Disney World - Day 1 Magic Kingdom

We started off our first day at Disney World with a character breakfast at Chef Mickey's.  I figured that this would save us time by getting all of the big autographs out of the way.  We got out to the bus line in front of our hotel (Pop Century), but after waiting almost 20 minutes (first bus had several scooters get on, and they have priority even if they get there well after the people in the line), we decided to drive to the Contemporary in order to meet our reservation time.  I got these adorable hats on ebay - gently used for under $10 a piece.  I like them better than traditional ear hats because they actually have function too. 

Once we reached Chef Mickey's we got seated right away.  The breakfast was a buffet, and the boys went wild for the Mickey shaped waffles.  First up was Goofy.  The boys were very excited to meet him, and he took his time visiting with the boys.

Next up was Mickey.  He was more aggressive than Goofy, which Jacob absolutely adored, but Mason was a little traumatized after Mickey hugged him.

Donald, Minnie, and Pluto rounded out the rest of the line up.  It was an OK, but expensive breakfast.  The boys had a blast, and it definitely saved time in the park.  It also gave the boys a chance to get autographs in their customized autograph books.



I made these beauties with Disney paper found at a scrapbooking store, and then I used Disney font for the inside.  I used modge podge to adhere the paper to the little notebooks that I found in the dollar bins at Walmart.  I then attached some ribbon and used pens also from Walmart.  The boys loved these books, and they held up really well.

I chose to go to Disney World the week before the week of Thanksgiving because I had read the crowds would be really low and the Christmas decorations would be up.  I forget which blog I read it on (I read hundreds in preparation), but they were exactly correct.  The weather was perfect - not too hot or cold and little to no rain.  We didn't wait more than 15 minutes for a ride. Of course we focused on rides for 5 year olds and under - no Space Mountain for us this go around.  We also utilized the Fast Pass system and bee-lined straight for the rides we most wanted to ride.  Rides like Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.  We then hit Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor - which was really good too.  It's an interactive comedy act hosted by Mike Wazowski.

We grabbed a Fast Pass for Jungle Cruise and then went on Pirates of the Caribbean.  The boys really liked it, but they especially liked the gift shop at the end of the ride.  Disney knows what it's doing, right?  We posed for some pics, and then headed to our next ride, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin.  It's very similar to Dumbo, and a lot less crowded.  Beware of the spitting camels - or look for them depending on what kind of person you are.  Our FastPass time wasn't ready yet, so we quickly grabbed a Dole Whip.  I had read that they were a must at Disney, and boy were those bloggers right!

Finally, we boarded the Jungle Cruise.  Mason was a bit nervous - he's not one to hide his emotions.  He thought the animals were real, and was a bit freaked out.  Our tour guide was hilarious, and we really enjoyed this ride.

Next we rode the train. While waiting in line, Mason and Jake stayed occupied with their Mickey light spinners (bought ahead of time from Disneystore.com at 40% off).

After lunch and a short nap at the hotel, we returned to the Magic Kingdom (via bus this time) and did our obligatory picture in front of the castle.  There was a show going on at the castle, but we decided to keep moving while others watched it.








We hit Dumbo and Goofy's Barnstormer very quickly before heading to It's A Small World.  This is the only ride that we had to wait in a line longer than 5 minutes.  It still only took about 15 minutes to get through the line, and the boys did great.  We had dinner at Columbia Harbor House.  I had the lobster roll, and WOW.  We quickly hit Haunted Mansion.  I love this ride, however it probably wasn't the smartest idea to take a 2 year old on it.  He got scared, of course.  Then the laws of nature kicked in.  The ride got stuck right where the door is jiggling.  Mason starts crying and covering his eyes, and wouldn't you know it, my stomach becomes upset.  We were stuck for about 15 minutes, but it seemed like eternity.  It was the only time we got stuck, and the only time my stomach got upset from food at Disney.
After that, we saw the electrical parade and the fireworks started.  We decided to leave before the crowds and were able to view them from the bus terminal. Next time, I'll take the time to watch the fireworks - one of my few regrets of the vacation.

On The Road to Disney

So I'm horrible at posting in a timely manner.  In this case, the post is about our trip to Disney World back in November.  To be fair, I didn't start blogging until Memorial Day, so don't judge me :).

