We are home. Which is good...and sad...because we are home from DISNEY WORLD.
As a seasoned Disney visitor, I can comfortably say Disney was never, ever more magical for me. Now, don't get me wrong, each and every time was priceless...and my first time was something I will never EVER forget. But our first time with a child...I have no words, truly only tears of joy at the mere thought of having had the opportunity to share such a special time with my family. And yes, I will admit...I totally cried a couple of times. I used to be a real 'crier'... I got a little tougher over the last five years...but when you put a straight-up, once-in-a-lifetime moment with my family...basket case. I kid not when I say that as our plane LEFT THE GROUND, thus launching my son and my husband above the Earth for the very first time...I cried. I cried again that night at Chef Mickey's. Okay, and when I say 'cry'...I wasn't weeping for the whole world to see, ugly-cry face and all...thankfully those days are way behind me. I mean, I got misty, or sometimes a tear fell, or...on a real rare, take your breath away kind of moment my lip might just start to quiver and I feel the ugly-cry face itching to come out. But when you see McKinley's amazement written all over his face in what can only be described as the pure joy and innocence of a child, I think I would not be alone in my emotions. My heart could burst!
So, the easiest way to tell the tale of Disney is to go by the itinerary...so here goes:
Day 1: we leave the house WAY (eh hem...WAY WAY WAY) too early - like 5, as in , we were up before 4...A.M.! At the airport by 6:15, through security (which was a breeze in the family lane except that McKinley nearly melted down because he did NOT want to remove his shoes...and then I forgot to remove his belt before he passed through the metal detector. At which time I ushered him to me and started to remove his belt...which apparently is a BIG no-no if you've already passed through the detector. I totally got reprimanded...like a flippin' child...by the TSA guy. I mean, come on! I'm a MOM! It is MY JOB to HELP my child. Doof.) and waiting at the terminal by 7a.m. for our 8a.m. flight. McKinley was entranced by all the action happening on the tarmac. He could hardly wait to get on that plane! When we finally began boarding he sat down in the middle seat, me on the window, Cary the aisle, and watched the tarmac from the other side of terminal windows.
In the air, McKinley would occasionally glance out and say, "Oh wow! We're up in the air!" other than that, he watched a movie on the laptop most of the time. Before Cary could wrap his head around the fact that he was ON AN AIRPLANE we were descending and one of the flight attendants was delivering his and McKinley's WINGS and 1st flight certificate, signed by the pilots and flight staff. I think I'll frame them both. I am so proud!
Through baggage claim and onto a Disney bus, 35 minutes later we were checked into our hotel and unpacking in our room. We laid low that day, we had lunch by the pool - dang that sounds nice now that we are home and cold - and when we headed up to the room we had a special delivery: our mouse ears! This was my little secret that I'd cooked up MONTHS ago. No one had a clue! We each had a set of mouse ears with our names embroidered on the back...Moms said Nonna...how fun is that? I was so happy to have surprised everyone! After that McKinley and Cary played in the pool for a bit, Mom read a book poolside and I unpacked, organized and confirmed all reservations...I'm a freak. As I headed to the pool - FINALLY - everyone was ready for a nap. Great. Oh well...we all napped for a few hours then headed out to our very first destination: Chef Mickey's!
I'd had some problems reserving ANY character meal except for Cinderella...which I LOVE, but McKinley? Huh uh...so, as we were walking to our room for the first time I called the dinner reservation line, which I'd saved on my cell phone I was so desperate. With crossed fingers I asked about an evening reservation. I almost cursed out loud at Disney when the woman on the other end of the line proceeded to make my day: dinner at Chef Mickey's at 9:45pm! With our LONG nap planned (and later executed) I knew 9:45 wouldn't be a problem. And as my sweet little helper hung up, she said to me, "Have a magical day!". Seriously? I almost got misty!
We arrived VERY, VERY early to Chef Mickey's, by total fluke (or a super-nice bus driver who burned a lot of ozone by offering to chauffeur ONLY US to the Contemporary Resort, straying from his route, so we could avoid a LOT of traffic hassle...I'm not complaining!).
McKinley got a little antsy and didn't want to go where we had to go...and then we told him who we would see. His eyes were never bigger than when we came up that escalator and saw Chef Mickey's and some of his favorite characters visiting each table. What was even better, I grimaced when I checked in at the reservation stand..."I'm sorry, we are SO early". I was met with, "Oh! It's no problem! Once you have your photo taken with Chef Mickey we will seat you."
Pinch me.
Photo, done.
Taken to our table, done.
Amazing view overlooking the Disney property...done.
Donald Duck walking right behind McKinley and surprising him, resulting in that pure joy and innocence I previously referred to? Done.
Me, teary? Done.
