Williams Family

Williams Family Blog: Please Don't Expect Me To Be Small To Make You Feel Less Fear

2026-07-09T20:22:41.806-05:00

Something happened the other day that caused me to reflect on who I am and how other people may perceive me.

From a young age I was told I was "too loud"; yes, my voice carries which can be a gift in an emergency, on a crowded playground, in a classroom, or on a stage. I have spent a lifetime monitoring my voice volume and envying those on TV and movie screens that speak at a whisper and draw attention. Now, with a husband who has difficulty hearing, my volume is a savior to our relationship. When you get a chance, ask the husband about the night of trick-or-treating with the boy in a dinosaur costume who didn't have on shoes and how my loud voice helped remedy the situation. Our boy has a booming voice (no DNA involved there) who uses it on stage for acting and singing.

Nice isn't my go-to setting as I typically don't worry about what others think of me. I saw the damage that image maintenance did/does and thought, "that's not for me." Someday I'll share the metaphor of the daybed. I'm too blunt for nice and at the same time I have cultivated precision and succinctness with a positive frame when communicating verbally. Kind? Yes. Compassionate? Yes. Considerate? Yes. Nice felt like I had to be small and something that I wasn't. Yep, nice isn't on the top 10 words people would use to describe me. And, why is nice expected anyway?

Smart, with a desire to be wise, along with situational awareness would be checks on my side of the board. School, problem solving, game strategies, and absorbing content come easily. Demonstrating to others that there is more than one way to solve a problem, even a curve ball sometimes, brings me satisfaction. Reading a room, interpreting a situation, decision making, planning, and anticipation feel like fortes. I was told once that I didn't have empathy and someone, who worked closely with me, told me that my ability to anticipate what people are going to need and plan accordingly is my way of showing empathy; through action. Hugs all around, there!

Curious. I am genuinely curious about people and the world. I'm not someone who takes apart a machine to figure out how it works, but I will analyze people and situations. I said these words the other day, "even though these two people are at odds, ironically, they want the same end." I am continually intrigued by humans and while I'm no Jane Goodall, I do have years of experience observing!

It is difficult/uncomfortable for me to be vulnerable. Very few experience this side of me; only the trusted. And, if my vulnerability slips out, unawares beyond those fringes, anger follows--at myself, not them. If you find yourself in the circle of trust, know that it can easily be broken. Yet, many entrust me with their secrets. If you find me sharing with you and segue to a story about yourself that my sharing prompted, know that I am done talking, but not necessarily finished and you will not know the rest; the ending. When you are talking, I too, have connections and stories. I will either wait until you are finished (crossing my fingers to help me recall) or I will not share depending on the time, tenor, and intensity of the conversation. One's undivided attention and listening with engagement is the greatest gift! Interruption is a faux pas. If I commit, apologies are issued immediately!

While the husband may disagree, although there is evidence to the contrary, I do not need the last word. In a conversation, in an email exchange, in a text message. I am aware of those that do need the last word and find it interesting. I experiment sometimes to see how many exchanges someone is willing to take to get the last word. Ooops! Revealed!

Interestingly/ironically, the person who behaved in such a way to cause this reflection has indicated that they are reading and reflecting on how others perceive them as a growth goal. I realize their behavior was out of fear for both me and them, but I wasn't the one who caused the confusion and prompted the fear. And, I wasn't afraid. Maybe I don't have enough knowledge or experience to be fearful. But being afraid is also not one of my default settings. And, yet, I capitulated to appease. Still growing.

Williams Family Blog: 3 Years Living in Florida

2026-04-19T08:08:00.002-05:00

Ok, I'm a bit late (2 weeks) with the update, but we have been Floridians for 3 years!

If you want to read what our life was like at year 2, click here.

And, here's a post at a year and a half.

For the folks who have been following our adventures for either a short time or well over a decade, know that living in Central Florida was a dream that we made come true. No jealousy or envy, just know that if you put your mind to something and set a goal, you can achieve it. We did!

The People:

Well, we have family, friends, and neighbors nearby and have guests visit. We've cruised with a couple who are neighbor friends, spent New Year's Eve with folks within the neighborhood, and enjoy weekly dominoes games, along with other visits to Disney theme parks, Disney Springs, shopping, or going out to eat.

When you move to a brand-new place, you want to have folks who you can call in the middle of the night with an emergency or vice versa. We have that in multitudes.

I am on our HOA Board and also an Orlando Health Patient Family Board that meets quarterly. It feels good to give back.

The Places:

Since the update a year ago, we have driven to Miami, stayed overnight, and sailed from the port. Have been to multiple beaches on the gulf side. And, we rode with friends to Fort Lauderdale to board a Disney ship.

I have become more familiar with Downtown Orlando, with visits to Orlando Health for Board Meetings, my endodontist, and Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center. My secret parking spot raised its price!!! One of our friends had an unexpected hospital stay in downtown Orlando and we made a visit--easy to navigate. Sandford Airport has been the most frequented airport in the last year with the drive feeling familiar.

We visit Disney theme parks, Disney Springs, and Disney Resorts on the regular. When driving home from EPCOT the other night, I told the husband that there is now an automaticity when driving to/from the parks.

The Services:

This past year, we added dance lessons to our repertoire, with an Author Murray Studio not far away.

The husband frequents the library, which is in downtown Windermere, with one of our neighbor friends asking to accompany to learn more. Orange County libraries make home deliveries of desired books; the husband loves that service!

If you ask the husband what he does on Mondays, he will say the following: a stop at Publix grocery store, if necessary, followed by Wal-Mart weekly order pick-up, then Bronson Liquor 2 if needed, with the last stop being New York Beer Project featuring half-price growler refills. We have a rewards account with Bronson and the folks at New York Beer Project recognize him. The route is efficient (and takes him behind Magic Kingdom). He is frequently asked to pick up items for neighbors during his Monday routine.

In the last year, I have taken advantage of the tailor service within walking distance, along with Chase Bank to get Euros to take to Italy/Greece/Croatia. And I've walked to our dentist, which is in the same shopping complex.

A new location that we have explored is downtown Winter Garden, a neighboring community. The quaint downtown with brick paved streets has museums, shops, restaurants, a theater, and festivals. This is where you can find my favorite tennis shoe store--I'm on the email list, they keep track of purchases, and there is a customer loyalty program.

The Things:

When I wrote about this a year ago, the things were tangible, stuff. We still have less stuff, but I have made multiple donations to our local Goodwill. Where is it coming from?

Traffic--can still be a mess depending on where/when. We plan drives accordingly. An 8:00 am appointment, while convenient, means a busy drive. 10:00 works better. Distance is in time, not miles. 10 miles=20 minutes. The other day, driving 17 miles took 40 minutes.

Weather: Well, I'll say we turned on our heat for the first time this past January/ February. Many plants froze during the cold weather snap that hadn't been experienced in over a decade. I wore pants more often this winter than the previous two that we have lived here. Other than that, we love it! Our lanai is a prominent location daily for all of us, including naps if appropriate. Last Summer lacked a hurricane season which was appreciated. When it gets hot, we adjust. But sometimes I am cold at 75 degrees. Acclimation.

We've been asked if we miss the seasons and no, not really. There are seasons in Florida. For example, the foliage does change color and leaves fall, it isn't during the same time of year as "Fall or Autumn."

Unexpected benefits:

We are both more active. My flexibility, endurance, and general health improve each day. Walking in the neighborhood, pool movement, or walking in the theme parks is a regular occurrence. They say Florida is where the Fountain of Youth is located.

We miss our boy, but text/talk frequently. I do stay on top of state and local news for both Florida and Iowa.

As I headed to the pool the other day, not to be in the water, but to enjoy the scenery and chit chat with others who may be there, the husband asked what my goal was and I said, "to be familiar, comfortable, and not drain others' energy." That is how I feel about living here--for it to be familiar, comfortable, and not drain our energy.

Williams Family: Disney Questions I Get Asked . . .and the Answers Including Best Tips!

2026-03-21T10:30:25.663-05:00

Now that we have lived in Walt Disney World's backyard for nearly 3 years and have been Disney fans for decades, there are questions I or we get asked. Answering isn't always easy, especially when it comes to "favorites."

What's your favorite park?

Well, it depends. If there is a festival of some sort with concerts or performances, EPCOT is the park we frequent most often. Magic Kingdom is iconic and is the East Coast's original Disney park. The husband loves the Animals at Animal Kingdom, but I think we would both agree that Hollywood Studios is our favorite park--for shows and attractions. Hollywood Studios is also the "easiest" park in terms of parking, entrance, etc.

As far as access to other resorts, Hollywood Studios again for the win as a transportation hub with boat transportation to the EPCOT area resorts, Skyliner transportation to Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Art of Animation. And, Hollywood Studios has bus transportation to any other resort and Disney Springs. But EPCOT has the most transportation options--busses, boats, Skyliner, and Monorail.

What's your favorite attraction?

If you are talking roller coasters, it's easy--Expedition Everest. It's a great ride, has single rider line, offers a ride photo, and is easy on/off; a 4-part trifecta! If you are talking about attractions in general, then Enchanted Tales With Belle. I am mesmerized by the transition of Maurice's workshop every time--it's baffling. And, of course, Belle is my favorite princess so there is that. As for the husband, he likes Toy Story Mania, Buzz Lightyear, and anything Star Wars. His favorite show is Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, but is a bit anticlimactic now that there are no more guest performers picked from the audience. He had that down to a science.

Click here to read about my Belle themed day at Walt Disney World.

Can you go anytime?

Yes. Our Annual Passes do not have any blackout dates. We can hold up to 5 park reservations at a time, and if we are going to a park after 2:00 pm, no reservation is needed, except for Magic Kingdom on the week-ends. And, there are "Good to Go" days where no Passholder Reservations are needed.

Do you "do" the parks differently now compared to when you vacationed and stayed at a Disney Resort?

We do "do" the parks differently, but that change happened gradually even when we were vacationing. The family began to revolt at the rope drop to park close touring style and break afternoons or break days became part of the vacation routine and schedule. As the boy got older, he wanted to do things by himself or with his dad. He even had a friend at another Orlando Resort that he hung out with a couple of times our vacations coincided. When we moved and had pets to consider, entire day touring wasn't needed and was less convenient than a few hours at a time. If we want to see parades, we go at those times, or for fireworks, etc. So, yes, our park touring style has changed, but it was changing prior to moving. When guests come and they want to get the most out of their admission ticket, then the rules change and we're back to "tourist touring."

I do miss the Disney Resorts, though. They are beautiful, immersive, and smell good. Being able to visit Disney Resorts is another benefit of living where we live. A neighbor said that she didn't know you could visit Disney Resorts if you weren't staying there, which is incorrect. Now, certain parts of Disney Resorts are closed to non-resort guests, such as swimming pools, or fireworks viewing areas during holidays. But there is something about dining near the Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House pool, or at Caribbean Beach's Banana Cabana listening to music and enjoying the view, or at Bar Riva at The Riviera, or Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge enjoying a Bison burger overlooking Bay Lake, or strolling Coronado Springs Resort and stopping at Barcelona. My two favorite strolls right now are the walks between Caribbean Beach and The Riviera, and the walk from the Polynesian past Island Tower (oh, that corner!!) and on to the Grand Floridian.

Is it expensive?

It can be. We typically do not spend money on food, drinks, and souvenirs while at the parks. If we do, it is a snack to share, such as a Popcorn bucket refill or egg rolls from China, or a festival food booth item to sample. We bring bottled water with us. Parking at the Disney Parks is included with our pass. If we go out to eat, then yes, there is an expense. Since portions can be large, we often share an entree and use our Annual Passholder discount if applicable. Our pass is a monthly interest-free charge since we live in Florida and we receive either a discount or a rebate when we renew. Our monthly cable/internet bill is about the same as the monthly charge for 2 Annual Passes with year-long Photopass access.

We also use a Disney Visa through Chase for household expenses, paying the balance monthly, and earn Disney Reward Dollars that can be used for purchases throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. If you see the husband with a beer at EPCOT, chances are he paid using Disney Rewards.

Do you get tired of it?

No. Each visit, each experience, is new and unique. It would be difficult to replicate an experience even if you tried--I want to circle back to that. And, we take advantage of access to new attractions, restaurants, and offerings. It is fun to experience firsts such as opening day of Geo-82, or the first Candlelight Processional of the season. For me, witnessing someone else's new experience is rewarding, too!

Other than touring style, what else has changed for you as a Disney Guest since you moved to Orlando?

I don't know if it changed when we moved or if it is more prevalent now that we frequent the parks, but bumping into/overhearing guests that have incorrect information or are relying on a memory of a previous visit, circling back to the difficult to recreate an experience.

Frequently, I hear guests talking about when they were "here" and "over there" was such and such only to be surprised or disappointed that whatever that was is no longer there and it is now something new/different that they weren't aware of. For example, we were waiting to meet Jiminy Cricket at Hollywood Studios and the family behind us was asking their young son if he wanted to meet Lightning McQueen because they had done that on their last visit. Before the son could answer and disappointment reigned, I interjected that Lightning McQueen Racing Academy is where the new Villains show is now.