Anyway, one brisk November morning (is 4:00AM really considered morning???), we packed up the Outback and our two sleeping boys and headed to the happiest place on Earth.  I took the first shift belting out Christmas carols (more on that later) while everyone else peacefully slept.  Our first stop was Nashville - 7 hours into the trip.  We had planned on going to the Loveless Cafe, but by 10:45 when we pulled up, there was no parking and lines out the door.  This was a weekday!  So McDonald's it was.  But I must say, I would love to actually have time to investigate Nashville.  It is after all the namesake of my new favorite sitcom.  Our final destination for the evening was Atlanta.  It took us for-ev-er to find our hotel in Alpharetta due to a lot of traffic.  We were pulling in there around rush hour, so it was poor planning on my part.  But we ate at a great little Greek place close to the hotel, and the boys were happy to be out of the car.

Boys armed with a goodie basket including Mickey hats (prefer these over Mickey ears because they actually have function), Nemo ring toss games, Toy Story cups (great for road trips), Buzz candy light spinners, travel Magna-Doodles, coloring book and crayons, Lightning McQueen and Mater cars, and Teddy Grahams for each.  

The next morning we woke up refreshed and headed to the Georgia Aquarium, and it was awesome - expensive, but awesome.  I would do it again in a heartbeat (you may want to get used to this phrase when I'm posting about travel).  I was most excited to see the whale shark.  Growing up I wanted to be a marine biologist and specialize in sharks.  I learned as much as I could about sharks, and even wore a shark tee from the Shedd Aquarium (again, don't judge).  But as soon as I learned that I would most likely get in the water with them, my fear kicked in.  As you know by my blog title, I'm not a dancing marine biologist.

The boys really enjoyed the touch tank. Mason was a little rough on the poor starfish.

There was a guy in the tank cleaning the windows (lower left corner).  The boys thought that was the coolest thing!

Doesn't it look like he's trying to tell me something - "Put me back in the ocean."

This is the last picture of Mason with these shoes.  Yes, in Mason fashion, he took off one shoe during the dolphin show, and we never saw it again.  Good thing I'm prepared and had an additional pair in the car.  

And here it is, folks.  We stopped at the aquarium just to see this beautiful creature.  I would have loved to get in the tank with it, but again, there were other sharks in there :).

Jake thought it was pretty cool too.

I wanted a picture of this dolphin because it says Atlanta.

Jake obviously wanted this dolphin.

We wrapped up our layover in Atlanta and made our way to our final destination.  It was another long drive, but we were thrilled when we saw this.

Branson Vacation - Day 3

Day 3 began as a rainy morning.  Because the go kart tracks don't operate in the rain, I took the time to go shopping at the outlets.  I picked up some great deals from my favorite stores for the boys - Osh Kosh and Carters.  Osh Kosh had swim trunks for $10!  So of course I spent way too much money there to be followed by spending even more at the Disney Store Outlet.  They had some pjs that I had been spying online for awhile - Spiderman and Captain America.  Then I saw the most adorable Spiderman hoodies that have hoods that are the Spiderman mask.  Wish I would have taken a picture of Jake's face when I pulled it out of the bag.  He wanted to wear it all day, but seeing as it was 85 degrees out, it was a battle I won very easily.   Once the rain cleared, we headed over to the Track.  We did my absolute un-favorite thing - go karts.  I'm not sure why, but I really hate driving go-karts.  It may have something to do with being at that same track when I was 10 years old and my little sister ramming me with her go-kart as I was stepping out of mine.  But anyway, I took one for the team and drove the baby around the track while he very sweetly yelled, "Wee-haw".  I guess I'd do it again to make him that happy.  Then Jake got to do the kiddie karts.  He's only driven Power Wheels by himself, and I was expecting much of the same behavior - not much.  He really surprised me though.  We may have a racer on our hands (much to my resistance).  Just look at that racer face.  Poor Mason really wanted to drive too, but he was too short (barely) and too young.  We headed into the arcade to use up the rest of our points. 

Afterwards we did an old time photo shoot.  Unfortunately I don't have the copyright release and can't post them up here, but they were cute.  I had a groupon for a free session and an 8x10, but of course I was upsold on the individual photos of the boys.  Hey, it's a one time must do - at least that's what I said to get the hubby to sign off on it.

