Let us begin at the beginning- Thursday Eddie had to work but we planned to leave as soon as he got off work. Since it was the day before a holiday, he was released early at 2, so we hit the road by 2:30 with hopes of being at our Disneyworld hotel by 9:30.
The kids were happy to be on the road to the happiest place on earth! However, 1 block from home we realize our blinkers and hazards don't work, so we assume there is a blown fuse and decide to stop at an auto parts store when we run across one. To make a long story short, 2 hours later and 2 stops later, we were finally on our way. Kids were still happy nonetheless!
We arrived at our hotel at 11pm, exhausted and ready to be having some fun the next day!
The kids were happy to be on the road to the happiest place on earth! However, 1 block from home we realize our blinkers and hazards don't work, so we assume there is a blown fuse and decide to stop at an auto parts store when we run across one. To make a long story short, 2 hours later and 2 stops later, we were finally on our way. Kids were still happy nonetheless!
We arrived at our hotel at 11pm, exhausted and ready to be having some fun the next day!The good news is that we were at the happiest place on earth so having fun was easy!
Our first family picture at the Magic Kingdom! What a glorious day!
Mommy and kids in front of Mr. Disney- Nicolas didn't start out too happy (as you can see) but once he realized he could get out of the stroller and ride some fun rides, he was great!
Our first ride was on The Jungle Cruise and it was so fun! We had a hilarious guide through the crazy jungle.
Our funny guide showing us the nice waterfalls
These animals look hungry!
And we even found the plane from LOST! I wonder if the natives got to the survivors?
Nicolas was pretty quiet for the ride, no doubt making sure the wildlife stayed away
Next up to the Pirates of the Caribbean! We enjoyed this ride very much and went on it more than once during out visit.
It's a small world after all
One of the classics- we rode this one twice also!
And on the the carousel! The kids loved this one also, so you know we had to ride it 2 days. Let me also state that Little Eddie went on ALL the rides with Eddie and I- with the exception of Space Mountain. It was closed for technical difficulties the 2 times I went to try to ride it, so I took that as my cue not to try again. He even rode Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain Railroad and LOVED it!! What a brave boy!
Our plan for the days was like this- get to the park at opening, stay until around 1, then head back to the hotel for a nap, pool time and dinner. Then turn around and go back to the park around 7 to stay until the fireworks/parade and a few more rides. And it worked PERFECT!! Everyone had enough energy (even mom and dad) to make it through and even miss a little bit of heat.
Our first family picture at the Magic Kingdom! What a glorious day!
Mommy and kids in front of Mr. Disney- Nicolas didn't start out too happy (as you can see) but once he realized he could get out of the stroller and ride some fun rides, he was great!
Our first ride was on The Jungle Cruise and it was so fun! We had a hilarious guide through the crazy jungle.
Our funny guide showing us the nice waterfalls
These animals look hungry!
And we even found the plane from LOST! I wonder if the natives got to the survivors?
Nicolas was pretty quiet for the ride, no doubt making sure the wildlife stayed away
Next up to the Pirates of the Caribbean! We enjoyed this ride very much and went on it more than once during out visit.
It's a small world after all
One of the classics- we rode this one twice also!
And on the the carousel! The kids loved this one also, so you know we had to ride it 2 days. Let me also state that Little Eddie went on ALL the rides with Eddie and I- with the exception of Space Mountain. It was closed for technical difficulties the 2 times I went to try to ride it, so I took that as my cue not to try again. He even rode Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain Railroad and LOVED it!! What a brave boy!
Our plan for the days was like this- get to the park at opening, stay until around 1, then head back to the hotel for a nap, pool time and dinner. Then turn around and go back to the park around 7 to stay until the fireworks/parade and a few more rides. And it worked PERFECT!! Everyone had enough energy (even mom and dad) to make it through and even miss a little bit of heat.We stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort so our room was pirate themed and so was the pool! It was really fun and the kids loved it.
