There is something truly magical about Disney World. It is quite possibly the happiest place on Earth. Ever since we took Rex there a few years ago when I was pregnant with Sean, I've wanted to go back. And once again, I left there with a thousand digital photos and more happy memories than my brain can store. And I'm ready to go back anytime! Since Michael and I do not like flying, we loaded up the minivan (yes, I confess, I have a minivan- but I swear- it's a really cool one!) and made a three day trip to Florida. We spent the first night in Florence, South Carolina, the next night in Jacksonville, Florida, and drove the last three hours to Orlando on the third day. I know what you're thinking...three small children in a car for three days. Yes, we are insane, but it was a means to an end. And really, Sean is the only one who doesn't like car trips. (Notice the look of death he is giving me in the picture.)
So every time he yanked off one of his shoes and chucked it at my head in a fit of anger, I just kept envisioning warm sunshine, Cinderella's castle, and Mickey-shaped ice cream sandwiches. It got me through. While technically we stayed at the Contemporary Resort (the one the monorail runs through), we were actually in a side wing off of the back of the bulding that was a major hike from the main hotel's lobby. We were a bit disappointed at first, but our room was huge, quiet, and had a great view of Bay Lake (and consequently a great view of the Light Boat Parade on the lake every night).
The Contemporary is great with young kids because the monorail is right there, and there is a walking path that takes you straight to the Magic Kingdom. We checked in on Saturday, and after getting some groceries for the week and getting our room in order, we headed to the Magic Kingdom in the evening to stroll around. Late January is considered the "off season" and the crowds were very light. We were able to get a walk-in table at the Crystal Palace for a "character dinner" that night (usually you have to make reservations weeks in advance), and the kids got to meet Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet. The characters take turns going from table to table as you eat.
We did the same kind of thing at Chef Mickey's the next morning for breakfast. We met Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald during Mickey-shaped pancakes and waffles. Very cool. This year, we got Rex an autograph book, and he
loved getting all the characters' signatures.
We headed over to the
Magic Kingdom again that day, and the kids had loads of fun riding all the different rides. Rex loved riding Space Mountain, and both boys liked the Jungle Cruise, It's a Small World, Dumbo, and Peter Pan. Rex hid his head in my lap throughout Pirates of the Caribbean, but Sean loved it! Sean's favorite part of the day was the fireworks show at closing time.
On Monday, we went to the Animal Kingdom. On Kilimanjaro Safaris, you ride in a big jeep through the "savanna" to see all the animals in their natural habitats. I think I was more excited than the kids were! We were about 30 feet from giraffes, rhinos, elephants, and more. With no fences! We even had to stop at one point because a giraffe was in the middle of the path and he wouldn't budge.
It was one of my favorite rides. We ate lunch at the Rainforest Cafe, which is a cool experience on its own and was a big hit with the kids. It's like eating in the middle of the jungle- complete with animatronic gorillas, cheetahs, tigers, etc. They even have occasional fake thunderstorms, and all the animals go crazy. The noise drowns out a crying, hungry baby very well. Ask me how I know...anyway- after a long, and much needed nap, we finished up the day back at the Magic Kingdom where the crowds were so light at the end of the evening, Sean and I got to ride the The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride- five times in a row... we just stayed in our seat and when again, and again, and again... I'm still singing the Woozle song in my head. Sean loved it, though, and by that point I was willing to do anything to keep a smile on his face. Much like he doesn't like car rides in his car seat, he doesn't like being strapped into a stroller, either. I could spend lots of time elaborating on how his head would spin in circles and his whines would pierce eardrums as we pushed him through the park strapped in place against his will (getting both judgemental stares and looks of pity from fellow guests), but I'd rather focus on the good times we had. And I must say, all of his satanic behavior throughout the day was forgiven each time he enjoyed a new ride, and each night as you could see the pure delight on his face as he watched the fireworks. My heart swelled for him each time.
Jack was pretty good about riding around in the stroller. I carried him in the Snugli a lot, also, but he is not exactly lightweight. My shoulders were KILLING me! But it was very convenient for taking him on rides.
We spent Tuesday at the Magic Kingdom, again, re-riding a lot of the rides, and finished up Tomorrowland with rides on Astro Orbiter, the Tomorrowland Motor Speedway, and Buzz Lightyear.
On Wednesday, we headed over to Epcot. Epcot has a ride called Mission:Space- and Rex was in his glory. This ride simulates a shuttle launch into space- complete with G-forces. It is one of those rides that has so many warnings posted about back/neck problems and heart complications that you practically need a doctor's note to ride it. They actually have the little barf-bags like you see on airplanes available for those who get motion sickness. Rex LOVED it! (I, on the other hand, gladly sat this one out). He also liked Test Track, which simulates the test-circuit for new vehicles at General Motors. My favorite ride was Soarin', which is kind of like an ultra cool IMAX theater where you are suspended forty feet in the air as you hang-glide over California. It was a little surreal to be "flying", but very cool.
Thursday we headed over to Hollywood Studios where the kids got to see Playhouse Disney Live featuring the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, the Little Einsteins, Handy Manny, and My Friends Tigger and Pooh. Sean flapped his arms the whole time!
We also rode the Toy Story ride (lots of fun!), and got to meet Lightening McQueen and Mater.
It started to rain by mid afternoon, so we headed back to the hotel. It rained until about noon on Friday when we went to the Magic Kingdom for the last tie. It was so sad knowing it was our last day. We rode all of our favorite rides, watched the fireworks one last time, and then I took Sean and Jack back to the hotel while Michael took Rex back to Epcot for the extended hours (each park takes turns staying open late one night each week). On Saturday, we got all of our gear packed up and headed out for the next adventure,
the Auto Train.
Since Sean's displeasure during our ride down was still fresh in our minds, we knew this train ride back home would be well worth every last pricey penny we paid. And it was. The cabin was small. Very small. Smaller than our smallest bathroom small...but no seat belts were required.
And given the fact we were able to keep all of our massive amount of luggage in the van (minus an overnight bag), it certainly beat flying.
Upon boarding around 3:00, Michael and I took advantage of the wine tasting in the lounge car. We then relaxed in the cabin and watched the scenery go by for awhile, and at 5:00 headed to the dining car for a nice dinner. There was a movie showing in the lounge car later that evening, but we opted to watch our portable DVD player in our room instead.
Then it was off to bed.
It was not the best night's sleep I've ever had- sometimes the train would feel like it was going to bounce off the tracks-but it certainly beat 18 hours in the car with shoes being pelted at my head. We arrived in Lorton, VA at 7:30 the next morning. There was just enough time to drive home, stretch out, and relax a little bit before settling down to watch my beloved Steelers win the Super Bowl! What a wonderful ending to a wonderful week!
