We wanted to hit all of the rides that we missed the day before in order to avoid long lines. So, we did Goofy's roller coaster, teacups (twice in a row since Hannah did not want to get off and there was no line), Country Bear Jamboree, Aladdin's Magic Carpets, Haunted House, and Dumbo.
train ride
Hannah was determined to ride the Haunted House. This ride is also on their sing along video and she said she wanted to go. She said, "it's all pretend!" Emma however, did not want to go, so Bo and Emma stayed back and enjoyed a marching band while the rest of us went. The child did not cry a bit. She watched everything and loved how the ghosts were dancing and having a tea party. She just cracked us up. So, we took our picture in front of the Haunted House!
We had a BBQ lunch at Frontier land and we headed back to the pool for awhile since we knew we would be back that night.
The girls loved the pool time and even participate in a dance party poolside.
Around 4:00 we went back to the condo for a nap, and we all napped pretty late since we would be out late - I think we got the girls up around 7:00!
On the way to the Magic Kingdom we had our first rainstorm. It rained a lot on the way there and just as the bus pulled in to the gate it calmed down long enough for us to get inside a restaurant to eat dinner. Bo left dinner early and went to get us seats for the nighttime parade, which he did awesome on - right in front of the castle. We knew the girls were going to want the light up spinning things that you must have at an event in the dark, we about had a heart attack when we thought the girl said, $70.00 for two of them!!! Luckily, we misheard her and it was only $30.00!
The parade was so magical as usual. The Wishes slideshow on the Castle was amazing. They highlight all pictures taken in the park that very day on the castle with lights, music and amazing effects. Then, tinkerbell flew from the castle to begin the fireworks, which were amazing. In the words of Bo Hamrick and I quote, "that was freaking phenomenal" - and I have him saying it on video!!! I of course teared up through the entire firework show.
So, it was about 10:30 at night and the park does "magic hours" for families staying on property. We decided that as long as the kids were happy, we would do whatever they wanted. The lines had hardly no wait time and of course the temperature was much better. We rode Buzz Lightyear ride, teacups again, Carousel again, and Goofy roller coaster again. We did some more shopping at Emporium and then took care of our pictures at the Kokak theater. The kids went to the candy store and all in all we were out until 1:30 AM. The most pitiful part of the entire trip was telling the girls we were leaving and to say good-bye to Mickey Mouse and Disney World. Poor Hannah made the most pitiful cry - not tantrum cry, just a sad, sad cry. She just said she did not want to leave Disney World and that she loved it here - YUP - I cried right along with her. It had just been the best time ever. The kids were so well behaved and everything was just so magical. Who would want to leave????
saying good-bye
We were up at 5:30 to catch Magical Express at 6:20. They had us at the airport by 7:15. Our flight was at 9:20. We had a wonderful flight back. When we were back over VA I said, "look Hannah, we are home." Hannah cried again!!! She said, "no, I want Disney World" in her little cry again. It was so pitiful!
All kids, souvenirs and luggage made it home. We picked up Lilly from the boarder and the granite people were already calling us to see if we were home. As soon as we had everything in the house they were there and began installing our counters. I had luggage, toys, souvenirs, laundry, kitchen stuff EVERYWHERE. I was about to have an OCD attack, but instead we had some lunch in the living room, I put the kids down for a nap and I too crawled into bed until 5:30 that evening. We slept through all of the counter installation! Bo even woke us up telling me it was almost dinner time! All of the excitement and nonstop going had finally caught up with me.
I struggled this week at work still recuperating from sleep deprivation. Technology inventory started this week so I spent a lot of time with my principal locating technology throughout the entire building and getting asset tags number for technology that had no asset tags! The kitchen sink was finally done on Tuesday so I was able to get everything put away. I have printed pictures of the trip so the girls each have their own Disney World photo book of their favorite memories. They have seen Disney commercials upon our return and say, "Hey we did that!" They are still talking about our trip and their favorite parts. Emma's favorite part was Mary Poppins and the Goofy roller coaster. Hannah's favorite part was Belle and the Haunted House!
I will say that Disney is what you make of it. I grew up with Disney movies, and have always loved the stories, fairy tales, characters and magic. I think it is a place filled with those very things and I think you can enjoy Disney at many different ages of life. This time I saw it through a different light - through the eyes of my children. If Bo Hamrick (the most anti- theme park person in the world) could enjoy Disney - anyone can! I was very proud of him for doing something that is not that exciting to him. But, I saw many smiles on his face and he even admitted that seeing the girls that excited and happy made him enjoy it all.
I am grateful that my parents were there with us and we certainly made so many memories. We did what we went to do and what was age appropriate for the kids. We purposely did not make it a long trip knowing that we were not going to do everything. The meal plan was key for anyone planning on going. I also recommend staying on Disney property take advantage of the transportation and save time on parking and walking to the parks. Old Key West resort was amazing! We had three a full kitchen and washer/dryer. I would definitely recommend that place for larger groups like we had. The character meals also allow up close and personal "guaranteed" time without waiting in lines at the parks.
I am grateful that my parents were there with us and we certainly made so many memories. We did what we went to do and what was age appropriate for the kids. We purposely did not make it a long trip knowing that we were not going to do everything. The meal plan was key for anyone planning on going. I also recommend staying on Disney property take advantage of the transportation and save time on parking and walking to the parks. Old Key West resort was amazing! We had three a full kitchen and washer/dryer. I would definitely recommend that place for larger groups like we had. The character meals also allow up close and personal "guaranteed" time without waiting in lines at the parks.
I will also remember Andy crying after each and every ride ended! He LOVED riding rides! I cannot express enough how wonderful everything was and how out of the way Disney will go to ensure your trip is special and memorable. (Also wanted to mention that my mom lost her reading glasses at the Mary Poppins Breakfast, a staff member found them and delivered them right to our room)! Until next time......Bo says five years, I say three - we will see depending on if another baby comes in the meantime.
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