Disappointment.

That’s the best way to describe it.

Pure disappointment.

Now I don’t want to sound too harsh, but Australians just don’t know how to cut it when it comes to theme parks. Of course don’t get me wrong either, I had a lovely day, but I think I need to unfreeze Walt Disney and bring him over here to give these lovely Aussies a little helping hand.

I was pretty spoiled being so close to Disneyland throughout my childhood. I grew up thinking (and obviously still think) that Disneyland is the best.

Unfortunately this park just didn't even come close! The ideas behind the rides are similar but they lacked spirit in pretty much every department. The log ride we went on to today for example. No music. No bright fluffy animals singing you happy cheerful songs. The closest they got was a giant plastic miner doll whose paint was chipping away and lighting really wasn’t helping him with his figure. The excess of fake wood they probably bought from Bunning’s was still stuck to the end of the fake tree trunk. That’s just magical isn’t it…

When I go to theme parks I go with the expectation that I will be brought in to a different world. I will be transported to some place magical where bright colors steal my attention. Where giant stuffed animals skip cheerfully down the main street. Where all my troubles from the real world vanish in to thin air. Nope. I was still chilling in Australia just getting on a few rides that made me feel like I was going to lose my stomach. There should have been a disclaimer:

“Please be aware your stomach and all its contents will most likely not be with you by the end of this ride. Thank you and have a safe ride.”

Maybe that’s how Aussies like theme parks? Get rolled around in a metal contraption as quick and as hard as possible for the next minute until we throw up. Yep, sounds great to me! Thankfully I had skipped out on breakfast for the morning because surely some poor park staff would have been wearing it.

For me, the best part of the day were the kangaroos! Like, so up close and personal I felt like I was invading his personal itching session. It was a petting zoo of KANGAROOS!!! For any Australian its no big deal, but for me. WOW!!! just wow! This was my first time petting a ‘roo and I felt like a little school girl. It’s safe to say that for those 15 minutes we spent in the enclosure I was no more mature than the screaming snot nosed kids running around beside me. Giant soft bunny-like creatures hopping around everywhere. I nearly got on my knees and begged Adrien if we could bring one with us in the van.

As the lovely Agnus would say “IT’S SO FLUFFY!!!!!!!” (that one’s for you, mom)

I saw crocodiles bigger than my dad, an emu who looked like he wanted to peck my eyeball out, and tigers who love to play with cardboard boxes!

Today was a good day. Just like every day is a good day. I enjoyed my time experiencing something new, but not too sure I’d recommend any one else spending their money on tickets. Maybe its just me, and my spoiled ways. Maybe I should have gone in to the park with no expectations and just enjoyed what I was being given. For $89.00 and unlimited entry to the park, and the neighboring water park for three days, I guess there isn’t too much to complain about. Well, maybe the not-so-delicious burger I had...

(Oh and just a small side note. I found something that I’m better at than Adrien! We played air hockey for a while and I actually won! All those years in after school care playing on a not-air table finally paid off. You can keep your fooseball victories babe, I’m taking air hockey!!!)