Disney Extravaganza

Only days after my last post, an amazing opportunity fell into our laps. Cousins Jeff & Karen had a timeshare they booked but couldn't use in Orlando, Florida and offered the chance to use it for the week. It took a split second for me to yell out to Leo, ask him if we should do this, then respond with a very excited "YES!" Days later we were packing the car.

Looking at the map we saw the resort we would be staying at would be right across the street from Disney. We looked at each other and asked "should we?" It didn't take long to decide. Yes, we should and yes we will!

After much discussion, research and planning, we found ourselves at the Disney Store buying passes for Disney World. Aaaahhhh! We're going to Disney! If only the boys could understand what was about to happen. Nathan, at one point, said the mall rides were much better than Disney. Puuhhleeeze!

Sunday morning we were on our way. We were already tired. I had crammed like I was taking a final (there is so very much to know about Disney before you do it!) and Leo and I had a couple nights where we were up late and awake early, both excited and restless as well - even more so than the kids since we knew what was in store!

After a very long ride (GPS says 8 hours, friends say 10, traffic and rain said 12!). We made it to the Vistana Villages. Unfortunately, it was the wrong resort. But the right one was only a few miles away. The right Vistana welcomed us around 7p and we couldn't be happier. We explored our two-bedroom apartment and made ourselves at home. The 3rd floor was not cool. The jacuzzi in our room was and we made use of it right away. Best. Bubble. Bath. Ever.


Having prepared for the Monday rush, we decided not to do Disney on the first day. This was a good decision but a tough one I admit. I understand why it's so busy at The Magic Kingdom at the start of the week - it's awesome and you can't wait to go! But we did wait and did Hollywood Studios instead. Making use of the wonderful Fast Pass (FP) system, we got tickets for rides we would get on later and went to enjoy another side of the park.

First up, Star Tours. I knew this would be a great way to set up the day. Leo and Nathan went on the Star Wars ride together and when they got out, Nathan and I went again. Having arrived before the parks official opening time allowed us the run of the place for the first hour. This was awesome!

We went on rides, saw some shows and signed up Nathan for Jedi Academy. Imagine how proud Leo was. Except that Nathan was too shy and didn't go through with it. The show was still cool but we were a little let down Nathan did not want to train to fight against the dark side. A favorite of Benny's was Disney Jr Live - a puppet show with all the characters you see on Disney Jr these days. Benny stood up, pointed and grunted in his own excited way to show us he recognized Mickey, Donald, Doc and Jake. I loved seeing his little face light up. We weren't sure how much he would "get". His favorite part in this and every show that had it was the bubbles that fell from the ceiling.

We took an afternoon break where we thought we could all get some rest. NOT! "Vacation" with kids is no joke. Thinking you will relax ever, is. We hung around a while before returning and doing a couple things we missed earlier in the day. I was really looking forward to seeing the animation section. I remember this the best from a childhood trip. 20 years ago they were still drawing by hand and using the studios as actual studios. I wish I could remember what they were drawing then. I do remember how fascinated I was by the process and how it stirred my creative side. I desperately wanted to work for Disney. For a long time I really wanted to be an animator. Fast forward all these years later. It's all computerized and probably located in CA. No more animation rooms. This was a disappointing reality after having such strong, fond memories. I wonder if it's too late to get a job with Pixar?

We stayed late for the 9p showing of Fantasmic - a light/ water/ character show. It's a mishmosh of story lines and pyrotechnics. Entertaining,

but ridiculous that you really have to be in there by 8:15 to sit (with wiggling tired kids). We left early to beat the crowd and it was a good choice to make. The first day was long and we were pooped.

Tuesday we took it easy and discovered one of the many pools in the resort. It had a slide and a baby pool and lots of other little kids. Benny napped on Mommy (again - the whole time when he was tired he fussed until he just dropped on whoever was holding him) and Nathan made new friends (again - he seems to meet new people everywhere and every day!).

After a slow afternoon we went to Sea Dog, a new restaurant and brewery up the road. The drinks were good and cheap ($2.50 happy hour drafts
!) and the food really delicious. Wish we had one in Raleigh. We then headed over to cousin Jeannine's house for a little visit. She took us to her local park for a while where the kids ran it off some more and met another friend or two. The boys made use of all of Jeannine's musical instruments and made themselves at home. Nathan taught her how to be Iron Man.

