26 years ago, the 17 year old me was apparently really not that much different that the current version.  Yes I’m married with kids, a house, a career, all those things, but at my core, I’m very much the same me as I’ve always been.  I know this for many reasons: my affinity for jokes and not taking everything too seriously, my hobbies and passions are generally the same, and while my perspectives, knowledge, thoughts and opinions have grown, evolved and matured, there is one thing for sure that remains the same…I’m not very good at rollercoasters.

Last summer during our trip to Disney and Orlando studios we learned that Nora is a thrill-seeking individual – no ride was too fast, too high, too spinny, or too extreme for her to shy away from.  The taller, faster, steeper and windier it could go, the greater the appeal it had for her.  Now, I look at these things and immediately feel queasy and start looking for the closet garbage can in case I lose my stomach.  The thought of being on such a ride doesn’t so much scare me as it just makes me feel dizzy and out of sorts with my body.  Nevertheless, she loved every moment of that experience theme park experience, and so when we received Canada’s Wonderland season’s passes for Christmas, there was no doubt that this summer was going to be one filled with thrill-seeking adventures.

At this point I shouldn’t ignore or downplay the excitement and anticipation from anyone else in the family, as each of us is eager and excited in our own way to hit the park this summer; I simply call out Nora to highlight the contrast to my own lack of ability to ride the highest rails.  Her mom, on the other hand, is a trooper and half – braving whatever challenge our daughter can throw at her.  This was true at Disney, as it has proven true in only first visit to Wonderland.  Thank you, Alison, on behalf of my stomach and all those patrons who would have been behind me on the ride…thank you.

All that said, it’s not as though I don’t go on any rides while we’re there; I actually do enjoy up to a certain level of adrenaline, and that’s where I seem to pair and partner well with Audrey.  We both enjoyed the Wilde Beast, the Dragon Fyre, The Fly, to name a few, but we are also quite happy to spend a couple of hours in Snoopy Land, where things are a little closer to the ground and not so fast.  It works out rather well, actually, as we can pair off, parent to child, and take some time to do the things we like separately.  It means there’s no resentment for wanting to do specific things that the others may not, and that everyone gets to discover and endure the things they really want throughout the day.  Of course, we’ve only been the one time so far, so who knows how long that might last, but nevertheless, our day was a resounding success in my opinion.

Of course, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows – in fact it was pretty over cast, windy, cold and started to snow at one point – but knowing that this was going to likely be the ‘least busy’ day it would ever be, we braved on through all measures of weather in order to take advantage; there were even a few snowflakes falling at one point!  And, just as the weather can turn grumpy, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t find something to complain about when it comes to the food and the prices that go alongside.  Now I know full-well and can even somewhat appreciate that the cost of a meal in a place like Wonderland is going to be higher than if I ventured outside the gates and went to the exact same fast food chain to purchase the same exact item.  However, I cannot forgive the prices, nor quality that we experienced in buying a slice of Pizza Pizza at the park.  One small slice of pepperoni pizza, which comes with two little bread sticks and no drink, cost me $17.50.  It was quite literally burnt and inedible, to boot!  I politely voiced my displeasure to someone who I know had no capacity to do anything, and so I wasn’t going to take it any further than that, but I can only hope that someone in charge over there is reading my words today and taking them to heart:

After the cost of parking and admission for a family of 4, your guests are already a couple of hundred dollars into a day out.  I know that it’s ultimately my decision to purchase food or novelties beyond that, but you have also barred me from bringing anything of my own to supplement the day.  No snacks, no little nibbles, nothing but an empty water bottle can accompany me inside, and while I could trek back to my car for food at a mid-point during the day, that likely means losing out on multiple rides – the primary thing we’re there for.  Life is already more than many can afford, so why not offer some relief to those who want an experience with their friends or family, and permit some snacks within your park? Be the change.

Old man complaints aside, the day was a blast and I am super-pumped for a summer full of fun at the park.  Though I may not be able to stomach the massive coasters in the same way that Nora can, or endure the spinning, swirling teacups in the way that Audrey is able,  I am absolutely addicted to the joy that those experiences bring them, and I will take my gravol, or my tums, or whatever else it is I need to do in order to be a part of it.*.  Thank you, mom and dad, for the wonderful Christmas gift that has already provided adventures, memories and experiences that will not be soon forgotten.

*Let’s be honest – Alison is the real trooper here.  I’ll watch the bags while she’s being the hero.

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