Well, I went and I'm back and everyone survived!! The worst part of the entire trip was our last flight home, but that's another thread!!
Daughter, for the most part, did fine, and I, for the most part, did fine as well. One day she forgot her lunch money, but one of her teachers gave her two dollars to buy something. Another day she didn't feel well at school, (I think it was more emotional than physical), and her brother picked her up and gramma took care of her for the rest of the day. She also lost her cellphone while we were gone. She's thinking it may be at the dance studio even though she looked there and couldn't find it. She has dance practice today so she'll search again. We spoke several times every day by phone and I could tell that she was handling things just fine. Her big brother was very good about getting her everywhere she needed to be and he took her out several times for pizza.
I spent one full day at Sea World and thoroughly enjoyed taking my time doing whatever I wanted. I stood for an hour just watching the dolphins! I did find it a little strange at times to be all by myself, especially at lunchtime. I went to a cafeteria style place, got my food and took it outside to a table in the sunshine. I sat all by myself, eating a huge deli sandwich, soaking up the sun, and looking at some beautiful scenery. When I finished my lunch I took a few pictures of some pretty flowers and a waterfall, then an older gentleman approached me and asked if I would like him to take a picture of me with the scenery in the background. I said sure. He probably thought what a poor pitiful soul, all alone with nobody to take her picture!! haha! Seriously, I thought it was very nice of him to do that!
I spent a day at Epcot and a day at Downtown Disney. It was so much fun going in all the shops at DD, (and I'm pretty sure I didn't miss any), and browsing and taking my time without hearing someone telling me they were tired or bored. Same with Epcot. I spent most of my time in the World Showcase and I didn't have to hurry!
Evenings were spent with my husband and another couple. We went to CityWalk and ate at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville one night, and one night we attended a 50's style function at the World Showplace Pavilion at Epcot.
One afternoon I spent at the hotel's pool. We stayed at the Residence Inn by Sea World, and really enjoyed it. The room was large, with a kitchen area. Everything was very clean, and the pool area was gorgeous. I had it all to myself!! I was the only person swimming in the pool that afternoon. The hotel's breakfast buffet was huge and included in the price. it was a place I'd definitely stay at again.
Yes, I did find time to worry how everything back home was going, but not as much as I thought I would. It was a good experience for all of us, and I know my daughter felt good about doing things on her own without mom there. She knew there were other adults nearby who could help her if she needed it, and I'm sure it gave her some confidence knowing she could handle things on her own.
I'm glad I went and I'm extra glad that everything turned out fine!!
