Daytona Beach

On our fourth day, it was time to say goodbye to Disney.  Although a part of me wished we had chosen to spend more time there and visit all four parks, my common sense knew we'd done the right thing.  Both kids were overwhelmed by the travel and the constant motion, and we were all ready for the final leg of our journey: a relaxing stop at Daytona Beach. 

Neither of the kids had ever seen the ocean before, and Erik and I hadn't been on a beach since our honeymoon seven years ago.  We especially loved Daytona Beach, because you could literally drive right onto the sand, find that perfect spot, and simply jump right from your vehicle into your day at the beach.  Perfection!
  

At first, Ava wanted to play in the sand with her bucket of beach toys, while Hudson headed straight for the waves.  Between the two of them, they kept us busy!  Much fun was had as we frolicked in the surprisingly strong waves, enjoyed the beautiful day from the sandy shoreline, or even strolled the beach searching for seashells.  We only spent one day at the beach, but it was a truly idyllic one that will never be forgotten. 

Oh, Disney/Daytona vacation, you were so good to us! 

What a blessing!



Epcot

Our day at Epcot started fairly early (even after our unexpected store-opening experience), and we were one of the first in line for this park.  Immediately it seemed less crowded and chaotic than Magic Kingdom, which was nice after our busy, busy day before.  Our wait in line wasn't too long, and before we knew it we were being greeted good morning in myriad languages.  Then, as Epcot officially opened for the day, a deluge of streamers popped into the air, blanketing the waiting audience in every color of the rainbow.  We were standing right where these streamers were shot, and we all lifted our arms like children to let the colorful bits of magic fall into our waiting hands.  Ava claimed pink, while Hudson carried around orange for the rest of the day.

Once inside Epcot, our first stop was the Nemo attraction, which held the kids' attention for a long time.  Besides the ride itself, there was a play area, an aquarium, and other aquatic interactives.  Since we arrived so early, we enjoyed this area crowd-free, with virtually no one else but us and a handful of other children.  Luckily, we had watched Finding Nemo on the drive down, so Ava and Hudson were very familiar with all the characters and different kinds of fish.

 

After Nemo, we decided to try the other attractions.  Our plan was to visit all the rides in the morning, then use the afternoon to travel through the different countries at our leisure.  We were able to catch both Spaceship Earth (inside the big famous ball) and the Living with the Land  boat ride right away, but we had to use the Fast Pass service for Soarin', which seemed to be the premier attraction at Epcot.  (By the way, it was completely worth the several-hours wait! One of our favorites! Of course, Hudson wasn't tall enough to ride and Erik gets motion-sickness, but those two enjoyed a nap while the rest of us went hang-gliding together.  And hearing Ava's giddy exclamations during this ride was so much fun!)

 

That afternoon, we were scheduled for a private meet-and-greet with Mickey and friends.  Once again, I was so thrilled with our Disney Visa credit card, which was our magic pass into this special opportunity.  All we had to do was go to a certain door, with our Disney card in hand, and we were led inside to hang out with Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy!  (Yes, there is another designed character area where you can meet all of Mickey's friends, but the wait there was over an hour, and this only took fifteen minutes, plus we got a free 5X7 photograph.  Luckily, the kids met their three favorite characters, so it worked out perfectly.  I love my Disney card!)

Well, this is where our luck ran out, because after our perfect morning and afternoon at Epcot, it started to rain.  Not just a soft patter or a sporadic drip, but an all-out, knock-you-sideways downpour.  At first, we thought to wait it out, since we really wanted to visit the different countries.  Erik even used the last of our free Disney dollars to purchase everyone Disney ponchos, which did keep us dry.  However, our three-year-old was getting tired and cranky, and it became obvious that it was time to go.  At least we left with wonderful memories!

Back at our rainy resort, we rested for a bit in our rooms and enjoyed a delicious supper at the on-site Pepper Market.  Then, just as twilight descended, the rain finally stopped.  Since we were still awake and alert, we decided to visit that amazing pool area I mentioned in a previous post.  This time, we didn't mind getting wet at all.  There's nothing like a night-time swim at a tropical paradise to end the day!

Opening Panchito's Store

On our third day at Disney, after finally figuring out the bus schedules, we were up early and ready to head to Epcot. We lingered at the resort fountain for a few minutes after breakfast, enjoying the atmosphere. Then, as it often does at Disney, a bit of magic happened.

A quirky, energetic man (the one in the bright blue pants, above) appeared within our family, handing out grins and musical instruments alike.  He informed us that we were the lucky chosen ones who would help him open the resort store, Panchito's Gifts and Sundries, that day!  First, we marched around making loud, silly music to get everyone's attention.  Ava loved this!  Then we made our way into the store, which still had its main grate down to block customers, via a secret back door. 