Little Eddie checking out the kiddie pool
Eddie and Nicolas taking a little break from playing
Back to the park for the fireworks! Posing with Mickey.
We got to check out Buzz Lightyears ride, which the kids LOVED because 1. Buzz is one of their favorites 2. The ride is interactive and you shoot the aliens for points!
Racking up the points!
Buzz!
Waiting for the fireworks to start. Little Eddie was in his glory since he got a whole box of popcorn to himself!
Nicolas making glasses from his glowing bracelet while he waits
WOW! Fireworks are awesome!
Day 2: The boys in front of Tomorrowland
Little Eddie was itching to ride the speedway since I talked to him about it when we first started planning our trip. He was a great driver but I think Eddie was a little nervous about being a passenger.
Nicolas was equally ecstatic about being able to drive- and I was equally nervous
Riding the carousel again and it was just as fun!
Taking a ride on Snow White's Scary Adventure- no worries, it wasn't that scary
Snow White!
Finally riding Peter Pan! It always had a long wait so day 2 we made sure we got Fastpasses so we didn't have to wait in line. It was really fun and went along with our pirate themed trip so the kids loved it.
And what a treat! On our way out who would we run in to?? Why, Peter Pan and Wendy themselves! The kids were a little shy at first but Peter and Wendy were so nice and fun they made the boys feel at ease.
Nicolas got to even play with Peter (he said Nicolas was his puppet)
What a great shot!!
Shortly after meeting Peter Pan we headed for Dumbo and the long line, and while in line the pouring rain and thunder started. So, we all had to leave the covered line (???) and we found refuge in the entrance to the men's room. Very classy! Of course we weren't the only ones and after about 20 minutes it let up enough for us to move on. As you can see, Nicolas was very vocal about it! He wasn't upset, luckily, but he always has something to say.
Luckily we also had Fastpasses for Winnie the Pooh so we ran over- soaking wet with sloshing shoes, to see what the characters were up to. Thank goodness I didn't wear any make-up on this trip!
Glad to be in a dry place
After a ride with Pooh, we went back to the room for a nap- and apparently a boat ride.
Luckily we had 2 boats
Back that night for the Spectro Magic parade, we were "killing" some time. Ha!
Even little Eddie got to be a prisoner
We got the BEST seats in the whole parade! Right on a corner so we got to see the front of the floats and then they all turned in front of us. It was so amazing and we were so glad we chanced the rain to go back. The weather was perfect and the kids were so mesmerized by the show. Disney does the best job with everything!
Here comes Mickey! Nicolas went crazy when he saw him.
One of the fairy Godmothers floats
Another fairy Godmother float- they were beautiful!
The carousel!
After the parade we made it back to Dumbo and waited in line to finally ride it! The timing couldn't have been any better- the amazing fireworks began right before we got on so we got to ride and watch them right over our heads!! I can't even tell you how absolutely amazing it was!!! The kids were in awe (as were we) and it was the best Dumbo ride ever!
Eddie was excited about the fireworks, but he prefers to mute the sound a little bit
A little off on the camer timing, but you get the general idea of how many fireworks there were! What a great end to another great day!
Day 3: We debated on which park to try and decided to go with Epcot. I have to say it was not the best decision, Epcot is NOT meant for little kids who are crazy and need constant entertainment. Anyways, we did have a little bit of fun, but it hadn't begun yet.
The day was doomed to begin with- just look at the kids
After a real breakfast (the prior 2 days we ate cheerios and bananas in our hotel room), we waited 25 minutes for a boat ride that we thought would be fun.
Tell me, does THIS look fun to you? It was really an educational ride, and while the kids were quiet, I was getting irritated already that I wasted a day of fun to do this.
Yep, plants. Woo.
Finally on to a kid ride (maybe the only one there) and meet up with Nemo!
Ahoy!
Finally ready for a fun ride!
Cheese! The ride was ok, and after you get off the ride there is a mini aquarium. We started out looking at the fish, but Nicolas totally lost his mind after a night of not enough sleep. We had to make a hasty exit.
