Disney Dilemma

A dad learns that the best Disney memories can’t be scheduled.

Jordan had been counting down the days for months. His Disney vacation was the trip of a lifetime, and he wanted everything perfect. Weeks before departure, he crafted a color-coded itinerary: breakfast reservations, ride times, snack breaks, even slots for photos. His family teased him about the binder full of maps and notes, but Jordan brushed it off. “This is how we make the most of it,” he said proudly.

When they finally passed through the gates of Disney World, excitement lit up his kids’ faces. The parade music, the smell of popcorn, and the castle in the distance all seemed straight from a dream. Jordan flipped through his schedule, guiding them swiftly from one attraction to the next.

But halfway through the day, as they hurried toward Space Mountain, Jordan spotted something unexpected. A brand-new ride gleamed ahead, colorful banners announcing it: The Adventure of Moana. The line wasn’t too long, and his daughter tugged at his arm.

“Dad, can we try it?” she asked eagerly.

Jordan’s heart sank. He wanted to. He really did. But he flipped through his binder, pages rustling. Their lunch reservation loomed. After that, fast passes and a show. His jaw tightened.

“I don’t have time for this,” he muttered, shutting the binder.

For a moment, disappointment flickered in his daughter’s eyes. Jordan hesitated, looking at the ride again. The schedule was safe, predictable, but her smile was why they’d come. Slowly, he exhaled and tucked the binder under his arm.

“Actually,” he said with a grin, “maybe we do.”

They ran toward the line together, laughter mixing with the music around them. For the first time all day, Jordan let the magic, not the schedule, lead the way.

Word Count: 285
Prompt: Write a story that includes the line: “I don’t have time for this.”
Written for: "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"