Florida Day 2

The next morning we were up bright and early. Ryan was off to his conference and we were off to the Magic Kingdom. One of the great things about our hotel was it was only one stop on the monorail from Magic Kingdom. We may or may not have been talking so much that we missed the stop the first time and had to ride all the way back again....lol.  

We had the first reservations at Crystal Palace so we got into the park before anyone else. I mostly did this so we could get a picture in front of the castle with no other people BUT there was a downpour right when we got there so no picture. 

After we went to the buffet the characters started coming around. I don't know if James even knew who they were but he seemed to enjoy it. 

And last but not least- Pooh!

After breakfast we were off to ride some rides! Thanks to being there early and sharing our fast passes with James we did not have to wait long in any lines which was great. 

One of James's favorite rides 

Nene and Pappy on Buzz Lightyear 

If you ask James what was his favorite thing about Disney World he will reply the ice cream. In other words we probably could have just bought some ice cream in NC and saved a bunch of money! 

Using their magic bands to ride 

By the time we rode It's a Small World James was done. He really does still need a nap every day. 

He perked up a little at the parade 

And he perked up A LOT at the toy store!

After buying a few souvenirs we decided to take the boat back to the hotel for a rest 

After we took a break it was back again, this time with Ryan.  One thing we were not expecting is that the weather took an unexpected turn and we were FREEZING!!! 

Family selfie on the Aladdin ride 

I was surprised James went on Thunder Mountain Railroad

Yes! They did it! 

My mom wanted to go to the Country Bear Jamboree which was funny bc Ryan had told me earlier it was one of his least favorites and he hoped it was closed, haha! 

Family selfie as we started Pirates of the Carribean

We were happy to take a break for dinner. Mostly because it was inside and warm!

Just entertaining himself with his new cars 

Best part of dinner- dessert!

We were all tired and SO cold but it was almost time for the electrical parade and then the fireworks. My dad and Ryan decided they had had enough but my mom, James, and I decided to tough it out and stay. 

Getting ready for the parade 

There was some crazy wind that day and it did something special to my hair

James was mesmerized by the pre fireworks show

This is our picture to remind ourselves how COLD we were. My mom bought us a blanket and James a sweatshirt.

Waiting for the monorail to go back to hotel. What a day/night! 

Florida Day 1

Ever since last year when we went to Florida with Ryan for a conference James has asked at least once a week when we can go back to Disney World.  I confess, I wanted to go back. To me it is such a fun place to take your kids! So... when Ryan saw there was another conference, this time on Disney property, we decided to surprise James and take him back.  

I wrapped up our magic bands for him to open to surprise him with the trip

At the airport

James has also been begging to ride an airplane again. I think he thought it was normal to fly as much as when did when we lived in LA. 

It worked out great that my dad also had a conference that ended the day Ryan's began so he stayed in Florida and my mom traveled with us.

Magic bands on and ready to use!

Riding the magical express to our hotel 

Someone needed a nap

We got to our hotel, changed clothes, and got ready to go to Downtown Disney. 

First up- dinner at T-Rex cafe 

Digging for fossils 

James loves dinosaurs so I thought this would be a great place to eat. We couldn't get reservations last year. Well of course he was totally into it until we got seated right beside this T-rex who came alive every five minutes. James was not happy about it! And boy that restaurant was loud!!!

He looks happy here but he did not enjoy his dinner. 

Every 15 minutes or so they also had a meteor shower   

After dinner we escaped outside.  The restaurant was right beside every little boys' dream- The Lego store.

This dragon was made out of Legos! 

Lego Buzz and Woody 

The Hulk! I'm amazed people can build these statues 

We also checked out the toy store where James tried out his Star Wars skills with the light saber 

He and Nene also rode the train 

We finished our night with delicious dessert from the Ghridelli store 

After all that we headed back to our hotel. We were worn out from the day of travel. However we found enough energy to watch the electrical parade and fireworks from the dock at the hotel. It was a great first day!