Golf at Disney

Whenever I play golf, there is always a strong chance I will hurt myself and others. In fact, it's been a long, long time since I've played. But I'm always looking for an excuse to get into it again.

I was harassing a friend the other day with the idea that if certain possibilities came to fruition we should reward ourselves with a guy's golf trip. Naturally, my warped brain went to WDW. There are some great courses on the Disney property. In fact, Disney hosts a PGA tour event every year. And the idea of shooting 18 and then grabbing some Epcot beers is really appealing to me. There's a pretty good chance such a golf outing with my buddy will never transpire. A lot of things would have to fall into place.

But it got me thinking about the Disney golf courses again. In my numerous trips the last few years, I've never played golf. I've always been with my wife and young son, and they were far more interested in Test Track than in golf. I used to live in Orlando many years ago and had a chance to play a few times, but it's been so long, the memories are fuzzy. Was the course difficult? What did I shoot? How many balls did I lose? I'd like to get back into golf, and, eventually, I'd like to work a roudn into one of my Disney trips.

Some day ...

What's your advice for the Disney bound?

See that angry face Donald Duck is making? That's the face of many dads after a day of long lines and screaming kids and expensive Disney food. I think I've made it pretty clear I'm a Disney fan. Frankly, I wish I had a Disney trip coming up. I could use it. (But I digress.) Disney is one of my fave places, but I'd be the first to tell you there will be rough spots.

I think a lot of first time Disney Dads could use any and all advice to keep from making that angry Donald Duck face. So let's help.

Whether you've been to Disney World (or Disneyland) once or one hundred times, you probably thought at some point, "Gee, I wish I'd known XXX because then I would have XXX differently." No matter how many guide books you might read, no matter how well you think you're prepared, there's nothing like first hand experience.

So lets hear it, Disney veterans. If you were giving advice to a Mom and Dad about to make their first ever trip to Disney, what would it be?

When's your next Disney trip?

As often happens, Funny Book writing deadlines have kept me away from the Disney blog. I'm back on X-Men after Yost's great run, so run to your local comics shop next week and pick up X-Men 15.1 if ya know what's good for ya!

But I digress.

While I do love to spout my opinions here (I have many, and they are all genius) what I really like is to hear from you. Anyone out there have a Disney trip planned? When? Where are you staying? What are you most looking forward to? What worries you the most? (Long lines? Bad weather?)

Spill, people.

Any Questions?

Sort of quiet around the old Disney for Dad Blog as I bust some ass writing X-MEN scripts. Got to keep pace with those monthly deadlines.

Anyway, I ask you guys questions all the time. You have any questions for me? Any questions you'd like me to post to our blog readers?

Don't be shy.

STUFF!

Because Disney is not expensive enough, you'll want to drop a load of cash on souvenirs, right?

RIGHT?

I don't know what it is about Disney, but I always come away with T-Shirts, hats, etc. See those orange Crocs pictured to the left? I actually HAVE a pair of those. Perfect poolside footwear at the Polynesian. Right now half of you are green with envy and the other half of you are removing me from your Christmas card lists.

I've been to Italy three times in the last few years to promote translations of my novels, and I can't recall buying a single souvenir for myself. Great trips, but no shopping. And yet I cannot remember ever going to Disney and NOT getting myself at least one T-shirt. Oh, and if you spend enough money in one of the shops, the usually have something like a discounted beach towel you can buy.

Guess how many beach towels I have. Never mind.

So what about you guys? Are you shoppers? Do you have a secret stash of mouse ears at home? Or do you prefer to save your money for beer?

Happy 4th

Happy Fourth of July, everyone.

Rides vs. Shows

When I was a kid, I disliked the idea of a show at Disney. Why the hell would I want to go see the boring Tiki Birds or the Hall of Dumb Presidents when there were rides to ride. The thrill of Space Mountain seemed to have everything The Carousel of Progress didn't. In other words: fun.

Now, as an adult, I feel a bit differently. Not only is Micky's Philharmagic and Muppets in 3D good, solid fun, it's also an opportunity to STOP for a few minutes and sit in the air conditioning. Like a break and a show combined.

And yet ... I STILL find it hard to make myself go to the Carousel of Progress.

What do you think? Shows or rides?