Last day at Disney

Our last day, Day 7 we are going to the Parks, we make our way to the Magic Kingdom.  See I have to make good on a promise.  As many times as we have been to the World, I have NEVER rode Splash Mountain or the Kali River Rapids.  Okay I will admit it.  My hair is curly and the thought of getting wet in public on purpose is not my cup of tea. But Ali is dying to ride it and loves it so I promised if she rode the Tower of Terror, I would check out Brer Rabbits house.  The day was somewhat rainy any way so why not??

In line

Umm... MAY??

You WILL get wet!

We WERE WET!!!!!!

 We also managed to catch a good showing of Mickey's Philharmagic.  Another show I love.  One last turn on Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion the Hall of Presidents and It's a Small World.  Make our way to the front and grab a Hot Dog at Casey's and do some shopping. 

By now the rain has officially made its way to us and now my hair is huge.  We head back to the room and get cleaned up and make our way to Epcot.

Being a Disney Visa Reward Card holder one of the perks is getting a free picture over at Innoventions.  We did that and played the Piggy Bank game.

All of us!

Did I mention the rain is here.  It just keeps raining, we make it through to World Showcase and play a while in Canada and the UK waiting on early ADR at the Rose and Crown.  We love the British Invasion.  Well we all actually love all things British!  Finally it is dinner time and we have an amazing meal.  The rest of the evening we take our time and go in and out of all the pavilions, just taking our time.  We know its our last day and as much as we love the place we do miss our family.

The ROYAL Family!!!

 As we are going through Japan Ali gets somewhat home sick and asks to call her MeMe and PawPaw.  She gets them on the phone and feels better.  Then she has to call her Mam and her Pa.  After talking to all 4 of them she finally feels better.

All in all it was one of the best trips we have ever made to the World.  As usual now that we have been back a while we are ready to go back.  Ali is planning her a trip down during the Halloween Party or the Christmas Party.  LOL, she just wants to go back.  I know everyone does not love the Mouse as much as we do, but for us right now it's the Perfect vacation.   Hope you enjoyed your time you spent with us at our favorite place. :)

XOXOXOXOXO

Day 6: Disney Style!

I know I have been absent for a bit, but the world has taken a crazy turn and I have been a long for the ride.  Back to the fun (and boy am I missing it right now), yesterday we made our goodbyes to Aunt Cassi, Uncle Travis and Eli so now we are completely on our own.  The morning of Day 6 was an easy morning.  We knew we were going to Hollywood Studios, but since we were there the day before, we managed a nice leisurely morning.  Amp, pop tart and juice in hand we made our way to the front of the resort and boarded a bus to Hollywood Studios.

Ali-B posing!

We have four things on our plate: Aerosmith’s Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Twilight Zone’s Towerof Terror , Star Tours in 3D and MuppetVision 3D.  Making our way in, we grab a fast pass for Rockin’ Roller Coaster and head to the line for Tower of Terror.

Tower of Terror BABY!

Okay now is when I admit I am sorta terrified.  I have not been on this ride in 12 years and although I know what to expect in a way, it’s not making things better.  Ali however, is just plain scared.  She has never been on this ride and I have bribed- promised her a t-shirt when she gets off.  The theming is great and I forgot how cool the cool the hotel is.  Ali suggested they dust!  She got a little nervous as they brought us in.  As they strapped us in and moved the car, she decided she wanted off.  I told her to hold my hand and she would be fine.  In the end, it scared the spit out of both of us and when Kevin suggested riding it again, we both agreed to WAIT!  It was fun, but once a trip is enough for us.  And, Ali laughed and said once every 12 years suits her!  She ended up with a really cute t-shirt with the Tower of Terror and Mickey, Donald and Goofy on it.

It was time for our fast passes and it was 0-60mph holding on for dear life with Steven Tyler screaming in my ear!  It was great!!  We love that ride.  From there we made our way to Star Tours 3D.  We have not been on this ride since the refurb and we we are really excited! 

IN 3-D

 Muppet Vision was next and Ali thought it was fun as always.  I just love Kermit the Frog, so I was happy about that.  We played some more in the Streets of America and then we mad our way back to Animal Kingdom. 