Walt Disney World is one of the most written about, videoed, podcasted, tik toked, instagramed destinations. It has its own website and app to readily access information. And, yes, that information can and does change somewhat frequently, but it is still accessible. I will also assert that Walt Disney World advertisements do not help--commercials with the monorail flying by Animal Kingdom Lodge--in terms of the reality compared to guest expectations. Even as locals who are immersed in all things Disney, staying up to date is a task.

Are there Disney things you no longer do or won't do?

Yes. I will no longer crawl/climb/fling myself in/out of attractions. I have also developed attraction seating preferences for comfort. No first rows on Pirates, Small World, Dinosaur, or Kilimanjaro Safari. If a wait time is longer than an hour, we'll come back another day. Three of us Disney lady friends were touring Hollywood Studios one morning--we had to leave the park by noon. At 11:00 am, the wait time for Slinky Dog was 35 minutes and the newbie of the group was like no, we can do it another time. The other two of us looked at each other with knowing glances and said, "This is good wait time, let's do it." We did. Knowledge and experience at work.

What is your best tip for visiting the Walt Disney World Resort?

Know that there is no one right way to do Disney. If that were the case, everyone would do the same things in lockstep. The way that works for your traveling party is the right way. Got sleepy teens? Arriving later in the morning and staying late may be your way. Young ones, or adults, who want naps? Early morning arrival then afternoon breaks may be better. Disney veterans? A multi-park day hitting the highlights may be the itinerary.

I would recommend narrowing down priorities, budget, stamina, and then manage expectations.

Priorities: Top 3 most important things for each member of the traveling party. Is it characters? Attractions? Shows? Food? Fireworks? Then, plan accordingly. It is OK for larger parties to split up. Also, when asking children what they want to do, narrow it down with options such as "Do you want to ride Ariel's under the sea ride, it's not scary, or see Belle in her library?" Asking kiddos, what do you want to do, when they have no idea what is available, especially if it is their first visit, will most likely get "swim in the pool" as an answer.

Budget: Staying on Walt Disney World property can be costly, but it is also most efficient with Disney transportation and access to early park entry or other on-site perks. Staying offsite will potentially offer savings, and then extra time will be spend moving back and forth to the parks. Know how much you are willing to spend. Going beyond can be stressful, which is not the point of the vacation.

Stamina: Walt Disney World is huge and requires walking and standing, unless mobility devices are used. The parks are noisy and busy--lots of visual and auditory stimulation. Then add weather. It can be a lot and make humans tired and cranky. Add sleeping in strange beds, eating different foods at potentially different times of day, and possibly changing time zones to the mix. Know what the humans are going to need, what can get accomplished, and plan accordingly. And, please, for the love of yourself, wear sturdy, comfortable shoes! We frequently see people hobbling and grimacing.

Managing Expectations: Take doing it all off the table; it's not possible in one visit or vacation, hence the need for priorities. If everyone gets to experience their top 3 that is a win. The rest is icing. Be present and find magic in the moments.

Williams Family: I Am a Geography Nerd

2025-11-27T21:10:00.003-06:00

I am a Geography nerd. I think it began in 3rd grade when Mrs. Evans was my teacher and we learned what Geography was and had to know how to spell it. She taught us a mnemonic device to remember the letters. G--George E--Evans O--Old G--Grandmother R--Rode A--A P--Pig H--Home Y--Yesterday Got it. George Evans old grandmother rode a pig home yesterday. It worked as I still remember! Anyway, my love of maps, land formations--what they are called and where they are located, and how cultures are impacted by Geography began. Somewhere in 6th/7th grade, our family took a road trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to visit a long-time friend of my mothers. Her husband had been relocated for a job and we were off to spend time with her and her family. My parents threw the map to me in the backseat and I navigated our way to Pittsburgh. By the time I was in High School, I was allowed to drive in/around/and out of state. When I was in college, I enrolled in a Geography elective as a night class. I liked to take night classes as there were more non-traditional college students and the competition for grades was fierce. The first night, the instructor gave an oral pre-test. My hand shot up at nearly every question. He told me not to return until the final but to complete the class project. Done. Geography showed up in Science Methods for Elementary Teachers at the University, too. The professor just smiled when I answered questions that seemed to baffle other students--time zones, Earth's axis, etc. As a young adult, I had an Atlas on my bedside table. Reading and studying maps was a soothing pre-sleep activity. Now, knowing Geography helps me connect with others. As a Travel Advisor, it is extremely helpful to have an idea of the world. When I frequent Walt Disney World and ask guests where they are visiting from, i can typically ask a question about their home location based on my knowledge and/or experience. And, I've won a trivia contest or two. When at our community pool and neighbor, who works for Disney Cruise Line, was telling a group of us that she is from Cape Verde. Another neighbor asked if it was a tropical location and she responded with no. I said it is dry, like a desert, as it is located off the West coast of Africa near the Sahara Desert and the Cape Verde is where hurricanes are generated before crossing the Atlantic. The gal from Cape Verde was stunned as no one in our community had known about her home before. A few weeks later, I introduced her to a very well traveled neighbor from Norway who has visited Cape Verde. It can be a small world! Today, during Thanksgiving, my nerdom struck again. Our nephew was watching football and I said, that's Terry Bradshaw. Yep. I went on. . . he played for Pittsburgh, right? Now my nephew is intrigued. I added that I had been in the stadium in Pittsburgh, but to see the Pirates, not the Steelers. Then I asked if he know what rivers gave the stadium its name. He got 2 out of 3 correct! When dining with more people around the table, football came up again. Talk of Fantasy football teams including kickers. I interjected that the Iowa Hawkeyes had won last Saturday against Michigan State due to their kicker. (These folks are from Iowa and Hawkeye fans.) I got bonus points for having that information. But I went on. Both schools are party schools. I added that I had "celebrated" in both Iowa City and East Lansing as a young one. Another guest talked about their time in East Lansing and mentioned another Michigan town. My reply was about how that town was West of Lansing. Surprise on all accounts. Now maps are digital and accessible at one’s fingertips. I am not one who needs to turn the map the direction I am facing; that actually confuses me. I have been told that I have an acute sense of direction and once when I flew into New Orleans after dark, I could tell which direction was North.

Williams Family Blog: Spooky Season Theme Day!

2025-10-31T11:52:00.001-05:00

It had been a minute since my last Walt Disney World Theme Day. As a local, I enjoy selecting a theme and then touring the Walt Disney Resort finding attractions, entertainment, characters, and dining that align with the selected theme.

Click here to read about my Princess Belle theme day.

Click here to read about my Pixar theme day.

Given the season, Spooky Season was the theme. I donned my tennis shoes, threw my new yellow leather cross body bag from Venice over my should and off I went. It was a "Good to Go" day for Annual Passholders, so no Park Reservations were necessary. The weather turned cooler, just in time!

Disney's Hollywood Studios was the first stop. Hollywood Tower of Terror was the first destination, and I was confronted with a 70 minute wait time. Oh, well. I had made a commitment. The wait passed quickly and it was excellent people watching. A couple from Dayton, OH were visiting with a woman from Dubuque, IA, two cities I am familiar with, about how there are no Disney Passholders who are not Disney Vacation Club Members as Passholders they had met on Disney transportation fit into the other category as well. I interjected with "I am." Turns out they were looking for out of state Passholders. Turns out we are living the couple from Ohio's dream. Then there was the woman who thought she was sneaking her vape out of her purse and blew it slowly from her mouth and nose to match the steam sprays in the queue. In the queue area between the hotel lobby and TV room, a young child was next to me sneezing, coughing, and sniffly without covering. The female adult said, "Are you sick?" I reached into my bag and pulled out a napkin, which the adult female took, followed by hand sanitizer which I poured into the child's hand. The woman said, "She came prepared."

Tower of Terror was as always terrorizing! Lots of air time during the randomized lifts and drops.

Exited the park just as the friendship launch approached. Perfect timing. The boat ride went quickly, and I got off at the 4th stop, EPCOT. As I walked up the incline from International Gateway, there were guests looking confused. I offered assistance. They thought the park ended and needed to go back up the hill and turn right. It was a wrong turn.

France was my destination, specifically, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. While some might not think this attraction fits with Spooky Season theme, the attraction includes a ghost throughout, the ghost of Gusteau. Single Rider Line was quick and I rode with a family that had experienced the attraction before. The lady behind me in the Single Rider Line asked I had done this before and wondered how long the line would take. She was worried about her husband waiting outside as he had ridden Guardians of the Galaxy and was done riding rides for the day. When walking from France to the front of the park, there were Cast Members cleaning up vomit and I thought about the lady's husband. Did you know that this attraction will become a 2-D attraction after a brief closure in November 2025?

To the front of the park I went and the Monorail was pulling into the station. Just in time. I rode the Ticket and Transportation Center, and then took the Ferry across Seven Seas Lagoon instead of transferring to another Monorail.

When entering Magic Kingdom shortly after 2:00 pm, the corral for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party guests was already set up and guests were sitting at the Tap Styles for the 4:00 pm entry. I had not checked the parade schedule and sure enough, Festival of Fantasy was circling the hub. I crossed Main Street and strode through the Emporium and then cut behind Ye 'Ole Christmas Story. The parade was past Frontierland and I was able to get into the queue for Haunted Mansion, 35 minute wait time from that point. Again, the line moved quickly. The guests in front of me were recalling their experience from many years ago.

Exited Haunted Mansion and went towards Frontierland to use the restroom cut-through to Adventureland. Pirates of the Caribbean had a 5 minute wait time, basically walk on. The queue went so quickly, I barely had time to snap pictures. Dead Men Tell No Tales does fit with Spooky Season Theme and of course, there's the legend of George, the ghost that supposedly haunts the attraction. I did say, "Good night, George" at the top of the escalator belt.

Pirates of the Caribbean was my last attraction, but not my last stop. By the time I reached Town Square at 3:30 pm, the only exit was on the right, near the popcorn stand. My original plan was to walk to The Contemporary but alas, the corral for party guests was taking up lots of space so Resort Monorail, here I came. Met a family from Lakeland, FL, enjoying the cooler weather. We talked about driving short cuts. At the Contemporary, there were guests exiting the Monorail that rode the escalator from the Monorail platform to the fourth floor, and then the next escalator to the next level down, but were looking lost. I asked where they were headed. Bus stop. Follow me! Same to the group behind them. Around the corner and down another escalator. I said I'm stopping for the restroom, but head towards those doors and take a right turn to get to the Bus Stop. One of guests asked if it was a stop for all buses. I said yes, except Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT it turns out. They were headed to Disney Springs, so all was good.

A brief wait at the bus stop to unload and load scooters and soon we were off. At Disney Springs, guests coming from Disney Resorts, now have a security screening, similar to park entrances and guests who use the parking garages. I made sure some of my tag-alongs knew which way to turn to get to Rainforest Cafe. I was off to Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar.

New this year, Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar had decorated for Halloween. No reservations are taken for this location, so there was a queue of guests waiting to be seated. Typically, guests stroll in and find an empty table or seat at the bar, but due to the volume of guests, a host/hostess was now seating guests from the queue. I was able to get a single seat at the bar.

I ordered my Zombie Eye deviled eggs with chicken nuggets. The guests to my right, from Tampa and part of the Disney Day Drinkers Facebook Group, were enjoying sausages in flakey pastry served with mustard died red in a coffin and the guests to my left, a Cast Member who works in Creations at EPCOT, were sharing a pretzel charcuterie dish. Turns out I know which Happy Hour at Disney Springs ends last without having access to the Disney Day Drinkers Group's spreadsheet. It's STK by the way that ends at 6:30 pm, and yes, I have been there.

In visiting with the Cast Member serving me, the drone show during the Summer of 2024 did not have a positive impact on businesses at Disney Springs. That the Halloween Decorations at the Hangar Bar has driven business since August. That the hot spiced hot chocolate drinks may be available at the "to go" bar outside during the Holiday Season. And, that the Holiday decorations along with a new menu will begin November 12, 2025. I said, that makes sense since Santa will begin greeting guests at Disney Springs on November 13, using a Virtual Queue. More Seasonal Overlays may be happening at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar!

A bus ride to the Riviera then the Skyliner to Disney's Hollywood Studios to return to my car completed my full circle Spooky Season themed tour.

On my way home, I drove by two of the Walt Disney World Christmas trees loaded on flatbed trucks that are slated to go up within days. 8 Hours, 3 Parks and Disney Springs, 4 Attractions, 5 forms of Disney Transportation, 14,000 steps, nearly 6 miles. It was fun and good day! It is great to be a local!

Williams Family: Do You Tour Like a Guest or a Local?

2025-10-23T08:39:00.000-05:00

After years of making the Walt Disney World Resort a vacation destination I have always said, "there is more than one way to do Disney." And, I firmly believe that. As a family, our touring style morphed over the years from commando to more leisurely. Now, we live "here" meaning in Central Florida, in Walt Disney World's backyard, basically; able to see and hear Magic Kingdom's fireworks nightly. Which means our touring style has transitioned from Disney Guest to Disney Local.