McKinley experiences Mickey's Magic for the first time? Done.
I didn't even want to eat (but I did...because it was like a bazillion dollars, it's Disney and it's delicious food). My mission was clear: photos and autograph book. Cary's mission: video Mom and McKinley: sit back and enjoy being doted on as a 1st time visitor and a birthday girl.
What a way to start out the trip. I know we did something right there because McKinley has LITERALLY not stopped talking about Chef Mickey's ever since.
Soon we were headed back to our hotel, on a bus, with a child who was happier than he knew how to say. Sleep came easy that night...
Day 2: We didn't push our start times, I'm glad of that. On this day we headed out to Hollywood Studios. We got to meet Lotso from Toy Story 3, Handy Manny, and watch a live show based on Playhouse Disney. And you haven't lived until you have painstakingly stood in line for well over 60 minutes for a Disney ride. McKinley was great, the adults were having issues with patience! hahaha! However, all four of us will attest that the Toy Story Mania ride was WELL WORTH IT. So fun!
We rode the great movie ride (an old fave of mine), which scared the crap out of McKinley...thus resulting in Mommy guilt. We rode the backlot tour (that I've loved for so long), scared the crap out of McKinley...more Mommy guilt. We stayed for Fantastmic, McKinley napped happily in the stroller while we waited. We woke him for the show...and it scared the crap out of him...and you guessed it...Mommy guilt.
I'm pleased to say that he loved the Muppet 3D movie, meeting Mater and everything else we did that day! Thank GOD.
We came home from Fantasmic and went to bed.
Day 3: Animal Kingdom and Mickey's Very Special Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.
Won't spend much time on Animal Kingdom...it was fun, though McKinley was TERRIFIED by the Bug's Life 3D movie. Hello? We need a warning when bugs are going to FART on you, or a giant grasshopper comes to life! We had to leave...we were NOT the only ones, by a long shot. It was scary. We had a great day though...spending time with Uncle Bill was great. We had a leather 'bracelet' personalized for McKinley (which I adore), took a real safari and had a lot of laughs with a wheelchair on loan (long story) and our stroller. Suffice it say that Cary and I should never again be behind a wheelchair and a stroller while sight seeing. Poor Mom and McKinley. We even had an audience. Good times! OH! And Cary totally 'parked' Mom on a hill to get in line for a funnel cake! At least I was paying attention then...you are welcome, Mom!
We came home WAY too late and had a difficult time getting McKinley to nap for more than half an hour. Ugh...
Soon we were back on a bus to Downtown Disney to have dinner with Uncle Bill and his wife, Amanda. One problem: the bus driver was not only WAY behind but he was WAY slow and took an alternate route on a very full bus. I was standing...with the stroller in one hand, the other on a hand rail...in heels. Yep, great. And it was very hot on that bus. Even better! Anyway, we finally arrived at T-Rex where I was terrified that we would terrify McKinley yet again. He was unsure of the moving dinosaurs and the 'meteor shower', but who the heck wouldn't be?! After two go around's of the dark shower and the dinos, we were good. He even enjoyed it! Whew! And we so enjoyed dinner with Bill & Amanda! They accompanied us to the Magic Kingdom (via Monorail, which is the other favorite thing McKinley continues to talk about...second only to Chef Mickey's) and saw us into the park. I was chomping at the bit...I knew what was coming...and no one was disappointed. As soon as we walked through the little tunnel and into the park, it was Christmas. And it was snowing. And it was breathtaking. Cue the misty-eyed Mom moment.
I think I took a thousand pictures - which drove Cary BONKERS because HE was itching to get a good spot for the parade and fireworks. Well, I screwed it up and we barely moved our first half hour inside...but it ended up being the PERFECT spot for the fireworks! We videoed them, photographed them and I cried. Ha! McKinley oooh'd and ahhh'd and I'm pretty sure my Mom was awestruck. Cary, who was over the finding of the good spot, was entranced in the beautiful fireworks that only Disney can do, with his son on his shoulders...again, cue the cry.
When the fireworks were over we began choosing our spot for the parade and for the complimentary hot cocoa and cookies. We scored on both accounts: front of the 'crowd cord' at the parade and delicious hot cocoa and cookies for all! We were standing outside the cutest little Christmas store (ironic, huh?) and I thought I'd take time while we were waiting for the parade to start to look for this year's Christmas ornament. I wandered inside, leaving Mom to watch McKinley, Cary had gone off for something else. Then I saw him...there, inside the store stood my sweet hubby with the exact Christmas ornament I would have chosen for our tree. And...cry. I felt so badly for 'catching him in the act' but his thoughtfulness warmed my heart. He is always that thoughtful. I look up to him a lot for that...
