' we bumped into Chip and Dale. Yup, autographs on the birthday card and photos. Also proved there's nothing a couple of nuts won't do for another. ;)
• Once my height fears settled down, I really enjoyed Soarin. Not only some inspiring arial views, but the scent system was interesting. Smelling the pine trees while flying over them was neat. Also made me miss my helicopter tours Microsoft Flight Simulator.
• Stopped by The Character Spot (old Commicore East and West for those who remember). A short 25 minute wait, and we went down the line for pics with Mickey, Pluto, Minnie, Donald (who's a ninja fast costume change artist) and Goofy. Meeting them was well worth the short wait as was the cast member who said I looked 23 after a birthday wish. Well said and gave me a good laugh.
• Ended up riding Monorail Teal to Magic Kingdom. This was the new train made out of the two that crashed. There was still pink trim inside our compartment. My heart goes out to the driver lost and his family. As expected, no rides at all in the driver compartment.
• During the monorail ride, we were treated to a know-it-all teenager with an annual pass trying to prove his Disney superiority. Sorry kid, cast member knowledge > fan knowledge.
• Coaster Crew's Matt Grass nailed a terrific shot of Partner's statue and castle. Not a bad picture of me either. Liked it so much, it's accompanying this article. Thanks Matt!
• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin was high on my list since my shooting dark ride addiction started with Men In Black and Toy Story Mania. Definitely a fun ride. Scored 96,600 (Space Ranger 1st Class?). And lo and behold, Buzz Lightyear was right outside. Picture time! To the threequal...and beyond!
• Remember the birthday card from lunch? It disappeared somehere between monorail ride and Space Rangers. Yes folks, FAIL!
• About this time Matt made and excellent call for ice cream. Mmmm, Coke Float...
• While in the gift shop near the ice cream place (Tomorrow Land), I picked up a few pins to go with my Vinylmation Lanyard and ticket holder. The teenager girl ahead of me was 16 cents short and walked off to find money. I offered the cashier my spare change and settled the bill. The girl came back and tried to pay. It took a couple times before she realized what happened. She then offered me the dollar in her hand. I quietly declined. She then gave me a hug and a thank you. Ok, I'll take that. Hey, somebody did the same for me once.
• After ice cream and new pins, it was time to see the Princesses and Fairies for photo ops. Yes, I realize I'm hemoraging man points here, but wouldn't you want take a picture with a beautiful woman if the opportunity presented itself? Needless to say, it was a delight to pose with Cinderella, Belle, and Aurora once again. I thanked Aurora for her lesson earlier that day and she asked if I'd practiced since then. Yes ma'am. Well, she is royalty after all!
• Sadly, the wait was huge for the Faeries and our cameras were almost out of juice. Had hoped to get a picture with the very pretty Tinkerbell (manpoints be damned!). With all of the other photos ops throughout the day, this was not a loss and could wait another visit.
• At this point it was about five in the evening. Our party now included The Legend and we walked onto Winnie The Pooh and Sleeping Beauty. Nice little odes to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride in Winnie the Pooh. Toad offering the property deed to Owl was a nice touch in one scene. Aww, I miss that ride.
• Mickey's Philharmagic was next. Cool medley of popular disney movies, redone in 3d. And yes, Philhar-pie lived up to it's smell-good billing.
• Haunted Mansion was also a walk on. The updated audio and scenes really added to the already great ride. Also got a picture of Madam Leota's head stone to honor my World of Warcraft character based on her. It's a double dose of dorktacular folks. ;)
• Next up was a short wait for Jungle Cruise amid the evening chill. Side note, the backside of water is AMAZING. Seriously.
• Natatomic from Theme Park Review met us in Adventure land. We took a Dole Whip break and sat for a bit, talking coasters and other goings on before taking up position for Wishes on Main street. So glad you could make it out Natatomic!
• First time seeing wishes and enjoyed it. Definitely worth taking in if you get the chance.
• Cassie, Legend, and Natatomic all had to bail after the mad dash to exit Magic Kingdom and I was really tired and hungry. Matt and I monorailed over to Epcot to get his car and find the nearest McDonalds. I needed a cheeseburger, STAT!
• When Matt dropped me off at Legend's apartment, there were some "interesting" goings on that kept us from walking right in. Finally, when we did get in, there was a lit birthday cake on the counter. Yep, I'd been had...for the past few days. LOL! What a great way to end an exceptional day! Hearing all the trickery that went on was really funny. Needless to say, I have some VERY sneaky and good friends. Thanks again you guys. :)

So much happened this day, and it was over in a blink. Simply put, I could not have asked for any more. My heartfelt thanks to all for making it such a wonderful day. :)