While it needn't have been a forehead slapping moment, it was. Upon returning from EPCOT last night, accompanied by a neighbor friend and fellow Disney fan, who experienced the American Garden Theater for the first time along with her first Eat-to-the-Beat concert performance it donned on me that it was her first time touring as a Disney Local. On the car ride home, she said that she would have never sat and watched a concert like that when her family traveled from Illinois to Walt Disney World. And, while our neighbor friend has lived "here" for over a year, her daughter works for Disney, when she goes to the parks, sometimes with me in tow, the touring style is more as a guest than a local.

Disney Guests want to make the most out of every moment. Attractions, shows, characters, snacks/drinks, and nighttime spectaculars make up the itinerary. Solid shoes, solid plans. Go, do, see! Making the most of the experience to get the "worth the squeeze" out of the investment. I get it. Been there. Sometimes still do that if accompanying other guests, including our neighbor friend.

Disney Locals, which I will clarify as anyone within a 2-hour drive, have a more targeted, yet chill approach to park touring. Locals come to the parks for a specific reason--like a new restaurant or attraction or specific entertainment. Familiarity allows for efficiency, still leaving room for a bit of magic. Last night, our neighbor friend wanted something specific at an outdoor kitchen (Food and Wine Festival) and then we walked to the American Garden Theater. She said, "This is a long walk when you aren't wandering and looking at things." Targeted--we knew our destination. When exiting EPCOT, the lights and music made it magical--and we said as such. No rush of the crowd exiting; a stroll to the car in the parking lot and home shortly thereafter--chill. We know we'll be back. . . and soon.

When processing this idea of different park touring styles out loud with the husband, he added his own story of the evening. When pin trading with a Cast Member, he had to answer a trivia question to get access to a mystery pin. "Name 2 places at Walt Disney World where you can find Sorcerer Mickey." The husband rattled off Mickey's Philharmagic and Fantasmic. He said the Cast Member was stunned and asked if he was a regular. He fibbed a little and said that he lived in Iowa. As he was telling me the story, I added that Sorcerer Mickey is a meet and greet at Hollywood Studios.

As we walked back to the car lot last night, we talked about how we have chosen to live here; near Walt Disney World. Disney fandom was a part of the decision as well as living a dream and escaping Midwest winters. We shared how we had experienced skeptics/doubters. But in the end, made the move and made the dream life a reality.

Williams Family: The Beak and Barrel

2025-10-18T06:02:00.002-05:00

The Beak and Barrel, a new dining/experience location at the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort, opened the last week-end in August 2025. Reservations required.

Nestled inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, the signed entrance for The Beak and Barrel is to the right of the queue entrance for the attraction. This location was the former Pirates League where guests would be transformed into pirates with make-up and accessories.

Pirate theming abounds, as guests are inside a pirate ship. The parrot speaks and squawks periodically, pirate songs are song by guests and crew, and MagicBand+ lights up, not because of interactivity in the lounge, but because of proximity to the attraction down below.

Guests check-in for their reservation outside the entrance. Once a text is received to approach the podium, proceed. Guest parties are called in groups to enter with the caveat that this is a 45 minute adventure and informed that there is group seating. (Think Biergarten at EPCOT or Oga's Cantina at Hollywood Studios.)

We were seated in the "Captain's" room at a table for two. Seating, and or standing if in the "Map" room, is at tables, booths, the bar, and wooden stools along the walls. And, given one menu to read in a dark room--I got out my phone for both pictures and the flashlight app. Our seater warned us that we would only have 45 minutes.

Our server arrived shortly complete with pirate garb and scratchy pirate voice and accent. We ordered Island Provisions, an assortment of chips and dips which were tasty, and Cook's Corn Griddle Cakes with Chipotle-braised Chicken which was spicy and I found the griddle cakes hard and tough to cut/chew. There is a Griddle Cakes option without the chicken. The only other "bite" on the menu is Kraken's Catch which is octopus tentacles.

For guests over 21, libations are on the menu with a 2-drink maximum. We tried the Hibiscus Rum Punch Royale and Salty Seas mARRRgarita. Each drink came in a different cup--again think what would be found on a pirate ship. There is a souvenir drink with cup available for purchase--Plunderer's Punch. There are wines, beer, and reserve rum selections, too. While there is a bar, this isn't an order your favorite spirit or drink location as far as we could tell.

Magic Band is interacting with attraction down below

Our server, too, warned us of the 45 minute limit and that he would return half-way through to inquire about a second round of drinks. Our food came quickly and our server was friendly and attentive.

Click here for The Beak and Barrel menu.

The Beak and Barrel is a unique experience that will fit the bill for many guests and fans, as is evident by the nearly full and difficult to snag reservation system.

If you are looking to fill empty bellies during a day at a theme park, The Beak and Barrel would not be a top choice. While the menu is allergy friendly, it is not picky eater friendly. And, it's pricey!

We saw parents wandering with littles looking for a restroom inside the establishment. I had inquired and knew the restroom is outside the lounge, on the far side of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

Speaking of wandering, guests are welcome to move about and take in the theming, but best to do it at the end of your experience as to not use up the 45 minutes allotted to your table.

Note: Partway through our experience at The Beak and Barrel, the lounge lost its lighting--not electricity as the music continued to play, but all of the lights. Suited Cast Members were suddenly on their phones, servers got out flashlights and/or used their phones, guests pulled out their phones for illumination, and important people began filing through the door. The second entrance was opened for light. We were checked on by multiple Cast Members making sure we were okay. The lounge stopped seating guests, many guests paid and left, and we were smiling at the adventure and munched on chips. The husband ordered a second drink. We were told to take our time and soon Guest Experience Team members (blue shirts) arrived with their tablets and scanned park tickets and MagicBands to add a Lightning Lane entitlement to accounts. We were told this has never happened before. The husband blamed "George" the supposed ghost that haunts Pirates of the Caribbean. We do say good-bye to George on our way up the escalator belt when we exit the attraction!

We paid our bill; I signed the receipt with a flashlight pointing. The lights did turn on before we left, and we were able to capture photos in a relatively empty lounge and took a small tour. On the other side of the door was a flood of guests waiting to enter.

To top off our experience, we scanned our MagicBands on the Lightning Lane entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean and of course, said good-bye to George on our way out.

Williams Family Blog: Some Days Do Not Go As Planned

2025-09-01T09:07:00.000-05:00

Some days do not go as planned and yesterday was one of those days. A Sunday, in August, with a planned destination of the Magic Kingdom theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort.

I checked the weather in the morning--a slight chance of rain around 4:00 pm. No worries, we'll be home by then.

The husband made egg, sausage, cheese on English muffins sandwiches and wrapped them in foil along with a baggie of sliced apples while I showered and dressed. We'll eat in the car. Off we went around 11:00 am as the sky loomed dark in the distance. On our way, the rain started and by the time we were rounding the last bit of roadway to the Magic Kingdom, torrential rains were straining the windshield wipers.

Scanned our MagicBand to at the parking toll booth and made our way to the parking lot. Interestingly, the parking lot was missing the team of parking guides in their yellow vests, and we snagged a spot one space away from the tram lane. We weren't the only ones holed up in our cars waiting for the rain to subside. And, it gave me more time to finish breakfast.

In the 30 minutes we waited, the cars around us began to empty as guests decided to brave the elements and give it a go. Children wailed as they were put into strollers and covered with plastic tarps. Since we had not prepared for rain, we decided to head back home, but by way of the gas station to fill up the car. Alas, I needed to cancel our park reservation for the day. After finagling with the MyDisneyExperience app and checking an email, I realized I had made the park reservation for the day prior! And, I didn't cancel it! I can just hear Disney saying "tsk tsk" while wagging a finger like the cap peddler in the children's book, Caps for Sale.

Using another app, Upside, that earns cash back for gas, I claimed a deal at a nearby gas station and off we went. Tip: The gas station right outside Magic Kingdom is on Upside!

With a full tank of gas and full bellies, we headed home and set into household chores. There is always laundry and the husband brought out the stepstool and cleaned the lanai's ceiling fan blades. The afternoon whirred on with activity and conversation.

By evening, we settled on the lanai to play cards, a favorite setting with a favorite activity. Our lanai is on a corner and ground level. Trees, bushes, various wheeled machines, water, walkers, other lanais, and animals are within our purview. A family that lives across the street and uses their screened door as their main entrance waves and says hello often. Their son graduated from high school this last spring and is off to college in Gainsville. Yes, I know all of this from across the street waves, activity, and conversations. The mom had gone out for a jog and came back to find the door locked. I hollered, "Do you need to use my phone?" She replied thank you but no--someone was coming to let her in. A few moments later, the young son came across the street with a bag of Guatemalan coffee to give as a gift. How sweet! We had another visitor, too. A raccoon limped across the street, back leg injured and walked right by our lanai door. Add this to other animals that have visited us right outside our door--rabbits, a turtle, a possum, and squirrels. I would say all the birds and lizards, too, but they are more like homesteaders.

Pivoting and perspective are great tools for a day that doesn't go as planned!

Williams Family Blog: Carnival Horizon Behind the Fun Tour

2025-08-14T11:33:00.000-05:00

During our first Carnival Cruise, we were able to book an onboard tour, Behind the Fun, on the Carnival Horizon which took place on our last day at sea. I learned about the tour during a shopping seminar on the first day at sea. There are 3 tours on board that guest pay to take--Brewery Tour (which the husband did), the Crew Lounge Tour, and the Behind the Fun Tour, which includes the Crew Lounge and more.

Behind the Fun costs $130 per person with no discounts for guests with Cheers Package. I say that because there WAS a discount on the Brewery Tour for guests with Cheers Package. The tour is slated as lasting 3 hours and 45 minutes, but our was about 3 hours 15 minutes. The tour has 2 departure times on the morning of the last sea day.

The tour can be booked at the Port Adventures Desk or at Customer Service, but not on the Carnival Hub app. Tickets were delivered to our cabin in an envelope. More information was delivered to our cabin the evening before the tour.

There were strict instructions--no sandals or open toed shoes, no cameras or phone. At our meeting location, we provided our tour tickets and signed health waivers, similar to health questionnaires we have completed prior to sailing with Disney Cruise Line. (There were no health questionnaires needed prior to sailing on the Carnival Horizon.) We were given Carnival hats and required to wear them for our first stop on the tour. Then we experienced our FIRST security want scan.

After we left our meeting location, we began our journey using the crew stairs, which are in the same locations as guest stairs, but behind the walls. Down we went from Deck 5 to Deck 3 to one of the galleys, this one was for the main dining rooms. Did you know that only electricity is used to cook all food on the Carnival Horizon. The Sous Chef told us "no fire." We got to see fruit preparation, bakery preparation, and walk into one of the large refrigerators with the bar manager. Coke products were being loaded onto the ship the very next day! I missed it by one day! The Carnival Horizon has enough food onboard each sailing for 3 additional days. If the sailing is 6-nights, there is 9 days worth of food on board. Lido Marketplace on Deck 10 has its own galley as does the crew quarters. Servers use a hand-held device to place guest orders in the dining rooms and then the number associated with guest order is brought up in the kitchen using touch screen terminals to match the order with the guest. 155 crew work 10-hour shifts 7-days a week in the galleys.

We proceeded down to Deck 0, using crew stairs which are steeper than guest stairs. There is a long hallway that runs the length of the ship on Deck 0, which crew refer to as I-95, a major North/South Interstate in Florida. This hallway allows for crew to move quickly from one part of the ship to another and is large enough for skid steers to move pallets of materials back and forth. We stopped at the recycling center to see the machines that incinerate the trash into cubes of pellets that get disposed of at port--no feeding of the fish.

Our second security wanding was before entering the engine room. The large room with one small porthole was full of consoles with displays, buttons, and phones, and one wall that was a digital display. Video feeds, battery monitoring, and engine speed were explained. The engine room is manned at all times with at least 1 crew member in 4-hour shifts. Out of the 1400 crew/staff on board, the engine room employs 21.

There are 3 more decks below Deck 0 that are only accessible to crew--Decks A, B, and C. These decks are below water. We ventured to Deck B to see the Laundry facilities. Large washers can handle 400 pounds of towels and linens. Large dryers hold 250 pounds. It is a very noisy area and I asked about hearing protection and monitoring. Having worked for Disney, I know that extended exposure to noise over 85 decibels can cause damage. I was told there is noise protection and hearing checks are performed during annual physicals. Guest laundry (valet) is performed in a nearby room with standard sized washers/dryers along with steamers and large irons for pressing. Crew costumes/uniforms are also laundered here. Did you know that linens are not dried in a dryer? Large machines whisk the newly washed linens through a dry-iron-fold mechanism. Having seen this during a Walt Disney World Textile Services tour, I was not surprised, but other guests on this tour were impressed.