Anyway, the ornament is gorgeous. I can HARDLY wait to put it on our tree.
Just as we finished paying, the parade was beginning. I videoed much of the parade, between actual tears. I couldn't choke it up this time...McKinley wasn't the only one taken by the magic. We were all so in love with the sights, sounds, and SMELLS! Have you ever been to a parade that smelled of chocolate, freshly baked bread, wood burning fire and evergreen? Ahhhh.....beautiful.
Several of the characters and cast came up to McKinley as they sang and danced by. One Toy Story Soldier saluted McKinley...a beautiful dancer blew him a kiss - watch it, sister! A young man gave him five! He was hooked! And then, there was Santa. The 'after' face of McKinley is priceless. The parade was amazing...as only Disney can do.
With much of the special festivities over, the crowd thinned out even more - it was already a much smaller crowd than usual because of special ticketing. We had much of the park to ourselves! Mom took a break with McKinley while Cary and I rode the tea cups. Cary whipped that tea cup around like a trooper and it was awesome! McKinley was done. He HAD to ride! So, we grabbed him and and got back on immediately - no line! I recorded his first tea cup ride...it's hilarious! He loved it! We stayed on and rode again with the blessing of the cast member manning the ride. It was so great...one of those "burned in your brain forever" memories. Ahh.
After the tea cups we hit the track in Tomorrowland. And then again...and again...with no line it was crazy not to keep riding! I can be sure that I cannot remember the last time I laughed so hard as when I was pushing on the gas pedal while McKinley steered our car. THANK GOD the car was on a guide (brought back childhood memories of the tin-lizzies at Opryland. This must be what went through my parents mind every time!). McKinley was all over the place and would slam into the guide and it would jerk us back. Not exactly good for my neck but so amazing to laugh so hard with son. He had me cracking up! I did manage to keep a tight grip on him through the whole thing...just in case!
Sadly, it was midnight all too soon and we left the park, hot chocolate in hand, to board the monorail, which took us to the wrong place. Ooops, we messed up...but again we found a super nice bus driver who offered to take us all the way back to our hotel - by our selves! Again we had the whole bus! Nice guys, those Disney bus drivers. Really, really nice!
Soon enough we were sound asleep with lovely memories of the night's events to dream about.
Day 4: Everyone was pretty tired but we rallied and hit Epcot. We weren't there long, we only rode a few kiddie rides, hit a fun photo booth for McKinley and had the most amazing lunch in Mexico with Bill & Amanda. I had empanadas and I swear if I close my eyes and think really hard I can still taste how delicious they were. Man...good stuff.
McKinley got restless quickly after lunch, so we all agreed to call it day. McKinley was overtired and had some issues falling asleep, but eventually he did and Cary and I headed out to do some Disney shopping with Bill & Amanda. Mom stayed with McKinley, she also needed some rest!
Sunday we made plans to finish up with a bag...an all day-er at Magic Kingdom. Mom decided to spend the day with her dear friends who live nearby, the three of us hit the park!
Day 5: At Magic Kingdom we did it ALL! Buzz Lightyear, Monsters, Inc., Dumbo, the carousel, It's a Small World, Peter Pan, the tea cups (yes AGAIN!), the race track (AGAIN!), Aladdin's magic carpets, the jungle boat ride, the Barnstormer (AWESOME!), the steam engine...if we had time, we did it! We laughed and screamed and did our very best to live it up. And as promised, we closed the park. Our very last ride was another turn around the race track and then we began looking for our perfect spot for the fireworks. We found it! Just beneath Tinkerbell's flight path! Few people were lining up at that time, so we had many options. I love where we ended up. I took out the still camera, Cary the video camera and we set up to film and shoot our final fireworks show on this amazing trip.
I'll be honest...I was truly a basket case this time. I just couldn't help it. Disney has always been magical. A happy place where as a child, an adolescent and a newlywed, I always had the most beautiful things to celebrate no matter what was happening in the world around us or in my own private life. Sharing that with McKinley (and Cary and Mom) meant so very much to me. I was overcome...when I heard Jiminy Cricket and those first familiar bars of "When you Wish Upon a Star", well, I was done. I knelt down beside McKinley, who was sitting very still in his stroller, truly mesmerized. All I could do was grip him with my arm. He was open-mouthed and I kept asking, "Isn't this amazing?" All he could muster was "Uh huh..."
I cried actual tears the instant I saw Tinkerbell, and as she flew just above our heads I had flashbacks of that first time I saw her. I know how amazed I was then - and I was a teenager! - I knew exactly how McKinley was feeling at that moment. I was just overcome with emotion. Disney knows how to end a day...an amazing day...an amazing trip! How many times have I just typed amazing in this post??????
