Just moved into your new home a week ago. Want to go on vacation? Okay!
My big Sis. invited us to join her in Orlando. We have been hoping to go for a while. I'm glad we waited because it was better for Audrey to enjoy it with one of her cousins, and it was nice to go on a few adult rides (thank you Jenn!)
It was truly surreal. It was hard to believe that I was in Orlando. When we arrived at the Magic Kingdom I started crying. I felt so blessed to be there, and I didn't think that it would happen so soon.
Audrey had been talking about meeting Cinderella for a month. When we got there she was really nervous. The only one she didn't seem to be nervous around was Rapunzel and Belle. She talked with Rapunzel for quite a while and she danced for Belle. Watching the way that she reacted to things was the best part. I think her favorite thing at the magic kingdom was the Peter Pan ride. You can't help but like it though. They take you through the story while you're in line waiting for the ride. Tinkerbell seems so real, Audrey was content to sit there watching Tinkerbell zip around getting caught in drawers and tea pots. Then when we got to the actual ride and got into Captain Hook's boat to fly over Neverland she was so happy. She'd been asking to ride in his boat all day. She could hardly take it all in she kept pointing everywhere. She asked to go again but the line was ridiculously long everyday we were there.
When we arrived at the castle all of the princesses came out on the stage and sang and danced with Mickey and Minnie. At that point I think she realized how awesome Disney really is. At this point she was more interested in looking at the parade coming down the street than looking at the camera.
Waving to Mickey. It was sensory overload for her that first day. Everywhere we turned there was a character that she had seen some point in a movie.
Dancing with Chip, Jenn, and Charlotte.
She was a little unsure about the carousel.
She loved Dumbo and wanted to go again.
The Animal Kingdom was really awesome. I loved it because of the condensed versions of the Lion King on Broadway and another one of Finding Nemo.
Jeep Safari ride. We went twice. :)
Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes with Chip and Dale.
This was the coolest ride ever. I wanted to go again and again. Going backwards in the dark at high speeds is exactly what I was looking for.
We bought her a Pooh Bear. He didn't quite replace Bubba, but she loves him. Now she carries two bears around.
I brought her to see Tink because the line was short. I'm not sure she was actually that excited about it.
The Princess that she felt completely comfortable around. I love her cheese these days. It kind of looks like she's in pain. Lol.
Paul got to play and knight at Belle's castle. He was elated (hahaha). If you know Paul you get my sarcasm. He's a good sport for Audrey.
Another one of my favorites was Splash Mountain. Audrey was so brave and went. I'm a terrible Mom, I didn't warn her beforehand. She got a little worried after the first couple little drops. I was more nervous for her than I was myself. When we went down Paul was worried about her hitting her head on the front of the car so he put his hand in front of her face, even though I don't think you would be able to see her face anyway. I know she was scared, but she seemed pretty happy when I looked down at her. No so happy that she wanted to go again though. :)
The Parade and the lights on the Castle were the best part of the day. Audrey was glued. She kept saying, "this is so magical", "this is so cool Mom". I loved watching her experience it all for the first time.
We had to meet Mickey on the way out. She was all smiles around him.
Blizzard Beach. I got to show Paul the tallest straight down water slide in the world and then I got to go down it with him. I don't remember being as nervous the first time I went on it. It's hard not to get a little worried when you can see all of Orlando when you get to the top. They say your going 50 to 60 mph when you hit the bottom.
(Not my photo, but gives you an idea of what it looks like when your up there.)
Audrey had a lot of fun to. I underestimated her again. I didn't think she would go down the water slides by herself, but she was eager to do it all.
The old house. It's amazing how much I remember considering how young I was when we lived here. I asked the woman who lived there if we could take photos. Surprisingly she was the one who bought the house after we left it. She remembered my Mom and that we were Mormons. I guess we made quite the impression.
Walk around Lake Eola
Hollywood Studios. Again there were really good live shows here. We watched Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Disney Junior (Audrey's Favorite), and The Little Mermaid. We also saw a 3D Muppet show which was awesome. The best part for me was the Rockin Roller Coaster I've never been on something that went so fast. The Tower of Terror was pretty great too.
That evening we watched Fantasmic and again Audrey got to see all of her favorite characters. She also was a little scared by all the villains, but in the end Mickey triumphed over evil. She still talks about how Mickey's magic made the Villains go away.
Gold dubloons, from Jake and the Neverland Pirates.
Swimming at the Resort pool.
She may not remember it forever, but I will. It was the most amazing week. I couldn't have asked for more. I'm sad I didn't get very many photos with Jenn and Derrick. How lame am I?
Verdict: Disney World is the most Magical place on earth. You actually forget about real life while you're there.
