Disney Days - a Magical Magic Kingdom Day

You may think that we did everything a little backwards with our Magic Kingdom day last, but it worked out great for us. Coming in second place behind the wonderful Christmas decorations at the Magic Kingdom, comes their Autumn/Halloween stuff. Since this park is the home to the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties, they really go all out with decorating.

They even dress up scarecrows for the holiday!

And don’t get me started on the giant pumpkins! (Okay, so they are fake…but they look great!)

They even put up special statues around the Walt & Mickey statue in front of the castle.

We found Pirate Goofy! Cindy was super excited because Goofy is her favorite and, let’s face it, pirates are cool! So we had to get some good photos with that funny scallywag!

And what kind of trip to the Magic Kingdom would it be without stopping to see Mr. & Mrs. Disney (Mickey & Minnie)?

I just want to take a brief moment to mention how happy I am that Cindy D wanted to come on this vacation with us. I’ve known her since I was in grade school and she has always be wonderful to me. I’m not at all surprised that she treats my son the same way. She’s one of those people that you want around a lot because she has the ability to brighten up your day. She really made the trip more special…and fun!

Our day at Magic Kingdom would not be complete unless we had Dole Whips. It's a Magic Kingdom tradition for our family. If you’ve never had a Dole Whip, you are missing out on one of the true treasures at Walt Disney World. Next time you are there, stop at the refreshment counter across from the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse and treat yourself to a bit of tropical bliss in a cup. Trust me! All three of us ladies got different flavors and Dylan sampled them all!

Our final night in Disney World ended with me holding my son while watching Wishes at the Magic Kingdom. I had forgotten how many times I saw those fireworks and heard the music (When I worked at the Grand Floridian, one of our jobs was to be a Fireworks Cruise boat captain on Pontoon Boats. So I took families out on that Lake many, many, many times for this show). All the words and my favorites parts came rushing back as soon as it started. It was a simple joy that I wasn’t expecting. Maybe that sweet song is one I should add to my Dylan lullaby repertoire.

It ended up being the perfect end to a wonderful vacation with my incredible son, my wonderful Mama, and a very dear family friend. I’m so lucky to have those memories.

Disney Days - Welcome to Hollywood! I mean, Hollywood Studios!

Theme Park #3 = Hollywood Studios. Or as known by people who haven’t been to Disney in a few years - MGM Studios.

Us with June

We started our morning off with a character breakfast at Hollywood & Vine restaurant. I think that in the past, I had eaten at every place in the Studios except for this one! Of course, knowing that there are Disney Channel characters here for the Breakfast and Lunch, I was probably avoiding it in my pre-Dylan days. But now that we are actually watching those shows in the morning, I was probably more excited than Dylan was!

Us with Leo

We arrived about an hour before the park opened and headed to Play & Dine at Hollywood & Vine. There are always 4 characters at Character Meals in Disney World, and our 4 were Leo & June from Little Einsteins, Handy Manny, and Special Agent Oso. We don’t watch Little Einstiens, so I wasn’t terribly excited about them, but Dylan liked them. They were the first two to come visit our table.

Handy Manny

Dylan didn’t want to hug anyone or be in the middle of the photos. But he was really excited to give everyone a high five! I liked this photo of Dylan with Handy Manny. He pointing just like Manny. Always trying to be one of the big boys…

Special Agent Oso

And finally (saving the best for last) Oso came to see us! My mom was giving me a some grief for being more excited than Dylan about Oso. Dylan didn’t really care about Oso, but REALLY liked Paw Pilot. I think he just wanted to snatch Oso’s Paw Pilot button and take off! Oso let Dylan play with Paw Pilot a little bit and touch the buttons. Score!

Of course, now that our trip is over, Disney has announced that Leo getting the boot and will be replaced by Jake (from Jake and the Never Land Pirates). If you remember, Dylan’s Birthday Party was a Jake & the Never Land Pirates Party. So now I’m a little bummed that Disney was about 3 months late on that one!

Later that morning we had to go see my main man…Sorcerer Mickey. I’ve toned down my obsession a bit, but several years ago (about the time I was on the College Program) I LOVED Sorcerer Mickey. What can I say? I do still get choked up and teary eyed every time he pops up on top of the mountain in Fantasmic. Oh man, I have to stop talking about it now or I’ll get verklempt!

