justbenme: Florida Chapter two

For some years, we have made a trip to Orlando, but this is the first time we have spent three days ahead of time, and adjusted to the three hour time difference. Maybe that is why I feel like this might be the best time ever.

( of course trips with family are at the top of the list )

And this year, I did not take as many photos
(phone charger did not work, but that is another story )

There are always pictures to view from previous visits ( just scroll to March 2022 for starters)

The highlights take a different turn so to speak, because even though there are always changes ( a new ride, a new "program" another way to spend money ) Walt Disney World is a very happy place for us.

This year was crowded, very crowded, and cold, pretty cold. But we have learned the ropes of getting to our favorite rides before the lines get too long

enough..

Special memory # 1

Since our first family visit about 30 years ago, we have dined at "Prime Time Cafe" We try to get a photo wearing our matching shirts, well they almost match.
The turquoise chaise lounges are gone, but that is another story.

Special Memory # 2

Both of us were impressed by the hall of history that shares how Mr. Disney had many failures and disappointments, but he just kept going. There is more to WDW than rides.

Proverbs 24:16 The righteous man falls 7 times and rises up again
( and again )

Special memory #3

Three years ago, we ordered this pretty amazing dessert that was described "serves two". Well, it served both of us, and the family sitting next to us accepted the remainder and just happened to be at our resort the next morning and said " thanks, we ate every bite"
This year, a large family was sitting next to us. When our dessert arrived and we offered some to them, they very politely said they had also ordered one. They had no idea how large it was. Rebecca was sitting by me and said they were celebrating their dad's 50th birthday. We chatted and she was so polite, I commented about it and she said, her parents had trained her well. Then she added a reference to God (I don't remember exactly ) and I said, you must love Jesus. She said yes I do. Funny, I was not surprised, but very touched by the reality I could observe in that little space of time. The love of the Lord does that.

Special Memory # 4

While Darrell went back for seconds, Piglet came for a little chat. When he left, a lady came over and said " you looked so cute sitting there with Piglet, I took your picture. Can I send it to you?"
Of course. Then Darrell (being the more friendly of two of us ) asked where she was from. Memphis. Oh, our son lived there for a couple years, his client was FedEx. Oh, she said, I worked there for 20 years, BDA was one of our biggest accounts.
She did not recognize Damon's name, but after she sent me the photo and her name, I asked my three kids that worked at BDA if they remembered her.
I texted her back to explain the names of the other kids and ...Oh, she knew Tiffany.
And then heard back from Tiffany, she had just been thinking about her and how much she loved Mt.Rainier.
I call this a divine encounter

And here comes Tigger and we are wearing out new matching long sleeved shirts !

Another highlight...
Waiting for our table at the Grand Floridian Café, the table nearby was the vacation club ladies. They also had a pin display for trading. A few guests came up to trade and the lady standing next to it was smiling each time and seemed like she enjoyed her job.
I couldn't help commenting to her ( folks do like a compliment ) She said this was a dream comes true. She had come from a European country ( can't remember which one) She also made it evident that she had some inner joy. So, I asked her "Do you love Jesus?" and she said "Yes" We hugged.
Sweet how you can often tell "Who" someone belongs to.

I did have a theme as I went along because now I am in the know... there is a backpack that is the new trend...

Loungefly...

take a look