Magical Moments

We just returned from our best visit yet to the most magical place on earth. Spring Break finally arrived, and we headed to Orlando for another week at Disney with the family. The vacation started with a stop at Cracker Barrel on our way down, a tradition for generations.

This year was extra special because not only did Grandmommy and Grandaddy come, but Aunt Peach, Uncle Drew, Holland, and Piper joined in the fun! Our babies loved having their cousins right next door in the hotel, and we could not get enough of all the Disney excitement from all the kids!

Our first day was spent at Hollywood Studios with just our little family. We arrived right when the park opened and were able to knock out several rides in the new Toy Story Land. Jacob currently is obsessed with "Woo-dee," so it was the perfect start to the trip. 

After exploring the Star Wars area and eating lunch at the cutest 50's restaurant (complete with black and white televisions and waitresses reminding us of our manners), we went to the Indiana Jones show.

 Initially we were told there was standing room only in the back, but out of nowhere, we were led down to the FRONT ROW. Not only did the kids sit on the edge of their seats the entire time, but afterwards I suggested that Tuttle try to get Indiana Jones's autograph. The crowds soon exited the theater area, and we were the only ones left. Tuttle ended up chatting with Indiana Jones for a while and even had a chance to try out his whip. As we were leaving Indiana Jones gave Tuttle his gloves from the performance to continue practicing the whip at home. Of course, we bought him his own whip on our way out. This was the highlight of my entire trip. Disney never disappoints with its magic.

Jacob was so tolerant this year. I was nervous about his patience level and getting overly tired, but he went with the flow the entire time. He just grabbed a nap when he could. :)

Our first park set set high expectations for the rest of the week. The kids were ready for more magic, and each day ended with a dip in the pool for an extra bonus!

Our Epcot day started bright and early with breakfast at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. The girl cousins all were enamored with all the princesses, especially Maggie's favorite, Belle. Several princesses visited the table, and the girls went on a parade around the restaurant with the characters. While it was not a favorite character meal compared to past years, we thought entering the park before it opened to everyone else was a special perk.

Tuttle could not wait to get his passport to visit all the countries. Maggie and Jacob were initially into the idea, but soon Tuttle took the lead for the activity while the little ones were happy to relax in the stroller and look at all the countries' decor.

I insisted that Tuttle and Maggie only speak in German while they received their stamps in Germany. Maggie was a little shy, but Tuttle was ready to show off his four years learning a new language.

Unfortunately Grandaddy had to miss Epcot because he was not feeling well, but everyone else met up several times during the day, including a ride on Spaceship Earth. 

We allow each child to get one souvenir during the trip, and Jacob was committed to getting a bubble machine from the first time he laid eyes on one. We finally bought one at Epcot, and he became "The Bubble Man" for the day, sharing bubbles with everyone we passed.

We continue to love Epcot and the relaxing atmosphere it provides. It will always be a stop on our Disney trips. :)

We spent Wednesday at the pool for a much needed day to recover from two non-stop parks. This year was a game changer for Jay and me because all three kids are now pretty independent in the pool. Jacob still wears his Puddle Jumper, but he is confident in jumping in the water and swimming to wherever he wants to go. We can actually relax in the pool chairs and watch the fun!

That afternoon we dressed for dinner and shopping at Disney Springs. I have been trying to get reservations at T-Rex for a few years now, and I snagged a time slot back in November for our entire family. The kids were impressed with all the dinosaur effects, and the food was delicious. I was not disappointed.

After dinner we roamed around Disney Springs with the first stop being the Lego store. Grandmommy and Grandaddy spoiled all five grandchildren with big sets to take home. Maggie was thrilled with her gigantic purchase!

A quick spin on the carousel and pictures on the bridge ended our evening out. My family makes me so happy, and I am trying to remember all the details of such a special trip!

Our last day at Disney included the grand finale of the Magic Kingdom. Jacob refers to it as "Mickey's House." While this park is always crowded, the beautiful weather seemed to make up for it. 

We arrived as soon as the gates opened and knocked out several of our favorite rides, including the teacups, Dumbo, Little Mermaid, Barnstormer, Pirates of the Caribbean, and exploring the Swiss Family Robinson tree house.

It would not be a real Disney trip without losing Jacob. (Last year Jay accidentally left him in the stroller when he parked it to get in line for The Haunted Mansion.). Jacob wandered off while we were exiting the tree house, and Jay had to alert the staff to help find our little boy. Luckily he had just ventured back into the attraction, and another family found him. Jay and I had been searching in both directions outside of the tree house, so it was the best case scenario when he was found so close. He was barely phased, and our day continued as normal. :)

We met up with Aunt Peach, Uncle Drew, Holland, and Piper for lunch at the Plaza. I always like to have a reservation for one meal, so we have a guaranteed spot to sit in air conditioning.

I barricaded off the perfect location to watch the parade after lunch. We had a shady spot with space to climb up for the best view.

We were able to grab extra Fast Passes and ride almost everything we cared about. A new hit this year was Space Mountain. Tuttle was not interested in another roller coaster, but Dare Devil Maggie was game to ride it twice! Mommy and Daddy both agreed that we will ride this one every year from now on- who doesn't love a roller coaster in the dark? With almost nine hours of park time, both Tuttle and Maggie wanted to call it a day after a ride on the carousel and It's A Small World.

We never get tired of Disney, and I know this year's memories will always be extra magical.