TTFN WDW (TaTa For Now Walt Disney World)
We're back! We had a great time at Walt Disney World, and have now returned to the real world. So much happened during our vacation that it would be impossible (and dreadfully boring) to tell of it all in this post. So, here are some highlights:
1. Seeing Vika and Eamon squirm with excitement each time we met a new Disney Character. When we had breakfast with Pooh and friends, Eamon did not want to wear his bib because he wanted Pooh to think he was a "big boy." Both Vika and Eamon could hardly contain themselves when we had dinner with the princesses. Cinderella was a HUGE hit. The kids hugged Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Pluto, danced with the Little Einsteins and chatted with Peter Pan and Wendy. They also enjoyed meeting Stitch (a new favorite of thiers). I think they can relate to him finiding a family in "Lilo and Stitch."
2. Seeing the complete and utter joy on the kids' faces as they swam in a pool for the first time. It was a big New Orleans theamed pool complete with music playing alligators and a huge sea sepent slide. Eamon especially loved going down the slide (which was the serpent's tongue), and did it over and over. Since he is so small, the only part of him I could see coming down the slide were his little feet sticking up in the air as he sped down on his backside. Vika just lovedbeing in the water - she is a true water baby!
3. Experiencing Vika's frist ride on Splash Mountain. While we were waiting in line, Vika told me that she would not scream when we went down the drop. Then, the whole time we were on the ride down she kept putting her head down in a crash position and asking me if the drop was coming up. Finally, when we did get to the drop, she held true to her word and didn't scream once! After we got to the bottom, she broke into little fits of laughter, so excited that she had made it down alive!
4. Getting the Disney Meal Plan for FREE! Because we went to WDW with kids aged 5 and under, during the month of September, we got 5 days worth of meals for free! This included one sit down meal (appetizer, entree, and dessert), one counter service meal (entree and dessert), and one snack, per person, per day. Since Jeff and I are "foodies" this was just about the most amazing thing. To get all this food without paying a cent seemed totally unreal! The best meal by far was at Boma Restaurant in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. A variety of African foods were served buffet style, and everything was excellent! I especially liked the fufu (a cinnamon spiced sweet potato dish) and the cocomisu (a coconut tiramisu dessert). Jeff loved the coconut curry seafood soup. If you ever find yourself in WDW and like to try new foods, the we highly recommend Boma.
5. Last, but not least, was witnessing Matte (e) propose to my good friend Cathy (Catheroo) in front of Cinderella's castle at the Magic Kingdom. Jeff and I were on hand to take photos and videotape the event, which was a huge honor. Cathy has been such a good friend to me for so many years, and literally would give me the shirt off her back if I needed it. She gets true enjoyment out of doing things for people, and all too often, people have taken advantage of this kindness in her. I am so happy that Cathy has finally found someone who enjoys doing things for her and loves making her life special in so many little ways. Matte is a wonderful guy, and I am thrilled that he and Cathy found each other! You can read more about the proposal here.
We had many good times during our days at Walt Disney World, but there were some hard times as well. Putting the kids to bed the first 2 nights in the hotel was a nightmare! All the excitement and strangeness of the place made it difficult for them to get to sleep. By the third night, Jeff and I had come up with a plan to put the kids in separate beds and do the bedtime routine very slowly and quietly. Then we just went about our own business while they drifted off to sleep. It worked like a charm and the kids fell asleep within 15 minutes.
The other difficulties occurred during mealtimes - especially counter service meals. Eamon would just kind of freak out and become angry for no real reason that we could see. Finally, we learned that the crush of people waiting in the food lines, as well as all the noise of the place, was getting to him. He just couldn't take it and started acting out. Once we figured out the reason behind his behavior, we were able to deal with it and Eamon was much happier (making the rest of us happier too)!
So, it was a great vacation, and an important one as well. It was wonderful spending time as a family away from our normal daily routine. We learned some new things about the kids, and enjoyed seeing Vika and Eamon's excitement when experiencing the magic of Disney. Now, it is time to rest and readjust to life in the real world.
And maybe begin planning a trip to Disneyland sometime in the next couple of years....