Property of Miss Piggy: Moi Stuff Hands off Vermin Breathe!

At Animal Kingdom we had one plan Festival of The Lion King.  If you have not had an opportunity to see this show.  You are totally missing out.  It is the best show in all of Walt Disney World, hands down.  We see it every single time we are there and we love it even more.  We did Dinosaur again.  Then we made our way to the Primeval Whirl, it did not have a line so after 3 times I refused to go back in time again. 

The day was getting later and we were a little tired and had every intention of going to the Magic Kingdom, but in the end we decided to hang out at the Resort.  The were playing Enchanted and Ali and I love that movie, so we took a blanket and sat on the lawn and enjoyed a peaceful night full of popcorn, ice cream and Disney. 

 

 

On the lawn at Pop Century!

Disney Day 5!

If you want to ride Toy Story Mania in a timely manner, you know you have to make rope drop at Hollywood Studios.  We didn't quite make it, but it was still respectable wait of 25 minutes.  Which is great, as you can see by lunch the wait time was 85 minutes and as much as like Buzz, Woody and the Gang, I don't like them enough for that wait. 

Later in the day it was 85 minutes...

The line has a great theme.  Everything is HUGE! You are now toy size and are experiencing everything from a toys level.  Fun huh.  Oh and there is a giant talking Mr. Potato Head. 

Mr. Potato Head masquerading as the Evil Dr. Pork Chop

From there we made our way to enjoy a few street performers and wait for our 11am lunch scheduled for Sci Fi Dine In Theater.  We enjoyed it a lot.

Inside at the Sci Fi Dine In Theater

Upon entering the Park!

I was not at my best so we headed back to our hotel and found the quickest route to Target for a few much needed supplies.  Meds in hand a nap was in order.  After that we made our way back to the Magic Kingdom and decided we needed to see the head Mouse.  A short wait later, Ali and I gave Mickey and Minnie lots of hugs.

The MICE!!!!

On to Tomorrowland, Space Mountain was pretty much walk on with only a 10 minute wait and we got a fast pass for it before we entered the line.  Once around the Mountain in the dark, we made our way to the People Mover.  The best view of all of Tomorrowland.  Quick ride on Stitch's Great Escape and it was time to ride Space Mountain again.  But first we grabbed a fast pass for Buzz LightYear.  Again around the mountain in the dark, which we absolutely love.  I wanted to get another fast pass for Space Mountain but the family declined saying 2 times in a row was enough for anyone.  Not time for Buzz yet, we joined Walt on the Carousel of Progress.  Yes, we are that family who sings along.  "It is a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day!"  Still with a little time to kill, we find ourselves waiting for to be entertained on the Laugh Floor by none other than Mike Wazoski himself.  Laughing like loons we made our way to Buzz Light Space Ranger Spin and walked right on.  It's always a competition between us and somehow I always win.  Boo... this time Kevin won, but like I said I was not feeling well!  :)
By now the parade is in full force and we made our way into FantasyLand.  We were lucky enough to walk on Peter Pan (unheard of), Snow Whites Scary Adventures, Winnie the Pooh, It's a Small World and The Mad Tea Party!  Crazy right!

On the tea cups! 

On a whole even though I was not feeling my best we really enjoyed our day!  We were a little sad though we knew it was the last day for Uncle Travis, Aunt Cassi and Eli.  We know they had a good time and we enjoyed sharing our time at Disney with them. 

Next up more Hollywood Studios!

More... Disney Fun

Animal Kingdom holds much allure for this Royal family.  We also think it gets a bad rep.  To us it is more than a half day park or just a zoo.  We enjoy it immensely.  Entering it, we had one goal: Expedition Everest.  Now, for those of you unaware The Diva agreed to ride Expedition Everest and Tower or Terror.  Such a huge accomplishment for a fraidy cat like her!  Walking up we pleased to see it had a 20 minute wait.  Not having rode it previously, we were all interested to see the theming of the wait line.  It did not disappoint and neither did the ride.  It is such a great coaster!  Check it out here to see what you are missing.

