What a relief it was to arrive back in Hartselle on Saturday after spending a week in Orlando, Fla. visiting Disney parks in that city.

The relief stemmed from the culmination of a 12-hour return road trip and a fast-paced agenda of visiting four separate parks over five days.

Our party included Geanell and me, our daughter, Pam and husband Jeff Gray and their two daughters, Brandi and Meaghan, our son, Steven Knight, and our granddaughter Amber and her husband, Justin Fullerton and their daughter, Layla. Identical blue T-shirts with the words “#Disney Squad” spelled out on front were worn by each family member during our first day visit to Epcot. They received several second looks and compliments from other visitors. The party split up for visits to the Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios and Animal Kingdom.

While most of us were familiar with the vacation destination based on prior visits, we were amazed at the amount of traffic you have to deal with, the number of foreigners in attendance and the cost of everything.

The cost of tickets is a major concern to visitors with limited vacation budgets. The cost of a single day visit to the park of your preference is about $120 per person. A one-day ticket may be upgraded to a two-day ticket for about $85. Other discounts are available on tickets purchased in advance.

The parking fee is $20 per vehicle per day and there is no discount offered to seniors or handicap drivers. Cold soft drinks, sandwiches and water sell for twice what you’d pay at a local fast food outlet.

If your family is planning a Disney vacation this summer, adults would benefit from doing some serious walking beforehand. All of the parks are stretched out over large areas and walking is the major mode of transportation. Standing in line for 30 minutes to an hour to get on a ride of choice is also the norm. A member of our family who clocked her steps reported walking 40 miles in the four parks she visited. Those visitors with walking handicaps have the option of renting battery-operated vehicles.

Pop-up showers were a daily nuisance every day we were at the parks. Backpacking a poncho or umbrella and an extra pair of shoes is recommended. Bottled drinks and snacks are allowed.

Clif Knight is a staff writer for the Hartselle Enquirer.