Disney World

Our trip to Disney this year is early.  We usually go in November but based on the deals we are going in October.  Luckily Austin’s teacher was understanding and she gave him all of his work before we left.  When we got home on Friday night, Austin wanted to work on his homework right away.  He got a desk in his room and he enjoys working on it.  Brian and Austin worked on his homework and he finished all of his math work.  He still has a bit of reading work to do but he could easily do it when we get back. 

Austin got strep throat last Sunday.  Brian took him to Minute Clinic.  He also developed a respiratory illness throughout the week.  He was tired and lost his voice.  He was still able to go to school everyday though.  Amazingly Sydney did not get it.  We are hoping to stay healthy during our trip. 

Sydney has been really excited about our Disney trip.  She can’t wait to go see all the princesses.  Because Austin hasn’t felt good it doesn’t seem as excited.  Although when he woke up this morning he was very happy it was Disney day. 

Brian packed the car and I got the kids ready this morning.  On the way to the airport, I realized I forgot to pack the Disney gift cards.  I don’t know what happened but it never crossed my mind to pack them!  Brian is not too happy with me.  I can’t believe I never even thought about them over the past several days. 

The flight down was good.  I didn’t feel that well from lack of sleep but it’s was good.  Austin and Sydney watched their kindles and colored with magic makers that make paper turn different colors.  Austin finished up his homework and worked on other workbook I got him. 

Once we landed we took the bus to the hotel.  Our room was not ready.  Brian took kids to play ping pong while I checked in.  Then we had lunch.  After lunch, we decided to take the kids to Pop Century and Art of Animation like Austin always requests.  We took bus to Hollywood then go went to Pop Century.  While on the bus or at Pop Century I lost my magic band.  I was excited to finally have purple.  Now I have a gray one.  I do really like gray but still love purple and this is the first year they offered purple.  I was so bummed. 

We played twister at Pop Century and kids got their picture by the famous bike they love.  They played with the cars at the Art of Animation.  Brian took lots of pictures of them.  Then we took the bus back to Hollywood to catch our bus back.  Once we arrived back our hotel was ready.  We still didn’t have our luggage so we all went swimming.  I knew it was hot so I packed swimsuits in carry ons. The kids loved the pool.  Then it started to thunder storm and they closed the pool.  We got changed and went to dinner at our hotel.  After dinner it was pouring rain.  We made it must of the way between buildings but still got wet. 

Austin was up early and had to wake Sydney up.  I took them to breakfast at our hotel.  The kids and I love breakfast.  Brian not as much.  The kids got pancakes.  I decided not to eat although I should of.  Then we got ready for the day.  I wanted to be at Epcot very early.  When we arrived to Epcot we went straight to Soarin.  This was the first time Sydney and I were riding it.  It was awesome! We all loved it.  After Soarin, Austin saw the living with the land ride.  We never rode it so we did.  It was cool.  Then we got  some pastries for breakfast.

It was time for our fast track fast pass so we did that.  This was Sydney’s first time riding it.  Austin and Sydney enjoyed building their cars.  The ride was fun too.  Sydney got scared at times but did fine.  After the ride, they played in the car area for a while.  That was all we wanted to do a Epcot that day because we will spend another full day later in the week.  Austin wanted to take the monorail which actually goes to Magic Kingdom so we did that however we didn’t get off when we were supposed to and rode it back to Epcot and then back again. 

When we finally got into the Magic Kingdom Sydney was sleeping.  I had to use my finger to get into the park and that made her sad later in the trip since it was no longer her finger to scan.  We tried to get a fast pass but all the good ones were taken.  I was hungry but no one else was.  So we continued to play.  We went to drive the race cars.  The kids love driving them.  Austin could even reach the gas pedal.  He couldn’t always do it but did it for parts.  After the race cars, we had a smoothie for a snack.  Austin and Sydney love smoothies. 

Then we went and rode Dumbo ride.  You can’t go to Magic Kingdom without riding Dumbo.  The kids were more interested in playing in the waiting area but we needed to ride the ride and keep going.  After the ride, we went and saw Goofy and Donald Duck.  After that, we let them play in the splash pad area to get wet.  It was really hot.  Then we saw a bit of the parade before making it to Splash Mountain.  Sydney was scared but Brian convinced her to go.  She liked it and was proud she rode it. 

We had dinner at Magic Kingdom then watched a bit of show at the castle.  The show was shorter because of the rain.  Then we visited Tinker Bell before leaving for Hollywood Studios. 

