So after partaking in Beverly, which I still maintain my stance on, we headed over to Innoventions West with the goal of passing naptime in a blessedly air conditioned environment. And suddenly, it hit me. Like divine inspiration.
A touch of destiny, if you will.
Just because the boy didn't like characters, didn't mean we couldn't enjoy them while he was asleep! Oh yes, my friends. So I got in line with DS sleeping in his stroller, and proceeded to wait patiently for the Disney Visa Meet N Greet. As per usual, I made friends with couple behind me in line. I've read this on so many trip reports, and it's true. Something about Disney just brings out the ability to talk to complete strangers. Because let's face it, folks. We're all there for essentially the same reasons. Spending time with friends and family in one of the most desirable locations I can think of.
They were very nice, and I don't remember their names, but they were from Atlanta. They were the second couple that we met with a three year old boy. He was awake, and so darn cute. He had a Pluto plush, and was excited, he had done well with the characters, even though his parents weren't sure what to expect. It was his first trip. That's such a great feeling. The first time you bring your child to Disney. Life really comes full circle.
We had a light discussion about being "those parents." Glad to know I wasn't the only one!
Now at this point, I was really feeling good. I'd had a margarita, I was loving the glorious air conditioning, and I was going to get some great one on one character interaction. I let DH blow off some steam playing video games while we waited, but soon enough, it was our turn! I had to call him on his cell several times before he took me seriously that we were really next.
Boys and their video games, eh?
When he got to the line, everyone teased him about being late, it was a fun crowd. We were allowed in, and what to our wondering eyes did appear?
Mickey and Pluto!!!!
I was excited, folks. I mean, I know I don't share photos of myself completely, but if you could see the look on my face, in my eyes, I was like a kid in a candy store...ahem.
Honestly, half the time around characters, I totally regressed to childhood. My level of excitement couldn't be contained. I was in Disney, it was a Pirate's Life for Three, and life was good.
So we had some hugs, some laughs, some photos, and not just with us. Mickey and Pluto made a big show of tip-toeing over to DS' stroller and did some photos with him as well. In one, Mickey is holding his finger to his lips, as if to say shh, and Pluto is pretending to suck his thumb. Paw. You get the idea. I threw off a comment to DH about those possibly being the ONLY pictures of DS with characters on this trip.
It was our time to leave, and we parted with fond goodbyes. We'd be seeing them again, after all.
Since DS was still sleeping, DH wanted to play some more video games, which was fine by me, because it meant I got to stay in the air conditioning. I took DS with me, grabbed a prime bench in an off to the side spot, and sat to read the Imagineering Guide to the Magic Kingdom. I did get some interesting looks as I was off in my little corner. But there were some other people like me.
People who would sit for a spell and just relax. People who were enjoying their vacation just as much as I was.
Every now and then, I would look up from my book, and soak it all in. Just being there.
It was my happy place again.
Up next - Did I fall asleep on a bench in Epcot?
And thank you for reminding me about the Visa meet and greet. I had forgotten all about it! 
Are the details on the Visa site? I will have to go check it out. And if you have to wait in line -- to do it after a margarita and in air conditioning sounds like the way to go!! 
