When my boyfriend, Steve, who also loves my niece, heard of my plan, he wanted to be a part of it, so he paid for our airfare down to Florida. I managed to get free Disney tickets and discount hotel rooms by agreeing to sit through a free breakfast and 90-minute time-share presentation at Westgate. (Hey it's better than the grandfather clock I got years ago from the Pocono's!)

Anyway, Athena had no idea where I was taking her. On Christmas besides some small gifts, I gave her a letter that stated we were going on a 4-day magical adventure.

The following morning, Wednesday, December 26th we flew into Orlando. My tri-lingual niece loved the short plane ride. You see the only trips she has ever taken are to Europe (Spain and Italy to be exact) so in her mind when you get on a plane you wind up in a foreign land. So when we landed in Florida she asked, "Frannie how do you say, "Yes" in Florida?"
I smiled, "Athena, you say, yes."
"No... Frannie. What language do they speak here?"
"Athena, we are still in the United States. We speak English."
(Which isn't exactly always true, but why confuse the issue.)

She seemed satisfied till we went to rent the car. The couple in front of us was speaking Spanish. She remarked rather loudly, "Frannie, That's not English!"
I just rolled my eyes and shook my head.
"Never mind. Just trust me, they speak English in Florida."

Anyway, after I rented the car we drove 2 ½ hours north to Crystal River. Why? To snorkel with the 3, 500 rotund gentle giants... the manatees. That's when I revealed the first adventure to her and proceeded to tell her about them; how they were endangered, how they are warm blooded air breathing creatures, and how they were mistaken for mermaids by sailors (Obviously, very drunk sailors) long ago. She seemed a little worried, and rightfully so... considering the fact that my niece doesn't know how to swim, never wore a wet suit or used a snorkel, and would be facing creatures five times her size. Outside of that... it should be a piece of cake.

Art and Susan and I had all snorkeled with them before. But this would be an adventure first for Athena. We meet at the Best Western hotel, went out to dinner and then hit the sack early since to view the manatees we'd have to get up at the crack of dawn. Correction, before the crack of dawn at 5 a.m. Just once I want to get the slacker animal that likes to sleep in late.

Thursday, Dec. 27th

The next morning, we ate a quick breakfast and were at the Birds Underwater Dive Center (www.birdsunderwater.com) at 6:15. It's a wonderful outfit that been around for 20 years, owned by a guy named Bill Oestreich. The Zuckerman's have done the snorkel tour with them before and even interviewed, the manager Marty Senetra, on their travel radio show. They are very knowledgeable about manatees, the laws, and more importantly how to let their clients have a great time.

The first order of business was to fit all the divers with wet suits, fins and snorkels. I added a hood to Athena's ensemble to prevent heat loss from her head, it's not the most attractive thing, but she's just a little thing with practically no body fat. (I added a hood for myself... wish I could say the same about the body fat... but non-the less I donned the hat.)

I didn't need to give Athena a life jacket because the wet suit is buoyant enough. Our guide for the day was going to be Marty's wife, Chris.

She joked around with us and then had us all watch a video on boarding procedures, laws and proper manatee manners. For example never approach a manatee, let them come to you. Otherwise it is considered harassment and carries a $25,000 fine. There are sheriffs in the water that video people to make sure no one is breaking the law. If they catch you, they bring the tape to court and slap you with a fine. Not a good way to end a vacation. The tape also told you how to get into a boat, into and out of the water, about what manatees eat, not to cross the rope of their sanctuary etc. Athena absorbed it like a sponge. After the video was over she looked very worried.

"What's the matter Athena?"
"It's a lot to remember. I hope I don't get arrested."
"You'll be fine."
"I'm a little scared Frannie. What if I by accident touch it on the tail, or what if I can't breathe with the snorkel?"
"Frannie will hold you and protect you every step of the way."
She smiled.

With that hopeful reassurance, we took some pictures in the shop. I got into a quick fast talking match with some shark jaws and then we were merrily on our way.

It was still dark outside as the 12 guests boarded; we were distributed weight wise evenly so the boat would ride smoother. As the sun started to rise, the water has this eerie midst on it... that gave the river a surreal feel.

Chris gave us lots of information as we headed to one of the springs on Crystal River, called Three Sisters, a manatee sanctuary. She explained how when manatees are using a lot of energy, they surface every 30 seconds, but when resting they can stay submerged up to twenty minutes. As we got closer, we saw bubbles, which indicated a manatee was near the surface; I guess we had an active fellow. We slowed down, looked over the side and sure enough there was a manatee. Athena's eyes opened wide as she was amazed at their size... like a mini- school bus.

