At last we are getting back to "normal" after the best trip ever! Jeremy, Jackson and I went on our first family trip to Disneyworld this past Veteran's Day weekend. I realized before we left that this is the first vacation that we have taken just the 3 of us! It was a fun, busy, stress free time and we loved every second of it. In fact we are already planning our next trip!
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| In the sky as we were entering the gates to Disney |
So this is what we did.
After Jeremy dropped Chloe off at "Just Like Home Dog Boarding" we hit the road headed to Orlando. The trip was easy! It took us about 8 hours to get there including stops. Our first stop was at a place in Tifton, GA at a gas station/Wendy's/Indoor Playground. It had everything we needed in one stop. I think we were there almost an hour, but Jackson got to play around and check out their aquarium.
After that, we stopped once more for a bathroom break and we hit some traffic on the toll road in Orlando...we were so close and there was a wreck, so after inching along we had the car parked about 15 minutes waiting on things to clear up.
Once we got to the hotel (Disney's Pop Century Resort) Jeremy dropped me off at the entrance to check in. We got the keys, went to our room, then took off around the resort to start exploring a little bit. I requested 4th floor (the top floor) because I didn't want to have to listen to footsteps above. That can be annoying! The buildings in the hotel were themed by decade. We were in the 80's building with Roger Rabbit and Pac Man.
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| The view from our walkway |
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| Playing on the keyboard by the computer pool |
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| Jack loved the Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head |
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| Another favorite |
We were so tired, I think we decided to go to sleep about 1:30 am. Our plan was to sleep in, buy our tickets, ride around the resorts on the monorail and go to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at 4:00. We woke up about 11:30 on Friday and had some cereal in the room. Got ready and out the door by around 1:00.
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| Waiting for the bus |
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| He knew where we were going! |
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| First view of the gate. |
Friday was the coolest day we had while we were there. The raccoon hat came in handy! It got down in the 40's this night so I was happy that I packed some thick clothes for all of us! One reason I really wanted to do the Christmas party on Friday was because it was supposed to warm up for the rest of the weekend and I wanted it to feel like Christmas while we were at the party. The second reason was because it started at 7:00 but we could enter the park at 4:00, and that allowed us to sleep later so we could be ready to go that night!
We got to the gates of the Magic Kingdom at around 1:30. We had to buy military discounted tickets at the gate, so I couldn't preorder our tickets to the party unless I wanted to pay $40 extra. Once we arrived we saw a big Christmas themed sign that said "Sorry folks, tonight's event is sold out". I wanted to cry right there! I have always been a huge Disney fan and LOVE Christmas, so naturally this was a dream for me, but also I wanted Jackson and Jeremy to get to experience it too! I had already told Jackson all about what to expect and we had even watched the video they sent us over and over again.
We got to the window 7 out of 15 and the sweetest man from Colorado named Fred asked us what we were there for and all about our time frame. I told him our original plans and asked him if Sunday was sold out too. (Since Friday night was sold out, we overheard everyone in the lines talking about buying tickets for Sunday night so I was terrified that we were going to miss that one too. There were only 2 parties while we were there so it was our last chance if we were going ). We didn't know what he was doing, but after taking a little bit and talking to several managers he was able to pull lots of strings for us and got us into the party that night. He said he was a veteran and it was Veteran's Day and he wanted it to be a treat to us from him. He had to start a file and we were at his window for quite awhile.... Long enough for Jackson to drop his pants right there in front of everyone and try to pee. It was so hilarious and embarrassing at the same time! A man tapped me on the shoulder and said "Miss your son has his pants down". I about died. It really embarrassed Jackson too when everyone started laughing. I guess we were the entertainment for the super long line of people behind us! I knew he was up against the back of my legs and I had my hand on him so I knew he was fine and had not wandered off, I just had no clue his pants were around his ankles. Jeremy and I both were leaning in trying to listen to Fred ha!
So after we got our tickets and went to the potty, we hopped on the monorail and went around seeing some of the resorts. We had late lunch at the Polynesian Resort. It felt so much like Hawaii! They did an awesome job on this resort. The pool was heated and they also had a beach area where kids were swimming. Jackson liked the ducks and the pier.
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| First time on the monorail |
After playing around at the Polynesian, hitting up their free cookie reception, more potty breaks and reorganizing, we were headed back on the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. As soon as we walked in the gate everyone was dressed in their Christmas attire and gave us a Christmas wristband for the party!
*The best way to do Disney in my opinion is let the little one lead the way, forget about structure and bedtime, and just go with it. It works out beautifully*
After a picture stop in the middle of main street, we went straight for the castle.
It was so perfect because as soon as we walked up we noticed show times and Jeremy said that there should be one starting soon. As soon as he said that the music started, everyone came on stage and Jackson went from thrilled to over the moon!
So that was a great way to kick things off!
