Florida - Orlando

After a few days in Gainesville we headed to Orlando to relax for a couple of days. Originally, we had not made any plans other than to hang out by the pool but in the end we decided to spend one day at the Magic Kingdom. 

Julia had actually asked if we could go, the weather Sunday was not supposed to be that warm, and both Julia and Benjamin have been very into the Disney characters lately so we thought we take advantage of the opportunity and just see how it went…. It ended up being amazing!!!! Absolutely, the best decision we could have made!

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Saturday we headed out of Gainesville and there was definitely some sadness to be leaving Grandma and Grandpa behind. But as we got closer and closer to Orlando the excitement built. Benj took a nap in the car and woke up in a good mood. He was goofing around in the car - he started piling his blankets up on his head (in imitation of one his favorite books - Ten Apples Up on Top) and when I turned to take a picture he kept saying "no picture, no picture" with a huge smile on face. Of course, I took a picture!

We needed to buy Disney tickets and were still kind of trying to gauge the interest in actually going to the park so we decided to spend lunchtime at the Downtown Disney shopping area. We had lunch, looked in a few shops, took a train ride, played in the Mickey fountain, and got very very excited about seeing Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy and Pluto. So to the ticket booth we went!

Benj rocking his Monkey "leash" - he loved it!

Minnie was a theme for Benjamin!

There has to be ice cream if we're on vacation!

why, mint chip! of course!

From there we found out hotel which both kids loved - especially the pool which we spent most of afternoon in it. And then had a great dinner at one of the restaurants on Disney's Boardwalk. 

We were awake bright and early Sunday morning (not unusual for us!) and were the fifth car in the Magic Kingdom parking lot!

The kids loved riding the monorail to the park and we didn't have to wait too long when we got there for the opening show. The look on Julia and Benjamin's faces when they saw Mickey and his friends get off the train and start dancing around was priceless. They were beyond thrilled and that alone would have made the day worthwhile. 

Our first ride in the park was the Tomorrowland Speedway where Benjamin and Julia raced around the track successfully making both Andrew and I queasy! 

Next up was the teacups for Julia and myself. Spinning rides do not agree with Andrew and Benjamin did not want to go. But I think I paid Julia back for the bumpy car ride by getting her as dizzy as possible! And Benj apparently regretted not going because for days after the park he kept saying to me "cups, Mommy?", "I ride cups, Mommy?", "cups, Mommy?" It's so bad that I now cringe every time I hear the word cup, expecting this conversation to be restarted!

 Then, after a couple of other rides (Winnie the Pooh - ok - and it's a Small World - mesmerizing) we found our way to our first character meetings. First up, Goofy, Donald, Minnie, and Daisy. We had so much fun! The kids were so into it and loved seeing their pals up close. They went right up to all of them, goofed around and gave hugs and kisses. It was absolutely adorable to see.

The Goof!

Goofy didn't want to let Benj go!

Huge hugs for Minnie!

Benj's first girlfriend! He's playing it cool!

 From there we saw a Mickey stage show, a parade, and then headed out of the park for lunch and a nap before returning for the big event - meeting Mickey!!! Julia and Benjamin really seemed to be in awe that they were standing there and talking with Mickey. It was great to watch!

It was a little chilly so we stopped for some hot chocolate which happened to be the most delicious hot chocolate we've ever had! And Julia looked so grownup drinking out of the Starbucks cup!

Some Magic Kingdom ducks kept us entertained during our hot chocolate break!

We spent the afternoon mostly just taking in the sights of the park, doing some shopping for souvenirs, and riding a couple last rides. We knew there was no way that we were making it until the nighttime parade, let alone the fireworks, but we had a fantastic day and could not have asked for a better experience. And as the topping on the cake we did get to see the castle lit up for Christmas before we left! Magical!