We waited until after Thanksgiving to tell the kids we were going to Disney for Christmas this year. We planned it early this spring but that is a long wait for little ones. We flew down to Florida, yeah and next time we'll drive, and met Rick's Dad, Tracy, Emily (Tracy's neice), Dave, Aundrea, Andrew and Rob there in our timeshare. We had a great deal with Dave's military ID to get the adults discounted tickets. We flew in Sunday, December 18th and started our fun EARLY Monday morning, Rachel's birthday.
Monday, December 19th-Magical Kingdom-Rachel's 4th birthday!
So Rick and I decided to forgo the birthday party this year for Rachel and treat her like our princess. We were able to get in the park early due to her appointment at the Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boutique. Each girl has a fairy Godmother who does her hair, nails, and makeup (complete with glitter). We had given her a new Belle princess dress that morning. She received a birthday princess sash and button so throughout the day every Disney employee from the custodians to the characters to the ride attendants were wishing her a happy birthday and singing to her. She wore her dress all day and for lunch we had reservations at Cinderella's Royal Palace with the princesses. We were greeted by Cinderella and did a photo shoot with her. We were then escorted to our table for a wonderful meal. Half way through the meal princess after princess was announced and came around to each table. Guess who was the first table each princess came to. We met Snow White, Aurora, Arial, and Belle. Belle was last and by the time she was announced Rachel was about beside herself. She would quickly wipe her mouth and hands and get her autograph book ready to be greeted. It was a wonderful experience and I will never forget the look on her face each time the princess called her by name and wished her a happy birthday. We had cake and ice cream later that night with Grandparents and family. The rest of the day was crazy busy as we tried to hit the best rides we could before the crowds came later that day.
Yes, we even were able to meet Santa in Disney World!
Tuesday, December 20th-Animal Kingdom
We were unsure if we should take a day to go to this park but we are very glad we did. We could meet many characters that would take much longer in all other parks and it was not as nearly busy as the others. One of the highlights of the day was the safari where you ride around in a duck like jeep (for those who have gone to the Dells) and see animals in their natural habitats. We saw giraffes running wild, hippos, rhinos, lions, and so much more some right next to the jeep. Anson's favorite part of the whole trip was the Boneyard. It was a play yard for kids to climb around but Anson and Aaron found a dinosaur excavation spot where the kids could dig up dinosaur bones and see what kind of animal it was. Anson wanted to continue to go back there all day every day.
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| Our family in front of the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom |
Andrew, Aundrea, Dave, Rob, Emily, Tracy, Rick's Dad Rick, and our family going into Animal Kingdom!
Anson's favorite dig site!
Wednesday, December 21st-Hollywood Studios
I think the boys, both adult and kids, were the most excited about this day. Aaron jumped out of bed and was the first one dressed and at the table the day we did this. I don't believe that has ever happened. STAR TOURS! We again got to the park about 30 minutes before the park opened. Yes, every day we woke our kids up VERY EARLY! We were on our way down to the Star Tours line when we passed the Jedi Training Academy. Rick wasn't with me so I didn't know what the priority was. I stopped everyone and went in to ask what the deal was and was SO glad I did. We received the next Academy time which wasn't until 12:40. By 10 am they were booked for the day. So the big boys and small got on Star Tours, for the first of a few times that day. We did a lot of the spouse swap in order to ride. If a parent is sitting out to be with a child then they can go right on as soon as the first parent gets off the ride. We made very good use of these even with fast passes. Another highlight that day was the Car Stunt show. Andrew's favorite Lightning McQueen made an appearance during the show. Rick carefully watched the minutes go by to make sure the kids were at the Academy on time to prepare for their training. They had to be there by 12:10 to learn what to do. At 12:40 we were all outside as their class of about 15-20 kids came out to perform their exercises for their parents. They had masters to help them move through their training. At the end of their training, who should appear but Darth Vador and Darth Maul. Each child got to fight either Darth Vador or Maul assisted by their master. The boys had been prepped by Rick prior to the event and had talked it all up the month prior to. They each fought Darth Maul and of course pushed them back using the force. It was so fun to see them. I think it was just as fun seeing the Dads, Uncles, and Grandpas see them. Another great, but exhausting day.
Aaron fighting Darth Maul!
Anson fighting Darth Maul!
Thursday, December 22nd-Magic Kingdom
We went back to Magic Kingdom our last day because Epcot is too big for us right now. We pretty well covered Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios in one day each but Magic Kingdom you need at least two days. We had not seen Adventure land and we let the kids reride one of their favorites, Buzz Lightyear ride. We adults got in our few favorites, ie splash mountain and space mountain. Anson actually got up the nerve to do splash mountain with us but when we started going up the 5 story drop he wasn't so sure about that idea. Andrew was a trooper. We did a lot of carrying him, and when I say we I mean me since apparently he doesn't know we're not one. But really he went on a few rides and the characters were huge compared to him. He sleeps with Pluto every night and Pluto was the first character we met. He was hanging on to dear life when meeting any character at the beginning of the week. We saw the characters in the Parade on Thursday and Pluto was one of the first in the parade. He almost jumped out of the stroller, covered his mouth and was visibly shaking with joy. He was so excited every time he saw a character he knew. Again a priceless memory!
Friday, December 23rd-Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney is full of all the stuff you can buy in the park but then you don't have to haul it around. So we spent the morning there before our flight.
We had a marvelous time with family and watching our kids experience Disney World this week. It was exhausting and we didn't make it close to the evening activities. A few notes for me mainly to remember is plan at least 6 months in advance, bring snacks from home (fruitsnacks, pretzel goldfish, granola bars and waterbottles) and bring the double stroller if you have young ones. Our 6 year old boys were begging for a turn everyday. Thankfully we had asked Uncle Rob to come and he carried Rachel for at least half of the last two days. We look forward to coming back again, maybe in 2013 with Brittany's family.
We went back to Magic Kingdom our last day because Epcot is too big for us right now. We pretty well covered Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios in one day each but Magic Kingdom you need at least two days. We had not seen Adventure land and we let the kids reride one of their favorites, Buzz Lightyear ride. We adults got in our few favorites, ie splash mountain and space mountain. Anson actually got up the nerve to do splash mountain with us but when we started going up the 5 story drop he wasn't so sure about that idea. Andrew was a trooper. We did a lot of carrying him, and when I say we I mean me since apparently he doesn't know we're not one. But really he went on a few rides and the characters were huge compared to him. He sleeps with Pluto every night and Pluto was the first character we met. He was hanging on to dear life when meeting any character at the beginning of the week. We saw the characters in the Parade on Thursday and Pluto was one of the first in the parade. He almost jumped out of the stroller, covered his mouth and was visibly shaking with joy. He was so excited every time he saw a character he knew. Again a priceless memory!