We ventured to Florida over last week because Dan had a seminar in Orlando and my parents had a time share week they needed to use before November. It wasn't an ideal time to go considering the economy and due to financial reasons; however sometimes you do things to create memories for your kids - even though they aren't the smartest decisions you ever made. We were able to spend a few days with Dan before he was out of commission at the M5 seminar.
Our intent when going on this trip was to take it easy and relax at the hotel, while spending a few days at Disney. Well that never happens because there is so much to see and do in Florida. We went through a ticket broker to get our tickets because we were able to save a lot of money, instead of buying tickets directly at the gate. Our original plan was to buy tickets with 2 days to the parks and 1 day at the water park. Our tickets ended up having 3 days at the park and 3 extra activities including water parks. So instead of relaxing at the pool, we decided to take advantage of our tickets and go to Disney every day. By the end of the week we were all completely worn out.
We couldn't of asked for better weather, it was sunny and in the 80's every day! Something we are missing now in Utah, now that is it October. We must of hit every one's fall break, because out of all the times we have been to Florida, I have never seen Disney World so crowded. Despite the crowds, we had an amazing time. The only night I got a little claustrophobic was trying to get out of Magic Kingdom. After spending the entire day there, the kids were beat and wanted to leave before the firework show, that was a complete joke because all of Main Street was completely packed with people. I have never seen so many people in my life or have had a harder time trying to get out of the crowd. As we worked our way toward the front gate, we were separated from my parents. I told my kids to hand on to me and not let go! It took us at least 30 minutes to get out from the crowd - and I was so pleased to be able to breathe again. What was amazing was to see the rush of people exit after the fireworks, I cant even describe it.
As always my favorite day was visiting Blizzard Beach! What made this year even more exciting was that this was the first year we didn't have to hang out at Tikes Peak - and watch Reagan play in the kiddie pools. She was tall enough to ride the majority of the slides and she enjoyed every minute of it. It was great to be able to experience the park together as a family and all race down the toboggan rides.
We also ventured over to Universal Islands of Adventure to check out the new Harry Potter world. The architecture was incredible. The street were packed and filled with all sorts of stores and things from Hogwarts. (This being a new attraction - it was extremely crowded, plus the new Harry Potter ride - made all of us sick! We did however want to ride Dueling Dragons. We even bought Jaxson some Dr. Schols insoles, so he would be just a little taller and could ride the ride. Unfortunately we was still a tad bit too short. He was so disappointed - as we have been building up Dueling Dragons and the Hulk roller coasters. On our way out of the Harry Potter land, so stopped for lunch at a fantastic restaurant in the Lost Continent called Mythos! We enjoyed the Sindbad Stunt Show and the Poseidon's Fury (although the fire effects during the show scared Reagan more than I had ever seen). On our way over to Comic Strip land, Dan found some landscaping bark and we put them in the heels of Jaxson's shoes. Our efforts paid off, as we was able to ride the Hulk roller coaster. He was quite thrilled and it made every one's day.
The next couple of days were spent at Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studio's. We rode the safari at Animal Kingdom, saw our favorite show the Celebration of the Lion King and had pulled pork sandwiches! At Hollywood Studio's the crowds we were big that we were only able to ride Tower of Terror once (Bummer for Madi and I, as this is our favorite ride of all time) The lines were super long at Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania being the longest wait at 2 1/2 hours. We did not stand in line for this ride - I wasn't about to wait for over 2 hours. We did get to experience the Rockin' Aerosmith Roller Coaster - what a thrill and complete entertainment the entire time. We went to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Reagan started belting out the songs during the performance. As I tried to quiet her down, she looked and me and said "Mom, I'm singing!" We also ate at our favorite restaurant 50's Prime Time Cafe! The food is home style cooking, in addition you better have manners and eat your green beans, or waiter will give you a mouthful. Such a fun atmosphere and fabulous food!
On our last day we enjoyed Epcot, we spent a lot of time in Future World, there were a lot of new things to see and do - the kids really enjoyed it. We met Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto - Reagan was so excited she was jumping up and down. Later that afternoon Reagan and I had lunch with the Princesses. This was the highlight of my trip. I had told her we were going to have lunch with the princesses and she couldn't wait. She asked everyday if this was the day she was going to have lunch with them. She had been dressed up in her Belle gown all day and the moment was finally here. As we arrived at Asershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway we immediately got to meet Belle and Reagan got her picture taken with her. She was super sweet, they were both twirling around in their yellow gowns and the smile on Reagan's face was priceless. Belle asked her what her name was and she responded without hesitation, my name is Belle. When we sat down for lunch Reagan wanted to know why the princesses were not eating with us. I told her they needed to visit with all the girls and that they would come over to our table and meet her. That was not good enough because "You said, we were going to eat lunch with the princesses." (She takes everything so literally) While Reagan was in the little girls room, we missed Sleeping Beauty, however she was kind enough to come back to our table and meet Reagan. I love Disney's customer service - it can't be beat! Next we met Cinderella, followed by Snow White and Ariel. Reagan was so excited to meet Ariel that she almost overlooked Snow White. Reagan was singing her "lovely song" from the Little Mermaid. (This is the song Ariel sings to Ursula, when she gives her, her voice. Reagan's sings it loud and off key. It is hilarious) Ariel couldn't help but over hear her sing as she was visiting with the other girls and she stopped and said to Reagan "Are you practicing for the concert? Just don't forget like I did." The lunch ended with the girls parading around the banquet hall with all the princesses. Before leaving we were given an 8x10 photo of Reagan with Belle. it was a magical experience - one I would do over and over again!
By the end of the night, everyone was exhausted and ready to call it a day. Even though it was the end of our trip, we could of stayed a few more days relaxing around the pool and the resort.
