Recap of Sally & Sydney's First Disney Trip
And what a trip it was! Simply awesome.
Here's the run-down:
Wednesday 11/11/09
- got picked up in a stretch limo for the airport
- arrived in Orlando around 5PM, then took the Mickey Express (Magic Express? I forget) to the Polynesian, where we checked in just before 6PM. Our bags were checked from the Denver airport curbside ALL the way to the Polynesian (so awesome, I highly recommend it)! Lei greeting was waiting for us, the kids immediately located crayons and cartoons and they were happy campers.
- monorail to Epcot for dinner -- ate at the cafe in Morocco (World Showcase) - super yum. Figuring out this whole dining plan thing.
- watched IllumiNations, the fireworks and laser light show at Epcot, then back to hotel for bed.
- after we put the kids down for the night, Suzie Bundy (a college friend of ours) popped in for a visit.
Thursday 11/12/09
- weather was icky - cold, drizzling rain. Fine by me, I knew it would keep lots of folks out of the parks so it wouldn't be too crowded.
- began our day with a sit-down breakfast at the hotel (maybe a mistake...we got the "new guy" waiter, so it took forever). Still understanding how our meal plan works. So far, seems like a great deal.
- after brekky, it's off to Epcot with Suzie Bundy and the Atkinsons. Rode the Nemo ("The Seas" with Nemo and Friends) ride w/the kids, then walked to the World Showcase and rode "Maelstrom" at the Norway pavilion. Also bought autograph books for the girls.
- had reservations for a Princess character lunch at Norway. OMG, the food was positively out of this world - rich, hearty, amazing flavors.
- Sally and Sydney's faces were priceless as they met Belle, Ariel (with her land legs), Aurora (sleeping beauty), Snow White and Cinderella. Mommy got a little teary eyed. So fabulous! Got pix and autographs with everyone.
- next, off to Magic Kingdom where we caught part of the day time "Celebrate" parade and rode some rides (Pirates of the Caribbean, It's a Small World, and the Carousel)
- lines were pretty short, about 20 minutes or less for each.
- First casualty of the trip: Syd dropped lovey while walking with Suzie. We searched, but could not find it. :-( Bought a replacement (baby Ariel w/ a satin blankie) at the Tinkerbell shop.
- saw the new princess (Tiana?) from Princess and the Frog -- the new Disney cartoon set in New Orleans (and we caught a mini Mardi Gras parade).
- ate some outrageously good funnel cakes and grabbed some coffees / hot cocoas at a little cafe that turned out to give us a perfect view of the lighting of the castle (I didn't expect everything to be decorated for Christmas already, but it was!)
- back to hotel, put all kids to bed, then Suzie hung out and the grownups played cards (RockIt) and had cocktails till late.
- Sally had gotten a Cinderella dress up toy...which mommy promptly broke...but it was no trouble to replace it, so we got a Tinkerbell instead (seems less fragile...ironic, I know)
Friday, November 13th
- wow, I didn't even realize it was Friday the 13th until I sat down to write this post! Nothing unlucky happened today...fortunately!
- Perfect weather so we hopped the monorail to the Magic Kingdom (it is SO nice to take the Monorail straight from the hotel!)
- grabbed a quick and delicious brekky at a bakery on "main street" in the MAgic Kingdom. Yum.
- Syd was a little fussy UNTIL we were standing in line and one of the bakery line employees handed Sydney a HUGE sugar cookie all wrapped up in red and green ribbon and said "Mickey called us and asked us to give this especially to you" Then her face lit up and she beamed all the rest of the day.
(We found out later, only 5 of these cookies are given out per day, and it's part of something Disney started about 5 years ago called "Magical Moments" where something small yet special is done for a select few kids at the park each day. Wowsa!)
- We got Sally some mouse ears and rode lots of rides: Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White's Scary Adventures, Dumbo, the Mad Tea Party and It's a Small World (again) among others. We also saw an AWESOME 3-D adventure called "Mickey's Philharmagic" and the kids were all riveted during the show. It was pretty intense animation and massive 3-D effects, and when it was over, Sydney looked at me and said, "whew!"
- had lunch in the Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland, after which Kieron and Andy took Claire and Sydney (respectively) back to the hotel for naps for the kids and work for the adults, and Kristi and I took Emily & Sally on some more rides (Astro Orbiter, Buzz Lightyear, Stitch's Great Escape -- which Sally LOVED though Emily cried a bit -- it was a tad scary, and the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor)
- then we took the older kids for a snack and headed out to Downtown Disney (which takes an HOUR to get to from the Magic Kingdom) where we all met up for dinner at an Irish pub called Raglan Road. The food was stupendous (possibly some of the best scallops any of us had ever eaten), pate', fried goat cheese, all yum yum yum and then after dinner the girls danced for a long while to live Irish music.
- Atkinsons headed back to put kids to bed while the Grants did a bit more shopping -- Sally got a Mickey Magic Wand that lights up, Andy bought pins and mommy searched for a hat (no luck) and then we hopped a cab (to avoid the long lines & many stops that come with Disney transportation) gave the girls a quick bath and put them to bed as tired but happy campers.