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| Another castle view. He was happy to be seeing it in person! |
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| Always one of my favorite parts of the park in Fantasyland |
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| Blurry, but we had a good little carousel ride |
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| Dumbo was even more exciting! |
Next stop was Winnie the Pooh. The line to get in was just as fun as the ride. There was so much to do while going through the line.
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| If you can get past the honey...you might just see Tigger! |
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| Jeremy's first ride! |
Once we were finished at Pooh, it had gotten fully dark and cold outside! It was good though because we put on another layer and kept going. Christmas music was playing and they were getting the free hot chocolate, cookies, apples, and juice ready to serve. It felt so festive :) After resting and getting our treats inside at Snow White's, we made our way back around to the castle to see it fully lit up. And yes I put socks on Jackson!!
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| Poor Donald |
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| He gave in! I sat with him while Jeremy went and rode the Haunted Mansion |
Next stop was dinner in Tomorrowland.This was SO much fun. They played dance music, hip hop, and Christmas songs and had a big party right in the restaurant we stopped in at for dinner! Jackson didn't get involved but he loved it and so did we. Jeremy got out there and got quite a bit on video. My favorite part was when Goofy and Pluto made their entrance to "Let's Get it Started in Here" by the Black Eyed Peas. It was so cute. They were dressed in Santa caps and all. You can see Santa's DJ up on stage dancing
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| The Cheshire Cafe~So cool! |
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| Time to post up for some fireworks! |
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| Enjoying the show |
Friday night's fireworks were more Christmas themed with Christmas music mixed in. The castle changed colors and it was just beautiful!
Then after exploring some more, we came back to the castle for a Christmas performance that Jackson loved! He got into it by clapping and dancing and bobbing his head. I love it.
From here we moved down Main Street to catch our first parade!
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| It is snowing! |
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| The look of overwhelming excitement from the snow + parade! |
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| Snow in Jeremy's hair. We were loving it! |
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I liked this one, Clarabelle was baking and the smells were awesome. Cinnamon, sugar,
and vanilla in the air! |
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| Jackson is still talking about these toy soldiers and trying to walk like them |
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| Santa! |
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| Jack didn't want to say hi but we did! |
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| On our way out of the park :) Busy body in the background! |
I'm thinking it was around 12:30 a.m. when we left the park. Since we stayed on Disney property, we just walked to our bus station right out front and waited on the bus for Pop Century. Our bus was pretty full, it wasn't exactly a pleasant ride because people were standing and sitting. Luckily a guy got up and gave me his seat so Jack could sit in my lap. We got back to the room and slept like rocks.
Day 2 was a whole new experience. Since we had our Holiday party behind us, it was time to do some of the normal Disney things. Luckily Fred talked us into getting the 4 day park hopper ticket when we were normally going to get just a one day ticket (it was only a $40 difference). That allowed us to go to Disney's Hollywood studios for the first part of the day, and then hop on over to the Magic Kingdom for the night and see the other firework show, parade, and we got to take advantage of the "extra magic hours". During those hours Disney hotel guests get to stay after the park closes and ride the rides with little to no lines. So glad we did this!
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| Groovy Tie Dye Cheesecake |
After sleeping in and getting ready we started off with lunch at our resort. Jack must be hitting another growth spurt because he demolished his pizza and also shared our dessert too! Who wouldn't love that cheesecake though. So colorful!
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| Picked a good spot to watch the parade |
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| Clapping and moving. This stroller came in so handy too. It was perfect! |
Before the parade started they had the music playing loud, so Jackson was standing out in front of us dancing and clapping getting ready! Once they were in sight he hopped back in the stroller to watch.
We got a lot on our video camera that I will have to add when I get the chance
There was a really cute show called "Disney Junior Live on Stage" that was scheduled to start about ten minutes after the parade ended. We loaded up and headed that way. We walked up as they were doing last call, so we went right in. Jackson was thrilled with this show because it had Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Little Einsteins, and Handy Manny. They got to sing, dance, clap, and collect "Gold Doubloons" that fell from the ceiling when they accomplished their mission. Bubbles were also part of the show.
We went exploring after the show. We walked through the Pixar area and came upon the Backlot tour. Another one that we knew Jackson would love! The first part had explosions and fire, so I had to catch his reaction haha!
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| Part 2 of the backlot tour was a tram ride where they demonstrated a diesel explosion and flood. |
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| Playing around for the video camera |
Once we realized seating was already open for the night water show Fantasmic, we decided we better go on in and get a seat. Once seated we still had a little over an hour before the show started, so it was a good time for snacks. I had brought grapes from the hotel plus we got a pretzel and some nachos.
After the very impressive show, we headed back across the middle of the park to see the Christmas lights.
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| The Hollywood Studio's Icon looked pretty at night! This is where we were earlier for the parade. |
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is on the Streets of America in the park. Its millions of lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music.
The Disney website best explains the story behind the lights (and why we really had to see them).