Within minutes we were at our location. The boat was anchored and we were ready to go in the water. I showed Athena how to clear her mask.

She was very brave. After all, the kid was about to go into the water with huge creatures, no life jacket, and trusting that she can breathe out of a snorkel.

Sue and Art went into the water first. We let everyone else go in.
Athena's head slides in, Sue grabs her.

I go in, and then lead Athena away from the group till she feels relaxed in the water. It took a good 15 minutes. I keep telling her not to panic. Eventually she put her head in the water; as soon as she looked down she noticed a manatee underneath her. She was so worried about touching it the wrong way that she grabbed onto my neck and gave me a death choke.
"Athena, Ah... I need to breathe!"
She laughed, "Sorry Frannie."
"Okay, lets try this again."
Once again she relaxed. I was lying on my back pulling her. I told her to keep her mask in the water and let me know when she saw a manatee. Within minutes another one was near us.
"Touch it!"
She reached out to touch it, but then she pulled back and lifted her head. "We almost touched the tail. Do you think I'll get arrested?"
"They usually don't arrest 7 year olds. You didn't touch it... you're fine."
(Geez at least I know this kid won't turn out to be a criminal.)

After a few minutes she told me she was getting cold. I was determined to have her pet one before she got out, but I couldn't' force the issue.

Then as if an angel heard, a manatee appeared under us with its side right in view. Athena's little hand reached out. She looked up at me with sheer delight. "It's so soft! It feels like velvet, and there is moss on its back. The manatee is now my favorite animal. "

After a few more minutes I could see she was getting cold. With mission accomplished, I got her back onto the boat, and she was a happy camper where she munched on donuts and hot chocolate.

Once back in the shop I bought her a stuffed manatee, she received a certificate, got a copy of the DVD, and we said our thank yous and goodbyes.

With that adventure behind us, we grabbed a quick lunch then headed south past our hotel to go airboat riding. I wanted her to see an alligator in its natural environment. Figured do all the animal things in one day. (Come on what 7-year-old kid doesn't want to see a man-eating alligator two feet away from the side of their boat?)

Athena loved the airboat ride. Unfortunately we didn't see any alligators despite the fact that supposedly there were 3500 in these waters. Maybe they were at an underwater convention, plotting how to dine on boaters. Either way she got to experience an airboat ride... another first.

When we came out she kissed me. "Thank you Frannie for taking me on all these cool adventures. Then she thanked Art and Sue.
They smiled, "But Athena we didn't treat you, your aunt did. We will buy you something though."
"You don't have to buy me something for me to like you."
How can you not love a kid like this? (She's either the greatest manipulator or has a heart of pure gold. I believe the latter.)

After the airboat ride we checked into our room at the Westgate Resort. The ironic thing about this was coincidently this was the same resort that Art and Sue had their time-share at. I had booked it without knowing this. So after my discounted two nights stay, I'd drive to another parking lot, and unload my belongings in their time-share.

Friday Dec. 28th

Friday morning we had to get up early once again. But this time not for our manatee friends, but to hear the 90-minute spiel on a buying a time-share. I had no intentions of buying one... but somehow I did. (So if any of you ever want to rent it out... please contact me.)

After signing the deed, putting a down payment and going through the array of papers, we were finally off to Disney's Magic Kingdom – at 1 PM in the afternoon. Since originally this was supposed to be a 90 minute deal, we had to make up for lost time.

I asked them to give us a limo ride to our room (since Athena had never been in one)... and they were happy to accommodate. Then with sunscreen in hand, and lots of cash (Those park pretzels cost a fortune), we were on our way.

Art and Sue, who have been there about 35 times in their lives, knew all the short cuts, time saving tricks like fast pass use, and how to get to ride with the conductor in the front compartment on the monorail. (And no, we did not push anyone in the tracks to do it.) Apparently anyone can do this... you just have to know you can.

When Athena realized that we were going to the Magic Kingdom, (remember this was a surprise) she literally jumped up and down with excitement.

The twinkle in her eyes made it all worthwhile. Several times during the day she got like this. Just knowing I could make her so happy made me tear.

We went on everything we could, (well at least those things that didn't have a line more than a week long!); The Carousel of progress, Snow White's scary adventure, Winnie the pooh, the tea cup ride, the Haunted Mansion (where she closed her eyes the entire time) and of course what Disney trip would be complete without the mind numbing "It's a small world" song that sticks in your head for life. She even posed with the wicked stepsisters from Cinderella.

At night we watched the Spectacle of lights parade and the fireworks. Athena was jumping up and down and clapping. Again, I felt as if I was in a Hallmark commercial and started to tear.

We ended the Disney experience on Space Mountain at 10 p.m.