Then we decided we should go to Hollywood to figure out where are the Star Wars things and Jedi training sign ups.  We found the Star Wars area near Disney Jr.  We didn’t go in but found the area.  A storm trooper went after Sydney and scared her.  She was super scared.  Austin loved it!  After Sydney calmed down we walked around. 

There were green guys from Toy Story.  Sydney was so scared she wouldn’t go up.  Austin did.  Then our last mission was to find Jedi Training.  We found it and asked a guy and since the group had just left and there was room he let us join.  We didn’t realize how lucky we were.  The kids were exhausted but off they went.  We literally ran to catch up.  There was no time for Sydney to second guess this decision. 

Jedi training was awesome!  The kids got lightsabers and got to defeat Dark Vader.  You could tell Sydney was a bit scared at times but she did it and was proud of herself.  It was cool to do it at night too.  They both enjoyed it and the show was great! 

On Monday we got up and I took the kids to breakfast at the hotel.  Brian met us there and we went straight to the bus for the Magic Kingdom.  One of the first things I wanted to do was Mickey Mouse but it was too long so we passed.  We had a fast pass for Peter Pan ride so we went there first after getting a picture by the castle.  Austin and Sydney enjoyed the ride.  We all think it’s a little too short though.  After peter pan, we went to It’s a Small World ride.  Sydney likes it because they are all her size.  It’s a cute ride. 

Then we headed towards the back of the park and we rode the Barnstormer.  The Magic Kingdom was so busy.  We waited in line for at least 30 minutes before going on it.  After that we went to see Minnie and Daisy.  Sydney loved that. 

We went to lunch around noon and it was so busy.  I was hungry and had to eat.  After lunch we rode the people mover.  Another one of Austin and Sydney’s favorite rides.  Then it was time for fast passes at Space Mountain.  Sydney wasn’t tall enough so Brian and Austin went.  Austin loved it!  He rode it twice.  Meanwhile I took Sydney to see Snow White.  She was excited to see her.  Then we left for the hotel for a bit. 

Once back at the hotel, we all took a nap.  Austin and Brian went swimming per Austin’s request once he woke up.  Sydney was still sleeping and didn’t want to get up.  Then we headed back to the Magic Kingdom for the night.  When we got there, we went to Mickey Mouse.  We waited about 40 minutes but it was nice to have that done.  That is a cool Mickey since he talks.  Then we went and found a spot for the electric parade and fireworks.  I went and got dinner and Sleepy Hallow with Austin.  We got fruit waffle sandwiches, ice cream sandwiches, and drinks.  It was a lot but worked out okay I suppose. 

Sydney enjoyed the parade.  Austin was still tired you could tell.   Then we waited for the fireworks.  The fireworks were great.  Then we headed to Tomorrowland because Austin needed to go potty.  After the bathroom break, we rode on the space orbiter.  That is one of Brian’s favorite rides.  By that time, we figured it was time to go back to our hotel. 

On Tuesday we all woke up at 7:30am.  It was so nice to sleep a bit in the morning.  We got ready quickly and went straight to the bus stop.  Austin and Sydney were sad they did not get their normal pancakes for breakfast at the hotel.  They love breakfast and they actually eat it but we didn’t have time.  We got on the bus to Hollywood Studios.  We ran to the Jedi training sign up station.  We waited for about 30 minutes before it was our turn to sign up.  We picked the soonest time which was 2:10pm.  We knew there was a chance of rain but didn’t think it too well though when we picked a time.  We were upset with ourselves because we usually think things through better. 

After we signed up, we went to Toy Story ride.  Sydney claims it is her favorite ride.  Austin and Sydney both really loved it.  Then we went over to the Star Wars launch pad.  We saw Chewbacca.  Sydney was a little scared of him but not as much as storm troopers.  We watched the storm trooper march down Hollywood Blvd.  Again Sydney didn’t care to watch much of it being scared and everything but Austin enjoyed it. 

We rode the Toy Story ride again then went to lunch.  The kids got a power pack that worked out well.  Brian got a steak and I got a salad.  It was a good lunch.  After lunch, kids stopped for a picture with Goofy.  Then we went to the Frozen sing along.  We all enjoyed that. 