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights started modestly in Arkansas as a single home's annual display. Every year, Jennings Osborne and his family set up an elaborate collection of holiday lights and over the years, the collection of lights grew, and grew... and grew! In 1995, the Osborne family decided to share their magic with the world, and Walt Disney World Resort happily offered to become the new permanent home for this exceptional exhibition of holiday cheer.
They did a special tribute to Jennings Osborne while we were there and it was really nice. He passed away earlier this year, but during his life he touched lots of lives and was such a giving man. The lights were gorgeous! We even got more snow!
Video from my cell phone
We mainly got pictures on one street and intersection, but there was more to see that we didn't even get around too. I needed to start rolling so Jackson would fall asleep for a power nap before we got back to the Magic Kingdom.
Another cell phone clip
It was a pretty long walk from the park to the buses out front. When we got to the row of buses, we realized that everyone had the same idea that we had. The line to the Magic Kingdom was ridiculous! So Jeremy noticed that the Epcot bus was boarding so we hopped on it. As far as we knew, you could hop on the monorail there and go straight to the Magic Kingdom...but we were wrong. Once we got to Epcot we had to get on a monorail to the main ticket center and go to Magic Kingdom from there. It was a rough ride standing up in the packed monorail, Jackson was trying to climb up me because he wanted to be held (sleepy because he never had a nap). I was holding onto the pole trying to keep our balance and Jeremy wasn't even within reach. He was across the monorail with the stroller and bag. Plus it felt like they had the heat on. I just knew Jack was going to get sick. Once we arrived at the ticket center everyone went to the next monorail to go to Magic Kingdom. I knew from the ticket center you had 2 options. Monorail or Ferry. Last time I was at Disneyworld I loved the ferry! It is a pretty little ride across the Disney lake straight to the Magic Kingdom. We almost had it to ourselves! There was a really nice couple on there talking to Jackson. The man told him he was a lucky boy because this was the best way to get to Disney :) It was peaceful and so pretty! We even saw part of a water and lights parade for the Grand Floridian Disney Resort. The pictures from this part are on the video camera
We are walking down Main St. and we realize we can't go anywhere due to the crowd! We were only minutes away from the "Wishes" firework show that we were wanting to see. Perfect! We had a great view, the only problem was that Jackson passed out maybe one minute before they started. It was beautiful and we enjoyed it, plus Jeremy got it all on tape for Jackson.
On to Frontierland we go! Of all the lands, we had spent the least amount of time over in Frontierland and Adventureland, so I figured we should see that some more. The Electrical parade also starts there, so it was a good place to be for the next hour or two. The parade started at 11:00, and we had plenty of time to find a place for a late dinner and see the sights a little more. We lucked out (once again) and I talked to an employee at the Pecos Bill Restaurant that informed us that their outdoor seating in the back was right along the street the parade came down. They had some good food there too, so we picked a table out there and ate while we waited on the parade. Jackson only slept maybe 20 minutes, and when he woke up he was in the best mood!
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| Mickey waving at him |
Front row seats to the parade! Several characters stopped by to say hi but lil man was too shy to talk to them.
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| I liked this one :) Not sure which dwarf is driving |
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| Super long American Patriotic Float was going by |
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| He chose a hook for his souvenir after riding Pirates of the Caribbean |
He was a little afraid of pirates at first, but then he got into it.
We were having a blast at this point. It was "Extra Magic Hours" time, so we had to show our room key to get on the rides. There was little to no wait on everything! He rode the carpets back to back, then was entertained by the spitting camel for awhile.
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| Jeremy and Jack on Aladdin's Carpet |
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Me and Jack. (Unfortunately the lighter person sits on the inside so it is harder to see him)
On all the rides where you can control the height, Jackson kept us as high as possible. |
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| Caught him in mid spit. We were wondering where the water was coming from at first ha! |
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| Leaving Adventureland, headed to Tomorrowland for a few rides |
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| Very few people, Christmas music playing, beautiful scenery |
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| Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Ride. Gotta shoot some aliens! Notice the SPIN lever. We spun a lot. |
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| Possibly his favorite ride, The Astro Orbiter. It goes higher and faster than all the rest. He was so happy he didn't know what to do with himself while we were spinning. I was in a separate rocket. |
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| View of The Astro Orbiter from the ground. My big boy rode that! :) |
Exhausted and still not wanting to leave, we decided to make our way slowly to the front.
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| Jackson and I had to walk through here. He was interested when we first got to the park but it was way too crowded. |
We hopped on our bus from the front gates and headed back to our room. Although we were so tired, it was sad because we had to say bye to Disney. Even Jackson was happy to get a bath and crawl into his bed. I am tired just thinking about that Saturday! Ha!
Sunday was a brand new day involving Seaworld and more exploring around our resort. I think I will make that a post for tomorrow and go ahead and share our Disney parks part of the vacation.
