Disney

So, on Wednesday I told the kids to pack a car suitcase because we were taking a quick road trip to Florida for Mommy's race. The kids were excited because they'd be able to watch a few movies in the car. I also told them I'd pack their suitcase because, even though we'd only be staying one night, there may be a pool at the hotel and they could swim.

About half-way to Orlando we stopped for lunch. Lehr had written a note in a blank book for Eli, indicating that we were planning to go to Disney World while we were in Florida instead of just going to Mommy's race. (Maddux got a blank book for character autographs as well.) I shot a short video of Eli reading the note; he kept asking for hours afterward, "Are we REALLY going to Disney World?" We asked both kids what Disney World was and neither could tell us.

We arrived too late to do anything Thursday night, which was fine because we had an early, long day planned for Friday. Lehr and I had made reservations to have breakfast in the Cinderella castle with the Princesses. We were the first family to arrive at the park, which was cool and eerie, all at once. After about an hour of walking around outside of the gates, we got the all-clear sign to come in and go to the castle. It was very very cool to walk along Main Street (at a fast pace, to keep in front) and see the castle with NO ONE else in front of you.

Once we walked into the castle, we were ushered over to Cinderella right away for autographs and a picture. Maddux was awe-struck. We then walked up a winding staircase to a fancy room where we were seated and fed a great breakfast. While we were eating, one at a time, Snow White, Ariel, Belle, and Aurora came through the room, stopping at each table to sign autographs and pose for a picture. Maddux just grinned; she was literally speechless. Our waitress tipped us off to leave breakfast before everyone else and get right in line for Rapunzel/Tangled. We didn't know if it was a ride or what, but she warned us the line soon got out of control. We got very lucky and only waited about 15 minutes. Maddux then got to meet, get an autograph and picture and talk with Rapunzel. She was VERY bubbly and engaging and Maddux loved it. (The boys got us a fast-pass for another ride while we were there.)

From there we rode one of the favorite rides, the race cars. Maddux navigated a car with me and Eli drove one with Lehr. It felt like bumper cars due to the constant impact of the car on the 'track' that kept us somewhat straight. The kids really really liked that one. From there we moved around the park, stopping for rides and attractions very often, and food out of our backpack or from a quick street vendor almost as often. Maddux and Eli also loved the teacups (much to our displeasure); it was the ride that Rapunzel told Maddux to go on. We continued around the park until 7PM when we found a spot along the parade route. We were lucky to catch a short glimpse of a show performed on the stage in front of the castle while we waited. A group of teenagers sat next to us and let the kids sit in front of them to get a better view, and even lifted Maddux up to see the princesses up for a while. At 8PM the Main Street Electric Parade started. So cool. The kids really liked it, and we had an unobstructed view. Right after that they showed a quick 'show' on the castle, and then it went straight into the fireworks. Wow. Eli couldn't stop saying that: Wow.

By the time all of that was done, it was late and we walked quickly to the buses, along with the rest of the park. Our hotel was about 20 minutes from Disney, and then our stop was about 20 minutes into the hotel 'complex'. Maddux fell asleep on Lehr's lap almost immediately. Eli made it until we entered the hotel area, but we were carrying both kids to the room. In the transfer from clothes to PJs to bed, Eli melted down about something, but that was the only 'bad' moment of the whole day.

This ended up being a really awesome and successful day. The kids were on their feet for 16 hours (no stroller) and we had a great time. We were able to do every ride we wanted, a few of them even twice, and we never waited more than 25 minutes in any lines. Most of the time it was 10 minutes or less. Life is good.