Disney Dreams

   Well, we’ve had a great time! As alluded to in the last posting, we headed to Sanford in preparation of the kids’ arrival. We spent some of our time there cleaning up and getting ready for feeding and housing 6 more people for a week. On the appointed day, we broke camp and headed to the campground on Disney property, Fort Wilderness. 

    Luckily, in our week prior, we took a trip to the campground and scoped it out. We looked for sites that gave us the most room, yet were near the showers and bus stops. Armed with our list, we were able to suggest a few campsites upon check-in and we got our first pick! 

    The Disney sites are all paved roads with large concrete pads. As you can see from above, they were big enough for the rig and the Jeep, and still had room behind for a picnic table and tent. Full hook-ups for the coach and lots of trees for shade. We set up camp and had just sat down to relax, when the kids arrived on the Disney shuttle. We took the rest of the day to get everyone settled in and then to bed early for a very early morning wake up. Off to Magic Kingdom. The neat thing about staying on Disney property, is that you can park your car and take advantage of Disney transportation. You can get anywhere on Disney using the Transportation Center (and not have to pay $14 per car per day in the parking lots!!).  From Fort Wilderness, you can get on the boats and cross the lake to Magic Kingdom. We did just that. A few in our party had never been to Disney, so the excitement was contagious. Tori, the five year old, was probably the most excited and didn’t really know what to expect. 

    Now, I’ve been to Disneyworld more times than I can count and, frankly, the excitement had dimmed a bit for me. If you are in that position, I highly suggest that you go see it with a first timer five year old! We held hands as we entered the gates and the look on her face as she got her first glimpse of Cinderella’s Castle actually gave me goosebumps. The wide eyes and open mouth betrayed her sheer joy with the sights around her. As we walked down Main Street, she pointed right and left highlighting the characters she saw or the things in the windows. I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. 

    Everybody knows that one of the main goals during your first trek to Disney is to see the characters and get their autograph. We were no exception. Armed with a series of pre-cut papers, we set out to see who we could find. 

    With an early morning wake-up and all of the energy we were expending, some of us had to take a break. 

    But while Belle napped, Tori caught up with Jessie from Toy Story. This is one of her favorite characters. 

    After the nap, Belle was refreshed and we took on “It’s a Small World”--the ride with the theme that sticks in your head like glue. Belle was fascinated with all of the motion and colorful figures. 

    She was even pretty good while standing in the inevitable lines.

    During the afternoon parade, Chip (or is it Dale?) came off the float and convinced Belle to show her best dance moves. 

    Both Tori and Belle got to go to a character lunch. I was a little afraid that Belle would be afraid of the characters, but I needn’t of worried. She loved them all!

    As night fell on the Magic Kingdom, the moon rose over Space Mountain.

    After their first full day, both girls were worn out, but mom and dad kept smilin’.

    Next morning, it was off to a Breakfast with the Princesses! Tori and Belle were decked out in their finest. 

    Among those she met were Belle, from Beauty and the Beast. 

    Not to be outdone, Shawn said “Hi!” to Snow White. 

    Later we visited with Tinkerbell and some of her friends. 

    Then, of course, what’s a visit to Disney without visiting with Mickey and Minnie??

    Whatcha going to do on a hot afternoon??

   After a week in Disney, while Barb and I moved to a new campground, the kids went to Daytona and visited the beach. Beats the cold Kansas weather!

    We finished up our Florida adventure with a drive to Crystal River to share our enjoyment of swimming with the manatees. Unfortunately, the waters had warmed a bit since I was last there in January and all but two of the manatees had left. The kids were a bit disappointed but made the best of the trip.  We then had lunch at “the World’s Largest McDonalds”.  Then it was up early the next morning as everyone headed home, tired but happy having experienced the magic of Disney!