WDW a.k.a. Walt Disney World - Day 6

Friday, January 29th

Alas, our last day at the World. We woke up early and headed to the Contemporary Resort for our breakfast reservation at Chef Mickey!! The girls were very excited and we the breakfast buffet looked wonderful. The girls and Bob ate well, but I had 1/2 a bagel. I couldn't taste a thing. That was the most expensive bagel I have ever had. But the look on the girls' faces when the characters came around was awesome. Anna was really getting into it.










Bob with the Girls - photo op time in front of some Mickey's on the grounds at the Contemporary Resort.



After Breakfast, we headed back to the hotel to gather our carry on luggage and return our stroller to the bell services for when they would pick it up. We hung out in the room until we absolutely HAD to leave our room. We headed to the lobby and hung out. Bob took the girls to go get lunch. I couldn't eat anything because I could taste a thing so I just sat relaxing and tried to breathe.

At 1:00pm we headed to the airport for our ride back home. It had been a great week at WDW. Too long is some cases. Too short in others. Mr & Mrs O had been watching Jake for us and met us at the airport. It was AWESOME to see that little guy. Boy, how we ALL had missed him. Once we were home, we all took turns loving on Jake. We all decided that the next time we go to Disney - no matter when it would be - Jake is definitely going with us.

WDW a.k.a. Walt Disney World - Day 5

Thursday, January 28th.

Woke up feeling like crap - but plugged on for the family and for the sake of our last full day at WDW!!

We headed to Epcot to roam around and meet our 1pm lunch reservations at Chef de France. We did the character greet where we met Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy. Goofy, was a trip. He REALLY didn't seem like he wanted to be there. I don't think the kids picked up on it, but both Bob and I commented on that after we were outside.






We went on the Finding Nemo ride and looked at the aquarium afterwards.



Once the Worldshowcase opened up, we decided to walk around the countries again. We were on the look out for characters as the girls were really getting into it now. Celie and Bob had decided that they wanted to go watch the movie about China. Anna and I decided to hang out and soak in the sun. Bob and Celie came back shortly after leaving us and told us to hurry because Mulan was all by herself. The girls were able to get their pic taken with her and she signed their pillowcases.

We also saw Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, Jasmine & Aladdin - but the girls didn't want to wait in line for them.



We then made it to France and waited for our lunch. It was good from what I could taste of it. Remi from Ratatoulie made his appearance at our table. It was pretty cool. He was moved around and had a person move him around the restaurant. The girls got a kick out of it.


This is a picture of the water fountain spouts looking at the Epcot Globe.


Afterwards, we decided that Bob would take the girls to the Magic Kingdom to ride GB and I would go back to the hotel to print out our boarding passes for our return home the following day. I was also going to rest a little to gain some energy for our last night. We were going to meet at the Grand Floridian for our dinner reservations at 1900 Fare Park - a character dining experience. I did not rest - I had to go to another hotel's business center to print out because I wanted to change our seats and they couldn't do that for me at our hotel - which was fine but it was some running around. When I finally met up with Bob and the girls - they did GB but Celie had a small fit, and it was less than a perfect departure. However, Bob did say that as they were leaving Magic Kingdom, both girls were saying " See you later Cinderella's castle!! We will be back soon!! Bye Mickey, Bye Minnie!!"

Dinner at the Grand Floridian was awesome (I could barely taste things, but was able to have a few tasteful bites). Bob had 4 plates of food (it was buffet style) and 2 dessert plates. The girls ate well too. But the characters were awesome. We saw Prince Charming, Cinderella, Drazella, Anastasia, and Lady Tremaine. We got pictures from everyone and signatures too (well, we forgot to ask Prince Charming for his signature, darn. next time!!!)







After dinner, we slowly headed our way back to our hotel. The girls were tired and fell asleep right away. Bob and I packed most of our things back in our boxes and took them to the front desk to be shipped back (yes, I shipped 2 boxes to ourselves. I saved $$ by not having to pay for our luggage at the airport - we also didn't have to wait for luggage at either airport - we did it on our last trip and it was a success again!). We were ready for our last 1/2 day at WDW.

WDW a.k.a. Walt Disney World - Day 4

Wednesday, January 27th

This day is a little foggy for me. I am not sure if it was the change of seasons, something from the plane or what, but both Anna and I started not feeling well. For me, it was more like a sinus funk, stuffed up and coughing. So, I was bummed and headed to the gift shop to see what kind of drugs they had available. Sudafed. I bought it and took it - but remembered why I don't when I am home - because it doesn't really work for me. So, I suffered along.

