Day 3 was the BIG day around here. Since we had plans to only visit the parks ONE day, we decided we would get there when the park opens, nap in the middle if needed, and then close down the park that evening. We ended up going on March 1, the day after the Magic Kingdom was open for 24 hours straight for Leap Day. So, they closed at 6 AM the day we visited and then reopened at 9 AM. Things were running a little slow and although we gave ourselves a solid hour to make it to the Magic Kingdom, we missed part of the welcome show--a little disappointing!
Henry (seen here as Peter Pan), started the day out tired which is exactly how you DON'T want to start your Disney day. But we adjusted and at least he was content riding in the stroller for a bit.
As you can see, by the time the boat arrived, Peter was hat less. As the day went on, he slowly lost pieces of his costume. Luckily, by "lost" I mean "took off". Hat or no hat, though, the kids were pretty pumped!
We all were actually. Don't we look like a happy bunch?
We made it! Couldn't help snapping a picture of Jason sending his ticket through. Everyone's adrenaline was seriously high at this point.
We had an absolutely picture perfect day!
Getting pictures with characters was HIGH on Amelia's list when we visited just one year ago. I lost track of all the characters she met and she proudly carried her autograph book with her for months after we returned from our trip. We soon found out THIS year, though, that she was really only interested in riding the rides!
Sure, we stopped for a quick picture with the Fairy Godmother, but that was pretty much where the character meet and greets ended. (Other than Mickey and Minnie, of course).
Peter Pan found his shadow!
Dumbo was closed this trip (which was FINE by me!), so we hit up Peter Pan's Flight first. The Disney cast members were beyond thrilled with our little Peter Pan and Wendy. Something tells me they don't see those costumes too often. We hit many of the rides in that area that tend to get longer lines as the day goes on and then Henry and I took a walk over to get fast passes for Space Mountain while the rest of the crew headed for the Haunted Mansion.
Amelia was feeling brave. She rode the Haunted Mansion during the last trip, but spent the entire time with her face buried in someone's lap. This year, she used the "chicken out" escape twice before deciding she was ready to go through with it. And after she made it through, she was NOT impressed and we all paid for it later that night when she had a Haunted Mansion inspired nightmare...
But, Henry and I decided to stake ourselves out at one of the comfy rocking chairs and enjoy a little snack while Amelia decided what she was going to do.
I can't remember the exact route we took, but we eventually made our way to the Pirates of the Caribbean. The ride was pretty "meh" with both kids, but the store (and more specifically the merchandise) riders must pass through to exit was a pretty big hit.
Earlier, Amelia had insisted on trying out Splash Mountain. She could very clearly see what she was getting herself into and was quite sure she was on board. After a very dramatic height check, we were in! I have never ridden this ride before myself. It is quite long, but the payoff in the end was worth it. Amelia would end up riding it again later in the day because it was such a big hit the first time.
After Splash Mountain was a success, we tried Space Mountain which was a huge hit! I
was SHOCKED, but she couldn't get enough. She rode it back to back and
was begging for more when we decided we would catch an early lunch. It
was shortly after that, however, that things went downhill fast--for
Henry anyway. He fussed the entire time at lunch and nothing was
helping, so I decided I better start the journey back to the cabin.
Fortunately, Jason's mom joined us and he quickly went down for a nap
when we finally got back.
Amelia, my mom, and Jason weren't too far
behind. They checked out the Buzz Lightyear ride and enjoyed some street performers before returning to the cabin.
EVERYONE napped for a couple of hours. We had a few outfit
changes and refueled a bit before heading back to the park for the
evening.
Despite LOTS of complaining from a little girl who only had eyes for Space Mountain, we made a stop to see Mickey and Minnie. The sign stated the wait was 5 minutes, but we were ushered right into a room and were the only ones in there for about 10 minutes. So magical!
As time went on, Henry grew more wary of the mice. However, I couldn't get enough. I think I may have even teared up. This is one of the places where Disney really shines! They make you feel so special--like you are the only people in the park!
While my mom forced took Amelia to the Tiki Room, Jason, his mom, Henry, and I rode Aladdin's carpet. I have video of Henry giggling this really sweet little giggle. He really loved it!
I also have video of Henry screaming like a girl and running away from the fake snakes and spiders located in a shop right by the ride. Jason, however, wasn't bothered.
After a few more rides and dinner, we grabbed our spot for the nighttime parade. The kids were getting a little antsy, so I pulled out some glow-in-the-dark items I had brought with us. Since only about 50% of them actually worked, I was starting to get a little nervous. Luckily, in typical Amelia fashion, she made a friend to chat with until the parade started. They had the SAME!!! princess light up stick (from Walgreens, no less) and she was FIVE!!! too, so they had lots to chat about.
Soon enough it was parade time. I haven't a single good picture, but I tried.
We tried to sneak in a little ride on "It's a Small World" between the parade and the fireworks, since there was NO ONE in line. It was great to be able to step right on and Henry was pretty mesmerized with the whole thing.
I realize this is a terrible picture of Henry, but I like the doting grandmas in the background. We were SO lucky to have these ladies join us for the THIRD time!
Unfortunately, our decision to ride led to us not really getting to a great location to
see the fireworks show. We just barely glimpsed Tinkerbell as she left
the castle (my favorite part), but she did fly right over our head which
was pretty neat! Henry wasn't so sure about the fireworks, but he did like to say "Boom!" when talking about them!
Of the whole day, the time from the fireworks ending until the park's closing was my favorite. It wasn't a super crowded day at the park anyway, but after the fireworks TONS of people left and there wasn't a line for anything! We opted to mostly go on rides we could all do together. It was getting late, but since both kids (and all the adults) had napped, we were going strong. I loved all of us riding the carousel together.
Then it was on to the cars. Henry was just tall enough to drive--what a mess that was! He was with Jason. Amelia went with GG. And Cindy and I were together. I was so worried about catching up with the kids and seeing how they were enjoying things that I was driving like a damn fool! I couldn't stop laughing with each swerve and jerk. And, I never really caught up with the kids despite all of my "effort".
Amelia couldn't pass up one more ride on Space Mountain and we were in the LAST roller coaster car of the day. Nothing like shutting down the park! Henry, Grandma, and Jason rode the people mover which was apparently pretty popular with him.
And then it was the long journey back. If it is possible, I think I love this place more every time I come. And it is WAY more fun as an adult that it was for me as a kid. I never, ever thought we'd be the type of people that take yearly trips to Disney, but it is amazing how different each trip has been and we keep wanting to return.
So, until next time Disneyworld. I swore we were done for awhile, but after writing this post, I think I may be eating my words!
