Everything is packed in the car

No leg room

No personal space

This is my life

For the next 17 hours

“It’s not that bad”, they said,

“It’ll be fun”, they said.

They were half wrong,

But half right.

Every pit stop is a coordinated mission

Moving as fast as we can

We are a unit

The four of us working alone,

But together

One pumps the gas,

One buys snacks and drinks,

Two run to the restroom,

Then we all switch…

...until the next mission.

Back on the road

Seven minutes flat

We beat our old record

But who’s counting

Now I start to relaxing,

Kick my sandals on the floorboard,

Pull on thick, fuzzy socks

The cool vents on my face,

I drift off....

It’s the middle of the night

Pitch black

No sound

But still shines the big sign

The iconic ears tell us we’ve arrived

Mom’s face says it all

She looks like she’s five

I’m not the only one seeing this

For the first time

Mom parks the car

My pretzeled legs are free

Hotel key in hand,

I’m so excited

Pillows, blankets, in tow

Two trips to the car

Finally finished

I collapse on my bed

And wonder why I’m exhausted

It’s six am… in no time!

Time to get up

I haven’t been up this early

All summer... or, really, ever

But we’re all ready quickly

Now in the huge dining area

So many lines to choose from

The chefs listen to my every whim

Since I have allergies,

They prepare whatever I need

I’m stuffed

Fluffy eggs and chocolate milk,

Fruit and bacon, and toast

All gluten-free

Just for me

I feel so pampered

I am a star

I wish this was how

My life could always be

Now in line for the bus,

Anticipation building as we wait

It’s here

We board

When we walk into the park

I see a whole-nother-world

I feel magic and love

I taste sweet candy

Themed pastries
Everything down to the

tiniest details

Have 3 little circles

In that iconic mouse pattern

The exhilarating rides,

I’ve spent years just seeing

Since I was a little girl

Commercials, and stories

Pictures of family and friends

Now I can take my own

Can make my own memories

Because I’m finally

Finally

Here

No cost is too high

Mom and Dad go all out

The parades, the magic

The costumes, the characters

My family having fun

Happy and together

Like it hasn’t been

For too long

But now

Anger free, finally

Finally