Disney: Part 3/3

(Start reading with Part 1.)

Hollywood Studios was up next and, with it, our first chance to meet some Disney characters.

We had reservations for a character lunch with a few stars from various Disney Junior shows.

Hannah and Ben were excited to meet fun characters like June from Little Einsteins.

Jefferson, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with the over-sized mutes and slid under the table when any of them came over to greet us.

He did warm up to Mater, though; probably because he was actual size.

Hollywood studios had many shows and rides, which we all enjoyed; but one of the kids' favorite attractions of the entire trip was the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground.

And, as you may have guessed, we finished the day with another fireworks show and another conked-out three-year-old.

Our last park was Animal Kingdom and Groompa came back down to spend the day.  And, it wouldn't be much of an animal kingdom without, you know, animals.

Even though the animals were captive, the "safari" was pretty cool.  We even had to stop to wait for these rhinos to cross the trail.

Nothing brings out your primal instincts like bongo drums.

This is the "before" picture on our way to Expedition Everest.

There is no "after" picture because no one wants to see that.  Let's just say it's a good thing Groompa was there to help with the kids so that "Thad Dad" could go sit under the pavilion with the constant spray of mist behind the Rainforest Cafe.

Since Animal Kingdom closes early, the day did not end with Jefferson dozing off at a pyrotechnics display.  Instead, we went back to enjoy the resort's pool before saying good-bye to Groompa until Christmastime.

We actually bought a fifth day of tickets and spent the morning of our last day back at the Magic Kingdom taking on a few more rides and shows, buying souvenirs and using up the last of our meal plan snacks.

The last 24 hours of our vacation included rides on a bus, a tram, a monorail, a boat, a train, a car, a people-mover and an airplane.  Just eight hours after bidding farewell to Mickey, the kids were sleeping in their own beds - dreaming of magic and fairies.

Tomorrow we all get back to work and school and our normal routine, but our daydreams will still be filled with memories of the place where dreams come true.  And, yes, the kids are already asking when we're going back.

Disney: Part 2/3

After a relaxing start to our vacation, it was time to pick up the pace.  Our first park was Magic Kingdom and Groompa enjoyed one more day with us before heading home.

Hannah researched each park before our trip and picked the things she wanted to do.  First up was Space Mountain.

We got fast passes instead of waiting in line and enjoyed two other attractions before our scheduled time.

The two princesses were excited to see the iconic castle.

We're not the kind of family to all wear the same exact shirt; but there's nothing wrong with a theme.

Jefferson fell asleep during the fireworks show.  Yes, I said during the show.  Stacey had to hold him for the entire bus ride back to our resort and carry him up to to the room.

Day two was Epcot day, but we spent the morning in Downtown Disney.  We were all excited to play in the Lego store.  Ben posed for his picture with the giant Lego scene out front.

After a fun lunch at the T-Rex Cafe and a boat ride back to our resort, we headed to the park with the giant golf ball.

Ben and "Thad Dad" got to talk to Crush (the sea turtle from Finding Nemo), Hannah and Ben got to design their own roller coaster and ride it in a simulator, and we all worked together to thwart Dr. Doofenshmirtz in our Agent P Mission.

In addition to visiting the permanent cultural pavilions, we happened to be there for the International Food and Wine Festival.  We tried a few dishes, but ended up eating dinner at the Japanese pavilion - and Ben brought out that pose again.

The day concluded with another fireworks show and Jefferson falling asleep again.

The fun continues in Part 3.

Disney: Part 1/3

We decided three years ago to go to Disney after Jefferson was potty trained and old enough to enjoy it.  We also wanted to go before Hannah outgrew the magic.  That made this year the perfect fit.

So we booked a flight, a car, two hotels, a resort, tickets and a meal plan (including dining reservations made 6 months in advance).  After three years of dreaming and saving and eight months of planning and stressing, we spent one crazy week at the quintessential family vacation destination.

It all started with the kids' first plane ride.  For some reason, Hannah felt the need to keep the window closed most of the time and Jefferson, well...

We didn't go straight to Walt Disney World.  Groompa lives near The Villages, so we spent a day with him there.  The kids were so excited, they couldn't contain themselves.

Then we all went to Clearwater Beach together where the sand-lovers begged to have their legs buried.  Hannah became a mermaid, Ben took a ride on a sea turtle and Jefferson turned into shark boy.



After dinner - seafood, of course - we spent the evening at the pier watching the sunset and a few street performers.

As a side note, Benjamin has come up with a new pose that he likes to do when he knows you're taking his picture.

Anyway, these other places in Florida were great, but this was a DISNEY trip.  The journey continues in part 2.

First Days

The kids are back to school, getting used to being away from mom, and hopefully learning something! Hannah and Ben before they leave for the bus.

Jefferson outside his preschool, looking very grown up and happy!

Everyone is doing just fine at school, now it's time for vacation!