Tuesday, March 29, 2011

2011 Holley-McCallister Walt Disney World Vacation

Yup, we did it again, we went to Walt Disney World. The last time I went with my sister I swore I would stay away for 5 years or more. But something about having your own child, and really just loving the place, I could stay away no longer. We flew into Tampa on a Saturday afternoon and were picked up by the McCallister's who had arrived earlier that day. After an hour long drive filled with crazy nephew stuff and lots of laughs we arrived at our sweet condo in Orlando. Sunday it was Disney Hollywood Studio day. We usually go to The Magic Kingdom on our first day to the parks, but since ESPN The Weekend was there Alex could have it no other way. It was REALLY busy. We usually visit the parks in the off season so it was really different in a couple of ways. One, there were no Christmas Decorations (we usually go right on or after Thanksgiving); two, there were a TON of people there; and three, I had a little person attached to me most of the trip. Because ESPN was at the park there were a lot of activities that set up. All you had to do was sign a waver and off you went. Here is Mike practicing his golf swing. There were basketball hoops, football & baseball throwing things, batting cages, and a huge bass fishing tank.
After exploring all of the sports stuff we headed in to see if we couldn't meet some characters before the Disney Jr Stage Show. Because everyone was outside playing ESPN, there were hardly any lines for the characters. Lots-O'-Huggin Bear was Cora's first character and she was is total awe. She love him. She pet his nose and kept pointing at him and using her reverent voice, which is only something she uses when she is VERY serious.
Aidan loves himself some characters too!
The Disney Jr. stage show was next. Cora LOVED it! She was jumping up and down, pointing and clapping the entire time, well when she wasn't standing in complete awe.
We took a break from the park and headed over to the Yacht & Beach Club hotel area where there is a great little ice cream shop, Beaches and Cream. If you ever go there and have a group you have to order The Kitchen Sink. It is enough ice cream to serve a small army. Unfortunately there wasn't any indoor seating and fortunately for us it was a nice day so we ordered our ice cream to go and enjoyed the lovely weather. This is a great photo of Mike & Cora inside Beaches and Cream. Cora really liked the beach ball decorations.
We headed back over to Hollywood Studios so Alex could watch some live ESPN thing???? Anna, Mike & I left Alex with the three kids to ride The Tower of Terror and then we all headed back to Toy Story Midway Mania. This was Cora's first official ride. She was awake long enough to take this photo and then she was out.
Sunday was Magic Kingdom day. Cora got dressed up in the costume I made for her earlier this year and she was SO stinking cute!!! It was a little chilly that morning so I was one of those moms and made her wear pants under her costume.
We made our way to city hall to pick up Cora's 1st Visit pin.
Off to The People Mover. This is one of Aidan's most favorite rides. Cora was pretty excited about it as well.
We had a great day at the park, even though it was really busy. We enjoyed the Monster's Inc Laugh Floor and Pirates of the Caribbean. We made our way out of the park but stopped to take a couple of photos.
I love this photo of the kids. They all had Mickey shirts on. They look great with Roy and Minnie.

I just have to say........Holley McCallisters RULE!!!!
Tuesday morning we got up and headed to Disney's Wilderness Lodge to have breakfast at Whispering Canyon. This is a shot of Cora and I all decked out in our shades. She actually isn't too bad about keeping her sunglasses on for moderate amounts of time.

Whispering Canyon is a great place to eat if you like it loud. They have pony races for the kids, and whatever you do, do not ask the waitress for ketchup.
Mmmm family style skillet breakfast.
After filling up on carbs we caught the boat to Fort Wilderness where they have the campground and of course, pony rides. Auntie Anna enjoyed carrying Cora around the area.
Both of the boys enjoyed their pony rides. I love this shot of Aidan.
Anna led Ethan around the trails.
Wednesday was Animal Kingdom day. Anna, Cora, Aidan, Ethan, Cora and I all rode the Triceratops Spin. Well, Cora slept through it.
We're flying......
We all took a break waiting for our fast pass time on the safari. The boys kept Cora entertained with their carnival stuffed animals.
Cora was bright eyed and ready for the Safari. She had to sit on Mike's lap, closest to the edge of course.
Later we went out to Rafiki's Area where Cora decided to skip her nap in order to hang out with more characters.
Thursday morning we took a break from the parks and went shopping. Later that evening we visited EPCOT to catch our first glimpses of The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.
Cora enjoyed meeting Duffy the Bear, a new character for me too.
Mike, Cora and I rode the Finding Nemo ride and then explored the aquarium area outside the ride. I snapped a quick photo of Cora sitting inside of Bruce's mouth.
Friday morning Anna, The Boys, Cora, and I got up early and headed to The Magic Kingdom again. Mike and Alex spent the day golfing. We spent almost the entire day in Fantasy Land. Cora really enjoyed waiting in line for It's A Small World. She kept saying, "wow" to all of the decorations.
We spent our last day back at EPCOT. Cora was sick of riding in the Ergo Carrier and refused to ride in the stroller, but she was OK with pushing it along. We moved at turtle speed, but we had a happy baby so we went with it.
Auntie Anna took Cora to meet Princess Aurora. Cora really liked her, but played a little shy.
Next it was time to meet Marie. Cora LOVES cats so she was all about Marie.
After we talked with Marie we put Cora in her Snow White costume and got ready for our character meet and greet. We stopped in Italy and had a quick photo shoot with the topiaries.
Finally it was time to meet Snow White. It was perfect. The cast member was great with Cora and Cora was so excited to meet her. We were able to get some great shots of them together. This is a moment I will never forget.

We grabbed some lunch in Italy after our Snow White meeting and then spent the rest of the day just wandering around the rest of The World Showcase and riding a few rides around the park. I snapped this shot of Mike and Cora in front of a topiary from The Lion King.

We had one last character meet and greet. We were able to get a family photo which rarely happens.
It was an amazing trip and believe it or not I cannot wait to go back. I am hoping Cora and I can make it down for The Food and Wine Festival in October. Here's to keeping our fingers crossed. A special thank you to The McCallister Family for being AWESOME! We love you guys.