Crew quarters were next on the tour. There are two mess areas for crew to dine which are open nearly round-the-clock. Each meal must include a food that originates from each country represented in the crew (135 countries.) Of course, some may overlap, like rice or eggs. We saw the crew lounge, also known as the happiness room, which is open the evenings. There is crew learning center on board for online trainings. Crew are given a social media Wi-fi package for using What's app to communicate with families. Most purchase internet minutes to check emails. When in port, crew know where there is free Wi-fi and download movies and music for enjoyment onboard. Because accessing email requires a purchase of internet minutes, schedules and announcements are printed or provided by word of mouth from supervisors. Crew cabins are located on multiple decks, typically near places of work. For example, entertainers and Fun Squad cabins are on Deck 4, as that is close to their work areas. Crew cabins have a bathroom are assigned 4 to a cabin or 2 for couples and managers. There is also a crew laundry area with free washers and dryers. We were told that not all of them are in working order.

As we made our way to the stairs, we walked by the Brig, or jail on a ship--yes it does exist. We were told that in most cases, guests would be confined to their cabin with security posted outside. We also walked by the morgue.

Upstairs to Deck 8 to see The Bridge, but we needed a third security wanding and the security officer stayed with us while in The Bridge. Second officer greeted us, explained what happens on The Bridge, including having an Officer be on hand 24/7 along with a "watch." Video feeds provide visual access to all sides of the ship, but are out of the visual range of seeing guest balconies. We learned about drills and safety measures. I asked about the use of "pilots" who come on board using small boats, to help large vessels navigate difficult or unusual waterways. Sure enough, cruise ships use pilots! We then met Captain Nick, who has been serving 18 years. Did you know that at each port, the flag of the country is displayed on the ship as a sign of welcome and thanks? All the flags are kept on The Bridge.

From The Bridge we went to the theater, also known as the Liquid Lounge, which was a favorite area for us on the ship. We got to see backstage, on-stage, the costume and make-up room for performers. I asked about "flying" and was told that they do not have that rigging on the Carnival Horizon. They do have electronic set moving, but no trap doors. Set pieces are stored either under the stage or in an area off stage. Shows have digital cues for sound and lights. Performers have ear pieces to receive information from the show producer along with their face-microphones.

The final stop of the tour was at The Brewery, near Pig & Anchor, on Deck 5. We met Cole, the onboard brewer. He greeted Todd by name!

This tour was not something I had expected to do or had planned to do. We had onboard credits to use because of a Carnival Cruise credit card offer and I thought the tour might be interesting. Disney Cruise Line, as of our last sailing July 2024, did not offer anything similar.

Guests wanting to become familiar with the ship but not wanting to pay for a tour are in luck, too. We missed the "Get to Know Your Ship" tour listed on the app on the first afternoon onboard (2:00 pm). There are also Spa Tours offered throughout the cruise.

At the end of the tour, we were each given a back-pack, got to keep the lanyards and hats, and could pick-up our included picture with the Captain later that day. Because we paid for two tours, we got two 8 x 10 photos to bring home.

Remember the part above about guest orders associated with a number from the hand-held device to the galley? Well, after the tour we were on Deck 5 at Ocean Plaza, a favorite location on the ship, and a crew member from Port Adventures found us. Seems our Health Waivers were misplaced and we needed to sign new ones. I asked how he found us. He was able to track us down based on the recent scans using our guest accounts (Sail & Sign cards).

Williams Family: Famous Walter and Other Suppositions

2025-07-13T09:56:00.001-05:00

First, Famous Walter! The other evening, the husband, our houseguest, and I visited Disney's Coronado Springs Resort for a lovely alfresco meal at Three Bridges. On both our way to and from the restaurant, we stopped by the resort gift shop, Panchito's Gifts and Sundries. During our last stop, there was a small child crying in a stroller. Multiple adults accompanied the child, each browsing sections of the store, with one of the adults pushing the stroller. I approached and began talking to the securely strapped in little older than a toddler to distract him from crying. It worked! The adults gathered around the stroller, one to make sure I seemed (supposition) safe and two, to see the child's reactions. I introduced myself to the child and one of the adults told me the child's name was Walter. Oh, my! I told Walter that this entire area was created by a man named Walt (Walter, actually) and therefore, he, Walter, was famous. That generated a smile. From that moment on, he was referred to as Famous Walter. By the time our interaction ended, Famous Walter had his fingers in his mouth, his eyes droopy. We waved good-bye. It was evident that Famous Walter's family was from the UK and I ventured to guess arrived that day at the resort meaning it was a very long day and very late (supposition) for Famous Walter.

A supposition is "an idea that something may be true without certain proof." I typically operate with a positive supposition.

Now, more about suppositions.

While playing cards on the lanai last evening, after a wonderful rainstorm that took the heat and humidity out of the air, a group of 17 to 22 year olds walked by on the sidewalk. I said "good evening" and asked about the new camera. A previous encounter had elicited a conversation about the purchase of a new video camera by one of the young men. I was informed that none of that group had the camera, but the guy parking the car nearby was the owner of the camera. This is what I overheard, "Hey, the people that we walk by all the time are asking about your camera?" I love this! We are part of the fabric of their neighborhood. This makes us connected; safe. As the camera owner walked by, he informed us that he had loaned it to a friend recently and would retrieve it shortly. All of this isn't really about the camera--it was about having previous knowledge in which to have an interaction, a positive interaction!

It reminded me of the many times I was leaving work, exiting schools at the end of the day and the start of the evening, and seeing youngsters playing on playgrounds. I won't say always, but I will say that I frequently verbally interacted with "who is winning" or "stay safe" or "keep an eye on the place." I enjoyed these interactions with the young people, old enough to gather on an elementary school playground without parent supervision. Some were former students, some were not. And, each time, my supposition as to why they were there and what they were doing was positive--play, socialize, do no harm to others, themselves, me, or the building. That positive supposition worked, for the most part. One school I was a part of for seven years, had vandalism the summer prior to my arrival and one other overnight incident. I was told by a district maintenance supervisor that vandalism had declined. Good!

As I venture, a positive supposition is a continued goal! Beliefs behind the words matters.

Williams Family: The Years That Nearly Broke Me

2025-06-11T19:23:00.003-05:00

At the moment you are experiencing something you have no idea what is to come; only what has come before and led up to this moment. If I had known at any given moment early in the happenings what lied ahead, I might have given up. Thank goodness for friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors who helped.

2015 to 2022 was tough. A friend told me once that if she were going through what I was going through she would be curled up. There were times I was curled up, catatonic. And, there were times I was spittin' mad. The husband said it all made me stronger.

In the summer of 2015, after the school year had ended, I was summoned to the school district's central office. Because of student achievement of the English Language Learner subgroup I had to be moved to become a principal at another school because of federal legislation at that time. Federal legislation that has since been re-written but you may recall, "failing" schools had to remove administration. I was moved to a school that had more red in the student achievement column than the school I was leaving, but it was the number of years in the red that mattered. I was off contract (on summer break), students and staff were well into their summer routines. Nevertheless, I packed up my office and moved out in a day while speculation and announcements flurried. My primary concern, the school secretary, aka administrative assistant. She had worked with the incoming administrator before and it didn't go well. What can we do, I asked district leaders behind the decision to move principals. Nothing. Well, by October, a new school secretary was needed as my warning went unheard and unheeded. That August, I took the helm of my 5th elementary school in the district. I had done this before and knew how to make the transition as smooth as possible. What was new about this assignment was the political arm--teacher association presidents, school board members families working at and attending the school. This continued for the eight years of my tenure.

In early October of 2015, our dishwasher sprang a slow leak, seeping into the subfloor of our kitchen and eventually into a portion of our basement. Insurance company, kitchen upheaval with floor and bottom cabinets removed, mold remediation, cooking in a microwave on a cart, eating off paper plates, and walking in/out of the kitchen through a floor to ceiling plastic sheet described the days that turned into weeks. Our kitchen was put back together between Christmas and New Years.

Then a sewer back-up in our basement on Thanksgiving 2015 led to a multi-year lawsuit with the city as city staff told me in our garage as their Valcal truck was pumping the sewer lines from a manhole cover in the street, that our home was on a "private sewer" releasing them from any responsibility. Not the lines from our home to the main lines, but the main lines themselves throughout a neighborhood encompassing multiple streets and homes. The case went to court in August of 2021 and a judge agreed with all the evidence collected including an annexation decree. The Iowa Supreme Court overturned the ruling citing precedent that courts could not make that ruling and ultimately city officials had to make the determination, a route that was taken first with pleas to city council members to no avail. It felt like being betrayed by a city I had called home for the majority of my life.

We spent Thanksgiving weekend hauling the contents of our basement into a dumpster in our driveway. Thankful for help from friends and neighbors. We joked how it was a good thing the new kitchen floor hadn't been installed yet as we lugged damaged items up the stairs, through the kitchen, and out the back door to the dumpster. Special cleaning, and more mold remediation, this time on our dime. The deep freeze, heater, and washer made it through, but a new water heater and clothes dryer were necessary.

This issue has resurfaced recently, and the city repaired a sewer issue on a line that one of their city department heads, who was fired in 2023, told the public, city officials, and court officers was not city's responsibility. Glad the city is taking responsibility for the sewer lines--now.

2017-2020 a school district central office administrator who attempted more than once to admonish. I wasn't the only one in the rifle's site and shots fired worked on others who left the district. I fought back and supported others fighting back; offering advice, protective stances, and moral support. The supervisor directed others to fire shots at me and others, as if this wouldn't be evident. In December of 2019, with the help of a county attorney, an emergency injunction from a judge, and a full court press from the press, the last attempt to admonish failed and the supervisor moved on to another school district in June of 2020, was eventually demoted, then moved on to another school district.

There were times during this central office administrator at the helm, I was told I was changing positions. Even fielding a phone call when I was about to board a cruise ship in July, telling me I would be at a different school the next month. Upon disembarkation, another phone call revealed that was incorrect and in fact, I would principal at one school full time and another school part time, shared with another colleague. The next summer when asked by this person where I was vacationing, I said, "I'm not telling so that I don't get a phone call telling me my position has changed." Then there was the time I was told I was moving again, this time to be a principal at a middle school. I negotiated salary, personnel, then was told no to those negotiations. Then, I said no. Do you know the scene in Baby Boom when Diane Keaton's character declines the buy out offer for her baby food production company? Well, that was my Baby Boom moment. As I got in my car after the meeting, I called a colleague, knowing they were next in line so that they, too, could say no. And, they did. The administrator who took that position ended up with a salary $40,000 more than what I had negotiated, and the schools closed down in March due to Covid-19. Cha-ching to that individual! In the first week of March of 2020 as talk of quarantining cruise ship passengers upon return circulated, this central office administrator said to me at the end of an admin meeting, "You're going on a cruise for Spring Break, right?" I could see the look of glee in the thought of the husband and I being quarantined for two weeks without pay along with any other staff. My response was no, headed to Walt Disney World. Of course, we didn't make it as the world shut down the next week.

During the last of the supervisor's reign, I was prescribed medication, which I took to help with the most difficult days (mostly nights) and saw an Employee Assistance counselor who recommended I get another job. No other strategies--quit and find employment.

Since that time, I faced one other "hit man" who had me in tears after a day-long meeting due to disrespectful remarks and interrupting me when I spoke. While I was stunned with the behavior displayed towards me in the meeting, so were my colleagues. After another interaction and inappropriate remark, I stood my ground during a fierce conversation. When the husband and I retired from the district, this same person was in charge of the retirement reception, a reception that I didn't receive an invitation to as it was sent to someone else with a similar name. Yep, not invited to my own retirement reception hosted by the school district. Thankfully, other honorees shared the invitation. As a note, since 2022, there have been multiple job changes for this person across districts and most recently was released from a leadership position early.

The "dance of the lemons" is real. The lasting trauma is real and dissipates with time. Schadenfreude is real. Disenfranchisement is real. The universe gives messages like having a court hearing in the morning and closing on your retirement home in the afternoon, having no control over the assigned dates or either. And retirement package offerings when you are ready. Living a full, satisfying life is the best response.

Williams Family: My Take On Gifts

2025-06-09T09:08:00.000-05:00

Sheldon, a lead character in The Big Bang Theory revealed his birthday in the final season in an episode that aired on the day of his character's birthday and coincidence, we share the date. While fictional, Sheldon's reasons for not making his birthday known was his aversion to gifts, both receiving and giving. I, too, share similar feelings about gift giving and receiving.

Gift giving. I'm not good at it. I think fondly of people often; random pleasant thoughts triggered by a phrase, a picture, music, food, location, or a potential gift giving object. I feel like I learn people likes and dislikes quickly. Someone I worked with enjoyed gardening, so a gift certificate to Earl May Garden Center was a go-to for their gardening needs for gift giving occasions. My gift giving default is not luxury or treat, but utility. A friend who likes playing cards and has made mention of a card shuffler on Amazon is getting that for her birthday in August. I've already announced it, so no backsies. The husband has a tendency to need new shoes around the holidays, so shoe boxes are under the tree. Didn't the Three Wiseman give 3 gifts that first Christmas? All of which served a need. I'm with them.

