It is with great admiration that I will try to eloquently post my thoughts on the confidence of the patrons of the Typhoon Lagoon this past Sunday.
It was the night before my great expedition to the dreaded water park. A place I was sure would be filled with all kinds of perfect little hard bodies and designer suits. A destination where everyone was sure to judge what you looked like in your barley there swim wear. I dutifully packed all of our essentials. Sunscreen, hats, sweatshirts and cash. Now what the hell does a 37 year old mother of 2 wear to a water park? Something that I can look good in, where I’m still the cool Aunt and the almost Hot Mom. Men don’t have this kind of stress! Something that would not encourage pointing and laughing. Something that would not draw attention. Most of all something that would stay put!! In summary I needed a magic suit!! I did not think it appropriate to don the previously blogged about bikini. I do not have the confidence to let it all hang out. My problem, I just spent a fortune on my 2 new Tankini’s and know from experience water parks will reek havoc on your little expensive suits. At least if you are actually there to play, and my intent was to whoop it up with my girls. So my decision? The old trusty bikini and cutesy tank top to keep the girls under wraps should I hit any slides at warp speed. So I committed to my decision. Not looking back. Gulp
Morning dawns and we head out to our Disney destination. Kids are thrilled and I am also looking forward to a day of fun. Please god let there be heat on in at least a couple of those pools!
Here is what amazed, perhaps even shocked me. I should not have wasted one moment worrying about what I was going to wear that day. There were 300 pound women strutting their stuff with pride. Men with wicked cases of plumbers butt, laughing oblivious to their near nakedness. Teens giggling in their dental floss style suits, and in my humble opinion, not wearing nearly enough clothes. Every body type big and small….they were there and they were lovin it!
Are water parks the great equalizer? The one place on this earth where attitudes and judgements are left at the gate? No make-up, no great hair, body parts swinging and flopping every which way. People were so busy having fun and running from one great slide to the next that there was just no time for petty worries. The only thing the water crazed patrons were concerned about sunburns and the how long the line was for the BUCKETS of ice cream.
Lesson learned. Note to future self. All shapes and sizes welcomed with open arms at the water park. Maybe Disney really is the greatest place on earth.
kathy downey says
I’m always stressed like this !
IBETEXAS says
Well, being one of those “large” women, I hope I can look forward to enjoying the water park with my kids!!! I’ve worried about it to the point of making myself sick. Guess I might as well try.. Though I’ll be one of those whales you are talking about!
Mary@Holy Mackerel says
I hear ya! I’ve been to Typhoon Lagoon a few times, and LOVE it everytime. Not only because it ROCKS, but also because, like you said, we are all equal there.
suzbroughton says
Really, really great post! I think it just might be the great equalizer! I am so happy to know that people/parents can go out and enjoy their kids and their lives without a care about what other’s think.
Suz
PS LOVE THIS SONG!
Stacy says
Thanks for the comment/compliment on my blog!
Your vacay looked fabulous!
Kimberly says
I have to admit that I will not step foot into a water park or a pool due to the gross unattactiveness that I feel when I wear a suit. In fact I have not even worn a suit since my honeymoon and that was almost seven years ago. Even then I only wore it because it was in Mexico and I was determined to have an amazing time despite my body issues.
Maybe I should just give it up and try to visit the water parks again, for the kids sake. I probably wont be the scariest person there. Then again, maybe not. I’m just not that brave – but after your post I was almost tempted, almost…
Busy Bee Suz says
YES, I have stressed about this too and then thought, geeze…why did I even worry.
We have lots of Europeans here at our beaches and they wear the tiniest of suits and they are large FOLKS. I am always amazed and my self confidence bumps up a bit.
We like typhoon lagoon too….much fun.