Disney: Day 3 Magic Kingdom

We did Magic Kingdom in two waves on Saturday. We woke up painfully early but it was worth it and we got in a few hours of fun with zero lines before we went back to the hotel for naps. After naps we went back for more rides, the nightime parade and the fireworks show. It was a perfect day, despite crazy big crowds. Grant is a Fast Pass wizard and we didn't wait in any lines. Being there early and staying late also helped to avoid the worst lines.

We went straight to meet Mickey first thing in the morning. It was a great kickoff for the day. Then, we went to FantasyLand and were surprised by an unannounced sneak preview of the brand new Enchanted Forest in the New Fantasyland! It doesn't officially open until December but on Friday they started a two week dress rehearsal/sneak peek and it was exciting to be some of the first people to experience the new expansion. We got to go on the new Ariel ride called Under the Sea, met Ariel in her new grotto area, did Belle's Enchanted Tales interactive story experience and walked through the different stores and restaurants. The new "Be Our Guest" castle restaurant is gorgeous and is the future home of the princess dining experience.

We enjoyed a character lunch at the Crystal Palace and met most of the Winnie the Pooh characters. Cadie also marched around the restaurant in a "Celebrate Friendship Day Parade" and she was excited to meet each character for photos, although she was surprised Kanga and Roo weren't there.

We watched the afternoon Celebrate a Wish Come True parade before going home for naps. We were leaving right before the parade, but I wanted to stop in a shop and then we got trapped in the crowd watching the parade. It turned out to be great though because Cadie really liked it. After naps we made it back for the Main Street Electrical Parade and then rushed to get a good view of Tinkerbell flying down from Cinderella's Castle and the Wishes fireworks (one of my personal favorites!). We rode a few more rides and met the fairies before Cadie and I crashed.

Magic Kingdom was as good as I hoped and remembered. It really is magical. I can't wait to come again when Jack Ranger is old enough to enjoy it.

Cadie doing her best Mickey impression.

Walking down Main Street for the first time.

Such an awesome surprise!

Meeting Ariel in her new grotto location in FantasyLand.

The new Belle attraction was surprisingly amazing.

We love the Swiss Family Robinson movie and Cadie and Dad walked through the treehouse during the day and then again at night.

We met Tink right after she flew from the castle!

One last ride! I love how Grant and I are ducking and Cadie is leaning forward.

Disney: Day 2 Animal Kingdom

We didn't make it to the park right when it opened, but we made it fairly early to Animal Kingdom on Friday morning. We traversed the park a few times in pursuit of Fast Passes, but it paid off and we rode most of the good stuff without waiting for any lines. Cadie really enjoyed the Safari, Festival of the Lion King, It's Tough to be a Bug and Dinosaur. Then we came home in the early afternoon to take naps and hit the pool. The pool has some fun water slides and a kids area with a shipwreck playset. Cadie and I did it all and then they had marshmallow roasting on the beach as the sun set. Cadie had more than her fair share of marshmallows and was on a sugar rush for about 90 minutes.

After we cleaned up we went to Downtown Disney, which was a total bust. That place is way too crowded, has way too much shopping, and way too much loud noise. We ate a fast dinner and headed back to the hotel to rest up for Magic Kingdom!

A few funny Cadie sayings from our trip so far:
- "Mom, you are sweaty and grumpy, but I love you anyway."
- Grant while on the Animal Kingdom safari, "Cadie, look at the rhino!"; Cadie, "My uncle is here!" (We call her Uncle Ryan, Uncle Ryno)
- Erin, "I think I am too tired to go to the park tonight"; Cadie, "Don't worry Mom, I will push you in my stroller."

On "Sarah" in the kids Dino area at Animal Kingdom.

Marshmallow fueled playtime at the beach.



Disney: Arrival and Day 1 Epcot

We have been having a magical time! We arrived on Wednesday afternoon (Day 1), checked into our hotel at the Caribbean Beach Resort and then headed quickly over to the Polynesian Resort for the dinner show luau called Spirit of Aloha. It was a great kickoff to our vacation and included Cadie and I dancing on the stage for the birthday dance. The luau was fun and the food was also yummy which was good because we were starved after a full day of traveling. Our hotel is nice and we would stay here again. It isn't luxurious, but it is clean and comfortable and Disney's transportation network is quite convenient. The pool is nice and we enjoy the little lake beachfront (even though they have "No Swimming" signs everywhere due to the Florida gators).

On Thursday (Day 2) we slept in a little and then headed to Epcot. We hit all the highlights including Soarin', Space Ship Earth (twice at Cadie's request) and Finding Nemo. The best part of Epcot was the princess lunch! After Epcot we used the park hopper to wrap up the day at Hollywood Studios with the Star Tours ride and then the Fantasmic show. Cadie loved the show and I think her favorite part was loudly booing at the villians (at Dad's urging) while everyone around us laughed.

Getting a princess crown and wand at hotel check-in.

Cadie liked almost all shows and she really enjoyed the luau.

She was too nervous to go on stage by herself but we had fun doing it together.

Cadie and Dad almost got eaten at Epcot!

Our fishy faces!



Space goggles on and ready for launch at Star Tours!

Cadie and Ira were totally zocked at the end of the day.

Disney Princess Lunch

I am not sure if I had more fun at the princess lunch or if Cadie did! Honestly, we were both freaking out a little. Grant did an amazing job researching the best ways to use our Disney Dining Plan and the princess lunch at Akershus in Epcot's Norway area blew me away. We saw ALL the princesses, had plenty of time to take pictures and even got a free, official picture with Belle - I will have to scan that one in and add it when we get home. The princesses were so sweet and patient with the little girls, and also with the crazy moms. Cadie turned into a bit of a princess stalker and at the end of the meal she spotted Ariel and quietly followed her around until she was between tables and convinced Ariel to give her one final hug. It was so sweet. I am not sure how many times today Cadie asked, "Are they real?" I typically answer, "Do you think they are real?" and she responds that she definitely thinks they are. Disney really is amazing and magical and we are having the best time. Thanks to my awesome husband for planning this trip and making it so special for his girls.

Our fun lunch ended with a birthday cupcake just for Cadie.

Scofield Birthday

I won a birthday party for Cadie from a Scofield fundraiser called the Sealed-Bid auction. We made it a little surprise party and they did such a good job! Miss Candi set up a party of goldfish chicks, rice krispy treats, a princess hat for Cadie and board book party favors.

 

I picked up Mimi and we went to the room before they brought the kids in and we all said surprise when Cadie and her class walked in the room. I think Cadie was a little shocked at first, but then she got excited that we were all there for her birthday party. The kids were really well behaved and we enjoyed getting to chat with them and also with their teacher, Miss Thurman.

 

Cadie and her teacher, Miss Thurman.

Family Birthday Party

PLACEHOLDER: I will have to come back and provide updates. We had a great party though!