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Speaking of Big Thunder, that was our second roller coaster of Day One, which leads me to roller-coaster dynamics. The first coaster was Splash Mountain, and that turned out to be just a bit much for Caroline. But Big Thunder was just right, even to the point where, second time around, she was trying hands-in-the-air, at least when heading into the turns. I think roller coasters are useful measuring sticks in a young persons life, and I, as a dad, found it poignant that my little Caroline could now handle Big Thunder. I am pleased that Splash Mountain is still too much, and that Jack and Mary Grace are still too little to reach the 40 inches required for either ride, never mind Space Mountain. Jack and Mary Grace loved Dumbo, and I, an adult parent in a dicey world, want to freeze them in their Dumbo age. Its a nice, little, 1950s kind of ride, and its got a line around the block. Thats because there are a lot of Jacks and Mary Graces in the world, and a lot of other trepidatious parents, and Dumbo, as he rises and falls and goes round and round, transports them all into a place without fears.
Mary Graces favorite attraction of the day was Tom Sawyer Island. This was because, in Injun Joes Cave, she could scoot ahead and hide and then scare her daddy or mommy when them came around a curve. This she can do at home, for free. I dont know where this fits into my roller-coaster-dynamics argument — go ask Malcolm Gladwell — but Im sure it fits somewhere.
There is nothing like a day at Disney to make children ready, willing and able to go to bed when theyre supposed to. And, apparently, theres nothing like a day at Disney to make women of a certain age inclined to tackle a pitcher of Manhattans with the ferocity of Rodney Hamilton. Angela and my mother-in-law reported that mine were the best theyd ever had; all I know is, they liked them fine. Wendy joined them for one, I had a bourbon, Luci had a beer. We were on vacation, and feeling it.
Day Two was spent at Epcot, and for those who havent been there in a while, I have this happy news to report: Its not just science and culture any more. Somebody whispered in Epcots ear along the way, Rides. Its the rides, you mope. The folks — they like rides. Now youve got hyper-exciting attractions like Test Track and especially this years Mission: SPACE, as well as 3-D movies (Honey, I Shrunk the Audience) and bio-medical thrill rides (Body Wars).
We made some mistakes at Epcot. First, we booked a Lunch with the Characters and Mary Grace is still scared . . . lets say witless by characters. Whenever Pluto hove into view, she freaked. And both she and Jack lost it at Honey, because a 3-D snake popping into your face is not want you want or need when youre three. (Daddys gotta say, however: The effects were terrific.)
But we were pleased to see the kids were engaged by some of the historical and environmental offerings (Spaceship Earth with its genius animatronics, and both Living with the Land and The Circle of Life). And Luci and I were pleased that the kids were so happy to have both of us as well as their dear Wendy around for more than just a weekend-plus-bedtimes. There were lots of stop-and-think moments at Disney. What are we missing in life? Lifes going too fast.
Dave had to work on a case in London via computer on Day Two — an eerily suitable predicament on Epcot Day — so the happy task of taking Christopher to Mission: SPACE fell to Uncle Bobby, which is me. Mission is a heckuva ride. They give you three or four chances to back out before the harness slips down and, in a room that doesnt go anywhere, they zoom you to Mars. If youre squeamish, take their heed. They keep saying the ride can cause motion sickness, and I will offer as Exhibit A the young man in the simulator next to ours who lost lunch on his way to the exit. For all the physical effect it is capable of, Mission: SPACE is, I would aver, subtle. I guess the seat moves and somehow impersonates weightlessness and several gazillion Gs of force, and I guess the film in front of you captures the drama of outer space, but, truth be told, I dont know how they do it. Its not a jarring ride at all, but it takes your breath away, it makes your heart race. According to Christopher, who is seven, it rocks.
Ive always enjoyed walking through the countries of Epcot, and I was pleased that the children didnt find it too burdensome or adult on Monday. We dined at Mexico, and it was as good as dining gets at Disney. Afterward, the kids danced as a mariachi band played. I watched them, happy as could be, and wondered if this would last another three days, or if the memory would last forever. For Caroline, perhaps, it will — this will be her ski lodge, her hot chocolate with marshmallows. For the twins, its doubtful theyll remember, no matter how many times we tell them. And we will tell them many times.
Tomorrow — well, today, as the clock just struck midnight in this sleeping house — back to the Magic Kingdom. Ill let you know how it ends, but it has begun beautifully. As I did with the Sox but didnt with the Pats, I would have lost some money betting on this one.