We ended up having dinner at the Wave at the Contemporary Resort. It was a pretty good dinner. I was disappointed because I could tell that I was starting to lose my taste buds. what a bummer!! I was on vacation and allowing myself to eat ANYTHING I wanted - and really couldn't because I couldn't taste a thing. ARGH!!!

WDW a.k.a. Walt Disney World - Day 3

Tuesday, January 26th

Celie woke up and was very excited to try to repeat our adventures of multiple rides on Goofy's Barnstormer. However, before we headed to Magic Kingdom, we decided that we needed a hearty breakfast. So, we headed to the Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge. It is a very fun restaurant full of characters and antics. It is not a quite restaurant at all. While we ate breakfast, the girls were asked to participate in a hobby horse race - Celie had a blast running around the restaurant. However, Anna started out well, but ended up in tears because she ran into something. But overall, it was a great breakfast.



We had decided that the girls' little legs really couldn't keep up with us. So, we broke down and rented a stroller for the rest of the week. I had wanted to do this ahead of time, but we went with the wait and see approach - another lesson learned. So, yesterday I called and was able to get one delivered by 9am to the hotel. After breakfast, we picked up the stroller and headed to Magic Kingdom. The girls were happy to be riding in style. It was a sunny day and Mainstreet seemed a little busier than usual, so, I decided that I would do a little quick shopping before we headed back to Goofy's Barnstormer. I snagged some gifts that I had been wanting to get and then we were on our way. Goofy's Barnstomer, here we come. Once we got there, it was almost a repeat of the night before. We walked right on and did it multiple times. I think this time we did it 9 times. After that, we headed to the meet and greet of the Princesses. We saw Cinderella, Belle, and Aurora. The girls really enjoyed seeing them and having them autograph their pillowcases.




After the princesses - it was Tea Cup time. We actually fit all of us on the teacups. I tried to do sequence shots of Anna - much like I did with Celie 2 years ago - See?











Anna wasn't too sure about the ride and she didn't do it again after that. But Celie did. We headed back to Fantasy Land to do Dumbo and than have lunch at King Friars. It was a decent lunch.


We then went to see if we could find Tiana - the newest Princess as she has been rumored to hang out near the Paddle boat near Liberty Tree Tavern. But she was no where to be found. We headed over the Adventure Land and Celie and Bob decided to ride Big Thunder Railroad (a roller coaster that Bob has fond memories of riding when he was a kid with Papa Tony). Celie & Bob had a good time, but didn't like the wait - they were spoiled by GB (Goofy's Barnstormer). Anna & I did a little shopping and then waited for Bob and Celie to finish.


The girls on Aladdin's Magic Carpets.



We made our way through Magic Kingdom and decided to grab a snack at the MainStreet Bakery to take back to the hotel with us. It was a good morning at the Magic Kingdom, but we thought we would see what else we could find to do back at the hotel.


On our way out of the park we found Snow White - ALL by herself. She was very gracious with the girls. It was awesome.


Since the weather was on the warm side, we decided to hit the pool. We all got dressed, yes, even me, and headed to the pool area. The girls had a blast.

After the pool, we decided to have dinner at the counter service place at the hotel - Roaring Fork, then we headed to Magic Kingdom to see if the girls could wait out the Fireworks.

We of course went to Goofy's Barnstormer to see if it was open. And it WAS!!! with no line. We walked onto the ride and the girls LOVED it. When we got off the ride, Celie asked if we could ride it again. We said sure. So, we walked to the front of the ride, walked in and walked right on the next train/coaster. That was #2. We then continued this process until after #8 and my tummy was feeling it a little bit. So, we decided to give our tummies a little rest. See a theme with this ride?

We headed to Fantasy Land to do some more rides. Celie decided that she really didn't want to do any more - so Bob took her back to the hotel and Anna and I stayed. We rode the Carousel and I was getting excited because Wishes - the Magic Kingdom's beautiful firework display would be happening soon and it looked like we were going to be able to see it IN the park. I haven't done that in AGES!!!



