I went with Jason and family to Disney for a week. We visited Hollywood Studios, the Magic Kingdom (2 days) and Epcott. Great trip, I never knew there were so many princesses! John loved the rides and Taylor rode everything she was tall enough for, even the Runaway Mine Train. I sat with her on that ride and held her down tight! The only ride John did not like was the Haunted Hotel that had ghosts inside and you sat in an elevator car that dropped down, rose back up, down again and so on. It was a great time to go, the week before Thanksgiving. We never had to wait more than about 15 minutes for any ride. Plus the weather was great, mostly overcast, not too sunny and hot. Still humid, but since we were on the monorail line, we went back to the hotel for lunch, naps, and back out in the evening. Jason's room had a full kitchen with dining table, 2 bathrooms and washer and dryer. Ashley had ordered grocery delivery so we were able to eat most meals in their room. My room was more like a hotel room, but it was nice to be able to have my own place in the evenings.
Before the trip, I had to get my Disney on. I got a short haircut, to make it easy to shower and go each morning, and I also got my toes done. Minnie mouse on the left toe, Mickey on the right.
Disney is using wristbands now, with a computer chip embedded in it. It opens the room door, and you can use it to buy food, souvenirs at the resort hotels and parks (tied to your credit card), and also for fast pass rides. Ashley could use her phone to go online (Disney has wifi EVERYWHERE) and change fast pass rides, park tickets, find out the wait time at a character signing, all kinds of stuff. We each had one, even the kids, it had my name on the inside and I got to pick the color.
We caught an early flight (6:00 am) to Orlando. Bags were checked at DFW and magically showed up in our hotel rooms that night when we got back from our first day at Hollywood Studios.
Entering the park on the bus from the airport.
Ashley and Jason rented a stroller for the kids, a very wise investment. It could roll onto the monorail and into elevators.
Ashley had made autograph books for each kid, so they could get autographs from all the characters they saw. This is Green Army Man from Toy Story.
Lightning McQueen and Mater were on John's list of characters he wanted to see. No autographs, but lots of pictures.
This is the Haunted Hotel elevator ride at Hollywood Studios.
Jason cautioned me about the elevator drops, and I read the warnings. That should have been enough to turn me around, but I was going to be brave and go with John.
John didn't like the ghosts he saw, Jason covered his eyes. I didn't like the drops, but at least it was in the dark, which somehow made it better than if I could see the ground rushing up at me. I felt how John looked afterwards. We made a pact to never go on that ride again.
Hollywood Studios had a fabulous Christmas light display, over 3 million lights. The lights also blinked in time to various Christmas songs. Very impressive.
The second day started off with the Princess breakfast at the castle.
Cinderella greeted each guest and posed for pictures.
Then at breakfast, which was excellent, other characters came by, signed autographs and posed for pictures. Here is Snow White.
Then came Taylor's favorite princess, Briar Rose. And who is that, you ask? It is the name given to Princess Aurora by the fairy godmothers who took her to live with them in the forest in order to hide her from the evil witch who planned to have her prick her finger and die before her 16th birthday. You may know her better as Sleeping Beauty.
Taylor and Princess Aurora, AKA Sleeping Beauty.
Princess Aerial, who started out life as a mermaid.
Rapunzel, the princess from Tangled movie.
These characters are so patient and sweet to the children, lots of hugs, and conversation in character.
Cinderella's mean step mother and step sisters. They asked John if he were single, they were looking for eligible bachelors. And they did look pretty ugly!
Another of John's must see, Buzz Lightyear.
John and I drove the racecars on the track.
The castle lit up at night with thousands of white lights.
The 3rd day started off with breakfast at Chef Mickey's, a buffet restaurant in the hotel. Lunch and dinner were also available, but we opted for breakfast. The characters come by the tables for autographs and pics, just like at the princess breakfast. I was able to snag Goofy for a picture with me.
Waiting with the kids for the Disney Electric Light parade.
Prince Charming and Cinderella.
Belle from Beauty and the Beast, at Epcott.
There is a lot of music at Disney, and both kids can get into the dancing mode. Taylor surprised us by bowing whenever the music ended and people clapped.
Ready for departure to the airport Friday morning.
It was a great trip, I had a wonderful time. I had been to Disney with my boys, but I focused on the rides, not the magical characters. The boys were older, didn't care about the princesses, only Space Mountain. This time I saw another side of Disney, how dreams really can come true for the kids who have grown up watching Cinderella and other princesses, Mickey and crew, and other favorite movie characters.