Saturday 11/14/09
- attended another character brekky at our hotel (the Polynesian at "Ohana" restaurant) where we all got to meet (and get autographs from) Mickey Mouse, Lilo, Stitch and Pluto
- the Atkinsons were "parked out" so the Grants headed over to Epcot to ride "Spaceship Earth" and had lunch at the Japanese Teppan Grill in Epcot.
- Met more characters on the way and then headed over to Animal Kingdom (which we figured would take about 40 minutes in transportation via Disney) but as we were walking toward the bus stop, a uniformed Disney employee asked us where we were headed and then offered to drive us in a private van directly to Animal Kingdom. After dismissing a momentary flash of concern over being robbed and dumped off at some Disney "back lot" (a fleeting fear that turned out to be totally unfounded, thankfully), we agreed. The kids were showered with girly pirate items (bling rings, swords, eye patches, pink skull & crossbone headbands, pins, etc.) and we were on our way. Driver wasn't too chatty (but that didn't stop Andy) and we arrived in a jiffy. Tried to tip him, but he refused -- looks like we've just experienced another Magical Moment!
- we hit the character jackpot at Animal Kingdom -- we waited in ZERO lines to meet and get autographs from Goofy, Donald, Pluto, Christmas Mickey, Christmas Minnie, and Thumper. Also saw the majestic Tree of Life, really beautiful (and some live animals too :-)
- took the kids to see Nemo the Musical -- was absolutely stupendous. A MUST-SEE. Even though Sydney had just fallen asleep the moment we got to the theater, she and Sally were both positively mesmerized throughout the show. It was extraordinary -- Broadway quality, though just about 45 minutes long (apparently, it's disney's longest live show at any of the parks). There was a lot of walking around and riding that day, and when we walked out of the theater, Sally said "that was AWESOME -- it totally made up for all the boring stuff we did today." Um, ok good.
- hopped a cab back to the Polynesian, blew off dinner reservations at Epcot China that night and picked up easy kid-friendly dinner to eat in our room. Sally played with her new toys, visited the hotel gift shop with me (I was in search of something -- anything -- that played "It's a Small World" since she was so taken with that ride and song) and then I took her to the game room, which she LOVED.
- Then daddy took Sally over to the Polynesian beach to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks over the castle, after which Sal went to sleep and then the adults ordered in room service and played more cards (RockIt of course!).
Whew! I'm getting a little tired just reading & writing all this out -- I'll post tomorrow about the cruise part of our vacation.
xoxoxo
Amy
Here's the run-down:
Wednesday 11/11/09
- got picked up in a stretch limo for the airport
- arrived in Orlando around 5PM, then took the Mickey Express (Magic Express? I forget) to the Polynesian, where we checked in just before 6PM. Our bags were checked from the Denver airport curbside ALL the way to the Polynesian (so awesome, I highly recommend it)! Lei greeting was waiting for us, the kids immediately located crayons and cartoons and they were happy campers.
- monorail to Epcot for dinner -- ate at the cafe in Morocco (World Showcase) - super yum. Figuring out this whole dining plan thing.
- watched IllumiNations, the fireworks and laser light show at Epcot, then back to hotel for bed.
- after we put the kids down for the night, Suzie Bundy (a college friend of ours) popped in for a visit.
Thursday 11/12/09
- weather was icky - cold, drizzling rain. Fine by me, I knew it would keep lots of folks out of the parks so it wouldn't be too crowded.
- began our day with a sit-down breakfast at the hotel (maybe a mistake...we got the "new guy" waiter, so it took forever). Still understanding how our meal plan works. So far, seems like a great deal.
- after brekky, it's off to Epcot with Suzie Bundy and the Atkinsons. Rode the Nemo ("The Seas" with Nemo and Friends) ride w/the kids, then walked to the World Showcase and rode "Maelstrom" at the Norway pavilion. Also bought autograph books for the girls.
- had reservations for a Princess character lunch at Norway. OMG, the food was positively out of this world - rich, hearty, amazing flavors.
- Sally and Sydney's faces were priceless as they met Belle, Ariel (with her land legs), Aurora (sleeping beauty), Snow White and Cinderella. Mommy got a little teary eyed. So fabulous! Got pix and autographs with everyone.
- next, off to Magic Kingdom where we caught part of the day time "Celebrate" parade and rode some rides (Pirates of the Caribbean, It's a Small World, and the Carousel)
- lines were pretty short, about 20 minutes or less for each.
- First casualty of the trip: Syd dropped lovey while walking with Suzie. We searched, but could not find it. :-( Bought a replacement (baby Ariel w/ a satin blankie) at the Tinkerbell shop.
- saw the new princess (Tiana?) from Princess and the Frog -- the new Disney cartoon set in New Orleans (and we caught a mini Mardi Gras parade).
- ate some outrageously good funnel cakes and grabbed some coffees / hot cocoas at a little cafe that turned out to give us a perfect view of the lighting of the castle (I didn't expect everything to be decorated for Christmas already, but it was!)