We walked around for a bit after Frozen before it was time for Jedi training.  We arrived a Jedi training and the kids got water and got on their outfits.  However, we could see storm clouds in a distance.  Brian and I both knew it was not going to happen but hoped for the best.  Sure enough while they were still practicing it started to pour down rain.  We were sad probably even more than the kids.  The rained wasn’t letting up so we put on our ponchos and went back to Star Wars area.  We saw Kylo-Ren.  We got a pass to see him since we didn’t get to do Jedi training.  Sydney was super scared of him.  Brian and I are not into Star Wars but he’s not the friendliest guy around.  I don’t blame Sydney for not liking him.  I didn’t either.  While at Star Wars area we watched a short 10-minute film about Star Wars which we all enjoyed.  We got special character meet and greet because of a Disney card and we didn’t know who we were seeing.  Well it was Kylo-Ren again.  Sydney was not happy! 

We headed to the Muppets 3D show next.  Sydney and Austin thought it was funny and enjoyed it.  Then we rode the Star Wars ride.  It’s a flight simulator.  I was worried Sydney wouldn’t like it but she did.  Next we were on to Indian Jones show.  Austin loved it!  Sydney thought it was sad with all the fighting.  However she told us last year she never wanted to see it again.  We sat though it and was fine with it.  We rode Toy Story one more time.  Austin wanted to see Buzz however wait was too long.  No one wanted to wait anymore. 

I got everyone ice cream bars and we watched a Star War show outside.  Then I told Austin (per his request), it was the moment we have all been waiting for, they got to buy lightsabers.  Austin was so excited.  Sydney was excited too since she could play with him.  They are cool.  I am glad they are happy. 

We left Hollywood and Sydney fell asleep on the bus.  We ate dinner at our hotel per Austin’s request.  Sydney continued to sleep in the stroller.  After I ate, I took Sydney back to the room and got her changed and in bed.  Brian and Austin walked around the hotel area and took pictures of Austin with his lightsaber.  It was a busy but good day.  It was nice it wasn’t as hot because of the rain. 

On Wednesday we got up early to get to Animal Kingdom when it opened.  We rushed to the safari ride.  It’s always our favorite to do in the morning.  We got to see a lot of animals up close.  It was cool.  Then we went on the gorilla trek.  Austin went up to a worker and a wildness explorers book.  Austin was tired and hungry but after he got that book he bounced back and was into it again.  He likes when he has a task at hand.   After our walk, it was time for our character breakfast.  We always do one character meal while there.  This year we went to Tusker House.  It was cool.  We got to see Donald Duck, Daisy, Goofy and Mickey Mouse.  We ate a lot of food probably too much. 

After breakfast, we walked around the park looking for wildness explorer stations.  Austin was really into it.  The kids probably went to about 10 stations.  We had a fast pass for roller coaster at Animal Kingdom.  Sydney wasn’t tall enough so it was just Austin.  Austin and Brian went first.  We knew that it went backwards at times so Austin was prepared.  Austin loved it.  He wanted to do it again so I went with him the second time. 

After the ride, we went to Dinoland.  The kids played in the playground area.  They got wet in a part so we didn’t let them go into digging area.  Austin was a little sad but he got over it fine.  They got a picture with Donald then did some wildness explorer stations.  Then we went to Tough to be a Bug show.  Sydney was a bit scared. Austin loved it. 

We left Animal Kingdom.  It was hot so we thought we should take the kids swimming.  They love swimming.  They had fun swimming.  After swimming, we decided to go to Epcot for the evening.  With the hurricane coming, we knew that we were not going there on Friday.   It started pouring rain.  We waited a bit but decided we just needed to go and we were going to get wet. 

We definitely got wet.  We went to Mission Space first.  Brian and Austin rode it.  They even went on the intense version.  Austin loved it.  The rides don’t bother him at all.  It’s amazing.  Sydney and I had a Mickey pretzel while we waited luckily it stopped raining.  After Mission Space, Brian took the kids for a hurricane picture while I got them cotton candy.  They were super excited to get cotton candy. 

Then we headed to Norway to see Anna and Elsa. Sydney was so excited.  After autographs and pictures we looked for the Frozen ride.  We got lucky and rode it.  Everyone enjoyed it.  By this time, we were all tired.  We didn’t know what we should do about fireworks.  We thought we would watch them closer to the exit so we could get back to hotel quickly.  Brian wanted a family picture by Epcot.  I took the kids into a gift shop to find stuff to do during the hurricane.  Austin wanted a Life game.  We came out for a picture but Austin closed his eyes in all the pictures on purpose.  Brian wasn’t happy.  The kids only got domino's.  We decided to go back to the hotel and not watch fireworks. 

We ate dinner at the hotel.  Austin ate with us.  Sydney slept though it. She had no interest in getting up.  Austin enjoyed dinner time with mommy and daddy. 