The Royal Family at the Animal Kingdom!

From there we made our way to the Tree of Life and took in the 4D show: It’s Tough To Be Bug. Another show Ali has a bit of an issue with.  She says Hopper (the giant Grasshopper) is VERY Scary!  Now is he, I don’t really think so, but I am not 10 years old anymore either.   Asking Ali what she wanted to do next she of course says, Dinosaur!  Checking the Undercover Tourist iPhone app we see that it has only a 10 minute wait.  Lucky for us, that is basically the walk in and the pre-show.  I have to say, Dinosaur will never be in my top ten.  I don’t dislike it and I ride it every time because the Diva loves it but if I never rode it again, that would be okay too.  It’s just really bumpy and bouncy and I always feel like I am going to be jarred right out the jeep.

All of us!

Cheesin for the camera with her bug eyes.

Notice it says ALI...

Pretty much our experience at Animal Kingdom for those hours, with the temperature cooling off and knowing we wanted to spend the evening in Magic Kingdom we made our way to the bus stop and off we went to enjoy Magic Kingdom for the night.  Did we do anything new while we were there, NO.  But we enjoyed every moment we could. 

Notice the turkey leg on her shirt.
Thanks Uncle Travis & Aunt Cassi.

By day four we are now in a grove and funny enough we are Animal Kingdom bound as a group.  We make our way into the park and start our trek to the back of the park.  Africa is our destination and the safari ride is what we plan to enjoy.  Now, for everyone in the know, it’s common knowledge that The Safari Ride is always better in the morning.  However, that means the line tends to be long.  We did not let that deter us.  Ali and Eli played while and talked while the adults laughed at the kids and talked and just generally made the best of a 35 minute wait.  The animals were out playing and it was a great ride to see them.  Ali and Eli enjoyed themselves immensely. 

The Whole Motley Crew!

Remember we are great lovers of the choo-choo on this trip and no Animal Kingdom day would be complete without a choo-choo ride to Conservation Station.  Ali loves everything about Conservation Station.  She thinks those people are the most amazing people and have the best jobs.  Not only do they get to work at Disney every day, they also get to make a difference in the lives of animals.  Yes, I have a budding animal conservationist on my hands.  We spent quite a bit of time there and she enjoyed it all.  On our way out we made our way through the petting zoo.  Why petting a sheep is so great I am not sure, but she says they feel “really cool.”

Petting Zoo

Up next on our list is a stop at Flights of Wonder.  We do enjoy the bird show and if you have not had an opportunity to watch it, you should make time if you can. Beyond that each family went our own way to have a little family alone time and we made our way thru the Asian trek with a couple of the stops for pictures along the way. Like I said we love to see the Animals.

Animal Kingdom love!

The evening we make our way to Epcot after a quick change of clothes.  If you notice I am not one to be hot or cold.  I would rather take a few minutes to change my clothes than be uncomfortable.  We let Ali lead the way and ended up playing in the various countries in the World Showcase.  Ali wanted ice cream and well Kevin I decided grey goose slushes were a great idea for dinner.

Viva la France!

Ali and I were also able to meet Duffy Bear. Duffy Bear is one of Ali's favorites.  She was very excited to meet him and have her picture made with him.  I snuck in there as well.

Duffy the Disney Bear!

We also were able to find a sweet Baby Duffy Bear for Ali's baby cousin Campbell.  

Ali and Campbell's Baby Duffy

Last thing I made asked my family to do was have a picture on the bridge with the Eiffel Tower in the background.  I love that picture.  They tolerate it.

Epcot LOVE

Well that is all for now.  On deck is Hollywood Studios... Tower of Terror, Muppet Vision and Star Tours in 3D!

xoxoxo

Ohana means FAMILY

Going into day 3, this Royal family knew what we should expect.  We decided to chance it and take WDW transportation for our early morning reservation at the Polynesian Resort at Ohana.  Fortunately not only was it not a problem, we were early and they seated us early.  The food was fabulous.