Part of the gift giving stance is that I don't enjoy shopping; the hunt. A friend of mine and her sister shop all year long for holiday gifts for their family members keeping a notebook to catalog the items found during multiple shopping trips to snag the best deals. Then, they spend days wrapping just in time for the gifts to go under the tree. This tradition brings them great joy and I applaud that. For me, it would bring great stress. And, let down. One of the reasons we traveled as a family during the holidays was to avoid the "now what" feeling after the gifts are opened on Christmas morning. Didn't have that feeling once while walking down the middle of Main Street USA on Christmas Day. (A reference to the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort.) And, while my holiday shopping friend and her sister can afford their tradition, there may be others who have less of a budget but feel the need to maintain an image of what they expect gift giving to looking like. Oh, the pull of consumerism and image maintenance!

As for gift receiving, while gracious, it makes me uncomfortable. I wonder about use. "What will I do with this?" When I retired, I told folks to please not gift me anything that I would have to sell or pack, as we were moving. Ok, there were some personalized drink mugs and carafes that made the move. I worry about reciprocity, a Sheldon concern. Did I or do I reciprocate the gift? Value? Timeliness? Oh, the pressure. I will also confess that some gifts, after thank you's were distributed, became a part of a gift drawer for appropriate re-gifting. A poll at the pool reveals that re-gifting is permissible and that stash of gifts has come in handy a time or two when reciprocity for gift receiving is appropriate.

As a teen and young adult, the parents would ask for a holiday wish list in the late Fall. For me, it was a wish list, not necessarily holiday. Since I was employed, I would often purchase items from the list myself, thoroughly frustrating my mother. As a child, I received gifts that were taken away; gifts had conditions. Some of my favorite childhood gifts were handmade: a box of Barbie clothes, a wooden doll bed.

You may be asking, what prompted me to write about gifting. Well, this time of year seems to bring about a flurry of garage and estate sales. People's belongings spread across lawns and driveways for the picking by savvy shoppers. Within that display of wares, there are most likely gifts and evidence of consumption. Do we really need all of the stuff? People are profiting off renting space for storage.

I, too, have hosted garage sales and they are a lot of work. And, I support the secondhand market for the selling and purchasing of goods whether it be garage sales, FB Marketplace, or consignment shops. It reduces waste and can inspire creativity with the upcycling movement.

I am also aware of Love Languages with one of them being "Receiving Gifts." That is definitely not my Love Language and thank goodness, not the husband's either.

As I rambled through this post about gift giving and gift receiving the underlying theme emerging is also about consumption, all the stuff. Are gifts a way to assuage guilt for personal purchasing? And, again, is there a need for all the things? A wise person once told me to not love something that can't love you back. Yes, one could love an item for how it makes them feel or look, protects them from the elements, conjures a memory, or has personal meaning. Those loved items may, too, have been gifts. But, those loved items are not going to be in the garage sale or in a storage unit.

To turn a phrase from Edna Mode of The Incredibles, "No Gifts!"

Williams Family: Our GEO-82 Opening Day Experience

2025-06-05T09:22:00.001-05:00

GEO-82 is a new dining location at EPCOT and we were there on opening day!

Geo-82 from outside

Entrance to Geo-82

The adult only establishment is located in an area on the 2nd floor behind Spaceship Earth. When we went, there were NO SIGNS outside for the restaurant. We had an idea of where the entrance might be, on the right side of Spaceship Earth, but the only door was to Project Tomorrow, the area guests walk through as they exit after riding Spaceship Earth. It was inside the sliding doors to Project Tomorrow that we spied the Geo-82 sign. We then turned left and walked down a short hallway to the check-in desk with a staircase and elevator near-by.

Hallway on first floor that leads to the check-in desk. Not much room for 2-way traffic.

Our reservation was for our party of four was at 5:05 pm. We checked in about 10 minutes prior after waiting in a line in the hallway and watching guests without reservations get turned away. I gave my telephone number and was told to go wait in Project Tomorrow as there are no seats in this check-in area. I asked why there was no sign outside and was told that it is for the "speakeasy vibe."

Project Tomorrow at the exit of Spaceship Earth

Wall across from first floor check-in desk

Behind the first floor check-in desk for speakeasy vibes

Now typically, at this point, my phone dings, indicating that our check-in at the restaurant is established and that I will receive another text when the table is ready. No text. At 5:05, I returned to the check-in desk to inquire about not receiving the initial text and confirm that the phone number is correct. Phone number was correct, but "their system wasn't sending the initial text messages." I also learned that guests "upstairs" were taking their time and that there is a seating area upstairs but it was full. Back to Project Tomorrow to wait.

Will you take the stairs or elevator to the second floor?

5:30 pm, the husband goes to the check-in stand to inquire about our reservation. Sometimes a different face helps. He called me and said to come, so off we went. Another delay at the check-in desk and then off we went, half of us in the elevator and the other half up the stairs.

We were greeted by a Cast Member holding a try of damp washcloths with a special scent and were handed to us with tongs. The cold washcloths did smell nice and after wiping our hands we were to dispose of them in a trash bin nearby.

Second floor waiting area

Now, we were in the seating area upstairs. It was not full. There was one other party. At 5:45, my phone dinged. Your table is ready; proceed to the host desk on the 2nd floor. OK, we were already there, actually past the desk so I approached with the message open on my phone and was told to return to the waiting area until we were called.

Portal from sitting area to dining area

More waiting as we watched other parties enter the waiting area and then get escorted by Cast Members to their tables. We were the only party in this area. Finally, a Cast Member came to get us and walked us to our table. Yes, the floor in the hallway has the twinkling lights a nod to the original EPCOT pavement.

View looking outside Geo-82

At 6:05 pm, we were seated. One hour after the time of our reservation. Our table had 1 chair and a curved banquet, so 3 of us on one side with 1 of us in the chair. It felt like someone was at a job interview and we joked about it. Now, I will say that this table most likely had 2 chairs, but the neighboring table ended up adding a guest to their party after they were already seated (watched the whole thing happening from the sitting area).

Exclusive Disney Select Bourbon Flight

Peach Shrub Whisky Smash and Coke

High Brow Batanga

The menu is in a book and matches the theming. Our server approached and knew the script about the food and drinks. One in our party has a food allergy and the server diligently communicated with the chef. Three of us ordered drinks from the menu with the fourth ordering a Coke. We had to ask for waters. We also had to ask for napkins with the drinks. Well, I asked for napkins and was given three cocktail napkins. There are no coasters.

Chef's Selection of Artisanal Cheeses, Cured Meats, and Accompaniments

Funghi Flatbread

We ordered Chef's Selection of Artisanal Cheeses, Cured Meats, and Accompaniments, a long way to say Charcuterie, and Funghi Flatbread (mushroom) to share at the table. When the food was brought to the table by a different Cast Member, our server was passing out small plates, cloth napkins and small silverware--knife and fork.

Our Coke drinker finished his drink and the conversation turned to whether or not there would be a charge for a refill. He ordered another Coke. What do you think? Was there a charge?

Three adventurous eaters tried everything while the fourth diner enjoyed the bread on the charcuterie plate. Speaking of bread, the ratio of cheese, cured meats, and spreads was greater than the amount of bread to accompany. More bread, please! We didn't ask.

The check arrived and guess what? No charge for the second Coke! We paid and headed to the restrooms. Don't get me started on how the toilet paper dispenser has a "stop" function but the toilet paper was hanging in such a way that the stop function allowed for the only 1-2 squares coming off the roll at a time.

We each received a commemorative wine glass

Back down the stairs and elevator. We were each given a bag that contained a box. Turns out those were commemorative glass wine glasses to take home. Nice touch.

We walked to the nearest Joffrey's as one in our party wanted a coffee. There is no tea or coffee served at Geo-82, as we were told by our server.

That's the play-by-play, but there's more. There were EMPTY tables in the restaurant the whole time we were seated. Disney website says Advanced Reservations are required, which I understand, especially with Geo-82 being new. But empty tables mean less revenue and again, we watched so many guests being turned away at the check-in stand on the first floor.

Highlights:

Theming is cool and a novel idea for use of the space. We had been in that space during a tour as it was used as a lounge for the attraction sponsor. There are similar spaces near Coral Reef, in the middle of Test Track, and in The Land Pavilion.
Along with theming, the drinks and food have stories, like the reserved bourbon only for Disney Parks.
There is a fireworks experience that has a different menu of offerings that may be fun to try.

Only for Disney Parks & Resorts

Recommendations:

Put a sign outside. Please. I asked the woman handing out washcloths why no sign and was told, "yeah, that's funny" with my reply being it was frustrating. Signage outside will not detract from the speakeasy vibe. The location is visible on the MyDisneyExperience app when Dining locations are selected.
Don't use Project Tomorrow as a seating area for guests waiting on a reservation. This was off-putting. It would be like guests waiting to dine at Coral Reef being told to wait in the Living Seas aquarium area.
Anticipate guest needs with waters, drink napkins, and a pen to sign the bill. Yes, I had to ask for a pen.
As a guest, don't come hungry, come curious to try something new.

I know that it was opening day and there are still kinks to work out. My hope is that there is an awareness of the kinks so that they can be addressed. There was plenty of staff on hand in all areas, it is about communication, efficiency, and making sure systems are working, such as the initial text message system not working--which is OK, but tell guests upon check-in.

Will we be back? Maybe. It is pricey, no discounts yet. If friends or visitors wanted to go and wanted us to go with them, then yes.

Williams Family Blog: Two Years!

2025-04-09T12:09:00.006-05:00

Believe it or not, we have celebrated two years of living in Central Florida! Coincidentally? Ironically? On the actual anniversary date, we were in Iowa!

The People:

With family, Todd's brother and his wife, not far--in Lakeland, FL, it is a delight to spend time together. We have also made friends with neighbors and community members. The pool is definitely a hub and weekly dominoes night is a great way to catch up. We also have Disney friends who traverse Disney Parks and Disney Springs with us. . . or us with them.

Yesterday, for example, I was able to call the Cashier at Aldi by her name, before seeing her nametag. At dominoes, Todd was complimented on his shirt and it was noted that it was the first time people were seeing him wear a non-Disney shirt. After dominoes I phoned a neighbor friend who is leaving on a trip soon and asked if they wanted to do something before leaving. We have plans to go to EPCOT today.

One evening last week, we walked to neighbor friends' home to play cards. A group hosted the first community-wide Bingo night, with plans for once a month. While we were in Iowa over the weekend, I had calls and text messages from various neighbors. We are connected.

The Places:

Walt Disney World Resort offers fun that we could participate in daily if desired. Our theme park passes have no "black out" dates and the waterparks are included with our passes. Nearly anywhere on Disney property is two stoplights away. I also have super-secret spots in the Disney Springs parking garages.

Universal Orlando Resort is also not far, requiring no Interstate driving. SeaWorld and its partner parks are even closer to us.

We can make a round-trip drive to Orlando International Airport in less than an hour.

Downtown Orlando is also not far to our East and we have enjoyed multiple offerings at Dr. Philips Performing Art Center.

Beaches are to our East--Atlantic Ocean, and West--Gulf Coast. I have a bag ready for the pool and another bag ready for the beach.

The Services:

Within walking distance is shopping for any needs other than shoes/clothing. We have grocery stores, dentist offices, hair and nail salons, banks, and restaurants. Various shopping locations are nearby. Now that we have switched primary care physicians, medical care is closer to our home. When we first went to our dentist, there was a curtness that we hadn't experienced before. But now, the interactions are softer. Maybe they see so many new patients that having us keep coming back lowered the guard?

I have recommended car mechanic services, butcher, nail salon (where I am on a first name basis with the technicians), and realtors.

The Things:

As for literal "things" we have fewer of them and less need. We successfully manage with one vehicle. There's no need to clutter our space with new things and I must confess, there are still some packed boxes.

The figurative "things" include traffic--it can be horrific on certain roads at certain times of the day. We plan accordingly. Also, distance. The nearest branch of our banking institution is 40 minutes away (18 miles) depending on traffic. Weather: What can I say other than most of the time it is marvelous. When it gets hot, we adjust the time of day we're outside. There are storms, but infrequent. The husband is now hooked on wearing shorts daily. Diversity: It's amazing! So many cultures and languages in our community. Expense: Goods and services are more expensive, such as gas. We did pay less to register our new vehicle in Florida for two years than we did for one year on a vehicle in Iowa. Enjoyment: It is blissful to play cards on our lanai, stroll the nearby parks and paths, splash in the pool, and know the time when hearing Magic Kingdom Fireworks.

Living here is a dream fulfilled for us. The location of our home--in Walt Disney World's backyard and not far from Universal, the amenities in our community, and the ease of living in our home as we age are benefits we imagined.

Williams Family Blog: My Walt Disney World "Pixar Day"

2025-03-16T10:31:00.003-05:00

In the time between our property purchase and move to Orlando, we dreamt of many visits to the Walt Disney World Resort included "themed days." A while ago, I planned and executed a day centered around my favorite Disney Princess, Belle. You can read all about it here.

