Disney Trip

Wow, I meant to blog each day about our trip, but as all things Disney… nothing was free and Internet connection was costly. So finally I am trying to remember and summarize our FABULOUS trip!

I think this one photo says it all! I wish I could have caught the changes in her expression in succession as she watched this show’s story unfold.

In our excitement we managed to drive all the way in one long day. I was able to get us an extra night at our hotel and then we didn’t have to unload and move again on Monday. I was glad. That way Monday morning we were ready to head out. No wasting time!

So we hit Animal Kingdom first. It was a nice park and probably rates third on our list of favorites.

We saw many animals, as in a zoo and then lots of Disney extras, like the ambiance. Each area impersonated a specific country or region. The Tree of Life was spectacular and the Bugs Life 3-D show held there was neat. We snagged lots of signatures at the end of the day, before we left the park. It was a full day, but we still didn’t see it all.

Tuesday we were up EARLY we had breakfast reservations at Ohana’s, at the Polynesian Resort. It was a delicious breakfast and Paxton spotted the “Castle” from afar. We had great interactions with Pluto & Stitch, Mickey & Lilo. We went back to our room and got our gear to head out to the Magic Kingdom. That park rated number one on everyone’s picks. We had pretty good timing that day. Daisy Duck was just getting to Main Street as we came in and as we approached the Castle a show was starting in front of it. Ride waits weren’t too long, but boy was it HOT. Orlando area was having record highs for October. It was in the mid 90’s all week. We hit many of the main rides and late in the afternoon Paxton changed into her Snow White dress and we got our Trick or Treat tickets and the park really started to change. There were so many folks dressed up. The adults really got into it as well. We talked to one lady in a line dressed as Snow White and Paxton just KNEW she was the real thing. We couldn’t take a photo with her or it would get her in trouble. But here’s one with Paxton and the Evil Witch from Snow White.

We made it to the parade route, but too late to get a spot that we could really see things well. But the crowd moved around after the parade and we got a good spot to see the Villains show on the Castle stage. Paxton loved that and her interaction with the ‘Witch’ . When she got back from talking with her Paxton said, “Momma, she thinks I am really Snow White!”

By Wednesday we were starting to slow down, but even after an early morning and late night the day before it was hard to sleep late. Just too much excitement. We headed out for Epcot and by the time we reached the park, Pax was asking if we could get one of those strollers. I was secretly ready to get a stroller to tote the backpack. That thing got heavy fast. We had to pack our dress again, because later that evening we had dinner planned with the Princess’. Epcot rated bottom on our list of favorites, but it had by far one of the COOLEST rides, Soarin’. All my Facebook friends were sending notes to be sure and ride that one so Paxton & I did. Terry sat this one out for fear of getting motion sickness. There was also a really cute Nemo show there too.

Dinner with the Princess was in the Norway area and was splendid. I wasn’t sure we could hold out till then, but it was well worth it. The meal was delicious and the princess were all so sweet to Paxton. She was treated to a fancy cupcake and a birthday card signed by them all. A spectacular ending!
Thursday, we headed out to Hollywood Studios. It was getting harder to take everything in. We saw some favorite characters and some neat shows. We didn’t ride too many rides there. The Muppet 3D show was my favorite there. Not sure Pax understood all the humor, but she laughed right along. High School Musical show was a high point and getting a braid in Paxton’s hair ranked pretty high too. Here’s a picture of us under a ‘magical’ umbrella. It rained when you stood in the right spot and you can see the braid.

We headed over to Disney Downtown for dinner and a quick glance at what was in that area. Dinner was delicious. Pax was so tired she ate little and declined dessert that came with her meal. The waitress surprised Pax with a huge piece of chocolate cake topped with ice cream and a GLOWING TINKERBELL. We were really impressed by all the things made from Legos, at the Lego store. A quick souvenir stop and we were headed back to the motel.

We mustered all our strength and were up early again to have breakfast with the princess at THE Castle. It was also a treat to get into the park before it was really crowed and you could really appreciate all the little touches you can’t see with all the people. Breakfast was grand. Paxton got her own wand and wishing star, and a chocolate cake at breakfast to again celebrate her birthday!

We ended the day early and I think the swim in the hotel pool was just as fun for Paxton as all the parks! She made a friend to play with and it was a great day topped off with pizza in the room!

Saturday morn we were packed and on our way. As always it was great to pull in our own driveway and see our humble abode. Cinderella’s Castle just can’t hold a shine to HOME!