Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Disney World Recap

We came, we saw, we kicked Disney's ass.

Okay, Disney pretty much kicked our asses...but it was so much fun!



We kept the vacation a secret until we arrived at the airport. Right before we left, we brought the luggage out and told the kids we were staying at a hotel in Indianapolis. They totally bought it because we had just done that a few weeks ago. Cole started crying because he wanted to stay on the farm and NOT go to a hotel!

We got to the airport shuttle stop and told the kids where we were really going! They couldn't believe it! They were almost more excited to hear that Aunt Susie and the baby (and baby #2) were coming along too!


We stayed at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. The rooms were good, setting was nice, food court and swimming pools were great!


We spent the first day at Magic Kingdom. And it was magical, albeit hot.


Cole got picked to drive the boat during the jungle cruise. He took his responsibility very seriously.


We also climbed the Swiss Family Treehouse, rode the magic carpets of Aladdin and the carousel, and joined Captain Jack Sparrow on the Pirates of the Caribbean.

We rode Splash Mountain, It's a Small Word, and Dumbo the Flying Elephants. We saw the Country Bear Jamboree (dumb!), the Carousel of Progress, and Mickey's PhilharMagic (my favorite part!)

The second day brought us to Animal Kingdom.

We went on the safari


and watched the Flights of Wonder bird show.


We also watched It's Tough to be a Bug (SO great!)

Festival of the Lion King

rode the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch

spent some time at Dinoland

and then mommy and daddy rode Expedition Everest sans children.

Favorite part of Animal Kingdom? Definitely the Bug's Life 3D show!

Day 3 was Epcot.


It was fun exploring the countries in Epcot. We watched a movie in China, ate in Germany, and walked through all the other countries.


We had lunch with the princesses at the Norway castle. Claire was in princess heaven. We saw Belle, Aurora, Ariel, Snow White, and Cinderella. She had her picture taken with each princess, got a hug, and even went on the princess parade through the restaurant.




We also rode the Seas with Nemo

went on Soarin', played in ImageWorks and rode Mission: Space, Living with the Land, and Test Track.


Favorite part of Epcot? Besides seeing Claire's face during the princess lunch, it would have to be Soarin! So fun!

Day 4 was Hollywood Studios. Very hot and crowded, thanks to Star Wars weekend. But we had a great time, nonetheless.


We left the kids with Aunt Susie and did Tower of Terror. Scary.


We all did Rock 'n Roller Coaster. I cannot believe how great the kids did-their first big roller coaster and they loved it! It went super fast, upside down, corkscrews, you name it! I was the only scared one!


The boys enjoyed the Indiana Jones Stunt Show while the girls watched the Little Mermaid show. Then we all rode the Toy Story Mania ride. So fun! But oh-so-thankful for Fast Passes! That ride had a 2 hour wait most of the day.


We also saw the Muppet Vision 3D, Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, and the Beauty and the Beast Musical.


Favorite part of Hollywood Studios? All of it! Except the heat and crowd!


3:30 Monday morning came very early. The bellman came at 4:20 to pick us and our luggage up to bring us to the main desk. We then boarded the Disney Magical Express at 5:00 a.m. to go to the airport. We boarded the plane at 7:30 a.m. and were home by noon.


We had a great time during our first trip to Walt Disney World, but were all happy to get home! Now it officially feels like summer break!

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14 comments:

Bren said...

WOW! You hit every possible ride/attraction there didn't you! Did you go to the Hall of Presidents? Do they even still have that? I can't wait until we can take the girls to Disney!

Anonymous said...

What a super vacation! Looks like you all had a great time!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness! Look how tall little miss is! They look like they had a blast! I'm so glad you were able to pull off the surprise!

Tractor Mom said...

Looks like y'all had way too much fun!! We have tried to go to Disney twice but haven't made it there yet! I so much want to take the kids (and Hubby) who have never been.

Finding Normal said...

a. Thanks for the post and pics. I know you did it just for meee.

b. Great pics!

c. I can't believe you actually kept it a secret.

d. Aunt Susie sure looks perky. Makes me want to kick her. HA!

e. Glad you can now relax and have summer vacation!

Becky said...

So happy y'all had a great time!!! My boys leave for Disney World Friday with their grandparents. Meanwhile, I leave for Maine Friday so my hubby will have five days all to himself!

P.S. Not one single picture of you!!!

Leslie Moon said...

So cool that you surprised the kids! I hope we can take ours next year. Our youngest will be 4 going on 5 then. Pictures look like you had a GREAT time!

Anonymous said...

Looks like a wonderful vacation!!!

Momma@Live. Laugh. Pull your hair out said...

WOW! I cant believe how much you fit in. We were there for a week in '09 and didnt see nearly as much as you!!!! Great pics!!!!

Unknown said...

I need a nap from reading all that.

Looks like you had a GREAT time!

Beth in NC said...

This looks like you had so much fun! I am praying we can take our daughter sometime in January or February (so it won't be so hot). :o)

Sandy said...

I'm glad to hear that you had such a good time! Hopefully I'll get there sometime soon!

Julie said...

Wow, that looks like one amazing time! so glad your family had fun :)

Trudi Thorburn said...

This is what I call an ultimate vacation! A visit to a farm and a tour at Disneyland isn’t it wonderful? The smiles on your kids’ faces, especially your baby’s says it all. I’m really looking forward to having a vacation like this too!

-Trudi Thorburn