Disney 2024, Part 2: Fireworks & Fast Passes
Okay, doing my best to write this quickly before going to bed tonight. I regretted not doing a fuller blog recap of my 2015 trip, so I'm doing multiple posts to cover this week-long Florida extravaganza!
I adore this pic (taken from Trent's Apple Watch).
On my way to meet the group! Quick pic of the Nemo section at our Art of Animation hotel, and a pic with Scar since the kids refused to humor me and take one. lol
We met at the Skyliner for our second Disney park day... it's one of the best new-to-me things at Disney - highly preferable to the crowded bus system!!
The famous Epcot ball, or as Parker calls it, the "Oana Ball" (she leaves the M out of Moana). lol Karli bought matching pink ears for her and Parker, but Parker saw the mini-crown on my headband and wanted it, so we switched for this photo. lol
The lakes of Epcot are a big draw for my introvert self... I love walking by water wherever I see it. Also, Eric (the photographer that took our group pic above) got a selfie of himself and the other photographer on my phone, and that made me happy!
Giant checkers at our hotel, and me and the guys riding Guardians of the Galaxy yesterday! Super fun ride!! (We did a Disney "rider swap" thing where Karli and Melissa watch the kids as we wait in an extra long line, then they ride in the Lightning Lane as we watch them. I'm gradually learning the system - they all come every year, so they've got it down!)
The Wilsons brought sandwiches for us for lunch (from Donetta's house) yesterday. We found a cute little shady lunch spot outside near the Encanto performance. Parker was happily sitting by me until I wanted a photo. lol
Meeting Mulan... the kids and Bill didn't wanna join us for this pic, which kinda makes it funnier to me! Thankfully, they all hopped in for the top pic in this post with the cool Chinese ceiling above us!
Stopping by a German bakery for some caramel treats before heading to Magic Kingdom!
Our standing-room-only, super crowded bus ride to Magic Kingdom. I mentioned to Chettles that he and I would be the first through the windshield if that bus had a wreck, to which he replied, "Well, we'd get a free trip!!" lol #notenoughcomfort
A "Minnie Van" (Disney's version of Uber) in front of us. =)
Thanks to the time change, the fireworks show started at 8pm! It's Chet Lee's FAVORITE thing the way the Vegas fountains are mine, so I loved seeing Tate and Parker watching it with him this time around. ❤
Karli was kind enough to make these fun shirts for all of us! Sadly, the glittery vinyl she used for the girls was a bit more flaky, so by the end of the night, I lost the T and part of my W, inspiring this "Vorld Ravelers" post title (said in a Russian accent). =)
Girls pic by the giant Christmas tree as we walked back to the bus at night + a selfie with the castle and random late fireworks going off behind me! =)
They're filming a Christmas special, so there were a few random bouts of finale-style fireworks a while after the real show ended... fun!
We had Pecos Bill nachos for dinner then rode Pirates then watched the fireworks then grabbed my first Dole Whip (yum!) then rode the Magic Carpets and a couple more rides after the fireworks. We walked over 21,000 steps and it was a late night and tiring day for all of us!
This morning, we were up bright and early to take the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios... this is the mass chaos crowd lining up at the park entrance. They'd told me it is usually less crowded on weekdays, but since this was a holiday Monday, that rule did not apply! (Happy Veterans' Day - thankful for all who serve!!)
Tate pulling a Jace move and going with a mohawk for today + Parker checking out her reflection on the Skyliner. lol
After standing in line for 30+ minutes for a stalled Tower of Terror ride (still haven't gotten to ride that one, even after psyching myself up to do it today)... we had lunch reservations at Prime Time Cafe, a '50s style throwback where I have fun memories with my fam! Our waitress, Rachel, was entertaining, and I enjoyed my chicken caesar salad and chocolate peanut butter cake!!
My posed candid with the balloon bouquet and Chet accidentally matching our restaurant! lol
In an ill-advised but fun move, we did two Lightning Lane rounds of the Rockin' Roller Coaster right after lunch! (Someone in front of us threw up after exiting the ride, and I felt lots of empathy for them - so rough to have motion sickness issues, especially right after a meal.) But we were fine, and I'm so happy to have these pics! lol (We could download these free since we bought the Lightning Lane pass for this ride).
Other ride pics that were not free = the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (they came in late to the app, but so happy to see them there), the Buzz Lightyear ride, and the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster!
Here we are today on the Toy Story ride... Parker wanted to ride with me and GiGi, and Tate wanted his dad and Uncle Trent... fun!
A little playground after the aquarium ride! =)
Rockin' Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, a green tree in Star Wars world, and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway ride!
Group pic before leaving Hollywood Studios
We did Soarin and a couple more rides at Epcot, then Trent and Bill and Melissa stayed there a while, but the Wilson fam and I came back early (around 6pm). As you might expect and can probably tell from these posts so far, it's been *a lot* of walking and constant activity and stimulation, and after what Chet deemed "Pretzel-Gate," we all appreciated a low-key night with some extra downtime. I grabbed a slice of pizza at my hotel and came back to the room early and had a quiet night of photo editing, TV watching, school catch-up, and blogging. #noragrets #yesplease
On my way back to the hotel, I walked by a couple firepits where kids were roasting marshmallows for s'mores, and that made me happy! So we have hot and humid summer weather and lots of swimmers + cute fall-themed activities + full-blown Christmas in the park. "The changing of all seasons at once."
Tomorrow will be Trent's last day with us before flying back to New York. I'm glad I've gotten to know him and the Weatherford fam a bit better here! We'll be starting the day with breakfast at Gaston's (famous for their cinnamon rolls) and riding as much as we can in Magic Kingdom before he has to leave. My feet are currently a bit angry with me, so wish me luck as I navigate three more days with tons of walking! That's all for now. Happy Monday, and make it a great week ahead!!
❤ ❤ ❤
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