Wednesday morning went well. After the trial of the first park day we knew what to do. The Magic Kingdom, of course is a whole other ballgame. There is so much involved in getting there just from the parking lot. But this is the day when all the tips came in handy, from which monorail to take to which FP to get. We followed my plan for the most part and despite what you might think, it was fun fun fun! We tackled Tomorrowland first and did space stuff (Buzz and Astro Orbiter) then went into Fantasyland for the tamer and popular kid-stuff - Small World and Peter Pan. By noon we were on our 8th ride. This is a big deal at the height of summer heat and tourists. We powered through, saw the show going on at the castle (Princesses and all the favorites!) and did a little in Adventureland before calling it a day. On our way out, we ran into the afternoon parade. We considered not staying to watch but once it began it was hard not to watch. I for one, was not all that romanced by the characters and parades. But at Disney it's different. I wanted the kids to see them all up close and personal. We watched the whole thing before leaving for the day
. I made dinner at our place and we enjoyed a quiet family night in. I love that we were able to do this together instead of going out for every meal. This made it feel right.

Thursday we got up to do much the same as the day before, only we went to the other side of the park. We planned to do Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain but the first was closed and stayed that way all day, sadly. But, Nathan loved Splash Mountain and he and Leo went on it again later in the day (thank you FP!). Actually, we spent much of the day doing some things over again - Tea Cups and Winnie the Pooh. I was worried Benny wouldn't like Pirates of the Caribbean but as we were walking out he was singing to himself in his own Benny way. We recorded it to remember how he makes up his own sounds, yet we know exactly what he is singing.

By the end of another hot day, we took it all in knowing this would be the last of Cinderella Castle for us. I wasn't ready. We lingered in stores, got a frozen lemonade and then begged Daddy to let us stay for the parade again. We popped a squat in the front of Main Street USA and waited. It was worth the sizzling heat of the sidewalks under our behinds. The parade walked right in front of us and so many of the characters stopped and reached out to Benny. With that face, how could you not? Both boys were mesmerized by the experienced. I was touched too. It was a perfect way to end the day there.

While we considered going back for the electrical parade and fireworks, the late timing of it, the afternoon rains and how exhausted we all were, we knew we would have to do that the next time we came back to Disney.

Friday, the final park day, we decided on Animal Kingdom. This day, by far, felt the hottest in the morning. There were no clouds in sight. Just people. Having missed Thunder Mountain, Leo snuck away to ride Everest, a big fast roller coaster we knew Nathan might not be ready for. Leo loved it. We went on a safari ride and saw amazing animals; a bird show; a Lion King show; Nemo The Musical. Characters were everywhere in this park as well. There was a short wait to see Mickey and Minnie and we hadn't spent time doing it before so we decided this was the time. Benny was sleeping on my shoulder and I was afraid she would miss it but just as we were getting ready for the picture, he woke up to see Minnie in his face. He was surprised and delighted. It was my favorite moment.

Before we knew it, the afternoon parade was coming through. This was the longest day but it went by fast. We found a shady spot to wait and there were some activities set up for the kids. They even got little certificates for their participation.

Saturday was pool day. We explored the very awesome pool that had splash fountains and shallow areas for the kids, and a waterfall in the deep end. As always, Nathan made friends and shared a raft with someone else. Here is the time I would have loved to veg out in a chair with a book and get lost. Alas, the kids made that difficult. Later we visited Downtown Disney. The Lego store is worth the trip and we got a few little things as reminders of the trip. Though I don't know how we could forget it. We had such a great time.

Aunt Dot, Uncle Rich and Jeannine came by in the late afternoon. It was so nice for everyone to come visit. Cousin Steve made the effort earlier in the week too. Everyone is so busy but really wanted to see us. It made me so happy! I wish we could have seen the rest of the people we know in the area. I guess next time?!

Sundays drive went better on the return trip. We were so eager to be home we left before the sun rose, and as we got close to home, made Nathan pee in a cup instead of stopping. This made him giggle, especially when he got it on my hand. At that point, I would have done anything to make him giggle. They handled the ride well but it's a long time to be in the car. I just want to see my boys laughing.

And then back to the real world. Doctors appointments and other commitments are on the calendar, as well as laundry and food shopping and mail sorting. Going away with kids was work but the reward of their faces was worth it. Even if they don't remember it all, Leo and I won't soon forget.