Sunday, September 30, 2012

The Total Package


Our Disney trip was indeed incredible, as evidenced by the number of posts I have devoted to it! This was one time when the experience lived up to all the hype. I have a tendency to set my expectations high, and I tried very hard to keep them reasonable for Disney World. I know it can be overstimulating and overwhelming for young kids AND adults. But watching Max encounter so many new sights,  foods, characters, and thrills was priceless. We were very proud of how he handled everything and extraordinarily grateful to have the opportunity to spend individual time with our big boy! 

What was Sarah up to while we were hanging out with Mickey? Enjoying her own individual time at Mimi and Babba's house! Every picture we received contained a face like this:


We deliberately chose to wait until an age when we thought Max would appreciate and remember the trip, but wanted to do it prior to starting kindergarten because scheduling is more flexible. I have nothing to compare it to, but we believe four (almost five) was a perfect age! And even though we are planning to go back with Sarah and Max next year, she will need her own pre-kindergarten trip as well! 

Saying goodbye to our new friends!


My favorite part of the trip occurred when Max came up to me on our last day and said, "Mommy, I've been having so much fun today that I forgot to say thank you."  Melt. My. Heart.


Thank you for the precious memories!

Friday, September 28, 2012

Magical Ending

By the end of the week, Max was a vacation veteran - dressed with mouse ears on by 7 am! 


Note the blanket "cave" we created with the bunk beds. Max has been obsessed with bunk beds since sleeping in them at the beach house, but none of us are used to sharing a room!

Mickey waffles taste better when eaten on the floor! 


Back to the Magic Kingdom!


After the obligatory rides on Peter Pan, we finally made it out of Fantasyland and into the future!


To infinity and beyond!





However, we soon arrived back at Pooh.



The ride had a twist this time - it stopped in the middle!


Cast members came to open our car and lead a line of stranded riders out into the sunlight. Daddy had gone to retrieve Fastpasses and was waiting outside when the announcement came that the ride would be closed for several hours. He was afraid the mob of disappointed children was going to revolt!


Max was clearly ready for some more exciting rides. 
Bring on the roller coasters!




Whoohoo!


Why walk to Frontierland when you can take a real steam engine?




The crucial test: Splash Mountain.
Max insisted he could handle it. Mommy and Nana were not so sure they could.


A very brave, wet boy!


Max's favorite ride of the trip?
The monorail!


We took it to lunch and enjoyed several spins.


Rest time at the hotel was perfectly timed with afternoon rain, leaving clear skies for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!

Dopey (Max), the Apple (Nana), the Witch (Mommy) and 
the Mirror (Daddy)


Too bad Snow White (Auntie Beckers) wasn't still with us!


Dopey grabs a ride!


The Haunted Mansion is even spookier during the Halloween party!
Maybe a little too spooky...this was the only ride Max really didn't like.


Trick or Treat stations were set up around the park.


It took a little persuading, but we managed to keep a tired Dopey awake for the Boo to You Parade. 

The parade kicked off with a ride by the Headless Horseman!


(The cast members came by to ask us to move our feet out of the street and hang on to our children because the rider is...obviously...headless.)

Which Dopey is cuter?



Pirate Tigger!


Winnie the Pooh and Friends


Glad we decided to stay!


Bucky, Smee, and Captain Hook!



Don't forget the crocodile!


Country Bears


Goofy's Candy Company



Three days of fun had definitely taken their toll. We knew Max was exhausted, so we wanted to leave immediately after the parade passed us. The challenge: to reach the gate before the parade in order to not be stuck waiting for it to end. Thus commenced the Stroller Derby! Weaving in and out among the crowds, dashing through stores to avoid traffic, and even driving backwards so Max could continue to wave at the characters, we crossed the street two steps ahead of the opening parade banner! Success!


Clearly I borrowed this picture since we didn't see the fireworks, but the Halloween party was a magical ending to our Disney adventure!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Animal Kingdom

Mickey is a thoughtful mouse. He left gifts for Max each morning in our hotel room: stickers, water bottle, a puzzle, other goodies, and pajamas! 


Eager to find some other animals, 
our next Disney adventure led us into the wild!


Tree of Life
"Just like in the Lion King!"


There were fossils to discover...


Daddies to hunt....


and a cousin of Frank's to meet!


Our new gorilla friend


Leaving in a huff - must be a female.


Who's bigger?


Amazing similarities!


The Africa section of Animal Kingdom earned points for authenticity with the power lines and luggage piled on top of the train, but Jason reported the overall effect was...well...Disney-fied. Max didn't seem to notice. He was excited for another type of train!



Rafiki's Conservation Station


Petting Area




Almost as tall!


Safari Time!


Grasslands



The herd (pack?) of giraffes blocked the path of the jeep


and stopped for us to admire them.







Back in the township...


Max tries to fit in with the natives.


Safari Donald
Extra points if you can spot two ducks in this picture!


An early lunch means you get breakfast and lunch options.
Mickey Mouse waffles, anyone?


The Mouse has an awesome hat.
And a fun conga line!


Goofy is Mommy's favorite!
And Sarah's favorite, too! She laughed and laughed when Mimi showed her the picture of her family with the big dog!


Dinoland


Hmm..this ride is remarkably similar to Dumbo and Aladdin's Carpets.



Some of our favorite parts of Animal Kingdom were the shows. After securing great seats at the Nemo show, Max informed us that he needed to use the bathroom. The cast member warned that the show would start before we could return and Max insisted he could wait. And he waited and wiggled and squirmed on Daddy's lap throughout the 45 minute show. Daddy was not as cool and remained paranoid until the curtain closed and the race to the bathroom commenced! Max was encouraged to sit on Mommy's lap for the Lion King show.




A full day in the wild led to tired beasts. Thank goodness for the watering hole at the lodge for us to relax and groove to the animal beat!