Then it was on to the only awesome ride of the day- the test track!! Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of this, as it wasn't a predictable ride and I love my camera. But after the ride you get to walk through a showroom of nice cars and even get to sit in them! Little Eddie was completely smitten with the test track and the best part for him was getting to ride it twice- once with Eddie and then again with me- so he was excited to get in to a brand new Camero.
Nicolas got to "drive" the Cadillac with Daddy
Eddie's turn
After a LONG morning (emotionally) we were off to the "countries". At this point I was ready to throw in the towel and just hang out at the hotel the rest of the day. The kids were so cranky, I had already been embarrased by Nicolas SCREAMING like 3 times at the park, and it was HOT. I was not in the picture taking mood, but Eddie said we should have some pictures to remember of the countries. I started out smiling. Little Eddie had already given up.
In front of Germany and all the people drinking alcohol EVERYWHERE. Again, NOT a fun place for small children.
A tiny little bavarian town with a working trolley and train
Losing the smile a little in front of this country. I wasn't even paying attention to the countries anymore at this point, I was just walking as fast as I could to get around the world and to the exit!!
Done. Just done.
FINALLY back to our room after Nicolas took a 45 minute nap at the park so we knew we would have to make an early night. The kids were so happy to play with their new Disney toys and be able to roam around the room.
Time for the pool! The kiddie pool was so great, they could play and we could just follow them around instead of carrying them everywhere. Little Eddie was brave enough to go down these water slides!
Daddy decided to take Nicolas down, not realizing the spray from his feet would all go straight to Nicolas' face. Oops.
Back from the pool and time to get ready for dinner! Aren't they just adorable?!
Our last day :( we only had 3 hours to play so we decided to go back to the Magic Kingdom, since it IS the most magical place of all. This day we drove instead of taking the bus so we could just leave from the park. We didn't realize the parking is actually a mile and a half from the park itself, and we would have to take a ferry or monorail. Of course we chose ferry when we should have picked monorail and ended up being late and missing the opening show. :(
Little Eddie checking out the kiddie pool
Eddie and Nicolas taking a little break from playing
Back to the park for the fireworks! Posing with Mickey.
We got to check out Buzz Lightyears ride, which the kids LOVED because 1. Buzz is one of their favorites 2. The ride is interactive and you shoot the aliens for points! Racking up the points!
Buzz!
Waiting for the fireworks to start. Little Eddie was in his glory since he got a whole box of popcorn to himself!
Nicolas making glasses from his glowing bracelet while he waits
WOW! Fireworks are awesome!
Day 2: The boys in front of Tomorrowland
Little Eddie was itching to ride the speedway since I talked to him about it when we first started planning our trip. He was a great driver but I think Eddie was a little nervous about being a passenger.
Nicolas was equally ecstatic about being able to drive- and I was equally nervous
Riding the carousel again and it was just as fun!
Taking a ride on Snow White's Scary Adventure- no worries, it wasn't that scary
Snow White!
Finally riding Peter Pan! It always had a long wait so day 2 we made sure we got Fastpasses so we didn't have to wait in line. It was really fun and went along with our pirate themed trip so the kids loved it.
And what a treat! On our way out who would we run in to?? Why, Peter Pan and Wendy themselves! The kids were a little shy at first but Peter and Wendy were so nice and fun they made the boys feel at ease.
Nicolas got to even play with Peter (he said Nicolas was his puppet)
What a great shot!!
Shortly after meeting Peter Pan we headed for Dumbo and the long line, and while in line the pouring rain and thunder started. So, we all had to leave the covered line (???) and we found refuge in the entrance to the men's room. Very classy! Of course we weren't the only ones and after about 20 minutes it let up enough for us to move on. As you can see, Nicolas was very vocal about it! He wasn't upset, luckily, but he always has something to say.
Luckily we also had Fastpasses for Winnie the Pooh so we ran over- soaking wet with sloshing shoes, to see what the characters were up to. Thank goodness I didn't wear any make-up on this trip!
