We did not use seatbelts. I was one of four teens stuffed in the back of a Ford Crown Victoria. The road trip was the longest we had ever taken – and yet, we survived. The destination – Disney World, 1975.
Over the next several posts (or so) I will share ten childhood memories
and lessons I glean for today. (And this is the tenth!)
We did not use seatbelts. I was one of four teens stuffed in the back of a Ford Crown Victoria. The road trip was the longest we had ever taken – and yet, we survived. The destination – Disney World, 1975.
The park had only been open four years. Yet their reputation as the world’s largest and greatest theme parks had already spread far and wide.
Now, our family rarely took family vacays. Oh, we went to the grandparents both lived in Mt. Airy (Mayberry RFD) so that was kind of a norm. We often went to Pilot Mountain or Buckroe Beach. I even remember Williamsburg and Washington DC – but those were all day trips. This was a biggie for us. Plans were made. Schools were contacted. Schedules were rearranged. Magic Kingdom here we come.
I really don’t remember much – the trip down was crowded as all four teens sprawled out with legs criss-crossing and personal space non-existent. I even recall sleeping in the rear window back panel (or whatever you call it) for I was the smallest and could crawl up there.
I still remember some of the experience there … The haunted mansion, 20,000 leagues submarine ride, and the teacups. I still have “It’s a Small World” playing in my head. I still have a pencil drawing of me. My parents had all four kids done. I brought a pair of ears home – the classic souvenir.
I am sure we heard my dad telling us to stay together, don’t run off, or calm down repeatedly. We were four preacher kids after all.
Now my memory gets foggy – I was still young. But if I recall right, on the way home, two big events – My dad got sick (too much fun if I recall – probably the stress form being with us four) and the car’s engine caught on fire and put out by my father throwing dirt on the engine. That did happen but it may be another trip.
Points to Ponder …
- Memories may fail, but they are still worth the effort to make
- Families may fight, but they are still worth working on
- Fantasies and fantastic places may be wonderful, but you eventually have to come back to reality
- In the end – when all is said and done – I would love to do it again
- I wish I would’ve taken my family to Disney World
- Even if you are in the greatest place on Earth, it is nothing like the greatest place over all – Heaven
Muddy Shoes by Todd 
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