Soakin' Wet in the Magic Kingdom -- May 14

I awoke this morning, like any other, except knowing that by the time I went to bed, I would be sleeping in the Happiest Place on Earth.

Yes, I was heading to Disney World with Colin -- our first vacation together since 2007 in NYC (Fleet Week and Coney Island).

The drive to Dulles was uneventful -- a pleasant feeling going against the 6:00 AM onslaught towards the Capital core. As I cruised along the GW Parkway, with the Memorials on my right flank, I could see the morning joggers pushing, pumping, panting -- a part of me wanted to be with them -- but wait a minute, I was heading to a place a lot more peaceful, a lot more quieter, a lot more happier. I would have to postpone running, for the next 72 hours at least.

The Jet Blue flight was smooth and we were able to check in to the hotel early, grab a bite to eat, then head straight to the Magic Kingdom. We were so excited, we could barely chew our food.

(Tip One: If you're going to the Magic Kingdom by cab, get off any Epcot and catch the monorail there -- it's closer and a more enjoyable ride)

Florida in mid-May -- I was expecting hot, humid and sticky in the low 90's -- when we set down, I was plesantly surprised at how unseasonably cool and dry the weather was. And by the time, we got to Disneyworld, there was a large and luminous cloud cover -- the sky darkening, like the late Afternoon skies typical of Florida.

We started at Tomorrow Land getting a snap preview of the future and space on Bumper cars and Buzz Lightyear.

Then to Frontierland with Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain. "How do you Do?" said Br'er Rabbit to Br'er Fox.

Of course, the final drop -- reaching the fastest speed of any ride in the park results in a major splashdown.

But by the time we got to Adventureland, the heavens had opened and it started downpouring. What did it matter any way, we were already soaked.

We seeked shelted at Pirates of the Caribbean and enjoyed the exotic adventures from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the South Pacific.

And finally Fantasyland admiring the Bavarian achitecture and enjoying the quintesential ride: "It's a Small World."

I love the wonderful theme of global peace and the cute, little characters from all over the world in their native gown, speaking in their native tongues.

The neat thing was that I was able to capture the majority of these rides on video including the infamous drop on Splash Mountain (twice), although my camera got completely drenched in doing so. (Can't wait till we get home and I upload the videos on You Tube).

By the time, we got to our hotel, it was nearly 11:00 PM and we were both wet, exhausted and hungry.

Well it is now past midnight, Colin is sound asleep and I should be there with him.  Within a few hours, we will be rising to greet Mickey, Minnie and Goofy again.  But I'm with you writing this tale because I feel that there are some folks at home (stress the word "few") who care about what we did and saw today -- Yes, touring and enjoying the Happiest Place on Earth.

Tomorrow onto Epcot. Yes the fun and adventure continues.  I checked my running shoes -- yes they will dry out tonight.  And tomorrow we will run Disney or bust...