Family Vacation

There is nothing better than a family vacation.  And when it includes the Happiest Place on Earth, it’s even better!  We spent five days down in Orlando last week and visited 3 Disney theme parks while we were there.  I’m not a big vacationer because I usually get homesick around the second day away but we had so much fun on this trip I didn’t want to come home.  It was magical to say the least. 

We arrived Tuesday night and our first destination was Downtown Disney.  We visited the biggest toy store Disney had to offer and let the kids pick out a special something.  Leo picked a Buzz Lightyear and Isla picked Cinderella nail polish and a princess cup. 

We decided to eat dinner at the T-Rex café which is exactly like the Rainforest café except instead of thunderstorms every 20 minutes there is a meteor shower.  Needless to say, the kids were TERRIFIED…just look at Leo and Palmer’s faces….

Despite all the noise, it was a very cool atmosphere and in between the showers they really enjoyed themselves.  Back at the hotel it was bath time in the huge Jacuzzi tub.  Love my sudsy babies. 

And even though no one is smiling in this one, it’ll be great to show them when they are in college. 

Wednesday morning meant it was time to go to The Magic Kingdom.  We made reservations to eat breakfast with the princesses in Cinderella’s castle months ago and it was finally here.  Isla could hardly wait to meet all the ladies who she reads about nightly and dresses up like on a daily basis. 

Since we had reservations before the park opened we had the streets practically to ourselves when we arrived.  Christmas decorations were everywhere as were Christmas carols in every store. 

The first character we were greeted by was The Fairy Godmother.  Isla brought a scrapbook with her for all the characters to sign.  I’ve printed all the pictures out and put them inside her book next to the appropriate signature.  It’s now one of her most prized treasures. 

The next was Isla’s favorite, Rapunzel.  It makes me such a happy mama to see my little girls dreams come true.  She’s wanted to meet her for so long and to see the moment happen is just heart melting.  Rapunzel even gave Isla a little twirl to see her dress spin.  So precious!

Poor Leo just went with it.  He didn’t really know what was going on but he was happy to pose with such a pretty girl. 

The floating lanterns were so cool…my favorite part of the movie. 

Finally it was time to go upstairs inside Cinderella’s castle.  Cinderella greeted us at the staircase and the rest of the princesses we met upstairs. 

It was one of those memories you know you’ll never forget and I’m so happy John and I were able to make sure Isla got a chance to experience it.   This look on her face lets me know she’ll never forget it either. 

Leo’s still not so sure what just happened…

Palmer is just happy to be along for the ride. 

After breakfast it was time to enjoy the rides, take a quick nap in the stroller, enjoy some more rides, watch the parade and then head on home.  This night everyone was so exhausted so we just ordered pizza, watched some t.v. and called it an evening.  We needed to rest up for day 2 of the parks.

The Magic Kingdom was so much fun we decided to go back for one more morning.  We met some more characters, rode the rest of the rides we missed and ate lunch at Tony’s Pizza (Lady and the Tramp themed). 

(Leo was in love with Mary Poppins.  He hugged her 3 times and would not get out of her lap until I came and took him away.  So Sweet)

After a fun filled morning we packed back in the car and drove to our next destination, Animal Kingdom.  When the kids woke up from their car naps, it was  time for more fun.  First stop was the safari ride.  We saw practically every animal there was to see.  It was amazing and definitely one of the highlights from the trip…

We rode some more rides and enjoyed the afternoon parade before we called it a day. 

Hollywood Studios was our final destination on this vacation.  One of Leo’s favorite movies is Monsters Inc. and he was so excited to meet Sully and Mike W.  However when Mike walked up to him and stomped his big green foot, that was the end of Leo’s love for the green eye.  Leo screamed so loud and ran right into Sully’s arms.  Isla was so scared of the Monsters she wouldn’t even stand back with us in the picture.  So funny.  This is one of my favorite pictures from the vacation…

And this one too….Leo meeting his beloved Eeyore.

After an Ariel show, Disney Junior show, lunch at the Brown Derby and John riding the Tower of Terror, it was time for the Pixar Parade.  We got some of the best seats in the house and the kids sat in awe as they saw characters from UP, Monsters Inc., Ratatouille, The Incredibles, A Bug’s Life, and Toy Story.

Leo sat with his little hand held out because he wanted so badly for the characters to come over and give him a high five.  He finally scored at one point when a dancer came over to him.  I love him so much!

We ate dinner at Benihana steakhouse that night and hibachi never tasted so good.  It was a picture perfect vacation and now that we have annual passes we’ll be back very soon.  Thanks for all the magical memories, Disney!