On Thursday, we had breakfast at our hotel.  Austin loves the waffles and Sydney loves the pancakes.  Brian went back to the room with water and extra drinks to prepare for the hurricane.  While at the room, he left his camera bag however we didn’t realize it until after we were on the Magic Kingdom bus.  While on the bus, Brian asked if I had his camera bag and I didn’t.  I was nervous I left it somewhere but it made sense that it was back in the room. 

When we arrived to Magic Kingdom, Austin stayed with Brian to go back to the hotel.  Sydney and I went into the Magic Kingdom. I had fast passes for princesses so we had to do that.  Unfortunately we didn’t have a camera other than my cell phone.  Sydney was so excited to see them.  She saw Cinderalla, Tianna and Rapunzel.  After princesses, we went and rode on the ride it’s a small world.  Then Brian and Austin were back with the camera and we went to the Tales of Belle. 

Sydney got the Beast part of the role play with her loud growl.  Austin was the horse.  We have never seen the movie Beauty and the Beast but Sydney loves Belle as a princess.  At the end of the play, Sydney got to dance with Belle since she was the Beast.  It was awesome and she was so excited.  Austin enjoyed it too. 

After Belle, Brian took Sydney back to see the princesses again since he had his camera.  Since the hurricane was coming tomorrow the wait times were not that bad.  I took Austin on the Winnie the Pooh ride and Dumbo.  We meet them back at Buzz Lightyear ride.  We all rode that.  Then the kids met Buzz. 

We took a break for ice cream.  We enjoyed it even though it melted fast.  Then we rode the people mover.  That is one of their favorite rides.  Then we decided to let the kids watch the parade.  They love parades and again since it wasn’t busy they had a front row seat.  They loved it.  We went shopping for a few more hurricane items.  We were worried about food so Brian got some more food.  And we even let them get battleship game.  We weren’t sure if we were going to lose power so we wanted stuff to do. 

It was raining pretty well but we didn’t want to leave the park until 5pm (when it closed) just because we knew we were going to be in our room for the next 24 hours.  We headed to Adventureland and rode the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean.  There was no wait.  By this time, the park was about to close so we headed towards the bus stop. 

When we got back to our hotel, we had a magic surprise.  There was a very long line for food.  They were giving out box sandwiches for Friday since the food place would be closed on Friday.  We messed up and didn’t eat dinner at the Magic Kingdom.  So we stood in line for 2.5 hours for box lunches for tomorrow and hot dinner meal for that night.  Brian was going to walk to McDonalds for dinner but they were already closed.  It was a bit stressful standing in line that long but we kept the kids separate which helped.  They were terrible fighting and picking on each other in lines this trip. 

Sydney and I went into the box lunch line and Brian and Austin got us dinner line.  After I got the lunches, Brian and Austin took them back into our room.  Then when we finally got dinner we ate as a family there.  The hotel even had characters so that helped.  Kids got pictures with the characters. 

After dinner, we went back to our room and prepared for the hurricane.  We had lots of water, drinks, and food.  Brian put our room together so no one was by the window.  Then we went to bed. 

We got up at 8am.  We didn’t really hear anything from the hurricane in the middle of the night.  The worst was 7-11am however it never really got that bad near us.  We stayed in our room like ordered.  We watched TV, played battleship, dominos, and cards.  Brian did a hurricane Matthew game with moving the mattress and pillows.  I even took a nap.  Austin and Sydney enjoyed watching TV (they usually don’t get much TV) so they were not napping. 

By 2pm, we were allowed to leave our rooms again.  We didn’t go out until about 3:30pm.  We walked to the dining hall area.  They were doing some crafts so they did that.  The love crafts.  Then we had some hot chocolate.  We went back to the room.  Played a bit then came back for dinner.  After dinner, they played in the arcade (not using money).  Austin wanted to play ping pong.  It was very busy so we waited a while.  They played corn hole.  Austin played soccer for two boys.  Sydney decided so really wanted to swim.  It was late and cool but I said okay since it was their last night.  The kids even convinced Brian to go swimming too.  They had a lot of fun. After swimming it was bedtime. 

We woke up at 6am for breakfast.  Then we needed to get on the Magical Express to the airport.  I was nervous with the wait times at the airport since it was closed yesterday.  It wasn’t too bad.  I was annoyed they took my ice pack I brought down for Austin’s medicine.  Since we no longer had his medicine it couldn’t be carried on the plane.  I kind of get it but really! 

Amazingly our flight took off on time and everything worked out the best it could with the hurricane!