Our Disney Vacation
Last Christmas Shaun surprised the family with plans for a trip to Disney World. Well we thought it would never get here, but time flew (as usual) and at the beginning of October we headed to Florida for a week of fun. We were lucky enough to have our Uncle Mark and Aunt Mary come along for some help with the kiddos and lots of fun for all of us! When we arrived at the Orlando airport on Saturday night it was absolutely pouring and the the forecast for most of the week called for lots of rain. That wasn't going to stop us. We got soaked, but settled into our condo for the week and even got some late night grocery shopping out of the way while the kids and Uncle Mark and Aunt Mary headed off to bed. By mid-afternoon on Sunday the weather cleared up a bit so we decided to venture out to The Magic Kingdom to try out a few rides and be ready for our dinner date with Cinderella later that night. Luckily, the weather stayed nice for the rest of the week and we were able to enjoy our time outdoors!
Day One: The Magic Kingdom
Our first stop at the Magic Kingdom was, of course, to Cinderella's Castle.
Aunt Mary, Larkin, and Brayden getting ready for a day of fun!
Taking a spin with Daddy and Uncle Mark on the teacups.
Our royal dinner with Prince Charming. Larkin wasn't too fond of him!
Of course Cinderella's wicked Step Mother was there as well.
And... the wicked step sisters!
Here is the other one.
And what royal dinner would be complete unless Cinderella was there!!!!
After dinner we stuck around and watched the electrical parade. How cool!
Then it was time for the fireworks show.
Our little ones were all tuckered out by the end of the first day and we still had six more to go!
Day 2: The Animal Kingdom
By Monday the weather was back to sunny and warm. We spent the day at The Animal Kingdom riding a few rides, getting soaked on the water ride, and seeing some exciting animals.
You can't tell, but Larkin and Brayden are actually sitting on this ride with us.
They were each driving the dinosaur.
Enjoying the exotic creatures with Daddy.
Heading down the path to find a spot for the parade.
Did you know that every place at Disney seems to have multiple parades daily!
(Shaun LOVED that one)
A little snack before the parade passed by.
Enjoying the ride.
One of the rare birds featured at the bird show.
The Bald Eagle
Check out that wing span!
Brayden especially loved the fish! "Fishy, Fishy, Fishy!"
During our jeep tour we got to see some animals close up.
Explorer Larkin!
And of course the legendary explorers, Uncle Mark and Aunt Mary.
A little deep sea diving from Larkin and Uncle Mark.
The fanciful explorers, Larkin and Mommy!
We saw Daisy!
And Goofy!
And some other friends too...
Larkin loved meeting another princess, Pocahontas!
Brayden liked all of the characters from a distance,
but Jiminy Cricket was the only one he actually wanted to get close to.
And Larkin's day was complete once she spent a little time with Minnie!
Day 3: Back to Magic Kingdom
On Tuesday we headed back to the Magic Kingdom so do a little more exploring and so that Larkin could go to her appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbiti Boutique later that afternoon!
Larkin driving Daddy around the track.
Uncle Mark and Aunt Mary were close behind, although we hear she is not allowed to drive anymore!
The Bibbidi Bobbiti Boutique:
Pretty sure this was the best part of our Disney trip! Larkin got to go to the boutique and have some fairy godmothers, in-training, turn her into a princess. The look on her face (and Daddy's) when she was done was priceless!
When we first arrived at the boutique Larkin got to go shopping and choose which
princess she wanted to be dressed up as.
After careful consideration she chose Cinderella.
After changing into her new gown we waited patiently until her fairy godmother in training was ready to do her hair, makeup, and nails.
Getting her hair done at the boutique.
Time to paint her nails.
Almost done...
She wasn't complete until the fairy dust was sprinkled and the magic words were said.
Bibbidi, Bibbiti, Boo...
Time for a photo shoot.
Here is our little Cinderella!
Of course while Larkin and Mommy were at the boutique, Aunt Mary had fun with Brayden and Uncle Mark and Daddy had a little fun of their own! They had to go on Splash Mountain at least once.
A boat ride through "It's A Small World".
This was the ride we were on when Uncle Mark and Aunt Mary got the call saying their house had closed and they were officially on their way to Phoenix for good!
Day 4: Relaxing at the Resort
Some fun in the pool with Daddy.
Not sure who had more fun!
Enjoying the view.
Splashing with Aunt Mary.
Larkin enjoying some drinks poolside.
Day 5: Epcot
Time for a family photo.
It's Mickey Mouse!
Some loving from Pluto.
Another visit with Minnie in her fancy clothes!
It's Donald Duck.
Cuddling with Goofy!
Daddy and Bray taking a little rest before the talking turtle show.
They can sleep anywhere!
Look what the shark gobbled up!
Just chillin'
Look they are both smiling! Disney IS magical!
Larkin and Snow White!
Bray REALLY wanted to meet Snow White until he actually had the chance, then just tears.
Sort of like Santa!
Larkin also found Belle while we were at Epcot.
Definitely one of her favorites!
Finally we saw Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) before leaving Epcot.
Everyone was all smiles.
Epcot definitely was the place to meet some Disney characters,
eat some yummy food, and even enjoy a few beers!
Day 6: Relaxing
Our final full day was spent getting massages, relaxing by the pool, a delicious dinner at Benihana, and ice cream on the beach at our resort. It was the perfect way to relax!
Getting ready for a yummy dinner out!
Day 7: Magic Kingdom One Last Time
A final spin on the carousel.
A visit to the Haunted Mansion.
Larkin got to meet Princess Tiana!
And we had to say one last goodbye to Snow White before our vacation was over.
What a great time!
