Everywhere we went they thought it was our birthday.. we just went along with it!
When Wyatt was born, my mom burst into the room, grabbed Wyatt (I was still being stitched up) and said, "When you turn 5 I am taking you to Disney World!" Well, we finally got to go.. and it was simply amazing. Best trip ever. We left on Saturday and stayed a full week.. It took a lot of planning, changing plans, and re-changing plans based on what others said or tips I heard.. but it was all worth it. It sure helps to talk to those who have done it before bc making dinner reservations 6 months ahead of time seems insane with a 3 yr old and 5 year old. We walked and walked.. and ate more.. if that was possible. The meal plan keeps you full! So we are all on sugar detox this week, but it was such fun indulging in whatever you wanted too for 7 straight days! The food was great, the service was awesome and so friendly. We went at the best time, we did not have to wait on rides, or fight crowds too bad. The weather was 75 degrees, with rain one day.. (The kids were so excited about the rain, especially to wear a poncho.. they have never had to do that in Midland!) The hotel was great.. Clean, on the monorail (Wyatt's favorite thing!) walking distance to the park, and you could lay in bed and watch fireworks at night. Can you tell we had a great time?!I had a tentative schedule and the kids did pretty good, a few meltdowns and by Friday they were worn out, but nothing too dramatic. The nice thing about staying a week is there is no rush to see anything and you can take your time and enjoy the moment.
When we arrived we went to a luau and I have never laughed so hard. Anytime there was an opportunity to be called on stage or crowd involvement EJ would make sure she was front and center. She is not my child. Wyatt would hide under teh table determined not to go.. that was me! She is her Daddy's girl.. she loved every minute of the attention... and we had to pull her off kicking and screaming. literally! She can hula and she can dance and has no stage freight!
Full Day One: Magic Kingdom... The look on EJ;s face was priceless. We just started on one side and made our way around (at least 1/2 way around) The rides are amazing. We learned after traumatizing Wyatt on dark, tunnel rides he does not do anything that is dark. After a few dramatic ordeals we just stuck to safe, outside rides. We ate with Winnie the pooh and friends and the character dinners were great bc you did not have to stand in line at the park to meet them. We took full advantage of all the character dinners/lunches
Day 2- Epcot. We had breakfast with the princesses... and enjoyed what Epcot had to offer during the day. The Speed Track was a favorite, Nemo, and the "Land" ride was amazing. We all enjoyed it.
Day 3- Back and Magic Kingdom to cover the rest of the park we missed the first day... and do a few more favorites from day one.
Day 4- Animal Kingdom. Loved Animal Kingdom.. The safari was great, we saw so many animals.. we did a few other rides and saw a great Nemo show. The kids were done by 2 or 3 so we went back and had down time. We did the Very Merry Christmas parade that night and it was so cute. Everything is so well done... they did have a littel dance hall where you could dance with Woody, Jessie and Bullseye.. we burned some calories in there... again, we had to drag EJ out!
Day 5 - EJ;s magical Princess makeover at Cinderellas castle.. then tea with cinderalla. She loved every second of it. It was so much fun to see her face. Wyatt was suppose to do the pirate transformation but after being tramatized on the pirate ride, he wanted nothing to do with them.. so he and Z hit the roller coasters and splash mountain. Z and RW were able to play golf this afternoon and saw everything from turkeys, deer and alligators on teh course. You have to be very careful about picking up your ball!
Day 6- Hollywood studios. There was so much to do here and the kids were worn out from the week.. so Z and I hit the hot spots and then called it a day, headed back to the hotel and went swimming. This is something we would like to do again and see more attractions... but it was great what we did see.
Day 7- up at 4 am home by 11.. now laundry and sugar detox.. yuck! Very blessed to have such healthy, amazing kids. My mom and Ralph were wonderful, generous and so supportive. Great memories.
So my travel tips..
1. Stay on the monorail..Just spend the extra money, it is worth it. I loved our location and hotel.. would stay there again..
2. Rent your stroller from Orlando strollers and they will deliver it to the hotel and pick it up when you leave. Otherwise at the end of the day.. when the kids are the most tired you have to stand in line to turn yours in at the parks.. and if you kids are under 8 get one!
3. Do the meal plans.. so easy. Make all reservations ahead of time.. if not you will be waiting to eat for an hour! Do all the character dining so you do not have to wait in line to meet them adn take pictures at the park. Most lines were 15-30 minutes for each character.
4. Have down time, do not cram everything in...
5. Do no dress up, workout clothes are actually considered dressing up.. especially if they match! Just wear tennis shoes.
6. For the future I understand why people do the ugly, loud matching family shirts.. it is easy to loose your kid. Matching actually helps...
7. Make sure your youngest is at least 40" tall or you cannot go on the majority of the rides... EJ was right there..
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