Watching the Disney Jr Show

To continue our day of Disney Jr splendor, we had to make a stop at the newly revised Disney Jr show. Fortunately, Jake was already in this show. Mickey & friends, Jake & friends, Little Einsteins, and Handy Manny. It’s a Disney Channel morning fan’s dream! Dylan really liked the show. There was music, dancing, singing, and so many of his favorite friends from Disney Jr!

Michael and I actually got some “work” done (although I feel guilty calling it that. Enjoying time in the Disney Theme Parks? Whew, what a tough job!!). We did the newly revised Star Tours ride, found out details about a few new policies throughout the park, watched the I-can’t-believe-I’m-standing-in-the-sweltering-heat-for-this “Disney Rocks” street show, and lots of other stuff.

And then it was time for more Disney Channel characters. Only this time it was Superstars. That’s right everyone…I met Phineas & Ferb! Unfortunately, Dylan had already been having so much fun that he was passed out. But in all honesty, there’s no way he would have been anywhere near as excited as I was to meet those two.

I love how they were making the "Shhhh!" sign with their hands. So cute! But maybe they should've decided to invent some sort of machine where when Dylan woke up, he could re-live that moment with them, and Doof, and Perry, and Isabella...Wow, if you have never seen that show, you are probably really lost right now, huh?

On a funny side note, Michael got roped into being a part of the pre-show thing while we were waiting in line for Phineas & Ferb. Yup, that’s him as a Tiki God with all the little kiddos. The badass girl in front of him with the sunglasses was hilarious…she was clearly ticked off that she was up there. I think those sunglasses were hiding a glare with the power to freeze us all! She was a highlight of my day.

That night after a much needed afternoon break, we headed back into the park for some shopping and my absolute favorite thing in Walt Disney World…Fantasmic! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen that show. From going for fun to taking my VIP tour families there. It never gets old, and I always, always get excited as soon as the lights go down. But before we headed into the Amphitheater, we did some strolling through Sunset Boulevard.

The only downfall of Fantasmic was trying to keep a 14-month old entertained and occupied for the 40 minute wait. I was not above taking him for walks, buying a light-up toy, and feeding him a Mickey Mouse Sugar Cookie. But see how happy he looks? Once the show started, he was entranced for almost the entire 27 minute show. But I’m not surprised. He is, after all, my son.

I could have ended my Disney trip there. Seeing Fantasmic is an ideal end to a trip for me. But wait…we still have Magic Kingdom! Woo-hoo!

Disney Days - An Epcot Kind of Day

Our second Day of Disney parks was full of Epcot! I always have fun at Epcot.

Maybe it’s all the memories of Drinking Around the World with our friends while we lived in Orlando, or maybe it’s the huge variety of things you can see and do there. Maybe it's because it's the only park I can usually get Josh in without a bribe of some sort! :) Regardless, it’s always a good time.

Dylan and I had a little ‘us time’ while the rest of our group went to fly on Soarin’. I remember when Soarin’ opened, my first thought was, “My mom would love this ride.” And she does. It was Cindy’s first time on it, and she loved it too. Once again, it is a must-do, if you’ve never experienced it. (And be sure to check out the hidden Mickey on the golf ball. You can only see it for a split second, but I swear it’s there!).

Dylan & Cindy checking out the Seagulls

After that, we headed over to the Seas. I love the Seas. Even before Crush and Nemo & Friends joined the party over there, it was still one of my favorites. Does anyone remember the old ride and Sea Base Alpha? Now it’s even better with Crush’s Turtle Talk and the fun Finding Nemo stuff inside. Even the seagulls out front are cute. Dylan was all about those seagulls. Cindy helped him get a better look. Let’s just hope he doesn’t pick up on their mantra - “Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine!”

After riding our clam-mobiles inside, we went to see Turtle Talk (Another must-see!). Dylan and I sat down in front for our visit with Crush and he really enjoyed it. But, as you might have guessed, he didn't really have and questions for the “totally awesome” sea turtle. And afterwards we, of course, had to take the traditional photo in Bruce the Shark’s mouth! Dylan look a  little apprehensive, though, doesn’t he? Maybe it was those huge teeth!

"Ahh! There's an alien on my head!"

After venturing back to dry land, we finished off the other side of Future World. Dylan, Grandma Linda & I explored the awesome Mouse Gears store while Michael, Terry, and Cindy thrilled their way to Test Track. My mom and I always visit Mouse Gears. ?There is so much cute stuff in there! And why wouldn't we try on hats and other awesome stuff while we were there?

