Thoughts on Disney

I just came back from Disneyworld in Florida -- they really do an excellent job for small kids. My daughter was over the moon with excitement and pleasure at seeing all her princesses, etc. They are also very careful for people with food allergies -- but that is about it.

Because: there are more grossly obese people waddling around that place than any other spot I have been on the face of the globe ... and I have been around a bit. Huge portions. Huge bellies. Lots of people on "mobility scooters" -- why so many? Easy. They are too fat to make it around the limited confines of the park. They are too fat and obviously do not exercise at all -- else why would they be that fat? Fat, fat, fat. And high fructose corn syrup. Everywhere.

Now, if you try to expand your horizons a bit, you can find pretty decent food in Epcot, and some of the less frequented hotels have excellent food (Shula's steakhouse, Todd English's bluezoo, Citricos and others). But if you are in the magic kingdom, prepare yourself for calories and fat.

Ever notice how fat people (at least at this sort of park) tend to wander aimlessly? Stop right in the center of a thoroughfare for a gulp of Coke? Doesn't anyone remember how to walk? The frustration factor in getting from ride to ride is incredible.

Phew. Finished with that (or was that fat?).

Disney as a vacation experience could be an excellent place for large families with deeper pocket books -- reserve in advance and good food is yours. Reserve tee-times and some excellent golf courses are available. There are two major water parks for fun in the heat and enough variety in terms of shows and activities to keep even a picky family occupied for a week. The get the hell out of Dodge.