A quest for all things Pixar became the next Walt Disney World themed park day. While Pixar got its start in 1986 when Steve Jobs purchased George Lucas' Computer Division, Disney acquired Pixar in 2006. Coincidentally, that was the year the Williams Family made its first trek to the Walt Disney World Resort. Pixar had many hits and revolutionized digital animation by its 20 year anniversary. Here we are, nearly 20 years later and the Disney-Pixar connection keeps telling poignant stories using the latest technology.

My Pixar themed quest started with a search on the MyDisneyExperience app. The app has a search icon on the bottom ribbon. I searched "Pixar" and didn't get great results, but it got me started. Hint: You can search for nearly anything with this function such as "popcorn" or "sushi" or "how to get to Magic Kingdom." In my opinion it is an underutilized portion of the app, but that is for another story.

Next, I needed to combine my knowledge of the Walt Disney World Resort with Pixar background. What franchises are under the Pixar label? With that list in mind, along with a set of self-imposed "rules"--at least one Pixar attraction at a theme park including photo evidence and only using Disney transportation, as many modes as possible, I was off on my quest.

Disney's Hollywood Studios was the first destination and where I parked the car. I had made a park reservation for Hollywood Studios and my Annual Pass allows for Park Hopping at any time, allowing for more flexibility.

It was not yet 10:00 am, and the parking lot was filling up fast. I headed to Andy's Backyard--Toy Story Land. Three main attractions all themed for Pixar's 1995 Academy Award Winning Toy Story--Slinky Dog Dash had a wait time of 60 minutes, Toy Story Midway Mania was showing 45 minutes of wait time, and Alien Swirling Saucers posted 25 minutes. Alien Swirling Saucers it is!

Pixar Place, at Disney's Hollywood Studios, features characters from Pixar hits such as Monsters, Inc., The Incredibles, and Inside Out.

Edna Mode from The Incredibles--double cheek kisses!

James P. Sullivan a.k.a Sulley from Monsters, Inc can make me giggle without saying a word! We had a great chat about the new Monsters, Inc land coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios, especially the roller coaster.

What can I say, Mrs. Incredible!

Joy from Inside Out!

Frozone from The Incredibles was up for a selfie!

Moving on to EPCOT via Friendship Launch to EPCOT's International Gateway, also known as the "back door."

This put me near the Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion in World Showcase. Themed for Pixar's Ratatouille, this attraction recently added a "Single Rider" Queue which I took advantage.

I searched Coco in the MyDisneyExperience app and learned that there was a topiary for EPCOT's Flower and Garden Festival featuring Miguel and Dante near the Mexico Pavilion. There is also an art display inside the Mexico Pavilion inspired by Disney-Pixar's Coco.

I could have enjoyed the 3-D Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival in World Celebration at the Imagination Pavilion but instead, walked to World Nature to enjoy The Seas with Nemo and Friends, an attraction themed for Pixar's Finding Nemo.

An Inside Out Topiary in EPCOT's World Nature

Clamshell--Just Keep Swimming

I had now traversed EPCOT back to front and exited the park to enjoy a Monorail ride to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). Magic Kingdom was my destination and at the TTC I had a choice to ride the Monorail or take the Ferry across Seven Seas Lagoon. As many modes of Disney transportation was possible was part of the quest, so I chose to take the Ferry.

At Magic Kingdom, I headed to Tomorrowland where two attractions nod towards Pixar--Monsters Inc Laugh Floor and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (Toy Story).

After earning Galactic Hero status on the attraction, it was 3:15 pm and I knew the Festival of the Fantasy Parade, starting at 3:00 pm in Frontierland, would be making its way to Main Street. I stopped outside Town Square Theater, our favorite place to watch the parade, to view and watch for Pixar themes and there was nothing. I was off.

Disney's Animal Kingdom was the next location on the quest. Two Pixar franchises are represented at this theme park: UP and A Bug's Life.

Wilderness Explorer Badges

Dug & Russell's Club House

Inside the Tree of Life for It's Tough to Be a Bug

Being an honorary bug!

Inside the Tree of Life

I did bump into Kevin from UP

I had just missed characters from UP, Dug and Russell's last meet and greet of the day but took pictures of their club house and bumped into Kevin. I did enjoy the 3-D "It's Tough to Be A Bug" attraction, featuring characters from A Bug's Life, under the Tree of Life especially since this attraction closes (ed) on March 17, 2025.

Bus to Art of Animation

I knew there was more Pixar to be found at the Walt Disney World Resort and I hopped on a bus headed to Disney's Art of Animation Resort. This value resort features four themes, two of which are Pixar: Cars and Finding Nemo.

Alas, my quest was nearing an end, I had one more mode of Disney transportation to take advantage of, the Skyliner! It flew me right back to Disney's Hollywood Studios!

Skyliner selfie

Gliding over Hour Glass Lake--can you hear the chimes?!

A Pixar themed gondola!

I left home shortly after 9:00 am and returned around 6:30 pm. For sustenance I ate a Belvita in the car and had a baggie with apple and mandarin slices that I brought into the first theme park. I stopped for egg rolls in China at EPCOT and ate on the walk and grabbed a hot dog at Art of Animation. I carried a water bottle and had free cups of ice water throughout included Tony's on Town Square at Magic Kingdom. I have no idea how many steps--a lot. Grateful I could make the trek. And, yes, I officially tackled the 4-parks/1-day challenge, but it wasn't the first time! Talked to many strangers including helping a family navigate the monorail system and a Guest Experience Team member who in the end gave me incorrect information (yes, I did respectfully correct, and the teammate concurred that I was correct.)

Other items of note:

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy in Disney's Hollywood Studios closed in January 2025, or there would be another Pixar themed experience for Cars.

There are bronze statues representing Pixar franchises that I missed. I apologize. And, I would love it if you added pictures of the Pixar themed bronze statues in the comments.

Williams Family: Packing, Planning, Pedicures, Pets, and Park Drawers

2025-02-16T07:51:00.003-06:00

For decades our family traveled to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Our son was 4 on his first trip and 20 years old the last time he stayed at a Walt Disney World Resort logging 26 trips in between. Anticipating an upcoming trip, packing, planning for dining and attractions, getting a pedicure for sandal weather, and securing pet care were all a part of the joyful process. Friends, neighbors, and co-workers came to assume that when there was a school break, we would be off on some Disney adventure. They were correct and my smile grew larger as the departure date grew nearer.

Now, we live here, in Central Florida, a 15 minute drive to the closest Walt Disney World theme park. We have annual passes that give us entry to the four theme parks and water parks. We don't stay at Walt Disney World Resorts anymore, but we do visit them to eat, play, and soak in the atmosphere.

When visiting a Walt Disney World Resort, the anticipation of other guests is palpable, one of the reasons we enjoy the visit. The guests have entered and are immersed into a themed world of service, efficiency, and fun. Excitement abounds!

I love listening, watching, and complimenting the colorful Disney inspired clothing, accessories, and yes, nail art. I imagine that guest at the nail salon wistfully day-dreaming of their upcoming Disney vacation while the technician transforms their fingers and toes. It is all a part of the preparation process and builds anticipation.

As for us, the packing is the bag to take the park or resort. A Cast Member told us that he could tell we were local because of the size of our bag(s)--small with only necessities. Sometimes, I go without a purse or bag.

Planning? A park reservation is needed for entry into the theme parks, but there are designated "good to go" days for Passholders that do not require reservations. We can decide the day of, the day before, or in advance and can hold 5 park reservations at a time. We typically do not need dining reservations or Lightning Lanes, but make them when desired ignoring the 60 day reservation window.

Pedicures? Yes. Still. No design. It is sandal weather here nearly year round. The nearby nail salon is a saved number on my phone and am on a first name basis with the crew.

Pets? We have 2 long-care options for Sadie and use them when needed. Otherwise, it is walk, "good-bye" treat, and music on the Echo until we return in a few hours. Thankfully she is not bothered by the fireworks!

Park Drawer? We have a park drawer in the dresser in the office/3rd bedroom that holds cooling towels, cooling fans, inflatable pocket seats, ponchos, and any other paraphernalia that would be helpful for park touring. There's a drawer for necessary items for cruising, too!

I have been asked if my feelings towards Disney have changed since we moved, and the answer is "No." We ventured to Disney Springs one evening after I had been home recovering from surgery, and I could feel the smile come across my face as we came down the escalator from the parking garage. The magical feeling is the same and now we can experience it any time we want!

What has changed is that I no longer stand out as a Disney Fan. Because of where we live, I am among many Disney Fans. The nearest Publix grocery store has a Disney section. When I go to physical therapy, the majority of clients are wearing Disney apparel as they either work for Disney or attend frequently. In our community, there are many who work for Disney. And, in our friend circle, all have some sort of Annual Pass--there are several tiers available to Florida residents. Having Disney friends to visit the parks with adds another layer of fun and excitement!

Williams Family: A Final Farewell For My Friend--A Tribute to Teri King

2025-02-14T06:10:00.000-06:00

Gold is a precious metal, but not a strong one and turns out a heart of gold, while precious, wasn’t strong. Our friend Teri’s heart was golden and lives on the people she loved and supported; her family, her friends, her colleagues, her community, and her faith. Generous, kind, thoughtful, and smart, oh so smart!

Teri and I met in middle school, shared some of the same classes, especially math classes. She played basketball and I was a cheerleader. Sleepovers, bike rides, then mopeds, game nights, middle school dances, softball games, dance recitals, and summers of freedom. She was “Ter” and I was “Jade.” Our friendship circle had many rings, like a pebble in a pond.

The "gals"

In high school, it was student government, with the gentle hand of Mary Zesiger, that became a passion for Teri as she rose to the position of Student Council President managing celebration weeks, parades, dances, and student council trips. One student council trip took us to Chicago where we got to see Jody Davis, catcher for the Cubs, famous for his homeruns, play at Wrigley Field. It was a banner day for me to see a player with which I shared a name. Her foray into leadership allowed for travel and took her to Europe.

Wrigley Field

Teri’s birthday made her one of the first in our class to get her driver’s license and I was there when she received her “new-to-her” car. She worked at Bob’s Market and then North Hy-Vee (next-door to the current GPAEA location.) She drove, I rode, around town and beyond—Des Moines and Nauvoo, Illinois, were frequent destinations.

Because we were both working high school students and had our own money, we planned a Spring Break trip to Florida our senior year in high school. Our parental units were under the impression that the other parents had already said “yes” and we coordinated one set of parents taking us to the airport and the other, picking us up. We made a hotel reservation in Tampa and off we went for a week! There was a restaurant across the street from the hotel—Red Lobster—that was a frequent dining destination. We rented a black Trans Am, and drove throughout Tampa across the causeway Bridge near Clearwater. We took a day trip—tour bus—to the Magic Kingdom. Teri got so sunburnt at the hotel pool on our first day that she was miserable for most of the trip. We played Canasta in our hotel room and had moments when we didn’t speak. Our budgeting wasn’t the best and we had enough money on the morning of our departure to purchase 1 muffin at the airport to share. I don’t remember the exact amount, but Teri does. . . did. Oh, we laughed about that adventure for years! Our poor parents.

Pre-mischief of some kind or another.

Our friendship circle went to Junior Prom as Seniors with a pre-prom photos taken at Teri’s in Linda and Monte’s kitchen. And, of course, prom dress shopping in Des Moines leading up to the event.

All dolled up for prom.

In the summer of 1984, just after graduation, our friend group took an impromptu week-end road trip to Kansas City. Michael Jackson had a concert at Arrowhead Stadium, something we wanted to take part. We did not have concert tickets, but we did have a hotel reservation at Embassy Suites, large enough for all of us. I remember us driving and hanging a sign on the car window with "Michael Jackson Concert or Bust." Once we arrived in Kansas City we poured over the newspaper classified ads for ticket sales and sure enough, we scored tickets! It was an amazing concert and the ladies seated behind us had snuck alcohol into the concert in baggies in their bras. Some memories stick.

Headed to graduation! That's my yellow VW Bug parked in the street. What a gang!

After high school graduation we stayed in touch, but were at different colleges. I did visit Teri on campus at University of Iowa a few times. Remember, this was in the mid 1980’s and there were no cell-phones and each call was a long distance charge. We were both at UNI studying education at one point, with her living off campus. Life got busy with school, careers, and relationships. We reconnected when we both returned to Ottumwa and were both adoptive parents. Our children’s birthdays are separated by 1 year and 2 days.

Walking the train track to a Hawkeye Football game.

A costume party in Cedar Falls--I remember baked pumpkin seeds.

Teri held positions at Great Prairie Area Education Agency (GPAEA) and within the Ottumwa District that made her a superior or supervisor. She did keep me in mind when planning training and meetings, often referring to it as the “Jody filter” anticipating what questions I might have and how quickly I would complete a task at a training and having something else ready for me to do or accomplish.

