Page 83 of The Princess and the Paparazzi
Rafe says he wants to go on all the rides that are not roller coasters, and Naomi, who follows the Disney Food Blog, is determined to taste as many famous treats as possible, starting with the churros.
For Orly, we check off Small World, Peter Pan, and a handful of character experiences. Most importantly, she wants to meet Rey.
“What about you, Ms. Dupont?” Poppy asks.
“I’m okay with whatever,” I confess. “I’m just so happy to be here today.”
I take out the new camera and snap a few photos of Orly looking out the monorail windows, and Naomi looking at her. When I lower the camera, I feel Rafe’s eyes on me. He reaches out to squeeze my hand.
“Thank you,” he mouths. The sunlight catches on his diamond-studded, Titanium Man medallion. He’s right. It’s like the cheap, plastic handles that signal a designer handbag is a fake. It’s just awful. There’s no way the REAL Rafe Barzilay would be caught dead in such a tacky necklace. Is there? I bite my lip.
“What?” Rafe smiles back at me and glances down over his sunglasses. “Do you have a problem with my ensemble?”
“Not at all, Titanium Man, not at all,” I say and turn the camera on him, snapping several photos of him laughing before we pull into the station in Fantasyland.
By noon, we’ve ridden on most of the rides in Fantasyland - avoiding the Matterhorn, Tea Cups, and Star Tours.
“The Matterhorn looks too fast,” Rafe says, shaking his head. “And I don’t want Orly to get dizzy.”
“I don’t believe it,” I reply. “You’re chicken!”
“I am not!” Rafe argues.
“He is.” Naomi rolls her eyes. “He’s always been super cautious. Such a goody-goody. You, of all people, know that, Lorelei.”
“But he does do a lot of his own stunts,” I say, defending him to his mother. I really don’t like it when she picks on him.
“Well, there’s usually a safety harness and a green screen involved. It’s a matter of pride.” Rafe puffs his chest out.
“A lot of our guests enjoy the Thunder Mountain roller coaster,” Poppy mentions. “It’s a smooth ride, and there aren’t any loops. I think we have time for a couple more attractions before lunch. Maybe that one and Pirates of the Caribbean? We can swing by on our way to Blue Bayou. Your reservations are for one o’clock.”
“I’ve always wanted to go on Big Thunder!” I admit. “I want to try to spot the goat!”
“So you’ve heard about the goat trick?” Poppy’s eyes twinkle at me, and I feel like I just earned a gold star as she turns to explain to the group. “Billy the Goat is a beloved fixture at all the Disney parks. The rumor is that if you stare at Billy as you pass, it makes the ride feel much, much faster.”
“Well, that sounds like fun,” Naomi says. “I’d hate for Lorelei to miss it.”
“Want to ride with me, Naomi?” I ask hopefully.
“Oh, I can’t. Bad back. I’m so sorry.” Naomi declines with a wave.
“Rainey?” I look at the nanny, “Oh no, I’m on the clock,” she says. “And I don’t do rides.”
“I don’t suppose Orly could ride that one with you?” Rafe suggests.
“I’m afraid not,” Poppy says, shaking her head sadly. “There’s a height requirement. We don’t recommend it for our guests under five years of age.”
“Rafe, you aren’t going to make Lorelei ride alone, are you?” Naomi pokes her son in the ribs.
I can see Rafe’s jaw clenching. “Of course not. I’ll go.”
“Are you sure?” I ask. “I can skip it. It’s not a big deal.”
“I’m sure,” he nods gravely, flexing and unflexing his hands into fists. He inhales sharply, taking a long, deep breath. “How bad can a ride be if they let five-year-olds ride it?”
“You’ll be fine,” Poppy says cheerfully. “Just don’t look at the goat.”
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