Mickey waffles YUM

Mickey waffles, eggs, bacon and potatoes, not a thing wrong with that meal.  Eli especially enjoyed the eggs.  Next up were Lilo and Stitch.  Now they are the Diva's favorite.

Lilo and Stitch and Ali

Eli was not to certain about Stitch.  He kept watching him like it was a possibility Stitch would take his eggs.

Don't touch me!

After seeing those two, the big cheese himself paid us a visit.  This is our 3rd day at Disney and except for a small glimpse in a parade this is the first time we have made contact with Mickey Mouse.  I am not certain who was more excited me or Ali and Eli.  To be truthful it may have been me.

The Diva & The Mouse!

Once we were all finished with breakfast it was time for more Epcot.  Are you seeing a pattern here?  My family loves Epcot.

The 6 of us!  

We journeyed back in time on the Spaceship Earth, rode a clam shell under the sea while we looked for Nemo and found our Imagination with Figment.  We also took the time to look at everything.  That is one of our favorite things to do is just LOOK and take in all the scenery.  It's more than just going form one ride to another for us.  We like the all the details that Disney works so hard to have in all the right places.  That is one of the biggest overlooked attraction at Disney.  The hidden details that lots of people take for granted.  Realizing it was getting late and Mr. Eli needed a nap and we had a special lady to meet for a snack, we split up again.  

Now it's time for a cousin meet!  One of my dearest friends, her daughter just happened to be in the Land of the Mouse for the very first time while we were there.  She came by way of New York City, which the Diva happens to think is the coolest place on earth and is dying to go there.  We hightailed it to All Star Movies to meet Cousin J for a snack.  We originally planned lunch but we were all still to full from breakfast.  

A snack of a rice crispy treat for me, chocolate ice cream for Ali and Cousin J had some fries, oh! and we can't forget Kevin, Coors Light for him.  We decided it was a refreshing snack for all involved.  For the record Ali said more than once she wished Auntie Di was there as well!  But we did talk to her on the phone.  

Ali and Cousin J

Cousin J, Ali & Me

Ali loves that Cousin J is short.  

Much fun was had by all and Ali said it was one of the highlights of her trip getting to see Cousin J!

Next stop Animal Kingdom!  XOXOXO

Wishes, Fairies and Magic Kingdom

After a fun time in Epcot and the cold closing in, we had no choice other than back to the hotel for more clothes.  Even in March the weather can be quite chilly at the Mouse's House.  Coats in hand, we met up with our crew and back to the Magic Kingdom we were bound.

Ali and Eli kisses

Uncle Travis and Eli watching WISHES!!

Experiencing Wishes was number one on our itinerary of things to do.  Since Duffy now had clothes, we could not leave him at the hotel.  Dressed in his Mickey Mouse club outfit he too was ready for some Wishes in the night time sky.  We were a little late in getting back to the park so all the great spots were taken, but we made the best of a not so good spot.  My pictures were okay but not great but Aunt Cassi to the rescue and we have this really fabulous shot to remember our time enjoying the fireworks.

Aunt Cassi took this!  Thank you!!! :)

Not having eaten since earlier in the day at 50's Prime Time Cafe we were all starving and everyone wanted something different. Realizing we were close to Pecos Bill's Cafe in FrontierLand we dipped in there and rustled us up some grub.  (ha that is funny) Fat and happy we waddled out and decided it was the perfect time to take a Magic Carpet ride all the way to Agrabah.  Here are a few smiles from that trip.

Uncle Travis, Eli & Aunt Cassi!

The Diva!

The Princess and her Prince!

We also enjoyed the night time jungle cruise.  If you have not had the opportunity to try this ride at night its a lot of fun and a good skipper makes it even better.  A short jaunt over we found ourselves shivering our timbers with good ol' Cap't Jack cruising around the Caribbean.

We are all characters!

With our love for Tinkerbelle we decided it was the perfect time to visit with her and her friends.  Kevin was not real sure about Terrance and Ali thought it was hilariously funny that Terrance wears an acorn on his head for a hat.  Eli, however was not real impressed he did not want them to touch him at all.

We *heart* you Tink!