- back to hotel, put all kids to bed, then Suzie hung out and the grownups played cards (RockIt) and had cocktails till late.
- Sally had gotten a Cinderella dress up toy...which mommy promptly broke...but it was no trouble to replace it, so we got a Tinkerbell instead (seems less fragile...ironic, I know)
Friday, November 13th
- wow, I didn't even realize it was Friday the 13th until I sat down to write this post! Nothing unlucky happened today...fortunately!
- Perfect weather so we hopped the monorail to the Magic Kingdom (it is SO nice to take the Monorail straight from the hotel!)
- grabbed a quick and delicious brekky at a bakery on "main street" in the MAgic Kingdom. Yum.
- Syd was a little fussy UNTIL we were standing in line and one of the bakery line employees handed Sydney a HUGE sugar cookie all wrapped up in red and green ribbon and said "Mickey called us and asked us to give this especially to you" Then her face lit up and she beamed all the rest of the day.
(We found out later, only 5 of these cookies are given out per day, and it's part of something Disney started about 5 years ago called "Magical Moments" where something small yet special is done for a select few kids at the park each day. Wowsa!)
- We got Sally some mouse ears and rode lots of rides: Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White's Scary Adventures, Dumbo, the Mad Tea Party and It's a Small World (again) among others. We also saw an AWESOME 3-D adventure called "Mickey's Philharmagic" and the kids were all riveted during the show. It was pretty intense animation and massive 3-D effects, and when it was over, Sydney looked at me and said, "whew!"
- had lunch in the Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland, after which Kieron and Andy took Claire and Sydney (respectively) back to the hotel for naps for the kids and work for the adults, and Kristi and I took Emily & Sally on some more rides (Astro Orbiter, Buzz Lightyear, Stitch's Great Escape -- which Sally LOVED though Emily cried a bit -- it was a tad scary, and the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor)
- then we took the older kids for a snack and headed out to Downtown Disney (which takes an HOUR to get to from the Magic Kingdom) where we all met up for dinner at an Irish pub called Raglan Road. The food was stupendous (possibly some of the best scallops any of us had ever eaten), pate', fried goat cheese, all yum yum yum and then after dinner the girls danced for a long while to live Irish music.
- Atkinsons headed back to put kids to bed while the Grants did a bit more shopping -- Sally got a Mickey Magic Wand that lights up, Andy bought pins and mommy searched for a hat (no luck) and then we hopped a cab (to avoid the long lines & many stops that come with Disney transportation) gave the girls a quick bath and put them to bed as tired but happy campers.
Saturday 11/14/09
- attended another character brekky at our hotel (the Polynesian at "Ohana" restaurant) where we all got to meet (and get autographs from) Mickey Mouse, Lilo, Stitch and Pluto
- the Atkinsons were "parked out" so the Grants headed over to Epcot to ride "Spaceship Earth" and had lunch at the Japanese Teppan Grill in Epcot.
- Met more characters on the way and then headed over to Animal Kingdom (which we figured would take about 40 minutes in transportation via Disney) but as we were walking toward the bus stop, a uniformed Disney employee asked us where we were headed and then offered to drive us in a private van directly to Animal Kingdom. After dismissing a momentary flash of concern over being robbed and dumped off at some Disney "back lot" (a fleeting fear that turned out to be totally unfounded, thankfully), we agreed. The kids were showered with girly pirate items (bling rings, swords, eye patches, pink skull & crossbone headbands, pins, etc.) and we were on our way. Driver wasn't too chatty (but that didn't stop Andy) and we arrived in a jiffy. Tried to tip him, but he refused -- looks like we've just experienced another Magical Moment!
- we hit the character jackpot at Animal Kingdom -- we waited in ZERO lines to meet and get autographs from Goofy, Donald, Pluto, Christmas Mickey, Christmas Minnie, and Thumper. Also saw the majestic Tree of Life, really beautiful (and some live animals too :-)
- took the kids to see Nemo the Musical -- was absolutely stupendous. A MUST-SEE. Even though Sydney had just fallen asleep the moment we got to the theater, she and Sally were both positively mesmerized throughout the show. It was extraordinary -- Broadway quality, though just about 45 minutes long (apparently, it's disney's longest live show at any of the parks). There was a lot of walking around and riding that day, and when we walked out of the theater, Sally said "that was AWESOME -- it totally made up for all the boring stuff we did today." Um, ok good.
- hopped a cab back to the Polynesian, blew off dinner reservations at Epcot China that night and picked up easy kid-friendly dinner to eat in our room. Sally played with her new toys, visited the hotel gift shop with me (I was in search of something -- anything -- that played "It's a Small World" since she was so taken with that ride and song) and then I took her to the game room, which she LOVED.
- Then daddy took Sally over to the Polynesian beach to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks over the castle, after which Sal went to sleep and then the adults ordered in room service and played more cards (RockIt of course!).
Whew! I'm getting a little tired just reading & writing all this out -- I'll post tomorrow about the cruise part of our vacation.
xoxoxo
Amy
posted by Amy Scott Grant @ 6:00 PM
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