Inside, our new friend helped the kids find a special Mickey key (hidden among the merchandise), and Hudson had the honor of using this key to make the grate-door go up and open the store!  Then both kiddos completed some fun magic tricks to make their honorary Mickey buttons appear.  What a wonderful start to our day!

 

Although the picture quality isn't so great on these shots, I'm so glad I had my phone handy for these memories.  It was totally unexpected, completely made the kids' day, and really epitomizes both the heart of Disney and its friendly staff. 



Cinderella's Royal Table

 

By far, my favorite event during our Disney trip was our meal at Cinderella's Royal Table.  Although certainly our most expensive experience, it was nonetheless worth every dollar spent.  We had advance reservations, so there was no fear of being overwhelmed by crowds or missing our chance with the princesses.  Instead, we were welcomed like royalty into the castle, assigned our own personal serving lady, and provided an exquisite meal to enjoy while our favorite princesses stopped by to chat.

Conversations? Check! 

Autographs? Check! 

Photo ops?  Check!

Fun for all? Check!

At the beginning of the meal, Ava was given a special wand, while Hudson received a prince's sword.  Then later, after the meal had ended and the princesses had completed their visits, the wishing ceremony began!  Each child received his or her own wishing star, and they used their wands and swords to imbibe these stars with magic.  A dream is a wish your heart makes... 

Both kids were excited to don their costumes for this event: Ava dressed as Snow White, while Hudson wore his superhero mask and cape.  Even though this meal was certainly geared more toward the girls, Hudson ended up having as much fun as Ava.  He warmed up to the princesses, wielded his sword with flourish, and enjoyed making his own cupcake for dessert.  And of course Ava was in seventh heaven, meeting all those wonderful gals.  We also learned the next day (after riding Soarin' at Epcot) that her wish had been to fly, and that attraction's realistic hang-gliding experience was like her own dream come true!  Who says magic doesn't still exist? 

In all, dinner with Cinderella and her princess friends was the tastiest cherry atop our perfect day at Magic Kingdom! 



Magic Kingdom

Oh, Magic Kingdom, my heart belongs to you!

Following a dramatic bus ride (we barely made it on, though we had been first in line!), we finally arrived at our most-sought-after location: Magic Kingdom! No words can truly express the beauty, vibrance, and excitement of stepping into its magical storybook setting. As we walked the picturesque Main Street, steeped in culture, music, and familiar characters, our hearts soared.  Yes, we were experiencing the magical heart of Disney, and it was perfect. 

Characters waved at us from doorsteps! Grinning cast members blew colorful bubbles that soared into the air! Music seemed to pump from the very unseen veins of this living kingdom! Then, suddenly, we caught our first sight of that famous castle rising into the bright cerulean sky. Oh, what a magical day! Indeed, since we were in line before the park actually opened, we were able to enjoy several rides line-free before the crowds arrived, and that alone felt like a miracle.

As we moved from ride to ride and set to set, it was a day filled with pure joy.  Everywhere you looked, there was something beautiful and adventurous to see.  When we were hungry, we stopped and used our Quick Service meal plan.  If we saw an attraction that caught our fancy, we went for it.  Time seemed suspended in a lovely, liquid bubble.  Although we spent nearly twelve hours at Magic Kingdom, we were unable to experience everything.  Still, it was the best day of our trip, in my opinion.

Some highlights from Magic Kingdom:

(1) Pirates of the Caribbean was everyone's favorite ride, hands-down.  We caught it right away that morning without a line, then came back in the afternoon for more uncrowded fun.  I lost count of how many times we rode, but it was the perfect attraction for all of us.

(2) At one point, we had lost track of time and it was beginning to lightly rain.  Wandering aimlessly, we suddenly found ourselves on a picturesque street lined with expectant people.  I glanced at the time and realized the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade was about to start!  Miraculously, a group of men offered us their front-row spots, and we settled in just as the parade appeared.  Both Ava and Hudson kept dry in their stroller, while greeting a dizzying array of Disney characters who danced their way past and stopped for a quick smile or handshake.  We couldn't have planned it any better if we tried!

(3) For supper, we had scheduled a meal at Cinderella's Royal Table, located right inside the castle.  We were anticipating this event all day, and it did not disappoint.  In fact, this experience deserves its own post, so watch for more details on that coming tomorrow!

(4) As we were leaving the park, with twilight descending, a sudden and strong thunderstorm churned itself up.  We were literally running for the bus lines, but had to detour under a nearby ferry tent.  There we waited out the storm with a friendly staff member who offered to hold an umbrella near Hudson, who was upset by the blowing wind and rain.  In fact, when the storm stopped but the heavy rain did not, this man offered to walk us over to the bus lines with his umbrella over the kids.  This is why I love Disney, because seriously every employee there is like this: warm, welcoming, and cheerfully helpful.  Thanks, dude!