Then, Anna looked at me and said, "Mamma, can we ride Dumbo, pwetty peas - double, double peas?" How could I resist THAT? So, of course we got in line and were riding Dumbo at 7:55pm. In the meantime, much of the park in FantasyLand had been roped off in anticipation of Wishes. So, after our wonderful Dumbo ride, I tried to find a good spot for us to watch the fireworks and more importantly, watch Tinkerbell fly from the Castle. We found our spot and the music started. I pointed to the top of Cinderella's castle and Anna exclaimed "Tinkerbell!!!" and we watched her fly away from the castle. Then the fireworks began. It was amazing. We had them going off in front of us and behind us. However, about 1 minute in, I felt a tug on my shirt. "Mama, I want to go." I said O.K. and we headed toward the front of the park. Now, mind you, were in the VERY BACK of the park. So, we had to walk to the side of the castle and then I saw the mass crowd in front of the castle and on Mainstreet looking at the wonderful presentation of Wishes. I knew that Anna's little legs wouldn't keep up and we had very limited time until the show was over and the mass exodus would begin. So, I scooped up Anna and began walking as FAST as I could through the crowd. Mind you I am VERY out of shape and walking fast could have presented its own challenges, but I was also carrying an extra 35+ lbs. to boot. I kept saying excuse us, excuse us through the crowd. I know that most people were thinking, " Really? Lady, do you have to disrupt our moment?" I could easily hear the music and knew that it was almost over. I had made it to Main Street - and the mass had cleared - but I headed to the sidewalk that was COMPLETELY cleared and picked up the pace. The ending fireworks and music had hushed the crowd. The applause happened and then the Whoosh of people turning and heading toward the entrance/exit of the park could be heard. We were ahead of the game, but I wasn't quite sure how much longer my legs and arms were going to hold up. We made it through the exit and toward the Boat Launch back to our hotel. There were about 5 people in front of us. Phew. I put Anna down and told her that she would have to walk the rest of the way. She was definitely a trooper. We made it back to the room. Celie was snoring and we told Bob all about our adventure. It was quite exciting and thrilling - yet exhausting. Anna & slept well that night and my arms ached the next day.

WDW a.k.a. Walt Disney World - Day 2

Monday, January 25, 2010
We woke up and had breakfast in our room and then decided to head to Disney Hollywood Studios to check things out. We ended up getting there right as the rope dropped (they opened the park). It was awesome as I heard many great things about the Toy Story Mania ride and had decided we should try it. We followed the crowd and we were not disappointed.

Here is a picture of Bob and Anna inside the ride cue for Toy Story Mania - it is basically a ride where you are shooting at carnival like games and collecting points. It is a lot of fun - oh yeah, and in 3D so they give you glasses to wear. The girls really didn't get the shooting part of it, but Bob and I had a fun time. I got more points. :)

After Toy Story Mania we decided to see what other shows, etc. might be happening. We happened to catch Mickey Mouse Playhouse production. Below is the girls waiting for the show to begin. They really enjoyed it.


After the show, we headed to where some of the characters hang out. We were able to find Mickey Mouse dressed as the Sorcerer. The girls were starting to warm up to the characters and eager for him to sign their pillowcases. Below are the girls with Mickey!!!
After Mickey, we decided to head toward the back of the park. We found the set from Honey, I shrunk the kids and the girls had a good time playing around the playground. They were able to burn off a little steam. Here is everyone on the giant Ant. It was hard to get them to leave, but we finally did to head to the Back Lot studios.


The Back Lot is like a mini movie set with various size buildings and things done in interesting perspectives to seem like a complete city, etc. Here are Bob and the girls "playing" in the middle of a BIG CITY Street.

Here I am with the girls on the step of a pretty brownstone.


The girls were kind of tired. So, Bob ended up carrying Anna (we didn't bring our stroller - but ended up calling to rent one for the rest of the week - well worth the $$ AND one of many lessons learned on this trip).

Doesn't Anna just seem thrilled by the whole situation?

We ended having lunch at the 50's Prime Time Cafe. We had a great lunch and then took the boat from Disney Hollywood Studios to Epcot's International Entrance. We were right near France in the World Showcase - so we decided have dessert at the La Patissiere. It was D-licious. I had that double chocolate mouse, the girls had a chocolate chip cookie and Bob had a chocolate raspberry cake. YUMMY!!

While in France, we spotted 2 different characters. So, we got in line to get autographs and pictures. The first was Aurora - or Sleeping Beauty. It was hard to get the girls to stand still and focus after all of that chocolate. Below are the girls with Aurora.



After Aurora, we found Marie, she is in the Aristocrats. So, the girls were thrilled to see her and get her Autograph as well.

We slowly made our way around the World Showcase. We had dinner reservations at Le Cellier in Cananda so we were just taking our time. We decided to get a pretzel in Germany and have a seat and just soak in the sun a little bit.

Here is a picture of me and the girls enjoying our pretzel. Epcot's globe is in the background.


Here is a CHEESEY picture of Anna and her doll Belle which can turn into Cinderella - tricky huh?
After our snack, we meandered through the World Showcase and then had dinner at Le Cellier. It was an o.k. dinner - not what I had expected and in my eyes, it did not live up to our expectations or came any where close to the reviews I had read. It was such a bummer, that we ended up canceling some of our other dinner reservations because we didn't want to be disappointed.

After dinner, it was getting a little chilly, so we headed back to the hotel to plan out our next day.