It was midnight when we got back to the room. My sister called to see how we were doing. "I'm exhausting your kid. But she's a trooper, never cranky... just love her."

Saturday, December 29th.

Day three. God forbid we are allowed to sleep late on this trip. The reward apparently for being a new "Time share member" is a special breakfast where we would receive discounts to cruise packages.

So once again we were up at 7 AM. We rushed through breakfast, grabbed our package, and headed off to Universal Studios. Art and Sue sat this one out. So it was just Athena and me.

We dashed around the park going on the ET ride, seeing an animal stars show (with the dog from Men in Black), getting wet in Fifel land, (where things are larger than life... you know from a mouse's point of view)... ran into some nasty lady in line, who had no control over her bratty kids, who stepped on Athena's toe. I wanted to slam dunk the kid into the roller coaster ride, but Athena said, "I don't think she meant it." The kid has better control than I do.

At one point when we were figuring out what ride to go on next, I mentioned to Athena that we should go on the "Mummy Returns Ride." Athena said, "Frannie, I don't like anything with violence or that hurts people on purpose and I believe mummies do that."
I put on a sad face.
Athena saw that. I saw her mind working, wanting to please me, but also wanting to convince me that the ride was no good. "Frannie why do you really want to go on that ride? All it will do is scare the pants off you." I cracked up.

We settled on the Jaws ride instead, but only after an interrogation.
"Frannie is this a real shark?"
"Nope, it's the mechanical shark they used in Jaws. But Jaws is based on a true story. I wrote about it in my "It Happened in New Jersey" book. In 1916 a rogue shark in New Jersey attacked 5 people. Never has happened again before or since. So don't worry. Spielberg based the movie on it." Regardless, she closed her eyes during most of the ride. Later she admitted she was a teeny bit scared.

After Jaws, we headed over to another disaster, The Twister ride. Athena was fascinated with facts they were saying. For example, in the movie "The Wizard of Oz", they used a nylon sock and fan to create the twister affect. She would later repeat that fact to anyone that would listen.

For a change of pace we decided to go on the Shrek 4-D shrek ride. You know the kind of ride where you wear those funky plastic glasses and in addition the seats move to the movie. So for example when Donkey sneezes, they spray you with a midst. Quite lovely really.
Actually when I was a kid, I wanted to create a ride like that for the movie Earthquake, where the ceiling would fall down on the theater people. My mom said, "You'd create a panic." Of course, now Universal does it and charges you an arm and a leg. It's all in the timing.

Speaking of legs. We ate a giant Turkey leg, ala, Henry the eighth style. Figured it was one of the few healthy things in the park. I'm sure however, the turkey didn't feel that way.

We stayed till 9 PM, when I noticed Athena getting a bit tired.
"Frannie I think I need a power nap."
"Okay, Athena you sleep in the car till we head to our last place."

Originally I was going to take her on a simulated skydive adventure at Sky venture (Details are in my Adrenaline Adventures book). But the wind tunnel broke down, so we moved to my last surprise of the trip.

The good folks at Ripley's Believe it or Not, arranged for a complimentary tour of the Odditorium. Athena loved it (okay she was a little scared at the shrunken heads)... but she liked the puzzles, and other stuff. Art however who is a real Ripley's buff was like a kid in a candy store.

In the gift shop, I wound up doing some fast talking demonstrations for the employees and for other tourists.

At 1 a.m. we ate breakfast at IHOP. Athena was fast asleep on my
lap at the table. She was wiped, but had a huge smile on her face.

Dec. 30th....Back home
That morning the gang ate breakfast in the Zuckerman's three-bedroom time-share.

With our bags packed and an hour to spare before take off. Art, Sue Athena and I (the boys slept in) stopped for a quick visit in the town of Celebration. A town onto itself, created by Disney. It was beautiful but a little too perfect for my tastes. I expected to see a Steppford wife step out onto the porch and hand me a fresh baked apple pie.

We stopped at a street fair, bought a few last minute things and then were off to the airport.

Athena kept smiling and kissing my hand. "You know Frannie, I love you. And you know what. I decided the best thing of all is to visit other countries and states in the world for Christmas... thank you so much for this adventure."

I looked at her little face. She was just pure happiness. I had been to all these places before, but seeing it again through her pure eyes was wonderful. The thing that stood out the most was the reminder that we should never lose our inner child and become jaded at life.

If you can truly jump up and down with excitement at life's pleasures, and share them with those you love then life is truly wonderful. It becomes Magic, and you don't have to be at Disney to experience it.

May the joys of childhood fill your life in the New Year.

Note: For more information on these adventures check out my book: Adrenaline Adventures: Dream it, Read it, Do it!