Eventually our fireworks finale came to an end...I was still crying...I know...get a grip. Hey, I maintained - for the most part - until then! We took a lovely little walk from Magic Kingdom over to the contemporary (that's called avoiding the CRAZY crowds who were headed toward the buses and the monorail). We grabbed a bus over to Downtown Disney and had dinner at Planet Hollywood. We were so tired, but all three of us were still having a ball! McKinley was singing along to so many of the 90's songs they were playing (courtesy of his Mom & Dad who are children of the 90's!). Everyone around us was loving it! At one point he actually sang along with the chorus of a Lady Gaga song...oy, I'm not sure if I should be proud of this or not, but the kid loves music like us! He knows loads of wholesome 3 year old appropriate songs too, so the occasional Gaga song mixed in with the Itsy Bitsy Spider isn't the end of the world. I sang many a 'risque' 80's song as a child. There are videos and photos to prove it!
After the McKinley show was over, so was he...we loaded up again and headed back to the hotel. We caught up with Nonna, who had a lovely day with her friends. Great day!
Day 6: My Mom's birthday! We laid low today. Lunch in the gorgeous sun, beside the pool, final packing, a brief nap, some swimming, lounging. It was nice. The best was yet to come...when we knew we would be in Disney for Mom's birthday, I knew we needed to make it a true Disney birthday. Not only did they Birthday button Mom wore, courtesy of our hotel, call major attention from every cast member who saw her, but so did every character around! Knowing that Mom's friends were going to be close by I contacted all of them and made reservations for all of us at Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney. Mom knew about this, but apparently she wasn't sure who was coming because that evening she was so happily surprised to see so many of our family friends. It was the perfect way to end this trip. It meant so much to me to see my Mom so happy.
After our lovely dinner and yummy cake the kids all climbed aboard the little train to ride, then it was real business for McKinley: he had his very own money to spend! Back when we began potty training, we used my old gumball machine/bank and filled it with M&M's (that matched his room, of course). When he would 'go' in the potty he would get a coin to put in his bank and then get a couple of M&M's as well. I wasn't real thrilled with rewarding such an obvious milestone in life, but we turned it into a double learning moment. You see, just before we left McKinley and I took out all of his collected change, put it into a bag. Then Cary took him to the bank to cash it in! When they arrived home McKinley and I decorated a special envelope, which I kept with our travel info. McKinley had his very own spending money! Diane, aka Honey, threw in an extra $5 and so did we. He had $20 to spend how he wanted.
So, on our very last night, after dinner and the train ride, we went to "Once Upon a Toy" where McKinley thoughtfully considered many toys over the next 45 minutes. After spending some time with Mr. Potato Head (which he has at home...but it is all those wonderful accessories we would have gotten), then a cool Disney Parks only Buzz, a few Lighting choices, some balls, etc...he, with all certaintly, announced that he wanted the Mater and the Ice Cream truck (from Mater's Tall Tales) that he had chosen almost right away. He did well! I'm proud to say we spotted him on the tax (hee hee hee!). He loves his new toys, has used them so much already and has a sense of gaining something that you've saved for. Win win!
So, that is how we ended our trip...well, technically, it wasn't THAT pretty. When we got back to the hotel there was still a little packing to do, so while McKinley slept we scrambled. There wasn't much sleep for the adults that night! We were at the bus stop at 7:00a.m. Wow...too early. Everything was smooth at the airport, and we love those monorail-ish trains to the terminal! We got on the plane, settled and comfy and headed home. Our flight was, um, a little bumpy. And as we got closer to Indiana it was clear that it was NOT clear back home. Wow. As we came down we could not see a thing but FOG until we were just above the trees! Not so much a big fan of flights like that, but we all did okay. McKinley did say, "Wow! This plane moves more than the other one!" Yep, he was right!
We we finally 'saw' Indiana, it wasn't pretty. Yikes, take us back. We were met with dreary, wet, overcast and COLD. No more flip flops, no more short sleeves or air conditioner...bring on the mittens, scarves and the heat. Great. Oh well...we were home safe and sound with the most beautiful memories EVER.
So, with that, I bring my longest post to a close...Disney was truly the best way we could spend 7 magical days together. Pure magic.
Thanks, Disney...we WILL be back soon!
Lynn
What a lovely evening to spend with my family! Tonight was the 2nd annual "Miracle on 7th Street" here in the Haute. After only hearing about it by chance, on the fly (like within 1 1/2 of the thing starting), Cary and I made our game plan and headed for the festivities.
We continued our trek through downtown, passing by the Swope, through the marketplace and by the Childrens Museum we ventured to Clabber Girl for some cookie decorating and treats. McKinley LOVED decorating his cookie and could not get enough sprinkles! 
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