Back at the end of September, we packed our bags and headed down to the Happiest Place on Earth. And boy were we sure happy! What started as a spur-of-the-moment decision to plan a trip to Disney World way back in March finally came to fruition the last week in September.
I must give the biggest of biggest shout out to my A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. sister-in-law that helped me planned this trip. She knew all the right questions to ask and I didn't have to lift a finger. Literally. It was all taken care of and she spoiled me. By the way, Disney World 2014 planning has already begun. (CRAZY, RIGHT?)
We packed up the car late that Monday night and hit the road. Our goal was to be on the road at midnight. Departure time was actually 12:20 am and I call that a success. Or insane. Both, perhaps? Both girls woke for just a few minutes but I think they were back asleep before we got onto 501.
This was how Caroline was sleeping when we were ready to go. She sleeps in the funniest positions.
The drive itself wasn't horrible, although not enjoyable either. Caroline woke up at about 3 am and was content to watch movies at that ungodly hour. But, then at about 4 am, she started to tell us she needed to throw up. Greeeeeeat. We pulled over 3 times - not once did she throw up or even attempt to throw up. I know she was bored and probably sensed this was going to be a long trip.
We pulled into a Denny's in Brunswick to eat breakfast at 5 am. We were the only customers in there and they were kind enough to turn the other cheek when we just let both girls run circles around the dining room. Literally. (And, by the way, when we sat down Caroline let out the biggest burp I have EVER heard and, miraculously, her tummy quit hurting.)
Wally and I switched places and I drove from Brunswick to Orlando in the POURING DOWN RAIN. I should have mentioned that I was a Nervous Nelly about the weather because the forecast was calling for heavy rains the entire week. Of course it would rain on our parade. Literally.
We pulled off the exit at about 9:45 am and made our way to our resort - the Caribbean Beach Resort and by the grace of God, our hotel room was ready to be checked into. Praise the LORD! We ran in and unpacked, fixed our hair, did our make up (ok, that was only me), changed out of our pajamas and headed to Downtown Disney.
What a dreary day.
We walked around a bit while we were waiting for our lunch date. My best friend, Dianne, from high school lives in Orlando while she goes to grad school and she so graciously came to Downtown Disney to meet up with us for lunch. We ate at Raglan Road - an Irish pub that did not disappoint.
Thank you, Meredith, for the awesome shirts!
I mean, we haven't changed a bit since 1995, right?
Our next stop was to Bibbiti Boppiti Boutique for Caroline to get transformed into a princess! I had not told her about this special stop, nor did she know I packed her Aurora gown. Boy, was she surprised! She loves all things glitter and girlie. This picture below sums it all up. She does not like for someone to mess with her hair. She's so dramatic! Wally and Anna walked around outside for a bit while Anna took her standard 30 minute nap.
Caroline, the supervisor, making sure everything is done to her standards. :-)
Caroline and her Fairy Godmother
Caroline wrote her own name in the guest book
Caroline and her doppelganger, Aurora.
After Caroline's pampering session, we drove back to the resort so that Wally could rest - he had been up for the most hours out of all of us. Caroline, Anna & I walked around the resort some, rocked in some hammocks, checked out the pool, tried to catch some lizards.
Once it was time to go, we hopped on the bus to the Magic Kingdom so we could hop on the boat to The Grand Floridian so we could eat at 1900 Park Fare with Cinderella, Prince Charming and crew!
Riding the bus into Magic Kingdom. Also known as: the beginning of Anna's bus obsession. "RIDE BUS! RIDE BUS! ANNA RIDE BUS!"
The Grand Floridian was exquisite. Actually, that might be an understatement. After we got back to the hotel that night, I realized why - it's the most expensive Disney World Resort. Eep! Anyways, it was like the Clampetts made it to Beverly Hills. We didn't feel quite so out of place once we got to the restaurant. But, boy did we stick out like a sore thumb in the lobby. Wally says that we can stay there next time. Sure, but we won't be able to afford park tickets or a ride home!
Silly shenanigans waiting for the boat
This is the face of someone who knows she's about to meet Cinderella!
Our first Photo Pass family picture. Not to bad, if I say so myself.
I expected that there would be some hesitation from Caroline (and LOTS of hesitation from Anna) about going up to the characters to take a picture. But, I was wrong! Caroline was a pro! Of course, this is my daughter that BEGS me to take pictures of her. Sooooo....
Anna and her silly faces
Fairy Godmother and the two ugly stepsisters, Anastasia & Drizella
Bad mom alert: I forgot to get an autograph book at this point. WHAAA!!!
After dinner (which was actually mediocre, at best) we waited and waited and waited to ride the monorail back to the Magic Kingdom so we could pick the bus back up to return to the resort. It was pretty late at this point and I thought for sure one or both girls would fall asleep. Nope. Wide open.
Thought this was funny of Caroline after we took her hair down. It had so much gel and hair spray in it!
Who needs Disney World when you have a tub with no water and shampoo???
CRASH AND BURN
The girls slept real well that night - they were up for a long time and had a super busy day. But, they needed the rest for the next day at Hollywood Studios!
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