disney world here we come!

Ever since our amazing Disney trip in 2011 we have been talking about going back. 

Before that trip, I never really thought that it would be somewhere I would want to go frequently, and David wasn't even so sure about it in the first place. But, we had an opportunity to go on a great deal through a conference for David's work-- our kids were at good ages to go (potty trained and done with naps!), Bennett was obsessed with Toy Story, the girls loved Princesses, David had never been, we had never taken the kids on a vacation -- and so we went.....

 But, like they say, there really is something magical about that place. As commercial as it is, it is still beautiful, and just has a way of bringing big smiles to kids' faces like no place else. Even just the little things- like everyone who works there always addressing the girls as "princess"- it is just sweet. Not to mention the rarity of having that much time to spend together as a family unit. With David's job 9 days together in a row has happened NO other times!

So, although there are many other places we would like to take our children, I also now consider us "Disney people".

The kids have frequently asked over the past two years when we would be able to go back. We have never really given a direct answer, just wanting them to realize what a special privilege it is to be able to go on a vacation like that. Even just last week Bennett prayed for a trip to Disney during his bedtime prayers (which we obviously then talked to him about maybe "wishing" for that and saving prayers for more important things). And, he especially has offered on numerous occasions to give us all of the money in his piggy bank if it would help us get to go sooner.

 Because patience is not at the top of the skill set for 5 year olds (at least not ours anyway), we decided not to tell the kids about the trip once we decided we were going to be able to make it happen again. The same CLE was being offered Mardi Gras week and after much debate we agreed that we can't get back ages 5 and 7 and the magic that they would have in Disney, so we booked our trip.

If we had told them we would have been asked a minimum of 57 times a day (especially by Lila- Miss Persistent)  when we were going, when we were leaving, how much longer, etc. And on top of that, some surprises are fun!!!

So immediately following Elise's parade we told the kids we had a surprise for them and gave them each a little gift wrapped in a red bag. I have video of this, but no pictures unfortunately. In the bags were Mickey t shirts for each of them, as well as the phone number bracelets like they had worn on our last trip. (They are little beaded bracelets with my cell number just in case we get separated and in a panic they can't remember my number).

Elise and Lila opened the bags and just smiled when they saw the shirts. Meanwhile, Bennett said, "we got Disney World bracelets!". So, I said, "Bennett, why would you need a Disney World bracelet?"

And then it clicked.

And he jumped up and down and screamed, "I'm going to Disney World (but more like Disney Woord)!"

Priceless.

The car was loaded and ready to go, but we had to run home to grab the camera (seriously the one thing we forgot- how dumb!) and so the kids got to tell this little cutie bye- who was not a happy camper, and really wanted to go. 

But, we knew he would be in good hands with SuSu and G and his buddy Rex.

Although I don't think Rex thinks they are buddies.

                   

LuLu and Mozart killed some time dancing. (We actually have plenty of room in the Tahoe, although this picture makes it look horrible!!)

And then eventually everyone passed out. 

The parade pushed back our original departure time, but we knew Elise would not want to miss it. Thankfully David is comfortable driving at night and so we just stuck it out and finally got to our hotel around 1:30 a.m. We stayed right outside of the park and wouldn't be checking into the resort until the morning. The kids thankfully did well transferring from the car to the room and went right back to sleep.

In the morning everyone got up, put on their new Mickey shirts and was ready to go!

So excited when they saw the gates!

Day One

We checked into the gorgeous Grand Floridian and then hopped on the monorail straight to the Magic Kingdom! We are definitely spoiled from being able to stay on grounds both times. With David's CLE we get a special rate to stay at a hotel that we obviously otherwise wouldn't have even considered. It is extremely convenient, not to mention beautiful, and we really love staying there. Not sure what we will do if we get to go again. We could definitely find somewhere less expensive (even with the special deal) but farther away, so we will have to do a lot of thinking. 

Some super excited kiddos! 

First ride- Buzz Lightyear!

(Seriously about to scream because I cannot get this picture to rotate!)

Although Star Wars has moved slightly ahead of Buzz in Bennett's heart, he is still a fan and loves him! We probably ended up doing this ride at least 5 times.

Everyone loved the race track. Although I am truly afraid when it is time for Elise to drive. Between her love of big roller coasters, speed, and her reckless driving....I am scared. Luckily we have some time....

Bennett in awe of the sights you can see from the People Mover in Tomorrowland.

Something wrong with blogger, but if I don't work on this now it may never happen so I am moving forward.

Ugh.

 The new Fantasyland is mostly opened now. It was under construction last time we were there and so the kids were thrilled to visit Belle's new castle and Ariel's grotto and ride.

The Belle "ride" was a really cute interactive experience and all of the kids got to play a role in the play, staring the "real" Belle. At the end she gives them all bookmarks- she is the princess that loves to read- and Elise liked this a lot!

While we were grabbing a bite to eat we had the opportunity to watch a sky writer write "Love U Jesus" in the sky. It was soooooo neat! We loved it!

A nice surprise.

After a full day filled with many rides, and a yummy (but too late) Italian dinner at Tony's on Main Street we boarded the boat to our hotel and watched the fireworks while on the water. Beautiful!

Then back to our hotel to crash!