Since many of us define time pre and post pandemic, I’ll quantify by saying sometime prior to 2020, Teri arranged for waves of us to attend a Mental Health First Aid class, taught by GPAEA staff. The intent was to train us to recognize and respond to student mental health crises, including eating disorders such as anorexia. At the end of the session, I privately asked one of the trainers about how to address the opposite of anorexia as I was concerned about my friend, Teri. I was told that wasn’t in the training. Ironic.

As Teri’s mobility and general health declined, I was mad; at her enablers for bringing her two plates from the holiday spread for example—yes I know she didn’t want food touching; at her employer who required work to be completed from her hospital bed indicating work was a priority and an excuse for not focusing on her well-being—good thing she had a Wi-Fi hot spot; at myself for not saying “let’s walk to the end of the driveway and back”, and at her for being so smart and not addressing her own physical and mental health.

Post pandemic, Teri attempted to return to the office, when working from home was no longer an option, rolling her oxygen, and anxious about catching a virus that was potentially lethal for people with her health conditions. She also had a sister going through chemo that she wanted to protect.

Teri retired from the district and dove into her role as chief operating officer of her home and family, managing decisions when family members and her sister, Nici, passed. Supporting her daughter, Taylor while she navigated school and work. And, helping her parents through transitions.

When we moved to Florida, Teri and I kept in touch via cell phone. Sometimes the calls were long and rambling--the best kind--kids, family, weather, and work. Work? Yes, Teri was haunted by a work issue post-retirement until a handful of months ago. Disturbingly, she wasn't/isn't the only district administrator dealing with issues post-retirement. Sometimes the calls were short because of how she was feeling at the time. We ended each call with "I love you." And, "I love you, too."

Teri’s greatest joys were her family, especially her daughter, Taylor, whose life trajectory will be forever changed by the passing of her mom. Her family will miss her most. And, miss her fabulous parties and fierce competitiveness playing games!

When someone dies, too soon or too young, it can be difficult to not feel guilty for continuing to live and to assuage that guilt by claiming a piece of the death with displays of grief. I am doing just that with this writing as it relieves the guilt and helps to process the grief.

In honor of Teri’s thoughtfulness, let’s be thoughtful and mindful of our own mental and physical health. In honor of Teri’s kindness, let’s be kind to ourselves and others when there are struggles with mental and physical health by offering support without shame. In honor of Teri’s generosity, let’s be generous with our time and attention devoted to keeping ourselves healthy and living boundlessly. In honor of Teri’s heart of gold, let’s promise to reduce judgement and spread joy.

~~Jade

Obituary Information for Teri King

Williams Family: My "Belle" Day in the Walt Disney World Parks

2024-10-17T07:07:00.001-05:00

When the husband and I were daydreaming about living with Walt Disney World in our backyard, we talked about themed park visit days. I planned and enjoyed a day playing in the parks centered around my favorite Disney Princess, Belle.

Belle is my favorite Disney Princess because she loves to read, can see the person inside the Beast and Gaston, is brave, and of course, her yellow (my favorite color!) ball gown. The color scheme helped me with my wardrobe selection for the day.

I mapped out my day--Hollywood Studios for Beauty and the Beast--Live on Stage with the first show at 11:00 am. It is helpful to know showtimes in advance which can be found on the MyDisneyExperience app or Walt Disney World website.

A boat ride from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT put me right where I wanted to be--France for Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along. This is a continuously running show so I wasn't as worried about the timing. The animation reminded me of Mickey's Philharmagic and the star of this version of the story is LeFou, Gaston's sidekick. No photography or video allowed in the Sing-Along.

The next step was a timing mistake on my part--meeting Belle in EPCOT. As I walked to the queue, she was greeting her last family and would not return for an hour. I walked on and rode the Friendship Launch from Morocco to Canada and stopped for a tasty lunch at Bramblewood Bites, an outdoor kitchen for Food and Wine Festival.

I ventured through World Celebration, through the park exit, and up to the Monorail Station for a highway in the sky ride from EPCOT to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) with a transfer to the Express Monorail to Magic Kingdom.

Arrived just in time to watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade, with my gal Belle, at the front of the leading parade float!

Off to Fantasyland for Enchanted Tales with Belle. The queue said 30 minutes, but the actual wait time was more like 45 minutes, plus the time to enjoy the attraction. Yes, I have experienced Enchanted Tales with Belle before, but the enchanted mirror in Maurice's workshop still blows me away! I was chosen to play a knight for Belle's surprise!

As I walked out of Fantasyland, giddy from my time with Belle, I spied no line at Sir Mickey's Portrait Studio. As I explained my themed day to the Photopass Photographer, we agreed on some playful photos featuring Beauty and the Beast inspired props.

One more stop on my Belle themed park day--Enchanted Rose, a Lounge, at the Grand Floridan, just a Resort Monorail ride away. The lounge has a light fixture that is inspired by Belle's dress. (The same fixture is in Topolino's Terrace at the Riviera Resort, but I set that out of my mind and focused on Belle.)

With my themed day complete, I rode a bus from the Grand Floridian to Hollywood Studios to the car.

Thinking about your own themed park tour? Consider your theme--the husband has one percolating. Know which shows, attractions, restaurants, etc. may fit with your theme. I typed in Belle and Beauty and the Beast in the search function of the Walt Disney World website to help my plan. Plan for transportation if your themed day takes you to more than one location. I enjoy the convenience of Walt Disney World transportation options--busses, boats, monorails, Skyliner. And, make sure your theme park ticket allows for Park Hopping, if your themed day takes you to more than one Walt Disney World theme park.

Would I do this again? Definitely!

Williams Family: A Year and a Half Into Our Florida Life

2024-10-06T08:41:00.006-05:00

Exactly 18 months ago, we landed in our Central Florida home to begin our new life as retired Floridians. This transition was years in the making--dreaming, planning, deciding, doing! After a year and a half, how is it going?

We are extremely pleased with our home's location. We've noted over the last few months that the physical structure of our building is a bit elevated, and we are positioned at the North side of the building which means plenty of light, but no direct sun exposure. We also enjoy the view from our lanai. We are minutes from Walt Disney World, less than an hour round-trip to Orlando International Airport. Universal and SeaWorld parks are nearby. Our condo community is fiscally sound (important to note given legislative changes in Florida). We have been granted "Homestead" exemption on our property taxes. We are also near family, John and Diane, Todd's brother and his wife, live in Lakeland, Florida, about 40 miles away.

Speaking of our condo community, we have made friends and established relationships. Weekly dominoes brings a group together. I no longer feel like the "new" person and have been able to connect other residents to each other with similar interests or needs. Yesterday, I met Dona from Myrtle Beach while in the pool but I had already met her via phone when her realtor was showing her the property along with her daughter. Dona said, "You're that Jody" and went on to tell me that I had made an impression when speaking about the community during that impromptu meeting during the tour. Also, I am joining the HOA Board.

Sadie, our dog, thankfully is not impacted by fireworks. She enjoys walks, especially on the paved path around Center Lake, a block from our building. Her favorite pastime is to watch the lizards on the lanai screen--a never ending nature show. It does take her a while to warm up to other people, but she happily visits John and Diane, and their cat, George.

We have established ourselves at local banks, physician offices, pharmacy, dentist, and nail salon. Our car is registered in Florida along with our Driver's licenses and voter registration.

Are there any cons? Sure. Our son is far away, driving can be interesting, and tropical storms are not a favorite, but there are cons anywhere someone lives.

Our adventure is just getting started!

Williams Family: It's Hard to Be Fake in a Swimsuit

2024-06-19T07:40:00.001-05:00

On a sandbar in The Bahamas

While attending an HOA Board meeting the other day, a friendly neighbor greeted me with, "We finally see each other in clothes." I responded with a smile, "Shhh. . . don't tell." The exchange was humorous and telling about when we see each other which is at the pool. And, it got me thinking about relationships from and formed at pools, lakes, beaches; any location while wearing a swimsuit.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Wave Pool

I have lived a significant part of my life in a swimsuit. Lake Wapello visits as a young child, YWCA and YMCA swim lessons, summers hanging out at the municipal swimming pool, high school Shark Club (synchronized swimming), college pool and lake days, and summer camp counselor supervisor assigned to the pool. My first apartment had a community pool and when I moved from there, I spent summer days at the local pool. Our son grew up going to pools, beaches, and waterparks both locally and as a traveler. When the pandemic hit, an inflatable pool in the backyard was my go-to and now we have a beautiful community pool that is "ours" and often, mine, as the only visitor. And, ocean beaches a short drive away.

Tubing the Martha Brae River in Jamaica

I was told once that I look confident in a bathing suit. Agree. I have a relationship with myself that allows me to be confident in a swimsuit. I have witnessed others sit on the sidelines viewing the watery fun from a distance for varying reasons: fear of water, uncomfortable in a swimsuit, etc. And while I have been many shapes and sizes over the last half-century and more, there has not been hesitation to put on a swimsuit and enjoy. I want others to feel the same!

AquaDuck, Disney Fantasy

It has been fun to meet other residents in our community pool. We obviously have something in common--the enjoyment of our pool--and upon conversation, we typically find more in common. With a single layer of clothing, typically no make-up, little or no jewelry, and usually a head covering, it is difficult to put on airs or be less than authentic when meeting new people at the pool. It's hard to be fake in a swimsuit. . . and easy to get to know the real person.

A lazy river at a Disney waterpark

Williams Family: We Love Where We Live

2024-05-11T07:11:00.003-05:00

Do most people choose where they live? Do most people love where they live? Our answer is "Yes!" to both!

We purchased our ground floor 3-bedroom/2-bath 1,442 square feet condo in August 2021 as an investment property, knowing that we would eventually want to live here full time. The condo was inhabited by tenants in the midst of a year-long lease. With the purchase came a relationship with a management company, which was peace of mind since we lived quite a distance away and had no experience with rental units, leases, etc. Our decisions were based on need/wants in the future and location. We chose were we wanted to live!

And, we love where we live, not just for the location and amenities, but for the people.

In the last week, we have played dominoes with a group of friends and traveled to the beach with a friend. Yesterday, we were on our way to the car and I forgot my phone. The husband returned to retrieve the phone and found me hugging with a neighbor in the street. Jodi, an active grandmother from Michigan and retired physical therapist caught up on her way to walk the lake. Our conversation ended with an embrace.

At the pool yesterday, great conversations and connections with friends and neighbors. Fran came to the pool to get a break from packing for her upcoming Alaskan cruise. Linda, who likes to the pool to be a bit warmer, got in the pool for the first time of the season and had been painting furniture and redecorating her lanai. She was off to EPCOT for dinner. Joanne did her walking/breaststroke laps without a smear in her lipstick. Jack came to the pool as I was drying off and asked if I was there by myself and I told him Todd had left a few minutes ago. Jack shared his productive day and I cheered his ending the week with triumph. Dave and Mary Ann enjoyed the pool and were off to Disney Springs to take in music or a movie.

Last night, the husband returned from a late night walk with Sadie and said, "I love where we live." I asked him what made him say that. His reply was about feeling safe. Our community does have 24 hour on-site security, but is not "gated" per say. There are 5 entrances/exits into the community and one is controlled with a gate that requires a car sticker/sensor. This is more about controlling through traffic. Security responds to any concerns and monitors parking, clubhouse, pool, etc. They notice unusual happenings and know many residents and families by name. Vice Versa is true, too! Vivian, who was on duty yesterday, was looking forward to bowling after her shift.

Lakeside at Lakes of Windermere

Our community is occupied by 60% owners of units and 40% tenants. Some owners live in Lakeside full time and some have other homes--in Norway, Houston, Indiana, New York, Chicago, St. Louis to name a few. All tenants have to apply and be approved by the HOA Board with leases renewed and reviewed annually. If a tenant has violations for noise, parking, disturbances, etc., the HOA Board will not renew the lease and the owner will have to find new tenants.

It has been 13 months since we moved and we love where we live!

Williams Family: Retirement Job #4

2024-05-02T06:23:00.000-05:00

Since this post is about retirement job #4 it may seem like I can't keep a job! But after serving students, staff, and families for 33 years, I think my employment record still holds true. And, retirement is a great time to discover other gifts, passions, pleasures, and interests.

An interest of mine for years has been travel. I can vaguely recall my first airplane trip as a youngster of 4 with my Uncle John to New Jersey to visit cousins. It involved a helicopter ride, too, if memory serves. Throughout the years, there were car trips with family within a 5-6 hour radius to see the sights and spend 1 or more nights in a hotel. There were two longer road trips to Pennsylvania and Florida, including a visit to the Magic Kingdom and Daytona Beach in the mid 1970's. By the time I graduated high school I had flown to Colorado with other students for a leadership conference in Estes Park and Florida, again, with a friend. I had also spent multiple years as a Student Council travel planner.

As a young educator, I traveled by plane to conferences in New Orleans, which included a plantation tour, swamp tour, and trolley ride during free time, and Phoenix, where an evening dining experience on Camel Back Mountain provided an incredible sunset view. I'll note that I had more professional opportunities for travel as a teacher in Ankeny, Iowa, than I ever did as a Principal.