Our final activity in Branson was the Hamner Barber Variety Show.  It was full of laughs and magic and horrific dancing and costumes.  There were many magic tricks of illusion and birds flying over our heads.  I don't have the best of luck with birds flying over my head, if you know what I mean.  The laughs were from the ventriloquist.  The boys enjoyed him the most.  Now the dancing was so ridiculous, I didn't know if it was part of the comedy act or not at first.  At one point, the dancers had on a light up mohawk headband.  The final act of the show was of course a tribute to veterans, and once again, the cheese was flowing. This show didn't really keep the boys interested the whole time, but I think if they were just a tad older, they would have really enjoyed it.  

I adore Table Rock Lake.  Mom's family has a family reunion there every Labor Day, and I've gone there my whole life.  We stay on the other side of the lake, so it's been over 20 years since I've been to Branson.  This vacation was very fun, and the boys are already asking to go back to Silver Dollar City. I purchased season tickets to SDC because we're only a few hours away and they have an amazing Harvest Festival and Old Time Christmas (so I've heard).  Can't wait for our next long weekend!

Branson Vacation - Day 2

We started off the day with another thrilling trip to Silver Dollar City.  We began with all of the kiddie rides and attractions that we missed the first day, like this treetop maze (yes, that's me crawling through that hole).  Then we did the carousel and a funhouse called Grandfather's Mansion which really messed with my equilibrium.

 Jake made his best impression of a baldknobber.  He crosses his eyes a lot, which always makes me shudder.

 Then I crammed into the back seat of the Hoppy Frogs (one good side to being short) to snap this picture.  The boys were squealing with delight when the frogs started hopping.  Really cute ride.

 Like the Hoppy Frogs, we did most of the same rides as the previous day, looked around a bit, and headed back to the hotel for a quick nap.

 Then we went to the most expensive dinner show I've experienced - Dixie Stampede.  The brochure makes it sound like drinks and popcorn at the pre-show are included with your ticket - not the case.  The pre-show was a juggling act that was incredible.  This guy was juggling ping pong sized balls with his mouth!  How do you even train for that???  Once we got shuffled into our seats, the real show began.  The horses were so beautiful, and the riding was great too!  The show storyline was a bit silly, and some of the outfits were outrageous (they actually were wearing jackets that lit up in patriotic colors as Dolly Parton sang on a big screen some Color Me America song).  But when the lumberjack competition began - watch out.  It was absolutely enthralling.  I cannot believe how quickly those guys could climb a pole and chop through a huge log of wood while standing on it.  The food was VERY good, and boy oh boy was there a lot!  The boys were entertained throughout the whole show too - a double plus.  All in all, I also recommend Dixie Stampede as a one time, must see experience.

 That wraps up day 2, folks.

Branson Vacation - Day 1

We just got back from our long weekend getaway to Branson, MO.  We hit all of the usual suspects - Silver Dollar City, Ride the Ducks, Dixie Stampede, Go Karts, and the Hamner Barber Variety Show.
After bickering about how slow the hubby was driving, we finally made it down there and began the whirlwind of kiddie rides.  My boys are 3 and 5, so the large roller coasters are pretty much out of the question at this point.  But Silver Dollar City does have quite a bit for the kiddos.  It was kind of chilly out, so we didn't hit any of the water rides.  Jake's favorite by far was the Grand Exposition Coaster.

He was a little too scared to raise his hands, but at least he rode it (which I can't say for the baby).  Mason was in a bit of a mood, and took awhile to warm up to the rides.  But once he did, we rode the elephant ride which the boys dubbed "Dumbo".

The hubby was too scared of the teacups.... of course.  We loved it though!  What you can't see is Mason's smiling face dug in to Jake's side.

And finally one of my favorites from childhood - Fire in the Hole!  Have I mentioned that Jake is quite the performer?  This is his best scared face.  Not bad, eh?  Mason was a little nervous, but both boys were all smiles after the ride was over.

 After a quick nap at the hotel, we did the Ride the Ducks.  The boys loved the quackers; I personally wanted to throw each and every one under the duck.  These are hidden high in my closet only to be brought out in the most severe circumstance.  The tour itself was pretty good.  I had read mixed reviews, but I really enjoyed it.  The Captain even let Jake drive the duck.  He was all over the place and about crashed us into a small island, but the trusty Cap'n finally noticed and corrected our course.  The songs are patriotic, as is just about everything in Branson (more on that later).  Being a veteran, I still found it incredibly cheesy.  All in all, I highly recommend Ride the Ducks, especially if you have little ones.

We chowed down on some very good BBQ at Danna's BBQ, and that wrapped up day 1 of our vacation.