Glad to be in a dry place
After a ride with Pooh, we went back to the room for a nap- and apparently a boat ride.
Luckily we had 2 boats
Back that night for the Spectro Magic parade, we were "killing" some time. Ha!
Even little Eddie got to be a prisoner
We got the BEST seats in the whole parade! Right on a corner so we got to see the front of the floats and then they all turned in front of us. It was so amazing and we were so glad we chanced the rain to go back. The weather was perfect and the kids were so mesmerized by the show. Disney does the best job with everything!
Here comes Mickey! Nicolas went crazy when he saw him.
One of the fairy Godmothers floats
Another fairy Godmother float- they were beautiful!
The carousel!
After the parade we made it back to Dumbo and waited in line to finally ride it! The timing couldn't have been any better- the amazing fireworks began right before we got on so we got to ride and watch them right over our heads!! I can't even tell you how absolutely amazing it was!!! The kids were in awe (as were we) and it was the best Dumbo ride ever!
Eddie was excited about the fireworks, but he prefers to mute the sound a little bit
A little off on the camer timing, but you get the general idea of how many fireworks there were! What a great end to another great day!
Day 3: We debated on which park to try and decided to go with Epcot. I have to say it was not the best decision, Epcot is NOT meant for little kids who are crazy and need constant entertainment. Anyways, we did have a little bit of fun, but it hadn't begun yet.
The day was doomed to begin with- just look at the kids
After a real breakfast (the prior 2 days we ate cheerios and bananas in our hotel room), we waited 25 minutes for a boat ride that we thought would be fun.
Tell me, does THIS look fun to you? It was really an educational ride, and while the kids were quiet, I was getting irritated already that I wasted a day of fun to do this.
Yep, plants. Woo.
Finally on to a kid ride (maybe the only one there) and meet up with Nemo!
Ahoy!
Finally ready for a fun ride!
Cheese! The ride was ok, and after you get off the ride there is a mini aquarium. We started out looking at the fish, but Nicolas totally lost his mind after a night of not enough sleep. We had to make a hasty exit.
Then it was on to the only awesome ride of the day- the test track!! Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of this, as it wasn't a predictable ride and I love my camera. But after the ride you get to walk through a showroom of nice cars and even get to sit in them! Little Eddie was completely smitten with the test track and the best part for him was getting to ride it twice- once with Eddie and then again with me- so he was excited to get in to a brand new Camero.
Nicolas got to "drive" the Cadillac with Daddy
Eddie's turn
After a LONG morning (emotionally) we were off to the "countries". At this point I was ready to throw in the towel and just hang out at the hotel the rest of the day. The kids were so cranky, I had already been embarrased by Nicolas SCREAMING like 3 times at the park, and it was HOT. I was not in the picture taking mood, but Eddie said we should have some pictures to remember of the countries. I started out smiling. Little Eddie had already given up.
In front of Germany and all the people drinking alcohol EVERYWHERE. Again, NOT a fun place for small children.
A tiny little bavarian town with a working trolley and train
Losing the smile a little in front of this country. I wasn't even paying attention to the countries anymore at this point, I was just walking as fast as I could to get around the world and to the exit!!
Done. Just done.
FINALLY back to our room after Nicolas took a 45 minute nap at the park so we knew we would have to make an early night. The kids were so happy to play with their new Disney toys and be able to roam around the room.
Time for the pool! The kiddie pool was so great, they could play and we could just follow them around instead of carrying them everywhere. Little Eddie was brave enough to go down these water slides!
Daddy decided to take Nicolas down, not realizing the spray from his feet would all go straight to Nicolas' face. Oops.
Back from the pool and time to get ready for dinner! Aren't they just adorable?!