2. Seeing the complete and utter joy on the kids' faces as they swam in a pool for the first time. It was a big New Orleans theamed pool complete with music playing alligators and a huge sea sepent slide. Eamon especially loved going down the slide (which was the serpent's tongue), and did it over and over. Since he is so small, the only part of him I could see coming down the slide were his little feet sticking up in the air as he sped down on his backside. Vika just loved
3. Experiencing Vika's frist ride on Splash Mountain. While we were waiting in line, Vika told me that she would not scream when we went down the drop. Then, the whole time we were on the ride down she kept putting her head down in a crash position and asking me if the drop was coming up. Finally, when we did get to the drop, she held true to her word and didn't scream once! After we got to the bottom, she broke into little fits of laughter, so excited that she had made it down alive!
4. Getting the Disney Meal Plan for FREE! Because we went to WDW with kids aged 5 and under, during the month of September, we got 5 days worth of meals for free! This included one sit down meal (appetizer, entree, and dessert), one counter service meal (entree and dessert), and one snack, per person, per day. Since Jeff and I are "foodies" this was just about the most amazing thing. To get all this food without paying a cent seemed totally unreal! The best meal by far was at Boma Restaurant in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. A variety of African foods were served buffet style, and everything was excellent! I especially liked the fufu (a cinnamon spiced sweet potato dish) and the cocomisu (a coconut tiramisu dessert). Jeff
5. Last, but not least, was witnessing Matte (e) propose to my good friend Cathy (Catheroo) in front of Cinderella's castle at the Magic Kingdom. Jeff and I were on hand to take photos and videotape the event, which was a huge honor. Cathy has been such a good friend to me for so many years, and literally would give me the shirt off her back if I needed it. She gets true enjoyment out of doing things for people, and all too often, people
We had many good times during our days at Walt Disney World, but there were some hard times as well. Putting the kids to bed the first 2 nights in the hotel was a nightmare! All the excitement and strangeness of the place made it difficult for them to get to sleep. By the third night, Jeff and I had come up with a plan to put the kids in separate beds and do the bedtime routine very slowly and quietly. Then we just went about our own business while they drifted off to sleep. It worked like a charm and the kids fell asleep within 15 minutes.
The other difficulties occurred during mealtimes - especially counter service meals. Eamon would just kind of freak out and become angry for no real reason that we could see. Finally, we learned that the crush of people waiting in the food lines, as well as all the noise of the place, was getting to him. He just couldn't take it and started acting out. Once we figured out the reason behind his behavior, we were able to
So, it was a great vacation, and an important one as well. It was wonderful spending time as a family away from our normal daily routine. We learned some new things about the kids, and enjoyed seeing Vika and Eamon's excitement when experiencing the magic of Disney. Now, it is time to rest and readjust to life in the real world.
Wow, it sounds like you guys had an awesome time for many reasons. I can't wait to one day share Disney with my kids. I am glad you enjoyed yourselves. Loved the pictures.
It was SOOOO amazingly awesome that you were able to share that moment with us. Cathy is looking at her ring every 5 minutes and saying "Shiny". :) Thank you thank you thank you!
We're just sorry we weren't able to take pictures of you guys but I think in the rush of the moment, we totally blanked. I know Cathy blanked while I was asking her. heh.
You guys are the best! Thanks so much for taking photos and video for us! It was so awesome to have you be part of that very important and exciting event in our lives.
I'm glad the kids had fun, and I can't believe Vika rode Splash Mountain! That girl is crazy!
I'm also happy to hear they weren't freaked out by meeting the characters. They'll be talking about this trip for months!
Sounds like a great trip!!
We can't wait to be able to take Suzanne & Sydney to D-Land! Soon, hopefully soon!
Be on the look out for a sound file from me in the next couple of days!!! The kiddos will LOVE it...I promise!!
Congrats Cathy & Matte!!! Many happy years to you guys in the future!!!
Jeff & Family
I am so glad you guys had a great time..I've been waiting for this post to see how they liked it. Watching their faces must have been so priceless...I can't wait for my first trip with our kids.
Sounds like you all had a great time. The pics of the kids with the characters are so cute.
And Matte & Cathy's proposal was so sweet. Very romantic.
Glad you all had fun.
What a neat trip! How fun to see your kids experience these activities for the first time. What great memories.