Downtown Disney

When we arrived at Disney that first afternoon, after checking into our resort and grinning at each other, we decided to venture to Downtown Disney.  We weren't planning on visiting any parks until the next day, so we had time to acquaint ourselves with the area and ease ourselves into fun.  Since we had done some research ahead of time, we knew our main downtown destinations would be Rainforest Cafe and the World of Disney, the largest Disney store in the world!

We were hungry, so we caught a bus downtown and finally arrived at Rainforest Cafe.  This was the kids' first time there, so of course we had to browse around, shop the wild offerings, and enjoy the crazy atmosphere.  Ava adopted a pink tiger, and Hudson immediately snapped up a snugly panda.  Then it was off to the leopard area to eat the fantastic cuisine and dodge occasional rainstorms.

Next, we skipped over to the World of Disney store, which was wonderfully overwhelming.  This is where I must insert a product plug.  Brace yourselves. ;)  Over a year ago, when we first began planning this trip, I was adamant that we get a Disney Visa credit card.  Why?  Because the more you spend, the more Disney dollars you earn as rewards.  Erik was a bit dubious about carrying around a sparkly credit card with a castle on it (ha!), but let's just say he's now very proud of that sweet piece of plastic.  We earned about $400 worth of free Disney merchandise, so one might assume our shopping spree at World of Disney was breathtaking.

Half of us went with Hudson, the other with Ava, and we never had to say no!  Everyone got exactly what they wanted, and we still had plenty of free Disney dollars leftover to spend at restaurants, parks, and our resort.  Yes, I highly recommend getting a Disney Visa credit card prior to any trips there.

Oh yeah, and on our way back to the resort, weighted down by bags, we let the kids enjoy their first real ride of the trip: a train ride (see photo above)!

Disney Resort

Hello! So I've sufficiently recovered from our week-long Disney adventure (whew!), and I'm ready to blog away about all the exciting experiences we had as a family while there. In fact, there are so many facets to this trip, that I'll be posting individually about various topics. Since I've nearly finished the photo book for this vacation, I already have our photos and memories organized in that fashion.


Up first? Our Disney resort, which was absolutely fantastic!
Meet Disney's Coronado Springs Resort:

We chose this moderately-priced resort for a number of reasons.  (1) It was rated as one of the least crowded resorts at this level, and that certainly proved true for our stay.  (2) It had a mind-blowing children's area, which I'll explain in detail later.  (3) It was colorful and beautiful.  (4)  When we called about information, we were offered free Quick Service meal plans with our rooms, and that sold us.  Free food?  At our resort and all Disney parks?  Yes, please!

When we arrived, we had water view rooms, and this is what we saw looking out our window each day.  Truly beautiful, even on the days it rained. ;)  Both kids loved to play near the windows, so they could keep an eye on the ducks and squirrels that lived just outside.

In the main entryway, there was a lovely fountain, with gorgeous Spanish-inspired decor.  Honestly, I wish I'd taken my Nikon camera and gotten sweet shots of everything.  I brought it!  Sadly, I just didn't have time to properly use it.  Most of these shots are from my cell phone.

When we checked in that first day, the staff had a Disney movie going for children to watch, along with a coloring station with Disney characters.  Right away, I knew we'd made the right choice for our stay, not only with Coronado Springs, but with staying at an on-site Disney resort.  Really, there was no other way to go!

That brings me to our resort's central children's area, complete with a pool with a Mayan temple and a Jaguar slide.  This photo doesn't even do it justice, but you get the idea.  We could have spent days exploring this amazing area, but had to make due with one evening.  In fact, we stayed until dark, when a massive inflatable movie screen began playing Tangled for our viewing pleasure.  Can you imagine?  Swimming and a movie, at the same time?!?  Followed by the kids' first time in a hot tub built for over twenty?  Yeah, it was awesome.

And the best part?  This was just our resort!  We haven't even gotten to the good stuff yet.  Hopefully, I'm not boring everyone with all these minute details, but I want to be able to remember all aspects of our trip.  From our free refillable souvenir mug, to the on-site Pepper Market where we enjoyed multiple free meals, to the friendly janitor who gifted our children with Mickey stickers he pulled from his pocket, this really was a magical place to rest our heads.

Thanks, Coronado Springs!



Making Magic

Yes, I've been MIA from the blog for awhile, but how can you blame me?  I've been hanging out with some really magical friends and making memories of a lifetime.  I've barely begun sorting through the photos, souvenirs, and debris leftover from our week-long vacation...

 

But I promise some magnificent posts coming soon!