We hit Disney World at a perfect time of year, the crowds were minimal, aside from the marathon runners we saw on Monday. I watched one guy walk down a set of steps sideways, and I told him I knew the feeling. We made sure to get to the parks as soon as they opened, and went directly to the most popular rides, we were able to walk right on, with little or no wait. Then we got fast passes for rides we wanted to do in the afternoon.
Monday was Animal Kingdom
Tuesday was Magic Kingdom
Wednesday was Epcot
Thursday was Disney Hollywood Studios AND Epcot
Friday was Animal Kingdom AND Magic Kingdom.
It sounds like a lot, on Tuesday alone we went on 14 attractions, saw 2 parades, and the fireworks show. But we took the time to have a good lunch every day, we sat down for every ride, and had snacks and lots of water. We went to the pool and hot tub at night, to work out the kinks in our tired feet. I didn't go near the pool, it was freezing, but my kids are tough.
I didn't run the whole trip. But this was the highest mileage for Friday, we walked a total of 34 miles over five days.
There were many other Firsts:
Eliza lost her first tooth walking out of the Soarin' ride at Epcot:
L & E battled Darth Vader for the first time:
I saw my friend of over 26 years, Christopher (who I think of whenever I see a bottle of Kahlua), the last time we were in Disney together, it was the ninth grade:
First time the kids freaked out at a 3D movie, It's Tough to Be a Bug. I myself didn't like the "stinger" that shot out of my seat and into my back.
First time they met and got autographs from Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto and Mr. & Mrs. Incredible. Eliza and I went to lunch with the Princesses: Aurora, Cinderella, Belle, Snow White and Ariel.
Luke was psyched to see Mater and Lightening McQueen.
It was the first time we tried Chick-fil-a,
and Giordano's authentic deep dish Chicago Pizza (I'm still a devoted fan of NY style pizza).
I was excited to see Cinderella's castle again for the first time, so much so, that I bought a castle ornament, as well as castle mug.
I was surprised at how much Eliza liked the Lego Store on our first visit:
it was probably the wall of Legos.
The first time we rode Splash Mountain, L&E loved it so much, we rode it THREE times.
The first time we rode It's A Small World, Mike said it smelled like an attic.
The first time we rode the Safari ride, an Ostrich came so close to me, I thought it was going to bite my head off.
The kids had their names written in Arabic, Japanese and Chinese for the first time as we went through all the different countries in Epcot.
Mike bought a new video camera, that also took photos. This was the first time he used it, and took a total of two hours of video, and almost 400 photos.
I took over a 100.
I think the next time we go on vacation, it's going to be to the beach. And the first time I move, it will be to adjust my lounge chair.
What have you done for the first time recently????
18 comments:
Ahhhhhhhh I love Disney!! Looks like you guys had a great time!
That looks and sounds like so much fun! I really hope I get there some day.
Look like you had an amazing trip. It looks like so much fun. I love see the kids faces when we all went on vacation. It is worth a lot to see them so happy and having fun with mom and dad of course.
I don't know why, but I am amazed that a trip like that amounts to that much walking--that's a ton! Sounds and looks like a fantastic week. I'm SURE the kids will always remember it!
Love Disney! We went for the 1st time in September and the kids are still talking about it :)
Sounds like you had a great time! Welcome back!
That is soooo cool about your trip! Was thinking of you as I saw occasional tidbits on FB. So fun to see all the happy smiling faces, that's what Disneyworld is for, smiles :). My boys have never been to Disneyworld, we have always ventured to Disneyland because it's closer to Colorado, but the world is so much cooler.
I have a Chick-Fil-A right down the street from me...when you come to visit me, we will go there daily :).
Looks like it was a PERFECT trip!
Wow! I'm exhausted just reading about all the stuff you did. Great pictures. Everybody (including the adults) look like they are having an absolute blast! Glad you enjoyed yourself. Good luck playing catch up.
oh and p.s. - Yesterday was the first time I ran in the snow while pregnant :)
I agree with some of the other commenters - I'm exhausted reading this, but what a GREAT way to recap your week!!!! What a super fun family vacation!!!!
Oh, you are making me want to go to Disney. It's been a long time. I have never been to Animal Kingdom.
Many years ago when we were there the scary 3D movie had snakes crawling on the floor! I had my feet way up on my seat!
Everything is magical at Disney.
First time lately - swim lesson as an adult and had very few as a kid - why I need them as an adult!
Looks like an incredible family vacation. We have talked about going off and on for a few years, but something always seems to get in the way. Need to revisit that discussion! Your pictures are priceless memories.
Im glad you enjoyed your vacation
What a great vacation! I want to battle Darth Vader. That looks like too much fun!
What a fun and full vacation! Looks like everyone had a blast!
What a beautiful vacation! I visited Disney 12 year ago and I liked a lot.
Great pictures.
Looks like a perfect trip! You guys did A LOT of walking. That's impressive!
I'm pretty sure you just had the picture perfect family vacation! That is wonderful. So happy you were able to get down there after all!
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