Disney Days - R&R and Parade

By day four we were all ready for a little R&R so we took it easy and spent the morning just playing at the resort - swimming and of course slushying - oh yes the resort had their own version so we were never too far from slushy sweetness. 

GP on the slide at the pool our balcony overlooked. You can see his fans looking on. You have to be able to swim to the side without any assistance or floaties so III couldn't go on the slide. We of course found this out at the top of the stairs about to go down. But, I was SO impressed with my three-year-old's attitude about it. I was expecting to have to immediately enroll him in a local grief counseling program and instead he just said, "Well, maybe next time when I'm 4 I can go on it." Not sure where he gets that cool head, certainly not from this drama Mama.
Speaking of cool heads...slushy sighting :) 
Couldn't resist a sweet pic of this Mouseketeer on Day 4.

After a full morning of swimming and some much needed naps the boys got into the GIGANTIC bath tub in the master bath to play with some Cars and Mickey souvenir bath toys and soak. And just in case swimming in your own personal hot tub in your hotel room with new toys wasn't fun enough Honey returned from Downtown Disney with giant T-REX bones filled with.....wait for it.....slushies!!! This is the sweet life boys soak it up!! Get it soak it up :)

That night the grown ups (minus Kacey and Josh who very graciously hung back and watched all the little guys - THANK YOU!!!) went out to dinner at II Mulino at the Swan (we didn't know it was at the Swan which would have been helpful, but we found it eventually). 

Then Honey, GP, Angie, Ryan, III and I headed out to catch the Electric Parade at Magic Kingdom. This was really fun because the sun was down and it was cool and we were completely refreshed, unlike the endless zombie faces we were passing in the park.

I love these pics on the Monorail.

We staked out a spot and waited for the parade. We almost got into a small fight with a rather unmagical family sitting next to us who had apparently been at the park a little too long, but cooler heads prevailed. 

GP bought the boys Mickey light sabers from the cart-o-light-up-stuff and they were in hog heaven. Ryan was putting his training from the day before to good use.
Lucky is right!
After the parade we rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which everyone loved. It was just enough to scare the boys but leave them wanting more. The fireworks were starting just as we came of the ride - perfect timing! The late night outing was a real treat, especially since Stacey got to do it all with Ryan who he adores!!
Getting out of the park with the masses, not so special. Stacey was actually asking for bed, something that he wouldn't dare say back home. So even on or "off" day we managed to wear em out. We did eventually make it home and crawled into bed with just one more Disney Day to go.

Disney Days - Hollywood Studios

Day three started off with the much anticipated Breakfast with Mickey at Chef Mickey's, at 7:00- YAWN!! Our house is usually up at 7:00, but up, ready, out the door and at breakfast is a different story. Although earlier than we might have liked we were actually really excited to get this reservation since on our first attempt they were all booked up. Persistence paid off and I'm so glad it did.

Check out these two sweetie pies in their little Minnie ears!!  We found them the night before and obviously they were a must have. Thank heavens I have nieces so that I can soak up some of that girly cuteness!!

The buffet at Chef Mickey's had some special surprises and was of course very kid friendly. Where else are you going to get to have Mickey Mouse shaped waffles and gummy bears for breakfast!!!

or swing your napkin as goofy leads you in a celebration song :). He's going to do great on his first cruise.
OK enough food and fun where is Mickey!?!

Ta-Da!

The characters came around to each table to greet every child and take pictures, sign autographs etc.

Wyatt was a little more hesitant at first, but he quickly warmed up.

Probably because he's a little sweet on this one.

Seriously - get a room you two!!
Fluto :)
It really was a highlight of the trip and although we wouldn't have minded a little more shut eye, we had a lot of fun and were off to the park just as it opened.

Hollywood Studios here we come.

When we first arrived the big kids headed off to Star Tours (which Ryan had been SO excited about) and Kacey and I took the little guys to pick up Fast Passes for Toy Story Midway Mania and held our place in line for Playhouse Disney - Live!

But don't worry about the under 40" crew (I was so happy Stacey was exactly 40" - phew - they would pull him out every time and make sure he met the height requirement, but he was just tall enough for most of the rides) they got to meet Annie & Leo from Little Einstein's!! There is a line for most of these meet and greets, but I could not pull Wyatt away. He wanted one more hug, then one more kiss, then one more high five.
Watching the boys at the Playhouse Disney show, which featured the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, My Friends Tiger & Pooh and Little Einstein's (all of which if you watch the Disney channel like us you know all too well) was my favorite part of the day. They were laughing and clapping and very involved. It was tough to get pictures since we were sitting on the floor and the lighting was bad, but it was just so fun to watch their joy as they watched the show.

I tried to get a family pic after the show since we had skipped our daily stroller photo op., but the boys were a little distracted.

There is a time lapse here with lunch and a ride on the Great Movie Ride (sort of put me to sleep too), but eventually the Wy Guy was out again.

And he wasn't alone.

Stinkers, because he just missed seeing Lighting McQueen and Mater. :( But he loves to look at these pictures.

Stacey is having a Cars birthday party in July so I turned into a stage Mom for about 5 minutes to try and get a good picture for the invitations. I threw on his new t-shirt and started the photo shoot fun. I have to say this boy takes direction like a champ. Toddlers and Tiaras haven't got anything on us. 

Slushy time. We drank these slurpee like drinks like water.

This little angel was the happiest baby ever!!! She was constantly smiling and just rolling with the punches. I wish I could say the same for all of us.

We ended day three with the Toy Story ride, I think? It all starts to run together a little. We had to wear 3D glasses. I think my husband was about done with pictures :).

Disney Days - Epcot

Day two we were a little more prepared and managed to get to the park just as it opened.

Don't forget these two sweeties :). THey really are like having twins.

Right when we walked in Daisy Duck was waiting to greet us. She had to go call Donald briefly (they are so funny making up little stories for the kids. Stacey asked me on the plane, "Mommy, is Mickey Mouse real?", too sweet) so we were going to have to wait just 3 minutes or so for her to return. I didn't think the boys would care if we just kept on walking but III was insistent that we stayed put until he gave Miss Daisy a hug and a handshake!! His precious embraces of these characters were just too sweet.
Don't you worry, Wyatt got his hug too, of course, such little ladies men.
Then we went into the ball for Spaceship Earth. Here I am in my personalized home of the future.

All the cards seemed to be stacked in our favor as we headed over to the Character Spot to wait in a very short line, indoors no less, to meet a slew of characters.

Wyatt getting a little lift from Dad.
After weeks of anticipation there he was in the flesh, or felt...or whatever fabric he is made of, close enough to touch, the star of it all, MICKEY MOUSE!!!! Oh you could just feel the excitement!
Honey and GP with the grandkids and Pluto (or Fluto as III calls him).
The girls and Mickey.
You better watch out Mickey this guy is getting some serious Minnie Love!!
Goofy.
All the boys.
Then we headed to The Seas With Nemo - my boys love them some Nemo.
Yikes!!

We squeezed in the Test Track (the Magic Kingdom car ride was actually the Speedway, for those Dianey buffs that caught my mistake) and Soarin (I really liked this one) before lunch at Teppan Edo in Japan.

I had my first and last taste of Socki :) Berry good, berry strong.
Our final stop was at this YUMMY bakery in France. Thankfully we had some good recommendations from friends, otherwise we would have never known to try these specific spots.
Epcot was one of my favorite days. And based on these two tired pups I think a good time was had by all.
You just know they are dreaming about their magical Disney days ;)