The Magic of the Magic Kingdom

Well, we missed a storm in Boston last week after we left for Disney, missed storms in Orlando yesterday because we were back but I guess we couldn't avoid bad weather forever. We're gearing up for our 4th snowstorm in Boston in 4 weeks so it's time to ignore shoveling for a while and reminisce about a great family vacation at Disneyworld. So, carve out some time because this is going to be a long, picture heavy post.

Mike's niece, Emily, is quite the gymnast. She's been competing a lot and lately in several far off destinations. When she signed up for a competition at the Disney resort in Orlando, we took that as a good excuse to join her family, the Hickey's, as well as Mike's parents, Nana and Bumpa, for a vacation.

We set out on Thursday morning with plenty of time for our flight. The car was parked at a lot just a little way from the airport and we were shuttling the to airport when Mike saw on the email he had received from our airline that our flight was a mere 50 minutes off.....the flight had been changed to 35 minutes earlier then when we booked the flight! We started stressing big time since they normally don't let you even check baggage within 45 minutes of a flight. After a major scramble to the counter, some talks with the staff there, we were expedited and sent to security where we got shuffled to the front. As we were running to the gate, we realized the car seat was still in our car back at the lot. Good thing you can rent them from the car company! On the flight, we realized that Dylan's must have night time lovey, "yaya," was also MIA. So much for being organized and together. Hopefully, this would not be indicative of the rest of the trip.

Once we landed, we got our luggage, a car and headed off to Disney. We did little to plan this trip and just rode the coat tails of what the Hickey's wanted to do. They picked the Boardwalk hotel on the Disney resort for our lodging. When we checked in there, we somehow got a free upgrade to their concierge level. Apparently, that meant we had access to free breakfast, unlimited snacks and drinks all day, wine and cheese service from 5-7 and cordials and deserts from 8-10. Awesome! Since Disney charges an arm and a leg for everything, this nice perk really helped keep my cheap self sane.

We took a different flight from the rest of the family and got in a couple of hours earlier. Since Dylan was going on virtually no nap time for the day (I think he got about 30 minutes on the plane), we decided to go for a walk, check out the resort area and see if we could get him to snooze in the stroller. Once the rest of the family arrived, all hopes for a nap would be gone.

The Boys Checking out the View from the Room

Well, no napping occurred. By the time everyone got in and settled, agreed on a place for dinner and got seated, it was well past Dylan's usually bed time. Unlike most kids, he doesn't get cranky when he's tired, he just gets crazy. Dealing with crazy was getting a little overwhelming for me when things got a lot more nutty - Dylan threw up at the table! Luckily it was a warm nice and we were just outside our hotel so I stripped him down and then carried him up to the room to get some new clothes. As time would tell, I think Dylan had (perhaps still has) a touch of a stomach bug. I tell ya though, I truly have the greatest kid in the world. Though he might have been a little sick, he was in great spirits the whole trip and didn't let a minor little bug get in his way.

Sleeping is always tough when we travel. Dylan being in the same room as us just doesn't work. He won't sleep unless there are no distractions.....and I mean none - no light, no movement, no parents he can see...not so easy when his crib is mere feet away from where we're sleeping and we don't exactly want to go to sleep at the same time a baby would. The first night was rough, it took him a while to fall asleep and he woke up every couple of hours until we finally brought him to bed with us. When we tried that on our trip to Bermuda, it meant no one slept. However, this time was different and he laid right down and slept very well with us.

The next morning, Friday, Dylan spent some time with the rest of the family while Mike and I got in a quick workout at the great gym facility they had at our hotel (fitness does not take vacations!). After that, breakfast, getting ready, getting a plan and getting everyone rallied and out of the hotel made for a late start. We finally got on the shuttle to the Magic Kingdom and in the park around 11...everyone but Emily and her dad, Joe. They were at a practice session.

Ready to Get to DisneyWorld

The rest of us were very excited to finally get to the park. The shops and photo ops at the entrance kept us busy for a while. Dylan got his first Disney stuffed animal - a Mickey Mouse dressed as Woody from Toy Story. Too cute.

Meeting Pluto
Dylan was cool with it at first but reached for me a
second after this picture was taken. He did well with
the other characters but had his legs clenched tightly
around my waist for all other meetings with cartoon folk.

After a ridiculous amount of pictures and strolling about, we finally set our sights on riding our first ride - Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.The funny thing about this ride is that when Mike and I went to DisneyWorld 3.5 years ago, we went on it and didn't know about that sneaky photo op they put into some amusement park rides. When we got off and saw our picture, we had to spend the exorbitant amount of money on it. On the ride, you shoot your laser at targets and we looked ridiculously serious playing the game. This go round, it was a great picture of the family and got it because it will look great framed next to our other one.



Space Ranger Family

With the ride momentum going, the big kids (ie adults and Patrick) got in line for space mountain while Nana and Dylan hung out. Thanks to Nana's magical powers, Dylan fell asleep for a nice nap. Even though he really needed it and I was glad for him to have it, he wasn't awake to meet Stitch or Chip and Dale.



Nana Getting Stitch's Autograph on Her Cast

With Emily done with her practice, she and Joe met up and the whole gang was together....just in time to get some turkey legs for lunch and ride Thunder Mountain. Splash Mountain was closed for repairs, but it started raining (hard) as our roller coaster ride started so it was like we got Thunder and Splash Mountains in one ride. We were in the nick of time as they closed the ride due to weather just as we stepped off.

Crazy Turkey Leg Guy (aka Patrick)



While the rain continued, we went to visit Captain Jack Sparrow on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride which was indoors and did some more shopping. At that point the rain stopped and Mike Dylan and I split ways with the others and took Dylan on the kiddie rides - Snow White, the carousel, Peter Pan, Dumbo and the Mad Tea Party.

Night had fallen and we all met back up, headed to the hotel and went for some dinner. I got mine to go and took Dylan back to the hotel room. We were in for the night. Mike stayed out and had a fun time with his family while I officially gave up on the crib and snuggled down with Dylan. While he snoozed, I played on my iPhone a bit and then called it an early night with him. It had been a long day of fun and I was pooped! Plus, it was just the beginning of the vacation so I would need some energy for the days to come.

Dylan was very proud to have figured out how
to turn on his spinning Mickey light.

We were somewhat worried that Dylan was too young to get something out of this vacation. However, there is no doubt in my mind that he felt the magic of Disney. There truly is something wonderful about that park that makes adults feel like kids again and makes kids feel like they are on top of the world. Dylan loved all the sights and sounds and especially loved pointing out the millions of Mickey's he saw throughout the day. Plus, with virtually no lines, it was a hassle free day. Just perfect.

Day 2 stuffed animal count at 1. (This number will be growing in future postings.)