We Made It To Disney World!
Our trip to Disney World was awesome to say the least! We stayed at the new Art of Animation resort in the Little Mermaid room. Along with us on the trip were my parents, Josh's mom, Susan, and my brother Joe and his family. We visited all four parks, and ate every breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Disney characters. Leah turned 4 on Wednesday, June 11th. We all had dinner at Cinderella's Castle to celebrate. But, you know Disney...her birthday was a week-long celebration!
Magic Kingdom
Our first stop was Magic Kingdom. We spent two full days at this park and it was a blast!
Leah was really pumped the first day, but a little overwhelmed! I don't think she realized at the time that we would be coming back for more fun again and again!
She got the hang of things pretty fast! She loved riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We ended up riding it twice while we were there. Once during the day, and again at night.
Splash Mountain was her favorite ride, by far! We rode this ride twice as well. Our little dare devil had to ride right up front!
We definitely had to make a few princess stops along the way. Ariel was so friendly and spent a lot of time with Leah in her Cove.
Tiana and Prince Naveen were also entertaining. It is amazing how much time the characters spent with her to really make her feel special and important. We never felt rushed when meeting characters. Prince Naveen was our favorite...he was hilarious!
Epcot
Our second stop was Epcot on Day 2. By this time, Leah was starting to realize that the fun was just beginning.
Epcot was neat for all of us. There were plenty of things to keep Leah entertained and a lot of cool things for the grown ups too!
Our first character stop was with Mickey, Goofy, and Minnie. She was shy at first, but couldn't stop talking about it all day!
Goofy was AWESOME. Again, all the characters spent so much time with her. Goofy took the time to dance with her to bring her out of her shell. She couldn't stop smiling and laughing!
She ran right into Minnie's arms!
We ate lunch today at the Akershus Banquet Hall in Epcot. Leah got her picture taken with about 6 Disney Princesses and her autograph book signed. She even got a signed birthday card from all of the princesses! The best part, though, was the Princess Parade...she got to help lead the parade with Princess Aurora herself!
Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios
Both of these parks were just ok. We visited them briefly. Animal Kingdom was basically rained out and Hollywood Studios didn't have a ton to do. Here are a few pictures!
This was the day Leah kind of pooped out. It was Thursday, and I think she needed a break. She was hot (we all were) and tired. She looked like a little wilted flower!
We ate breakfast at the Disney Jr. restaurant and were the first family of the day to be seated. We got a standing ovation at the door from the staff and were the first people to meet the characters!
Even dancing with Olaf didn't help!
Happy Birthday, Leah!
Leah turned 4 on Wednesday! And boy, does Disney knows how to celebrate in style! First Leah got a call from Mickey and Minnie singing Happy Birthday.
Next, she got a special delivery...Balloons, a signed picture from Minnie Mouse, and a stuffed Nala from The Lion King!
We started our day off at the Contemporary Hotel at Chef Mickey's with the whole family.
Papa, Emma, and Leah with Minnie Mouse!
Leah and Pluto!
We spent the rest of the day in Magic Kingdom, riding every roller coaster Leah was tall enough for!
Daddy and Leah on Goofy's Barnstormer Roller Coaster!
Finally, we ended up at Cinderella's Palace for Leah's birthday dinner.
Meeting Cinderella for the...third? time this week!
Making a wish with our magic wands!
Singing Happy Birthday to Leah for the...100th? time this week!