Our last day :( we only had 3 hours to play so we decided to go back to the Magic Kingdom, since it IS the most magical place of all. This day we drove instead of taking the bus so we could just leave from the park. We didn't realize the parking is actually a mile and a half from the park itself, and we would have to take a ferry or monorail. Of course we chose ferry when we should have picked monorail and ended up being late and missing the opening show. :(But the kids did think it was neat to ride on the boat and it was a beautiful morning.
Cheese!!
Riding one last time on Peter Pan- looking at the town down below because we were flying.
We also caught the daily "block party" where the characters put on a dancing show, and then invite everyone to the street to dance with them! It was fun to watch, but we didn't have time to stop since our time was almost up.
Watching Woody (kids other favorite) dancing with Jesse
Awww, Minnie and Mickey
We had to ride Buzz one last time, and afterwards we ran in to Buzz! The kids were so excited and Buzz was really nice. Nicolas giving him a high-five.
WOW! What a great opportunity to remember forever.
Mommy had to get in there too- this is our official new family photo.
Our time at Magic Kingdom was over :( and on our way out we stopped at Planet Hollywood in downtown Disney for lunch and to use up our last meal with the dining plan. Which, by the way, was a great deal and so easy!!
Cheese!!
Riding one last time on Peter Pan- looking at the town down below because we were flying.
We also caught the daily "block party" where the characters put on a dancing show, and then invite everyone to the street to dance with them! It was fun to watch, but we didn't have time to stop since our time was almost up.
Watching Woody (kids other favorite) dancing with Jesse
Awww, Minnie and Mickey
We had to ride Buzz one last time, and afterwards we ran in to Buzz! The kids were so excited and Buzz was really nice. Nicolas giving him a high-five.
WOW! What a great opportunity to remember forever.
Mommy had to get in there too- this is our official new family photo.
Our time at Magic Kingdom was over :( and on our way out we stopped at Planet Hollywood in downtown Disney for lunch and to use up our last meal with the dining plan. Which, by the way, was a great deal and so easy!!Little Eddie got to pose with the Terminator. He'll be back.
Chucky! Nicolas wasn't very excited about this kid.
I would like to remember this moment because all was going so well and the kids were being so good. Unfortunately, in Nicolas fashion, maybe 15 minutes later the ear piercing screaming began and I had to make a quick exit with him. Too much fun and not enough sleep for too many days....
The Eddie's- I would like to remember this as a good moment too- not for Eddie screaming, but he did kinda lost it too.
Evil Kinevil (sp?) outfit and someone else. Don't really know but there was cool stuff all over the restaurant.
Finally time to get on the road, and I don't think Nicolas lasted 5 minutes
Eddie pretending to sleep
20 minutes later he was passed out for real!
Passing through Daytona Beach
One last Mickey treat
Adios Mickey! It was the trip of a lifetime!
Chucky! Nicolas wasn't very excited about this kid.
I would like to remember this moment because all was going so well and the kids were being so good. Unfortunately, in Nicolas fashion, maybe 15 minutes later the ear piercing screaming began and I had to make a quick exit with him. Too much fun and not enough sleep for too many days....
The Eddie's- I would like to remember this as a good moment too- not for Eddie screaming, but he did kinda lost it too.
Evil Kinevil (sp?) outfit and someone else. Don't really know but there was cool stuff all over the restaurant.
Finally time to get on the road, and I don't think Nicolas lasted 5 minutes
Eddie pretending to sleep
20 minutes later he was passed out for real! Passing through Daytona Beach
One last Mickey treat
Adios Mickey! It was the trip of a lifetime!
3 comments:
Bummer about Epcot but MAN oh MAN - you really got your money's worth there! What a fun fun fun family vacation! Very good job documenting it with pictures too.
WOW! You packed a week's vacation into 3 1/2 days! What fun and all the pictures will help the boys remember that trip for a very long time! Seems like the scheduled break, nap and cool down time was inspired! Makes staying in the park mandatory but worth it regardless of the cost! Congratulations on a successful BIG family vacation!
~aunt megs
What a great time! I may have to volunteer to go next time. Love all the pictures!
Love, Mama/Bama
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