We surprised the kids the morning we left for disney. Their bags were packed and outfits laid out on the couch downstairs. We told them to get dressed and then we shuttled them off to the airport, without telling them our destination. Susannah was catching on though because I had them dressed in head-to-toe disney :) When we arrived at the airport my parents were there (surprise!) and we all told the kids. Susannah was so excited. She was screaming and jumping up and down. Russell was jumping around too, but I believe he was just imitating big sis. He didn't really understand - that is until we arrived at disney and then he was ecstatic!
TSA approved and ready to fly!
We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge. The first day we played in the pool and enjoyed the warm Florida weather - in February!
Our first night we went to Pioneer Hall for the Hoop-dee-doo Review & Dinner. It was hilarious. It's the oldest running live show at Disney and it's set in the "old west" with a funny story line and great actors. The dinner was delicious too. Staying at the Wilderness Lodge made it a breeze to get around - we simply took the ferry from our hotel to all of our destinations. Thanks for the tip Yaya and Papa, our disney pros!
We found friends at the stables outside of Pioneer Hall.
Our seats were right over the stage in the balcony - the kids could see everything. Susannah even shouted down at the actors when they asked questions and they would talk back to her. Too fun!
Ready for the ferry to arrive for the Magic Kingdom!
Our first ride - Peter Pan! Russell loved this ride. He's really into Peter Pan, the crocodile and Captain Hook.
Mickey's Philharmagic show was a hit. The 3D show was fun for the kids (and grown-ups, let's be honest!) to experience. We loved watching Susannah and Russell "reach out" in front of them.
After Philharmagic, we enjoyed It's a Small World. Susannah remembered it from Disneyland. She loved all the little characters. And Russell just kept pointing at everything...and bebopping to the famous song :) After Fantasyland, we walked over to Libertyland where we met Chip n Dale. This was Russell's first character encounter - he was in awe...from Daddy's arms. Susannah was all about hugs.
We visited the Hall of Presidents and then the Country Bear Jamboree, which is funny and the kids loved the bears, but the jokes are a little risque!
Then we walked over to Frontierland and hopped on Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride and saw Aladdin himself!
Jungle Cruise time!
On to lunch with Winnie the Pooh and friends. Oh, the love that Susannah had for these characters was priceless. She was beyond thrilled to meet them and hug them and talk to them. She just jumped around the restaurant, smiling and squealing the entire time.
After lunch we went to The Enchanted Tales with Belle. This was cool. Disney's new "interactive" experience was a special treat for our family because the team chose Susannah to be Mrs. Potts and Russell to be the Beast! We couldn't believe it. Hands down, one of the sweetest moments ever was watching Russell play the Beast and dance with Belle.
Intently watching and listening as they learn the story and get their parts....
Introducing The Beast....
and Mrs. Potts....
Roar!....
Beauty and The Beast....
Russell just looked up at her in awe...it melts my heart just thinking about it. (and Belle was so good at her role!)
Here he was asking her questions about Lumiere and Cogsworth, who were talking on the mantle.....
Take your bow Beauty and Beast!
Each character received a bookmark from Belle
The kids received bookmarks from Belle
Russell was nervous - he wasn't so sure about Donald the Snake Charmer.
And since Russell wouldn't hug him, Donald went straight for me. Even the grown-ups get plenty of laughs!
And now we meet Daisy, and once again Susannah has lots to say!
And her favorite character of all...Miss Minnie! Susannah talked to her for so long that Minnie was able to change positions multiple times. It's like they were having a little conversation, haha! And the ears my mom bought Susannah matched Minnie perfectly - so cute!
One down, whoa disney!
Michael thought these ears were a bit more appropriate for me. Watch out!
Mickey! We visited Mickey after dinner at Tony's on mainstreet. Dinner was so fun because we sat on the patio and the big night parade went right by us. All the floats were lit up with characters and scenes and there were fireworks - it was amazing. And I will never forget the moment that Susannah saw Tinkerbell on the front of Captain Hook's ship. She saw her coming towards us and immediately grabbed me, and started screaming "Mommy, it's Tinkerbell, it's Tinkerbell!" She was so excited that she just kept yelling Tinkerbell's name and then she jumped on our dinner table to wave to her as she passed by. She was completely in the moment, captivated, and loving it. It was so dear. Thank you disney!
Day 2! Off to fight the evil Zurg with our Toy Story friends! The kids loved this "shooting" ride. We did it twice!
Tea Cups! The slow cup....
....and the speedy spinner....
Gaston was hoot! He was completely in character, talking about his fabulous self the entire time. He even told Michael to admire his statue while he was gone...hilarious!
Meeting Tinkerbell and the Princesses - watching the kids interact with them, ask questions, give hugs, flat out stare for long amounts of time...it was precious
Mickey Ears!
Making our wish to come back soon! We love Disney...thank you for all the fun and memories!