We close with a photo in front of the castle.  As you can tell we were quite cold.

My Prince, My Diva, My Castle!

Next up breakfast at O'hana with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and Pluto...

Vacation...Part 2

Little Cloudy and a little cool but beautiful sight to behold

Day two dawned bright and early at Walt Disney World.  The Eastern Time zone always whacks out our internal clock the first day or so and day two was not an exception.  The Diva was completely excited about her first glimpse in a year of the Magic Kingdom.  We arrived early to see Mickey Mouse ride in on the train.  Eli loves Mickey Mouse and Choo Choo's so it was the perfect combination. I know I was beyond excited and I think the rest of the crew was as well.  Making our way through the crowd, we headed straight to FantasyLand.  I will tell you it was odd not seeing Dumbo the Flying Elephant as we walked through the castle.  We have never been the family who felt Dumbo was the very first thing you have to do; but knowing it was closed due to the move to Storybook Circus was a little saddening.  Peter Pan’s Flight is more our style. 

Ali and Eli EXCITED!

FantasyLand was a lot of fun. We saved Mickey’s Philharmagic and The Mad Tea Party for another day and made our way to Liberty Square.  Funnel cake was at the top of the list for this Royal family, with a small detour made to The Haunted Mansion.  I have to say I really like the improvements and we truly had a good time checking out the new graveyard.  (That is not something I thought I would ever say or write…)  After our dose of grim grinning ghost and picking up our very own hitchhiking ghost we were more than ready for that promised funnel cake.  Sleepy Hollow bound and it totally lived up to its delicious promise, bellies full and we were off again.  

Crossing over to FrontierLand we realize we are in the middle of an impromptu show and the elusive … well elusive to us because we have never seen him other than maybe in a parade… Brer Rabbit.  Now let me tell you this excited my Diva immensely.  Song of the South is one of her favorites (it’s no longer available in the US but you can see parts of it on you tube ) and she loves Brer Rabbit.  Unfortunately the show was ending and we were unable to meet him, she was disappointed but was happy none the less since she was able to see him.  Onward to the Choo Choo was our next destination, passing the Brer Rabbits Laughing Place we boarded the LilyBelle.  An old steam engine from the 1920’s named after Walt Disney’s wife Lily.  We made our way from FrontierLand with a stop in the boarded up FantasyLand for more water and departed at the Train Station at the entrance to Magic Kingdom. 

Me and the Diva on the Monorail.

Having a lunch at 50’s Prime Time Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios we needed to make our way from the Magic Kingdom over there.  With Eli’s love of trains and Ali’s love of the monorail and the Polynesian we decided to take the Resort Monorail to the Polynesian and hop a bus from there to Hollywood Studios.

Now 50’s Prime Time Café is one of our favorite places to eat.  We usually eat there at least one time a trip. We truly love the décor and the atmosphere not to mention the food was fabulous as usual.  One of the things that I love that Disney does so well is deal with allergies.  Unfortunately for anyone dining with me that is always something that causes a wait.  But that is because Disney wants to make sure it is safe for me to eat what I want.  You would not believe the things that are unsafe for me to consume because of fish or shellfish and there is always the risk of cross contamination. So hats off to Disney for making things easy.  The food was great as always.  You can not beat that fried chicken.  Just typing about it makes me want more of it. 
Tummies full again we decided one more ride before we left the park for a nap.  

Ali loves this ride. 

At this point we decide we are on our way to room for a nap.  Or at least the was the plan.  Uncle Travis, Aunt Cassi and Eli go back to Pop and at the last minute we decide to go to Epcot by way of the Friendship Boats.  Disembarking at the Swan and Dolphin we cross over to the Boardwalk and do a little shopping.  Duffy needed clothes and we were able to find the cutest Mickey Mouse Club outfit for him at The Boardwalk. He had the sailor outfit and since they were three for $30 he needed the Woody and Pirate Costume as well.

Duffy Bear Wear! 

From there we went into Epcot and made a stop in our favorite country the UK!  We love all things British.  

UK... lane.

Coming soon the evening and WISHES!!!!