Monday, July 15, 2013

Walt Disney World...Day 1

Jamie and I never had a big desire to go to Disney, but when we had 3 little girls knew that it would be extra special to take them one day.  The thought of even planning the  trip was absolutely confusing but I knew that we wanted to keep it a surprise.  We utilized the expert "Mouse your way travel" which helped me plan so much of the trip including character meals, giving me great advice on the attractions and how to approach the parks and also booking our amazing resort, The Contemporary.  I also had many friends that had also gone and shared with me a lot of tips on what to see and do!  All of the planning led to an AMAZING and I have to say it...MAGICAL trip to Disney!  

We sat the girls down before heading to the airport to tell them where we were going.  I told them that we needed to take an airplane and that they would be swimming.  It was a very difficult secret to keep from them for so many weeks!  We gave them a nightgown with Minnie eating ice cream and said you need to wear this tonight and it gives you a clue.  It didn't cross their minds that Minnie had anything to do with it when Isabelle first said..."are we going to eat ice cream???"  They then figured it out and that lead to excitement and disbelief!  And a few screams....:)

 We are walking to our gate for our flight to Orlando.  We checked the bags and Disney collects them at baggage claim and then delivered them to our room while we were out that evening.  So convenient!
After a short 2 hour flight, we all boarded the "magical express" that took us to the Contemporary Resort.  We were able to check in when we arrived.  The rooms were beautiful, clean and spacious with a great shower.   They also had a great complex with 2 pools, spas, a white sand beach and other amenities. We also had an amazing view of Magic Kingdom.  The monorail runs through the hotel!


 We absolutely had a great stay there and recommend it highly to anyone!  It was a short 7 minute walk to Magic Kingdom, a short monorail trip to Epcot and bus service to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.  
 Happy to be here!!

 A look at the view outside our room on the balcony!  We were able to view the fireworks nightly from there if we wanted.



 After a late lunch, we headed to Magic Kingdom.  
 Parades, interactive character events and shows happened around every corner it seemed.  This is "Dream along with Mickey".   When we first arrived outside the castle, so many of the characters were putting on a show that was cut short by a rain storm.
Getting to go on their first ride, "Mad Tea Party".  This was one of our favorite rides since we could all get into a tea cup together and it was fun!
Waiting to get on Dumbo in the rain.  This was the one afternoon that there was quite a bit of heavy rain.  Occasionally throughout the week we would have a short sprinkle but then the skies would clear. We packed ponchos every day in anticipation of bad weather but thankfully we didn't need them often...but it did feel sooooo good to be a little wet in the hot and humid temperatures!
 This ride was probably one of the longest we waited to get on (45 minutes).  We quickly figured out how to use fast passes and rider swaps (which are the best thing ever!) the following day and then our wait was never longer then 15 minutes.  And the girls got to go on very popular rides multiple times (sometimes the wait for these would be 100-120 minutes a piece)!
 The Cinderella castle was so beautiful at night and would change colors.
 Before the firework show, they would have a narrated light show on the castle that was so cool!
 We arrived the day after the 4th and they had a patriotic firework show that was amazing.
 We were so close to the castle, but fortunately were able to see different aspects of the fireworks later on during the week.  


Disney tired!!!!

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