Cancun was a Winter Break destination with a friend my first year as a Principal. It was my first taste of an all-inclusive resort.

Life trajectory fast forwarded with the meeting and marriage of my husband and the arrival of our son in short succession. For our honeymoon, we traveled by train to Chicago and stayed at the Palmer House enjoying Italian, Greek, and Russian food along with theater productions. And, our son had his first airplane trip when he was three weeks old! He has been traveling ever since.

Decades later, we now have over 25 trips to Walt Disney World under our belts, long week-ends to Minneapolis, Kansas City, Omaha, an all-inclusive stay in Cancun, trips to Houston and Galveston, Universal Studios vacations, Disneyland and Legoland in California, an Adventures by Disney Tour to Arizona, Utah, and Colorado, Spring Break stays in Destin along the Emerald Coast, and enough Disney Cruises to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mexican Riviera as a family to earn us Platinum Castaway Club status. The husband and I have sailed from Vancouver to Honolulu to Sydney, Australia, with stops in between. And, our son has been fortunate enough to visit the East Coast including Washington D.C. and traveled throughout Wyoming, Montana, and the Dakotas. We have experienced more travel than some and less travel than others, although there does seem to be a theme.

Which brings me to retirement job #4: Travel Advisor for Memories & Moments Travel and licensed seller of travel in the state of Florida for travel worldwide. Memories & Moments Travel is a company based in Northeast Ohio with a great reputation and long-time operation. I was fortunate enough to meet the second person hired for the company during a Disney Cruise and was introduced to the owner, who after two virtual meetings, offered me a position with the company.

What about the world of sales? That's in my background, too: sporting goods, women's clothing, even furniture. I did a stint at This End Up Furniture in the Lansing Mall one summer and was proficient enough the company sent me to management training in Ann Arbor. And, there is an element of "sales" in education for students to buy in to what they are learning and coming to school, as well as staff, family, and community buy in.

Training for this new role over the last two months has been a combination of weekly sessions with Laura, the owner of Memories & Moments Travel, along with content modules, quizzes, and final exams from various travel providers. Memories and Moments Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Here are more companies we work with: Univeral, Royal Caribbean, Sandals, Beaches, Globus, Avalon, Cosmos, Funjet, Apple Vacations, and more! I can find you parking at a port, a stroller or scooter for theme parks, transfers from an airport, rental car, admission tickets to theme parks and beyond, tours ranging from group to private, excursions, all-inclusive vacations packages, and vacation rentals in private homes, villas, and novelty stays worldwide. We are a Full Service-No Fee Agency.

The cost of a seller of travel license that must be renewed annually is more expensive than a multi-year teaching/administrator license.

Love of the world, curiosity, and service are behind this new endeavor. Before technology was portable, an Atlas was on my bedside table providing end of day soothing. As a back-seat rider, I was often given the map to get us to our destination. Geography was an elective for my AA degree and I enrolled in the evening class for more competition from non-traditional students and better discussion, only to be dismissed after the first class and instructed to return for the final exam and assigned the final project. Yes, I do know what two rivers join to form the Ohio River and the location of where they join. Great sports team come from that location and play along the shores!

I have clients; it was too hard to keep this a secret. I hope you become a client, too! You can find me on social media and listed as a travel advisor on the Memories & Moments Travel website.

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.”
― Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky

Williams Family: A Ride On The Sugar Express

2024-04-29T08:23:00.000-05:00

We had tickets to ride The Sugar Express, a 2+ hour round-trip train ride on the grounds of U.S. Sugar in Clewiston, Florida.

The train was pulled by a 1920 steam locomotive that is now fueled by vegetable oil, or diesel fuel if needed. It is one of three steam engines in the United States certified to run at 40 mph, which it did! Stepping on board is like stepping back in time. I kept imagining the train scenes from the movie White Christmas. Even the lavatory on the train was a throwback.

In addition to the train ride, sweet treats are served including ice cream sandwiches, drumsticks, and bars followed by cookies. The ride is also known as the Ice Cream Train.

As we were driving south on highway 27, I noticed the change from frequent populated areas dotted around lakes to more expansive land spaces featuring orange groves and cattle ranches. We were sharing the road with a truck and trailer hauling a lovely young bull who was checking out the view from all angles and eventually laid down. And, given the number of financial intuitions we passed on the drive, I said to the husband, "there's agriculture money here."

U.S. Sugar Plant in the distance

U.S. Sugar, a privately owned agricultural company in Clewiston, employs 2,500-3,000 people at the plant and farms over 230,000 acres across several counties. The plant sits on 270 miles of land west of Lake Okeechobee and has created its own wireless network that spans those 270 miles and features driverless tractors that utilize precise GPS Navigation.

The miles and miles of crops are irrigated with runoff from Lake Okeechobee through canals crisscrossing the fields.

U.S. Sugar produces sugar, molasses, and many other crops. The conductor told us that U.S. Sugar produces enough food to feed 165 million families each year.

This was not our first train adventure or even our first steam locomotive train adventure, but it was our first with John and Diane Williams, who drove from Lakeland and met us at the train. John and Diane enjoy searching for adventures, especially ones involving ice cream as John is a decedent, as is Todd, of the Williams Dairy family.

We ended our afternoon with a lakeside meal in Sebring at Sunset Bar & Grill.

Click below for more Williams Family train adventures!

Riding the Rails. . . Moravia to Albia and Back

Tickets to Ride. . . To The North Pole! Another steam locomotive trip!

Williams Family: Disney Retirement Job Update--It's Been Three Weeks

2023-12-04T06:30:00.000-06:00

It has been three weeks since I began employment with the Disney Company. I have experienced two days of training at Disney University, one day of training at the Magic Kingdom that required business casual dress and comfortable shoes for our four-hour tour. And, have completed four days of training in costume (uniform) at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I have two more to go including an assessment day.

Most of the training days have been early or opening shifts beginning at 5:30, 5:45, or 6:30. I have a closing shift coming up.

The husband has been dropping me off at the Magic Kingdom Cast Member parking lot bus stop as I take the internal shuttle to the utilidors, then walk to the Frontierland door to get upstairs and "on stage", then walk to the breakroom to store bag, lunch, use the restroom, clock in for my shift, etc. We leave the house 45 minutes before I am expected to clock in at my station.

The learning curve has been steep. Many new words, phrases, and procedures to demonstrate in action and/or on an assessment. The physical part has been challenging, too. As a morning track walker, it required climbing to the top of the second highest mountain in Florida. I will say as a guest there would be more walking and standing than I am experiencing as a Cast Member due to the rotations through positions, about 45 minutes in each, and the breaks (two paid 15 minute breaks and a 45 minute unpaid lunch).

Speaking of pay, hourly Cast Members experienced a raise as of December 3. Either $1.00 more per hour, bringing the hourly rate to $18, or a raise of 4%, whichever was higher. Automatic deposit of weekly paychecks (EPCOT--Every Paycheck Comes On Thursdays) can be directed to up to four accounts and I am using our account here in Florida as well as a new account at Partners, a credit union for Disney employees, which offered specials for new enrollees.

Fellow Cast Members have been friendly, welcoming, and helpful. It is definitely a team endeavor to operate Big Thunder safely and efficiently and offer great service to guests. The question I get most often is, "Are you new to the company?" I'm sure my age has something to do with it as I am on the older end of the scale for the group. When I respond with yes, some are curious about what I did before and I say I worked in education. One of the trainers told me that he could see that as I had a nurturing vibe.

Serving guests is the best part, for me. I enjoy interacting with guests and am still amazed when they call me by name as I forget I'm wearing a nametag. Had a guest from Omaha try to figure out where I was from and Highway 34 sealed the deal.

There are many positions to rotate through on the mountain and I have done all of them except the specific closing roles. There are some that are easier and more enjoyable for me and interestingly, the opinions vary among the Cast Members as to which positions they prefer.

As I was riding to work at 5:00 am in the dark, I was thinking that there are guests waking up right now and getting ready to come to the Magic Kingdom. Some, possibly for the first and/or only time. And, it is up to me to make sure their visit is magical!

P.S. No pictures as phones aren't allowed.

Williams Family: Retirement Job #3 Disney!!

2023-11-16T06:17:00.003-06:00

It all started with a Mouse; and visits to the House of Mouse as a child, as a teen, and many, many times as an adult with our family. Walt Disney World was (and still is) a refuge, a playground, a feast for the senses, an escape, a bubble protected from the real world. Somewhere along the way a dream was hatched about working at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Yesterday, that dream came true as I experienced my first day as a Walt Disney World Cast Member attending Traditions, a training for new Cast Members, at Disney University!

After moving to the Orlando area in April and getting settled, I browsed the Disney Jobs/Careers website and applied for a couple of roles in June and July with polite decline messages in return. In August, I applied for a role on the Monorail. Shortly after submitting my application, I was invited to take a web based virtual interview, which was answering a series of questions in a short period of time. A few days later, I received an email informing me to stay tuned as I would be scheduled for an interview with a recruiter via Zoom.

The Zoom interview happened in early September. I was asked "Why the Monorail?" My response was that it is iconic! I learned that training includes platform and pilot. I was thinking that I had learned how to drive/ride different mowers and vehicles at the golf course, I could learn to drive a monorail. Then, I learned about the safety assessments that included being on top of the train when it was 80 feet in the air. When asked if I was comfortable doing that, I replied, "No." I now have greater respect for the Monorail operators and platform attendants!

My "No" did not end the interview and the recruiter and I talked about other possibilities. When was I available to begin? Immediately. BUT I was going to be gone for the month of October, traveling with Disney.

Unable to guarantee the needed time off, my name was added to a "wait list" with a potential Nov. 6 start date. I would receive an email with an offer and have 48 hours to respond. Please, please, please have that email arrive before we set sail!!! No such luck.

While we were on board the Disney Wonder, I played time travel tricks. If I purchase a 24 hour data package at 10:00 am on a Tuesday in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and we turn the clock back an hour tonight, it will be 5:00 pm in Orlando and I can check for an email sent on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. I can do that twice and then we'll be on land and I can check email. . . This plan worked and the email came! An offer for Part Time Attractions. No indication of which park, which attraction(s). I'll take it! More emails arrived to give permission for background check and drug testing.

We were on the second leg of our cruise, neigh on to Sydney, when the email arrived and I bit the bullet for a data package to cover the remaining portion of the sailing. Good thing, too, as there were multiple email exchanges to arrange a phone call. I did need that to be once we returned to the state. The AI scheduler could tell the location of my phone and was offering up AEST times--Eastern Australia Times!! I was now googling "If it is 4:00 am AEST on Nov. 1, what time is it in Orlando?" Answer: 1:00 pm on Oct. 31. I'll take it!

During the call I was given more directions. Drug test within 48 hours, appointment at Casting near Disney Springs on Friday, and Traditions on November 15. More information and tasks would come via email. And, they did--multiple emails to fill out pre-employment paperwork, scan documents, indicate knowledge of policy and procedure manuals, etc.

The drug testing was a hoot! This was the second time for me as it was required when I was hired at the hospital. Everyone was so nice and as a prospective Disney employee, there is a special back door. My first attempt was not as productive as needed. I was escorted to a special area to wait--I could wait only 2 hours--and was given 2 bottles of water, but could only have 2. Also, the clock was ticking on the 48 hour timeline. I drank the 2 bottles and walked laps in the waiting area. Then I pulled up YouTube videos of streams, waterfalls, rain. I did discover a white noise machine on a table that produced similar sounds. The waiting area was near the special back door and a clinic employee asked if I was going to get the door when the doorbell rang since I was nearby. Happy to, if you would like. After 40 minutes, I was ready to try again. Facing performance anxiety, production anxiety, and time constraint anxiety, I was ready. I told the nurse that I had been listening to water (you can't have the sink on in the bathroom) and asked if she could play that outside the door. She did!!! And, it worked!

The appointment at Casting was for fingerprinting, which I have never had done before. Taking an ID photo was also a part of the appointment and ensuring that all required paperwork was completed. While I had already scanned my ID, Social Security Card, and Passport, I brought all of those with to the appointment, which was a good thing as both my ID and Passport were scanned again. I was told that I would receive my employee ID, name badge, assignment and training schedule at Traditions.

The Friday before the Wednesday Traditions, the email came with my assignment, costume requirements, and schedule for November. Magic Kingdom!! Frontierland!! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!!

When the boy was little, he would have some hesitation to ride Big Thunder and we would tell him that we picked the "slow side" when walking down the incline and the queue divides in two to get to the trains. He eventually figured it out and it has been a Williams Family inside joke since. Fitting that this attraction would be the beginning of my journey with the Company.

There may have been some tearful moments at Traditions yesterday. Isn't storytelling supposed to be emotionally compelling?

I also learned that my blue employee ID would allow me to enter any of the 6 Disney Parks World-wide! I'm sure there are more perks that I will learn about. In the meantime, a dream has come true! I am a Walt Disney World Cast Member!