Okay, it’s after 11am! That means it’s time for the World Showcase! Woo-hoo! Dylan’s very first Disney character photo was with… Snow White! We figured starting with “face” instead of “fur” was a safe bet. She was very sweet with him, even though he was a little nervous. Grandpa Bob would be so proud considering I think he’s always had thing for Snow. I’m sure he’s say, “Atta boy, Dylan!”

After a nice lunch with Michael and Terry in Italy, they headed off and we continued to explore the World. One of the things my mom was really excited about was the Caramel Shop in Germany. I’m not sure if you know this about my mom and I, but we are definitely on the Caramel team when it comes to Chocolate vs. Caramel. As a matter of fact, I will eat the chocolate, just to get to the caramel inside! Anyway, if you are another Team Caramel person, you should check out this all-caramel bakery…It. Is. Awesome! Dylan even had a treat. He enjoyed his Jumbo Krispy Rice Treat with Caramel Topping!

While we were Germany, we ladies decided to stop for a shot of wine. Yup, we splurged on a shot each! Actually, we split a wine flight there. Cindy got the Schmitt Sohne Eiswein (Ice Wine), Mama got the Two Princes Riesling, and I got the Madonna Liebfraumilch.



Our Scandinavian heritage wouldn’t let us miss Norway! So the Swedish and the Norwegian tend to be rivals - but Norway is as close as we can get at Epcot! We couldn’t miss the opportunity to take the standard photos! (Btw, is it just me, or is the troll about to grab Cindy’s behind?)

On our way out of the World Showcase for our afternoon break, we had to stop in Mexico to get a photo with Amigo Donald!  Donald Duck is Josh’s favorite Disney character, so I never miss an opportunity to get my photo taken with him. I have

to admit, for some reason, I never full appreciated Donald until Josh turned me onto him. That duck is one funny guy! So even though I may not understand what he is saying most of the time, I tend to like the guy!


Later that evening, I had a business dinner to go to, so Mama & Cindy took the little man back to Epcot. Apparently, they had a great time! They explored some more Countries, took photos with some more characters, Dylan rocked out to the band in the U.K., and they watched IllumiNations.

I arrived back right after IllumiNations ended and met them on the bridge heading over to The Boardwalk. Cindy had never walked the Boardwalk before, and considering it's a very special place to me, I wanted her to see it. I can't tell you how many Tuesday nights I spent there when we lived in Orlando. Not only is it home to one of my favorite places (Jellyrolls), it also is the spot where Josh proposed. I just had to show them 'Our Bench.'

It was a full, but very fun day. And I know that Dylan had a great timetime with the two Grandmas that evening!

Cindy, Dylan, and (a very pretty) Belle!

Grandma and Dylan with Tigger & Pooh!

Disney Days - Animal Kingdom

Back to the summary of our Florida Vacation from September! Holy cow, I’m behind! But this trip was so cute and so much fun that I just can’t ignore it!

Our first park at Disney World was Animal Kingdom. We couldn’t miss this park because Cindy had never been there before, and it’s the home of one of my favorite things in Walt Disney World, Festival of the Lion King. If you have never seen this show, you are completely missing out on a true Disney World treasure. As a former Cast Member, a former VIP Guide, and a current Online Administrator to a third-party Walt Disney World Website, my professional opinion is…“Go see this show!”

Anyway, back to our Animal Kingdom day. Although it was threatening to rain on us that morning, we stayed dry and enjoyed a beautiful day at the park. It wasn't really a successful “ride” park for Dylan. The only two rides he went on were TriceraTop Spin and the Kilimanjaro Safari. He did okay on Tric-Spin until the very end where it automatically makes you go up and down - there was some nervous yelling! And he fell asleep on the Safari in the first two minutes. Let me tell you, my arms were so tired after that bumpy Jeep ride!

It’s obvious that my son is my son because I think the highlight of his day was the Lion King show. He woke up right before it started and was entranced throughout the entire thing. One of the Tumble Monkeys even came over and ruffled his hair. He was more amazed than freaked out. He clapped and smiled and danced his arms around through almost the entire 25 minute show. HE LOVED IT! Just like I did.


Overall, we had a really nice half-day at AK. I even banged the drums in Africa with Dylan for a while. He’s such a boy! Being encouraged to bang on something? Yay!

