Day 1 - Travel and Resort hopping
After a 7 hour drive down to Orlando, we met Miche and we started our resort hopping at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I have always heard how great the lodge is and that the animals literally walk right by your hotel window. Well, when I checked on staying there it was like $499 a night and lets just say that is way out of my budget. So, we decided to check it out and as you can see from the pictures it was pretty cool. Then we went over to Saratoga Springs which was beautiful. We walked around the resort and found a really neat playground which Landon loved. Then we went back to our hotel and Landon has some fun in the arcade room. Then it was off to bed so we could get plenty of rest for the next day's journey to the Magic Kingdom.
Day 2 - Magic Kingdom
We got to the Magic Kingdom bright and early and were just in time to be welcomed by none other than Mickey Mouse himself as they opened the park. Then we hopped on a train and rode over to Frontierland. Our first ride was the Thunder Mountain Train Roller Coaster. Landon easily passed the height requirement but decided he didn't want to ride when we got inside. So Miche and I did the "baby swap" and each took a ride on Thunder Mountain. Landon loved watching us! Then we watched the folks riding Splash Mountain but decided against getting wet so early in the day. So, we headed over to the Haunted Mansion and we made it all the way to the door (there were absolutely NO lines that morning) and when Landon heard the spooky voice coming from inside, we high-tailed it out of there real quick. So, off to Fantasyland we went and hopped on "It's a Small World" and Landon did enjoy the boat ride through the diffreent cultures. Then we rode Peter Pan's Adventure and then on to the Mad Hatter's Teacups which Landon really enjoyed. Miche and I couldn't believe we were actually dizzy while riding the teacups. Boy how things change, huh? We spotted Tigger and Pooh there also so we hurried over and got autographs and pictures with both. It took Landon a while to warm up to the character greetings (as you can see form some of the photos) But by the second day he was loving it and taking his autograph book up to the characters all by himself. So, after greeting Tigger and Pooh, we headed to Mickey's Toontown Fair which is a part of the Magic Kingdom I haven't had much interest in... until now! Mickey's Toontown Fair is where Mickey and Minne live and so we went to Mickey's house and were lucky enough to get a private autograph session with both Mickey and Minne after waiting a whole 5 minutes. I couldn't believe it. I also was a bit surprised that Minnie was over at Mickey's house... hmmmm!!! So, then it was off to Tomorrowland where we met Buzz Lightyear and Stitch (from Disney's Lilo and Stitch). Ok, I must mention something about all of the character sightings and autographs. My friend Miche has what I like to call "Character Charisma" because she is an absolute character magnet! I've never seen anything like it. They were all about Miche! Every one of the characters fancied Miche and some even got a bit touchy feely! Anyway, we then rode the Tomorrowland Speedway Cars which were naturally Landon's absolute favorite ride in the Magic Kingdom. We rode it 3 separate times. And we did the Tomorrowland tour on the expressway. And our last stop for the day was Adventureland where we rode the Jungle Boat and one of my favorites, the Pirates of the Carribean. Then we went home to get ready for the evenings Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Pary at the Magic Kingdom.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an event that is held at the Magic Kingdom after the park closes for the day. Of course, you have to purchase additional tickets but they are so worth it! Throughout the park the kids (and adults) can go trick-or-treating and all of the rides are still open so there were absolutely no lines at all. Landon was dressed as the cutest little pirate and Miche and I purchased a couple of shirts from the Pirates of The Carribean shop for the evening so we would match our little pirate. We got to see Mickey again and got a great picture with him in his really cool Halloween costume. We met several other characters as well, such as Captain Hook, Mr. Smee and Baloo from Jungle Book. Then at 9:30 we caught the "HallowSpooks" fireworks and light show at Cinderella's castle. It was spectacular. They dim the lights throughout the entire park for the show and it was real spooky. Landon wasn't too thrilled with the show but Miche and I loved it. We went home completely exhausted and with bags of good candy!
Day 3 - Animal Kingdom & Hollywood Studios
The Animal Kingdom has always been one of my favorite parks. I love seeing all of the animals and it has the Festival of the Lion King which was our first stop. We had front row seats and the show was awesome! Landon didn't really like how loud it was and he wasn't too sure about some of the characters but after it was over he said he liked it. When we left the show we saw a bunch of characters, including Puto, which is Landon's absolute favorite. We were lucky enough to see him twice and Landon hugged him both times. Pluto was the only character Landon would approach all by himself and definately the only one who got 2 hugs! Then we took a ride on the Safari and got to see a lot of animals up close and personal. Then we headed to Dinoland and Landon played in the Boneyard for a while before we decided to head over to Hollywood Studios.
Hollywood Studios was also a hit! That is where we found Landon's favorite show, Playhouse Disney which included Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, Little Einsteins and Tigger and Pooh. He absolutely loved it and we were in the front row for it also. And Miche and I took turns riding Tower of Tower and Aerosmith's Rockin' Roller Coaster which was awesome. I haven't ever ridden the Rockin' Roller Coaster before!! We also got to ride Toy Story Mania which is a 3D game where you shoot and aim at different things while riding on a rotating carousel. We all liked that one and I must admit, Miche was more accurate than Landon and I.
So, there you have it! I know I left a ton of things out but I know Miche, Landon and I will always remember almost every detail. I can't remember when I have ever had more fun, really! We will most definately be going back every year if my budget allows and we certainly hope Aunt Miche will join us. We will cherish the memories... ALWAYS!