After our fun day in the park, we had lunch at the Rainforest Café, where Dylan loved the loud monkeys and animals. Whenever the monkeys started making noise and swinging in the branches, Dylan would point and grunt back at them. I think he wanted them to join us at our table for lunch! Dylan also got a round of good ol' spoiling from Grandma Linda. She bought him an AWESOME giraffe. He helped pick it out by giving it huge hugs!

Harry Potter & Coronado Springs

Right after we got back from Michigan, Dylan and I only had a two day break before getting back in the car and heading South to Orlando. I had a wedding to go to over that weekend, so I figured that I would make it a working trip as well! It just really stinks that  my job requires me to go play at Disney World! Oh, darn!

But since I knew it was going to be really hard to do all of Disney with a 1-yr old, I asked my mom if she wanted to do Disney with us! And she also brought a family friend, Cindy, with her! But I’m getting ahead of myself. Mom & Cindy didn’t show up until Friday evening, and Dylan and I headed down on Wednesday so that we could go to Universal on Thursday with Mike and Terry.

I hadn’t seen any of the new Harry Potter stuff yet, so I asked Mike and Terry if they wanted to make the journey through Hogsmeade with me! They had been there before, but they were more than happy to take the venture with Dylan and me.

My honest review? What was there, was done really well. It looked amazing and there seemed to be no detail missing. But, I think I was under the impression that there was more to it! There was the main attraction (the ride inside Hogwarts), two rollercoasters (one of which was not a new ride, it as just rethemed to Harry Potter), one restaurant, and only a couple shops. Although, I have been told that there will be more in the future. I guess Universal is even contractually obligated to build more!

I think my favorite detail, or styling choice, is that they chose to make it Winter. Since there will never be real snow in Orlando, it was really neat to see it on the buildings throughout Hogsmeade. In true never-missing-a-detail fashion, they even made sure that the snow sparkled in the sunlight, just like real snow.

Me & Mike with our Butterbeer

We also had to make a stop at the Butterbeer cart. They serve Butterbeer two ways, frozen (like a slushy) or carbonated (like soda). We, of course, got both to get the full experience. The vendor told me she liked the frozen one better, but I think I liked the carbonated one. They were both really good, but I feel like you got more of the flavor with the carbonated one. It tasted like Cream Soda with a butterscotch twist. REALLY good! I didn’t get a chance to try the Pumpkin Juice, though…maybe next time!

Dylan at the Three Broomsticks

We had lunch at the Three Broomstick, which was really good! Funny fact: they don’t serve soda in the Harry Potter area. I guess it was a decision made my JK Rowling. She was, apparently, very specific on what kind of food and drink should be served. We had a really great lunch before heading out of Harry Potter World.

We had to make a stop in the Dr. Seuss area to try a ride for Dylan. He had never been on anything, so I was excited to try. We headed over to the Carousel. He was really excited about all the bright colors and music and just wanted to get on one of those crazy looking creatures! We mounted him up on the blue animal thing that he was pointing at and strapped him in! He like it…until it started going. He FREAKED!! But we had to suffer through the whole ride because the animals go up and down and he had a safety strap on. When he realized that I wasn’t going to rescue him, he leaned out screaming with is arm wide open to Terry hoping that he would help. Poor Dylan! At least we got a couple cute photos before it got scary.

Later in the afternoon, Dylan and I went to Matt & Brittany’s apartment and got Matt to go swimming with us! Dylan is such a little fish! Then the 3 of us headed out for dinner with Phil & Natalie (the soon-to-be-wed couple) and their families. We stopped back over at Matt & Britt’s after dinner because Brittany was finally off work and Dylan needed to use up some of his flirtatious energy on her! It was such a busy day, but we had so much fun!

Coronado Springs Resort

The next day, we checked into Coronado Springs Resort. I had never stayed there before, but Matt used to work there. So he stopped over to give Dylan and I the grand tour. I had never really explored there before so it was nice to have someone around to take us around all the cute courtyards and pretty spots. I’m so glad that I got some Matt-time in. He’s the brother I never had - I’m lucky to have him as one of my closest friends. (Thank goodness he found such an awesome wife so I can love her too!!)

Mom & Cindy at the hotel

That night, through rain delays and crazy crowds at the airport, we finally picked up Mom & Cindy! We took them back to our hotel and took them for a twilight tour of the grounds. I’m so happy that my mom and such a great family friend could be there for this trip. Dylan was incredibly spoiled with two Grandma’s around all week! Now it was really time for me to get down to "business"…and for us to get into some Disney fun! Stay tuned for more Orlando stories…