Family Vacation - Part 2

Alright, where did I leave off?  

Wednesday morning we discovered that our portable DVD player was broken.  Not a problem

during the vacation, but it was crucial for the plane ride home.  Our options were to take a cab to the closest mall or order one online and have it express shipped to the hotel.  I glanced through the store list at Downtown Disney and saw that they had a Virgin Megastore, so Todd called them up.  We thought it would be a lot easier (and cheaper!) to catch a bus from the hotel rather than risk a cab.  It turns out, not only did they have DVD players, but they happened to have the ONE that Todd had been checking out for a few months - a Sony 8in with a swivel screen and

 key lock.  Ultimately, we decided to go to Animal Kingdom first, then to DD in the evening.

So, we went to Animal Kingdom in the morning.  Before going into the park, we ate lunch at the Rainforest Cafe.  It was really cool.  We got a seat right by the waterfall.  If you've never been there, it is a jungle with animal figures that move and make noises.  Jake loved it.  Christian thought it was ok, but didn't like the little "jungle thunderstorm" that happened a couple of times per hour.  

After lunch, we went into the park and got our fast passes for Kilimanjaro Safari, then walked around the park a bit.  They have a neat self-guided tour called Maharaja Trek or something like that.  They basically have animals, including tigers, placed in a Ruin-like setting.  Very cool.  

e also spent time in Dino Land.  Christian and Jake played on the Dinosaur gym for a while.  Jake got mad that he couldn't ride the Dino Coaster (he was too short), so Daddy took him on the Dinosaur time machine ride.  He loved it.  Such a little daredevil.

Finally, it was time to go back to the Safari.  Wouldn't you know it, but Christian fell asleep on the tour.  I was surprised because it was really bumpy.  Must have been just right for him though.

We went back to the hotel and dropped off our gear, then headed to Downtown Disney for our DVD player.  Of course, we got off at the wrong end and had to foot it to the other end of the complex, but we got our DVD player.  The boys didn't seem to mind it.  Lots of lights and stuff to look at along the way.  

The next morning we headed back to Magic Kingdom where Jake rode Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  We went to lunch at the Crystal Palace which was character dining for Winnie the Pooh.  Christian still wasn't too hot on the characters.  Jake, however, got some special attention.  When Tigger came to our table, it was time for the hourly parade around the restaurant.  Tigger took Jake by the hand and Jake was first in line following him around the restaurant.  Todd and I couldn't believe that he went.  It was so cute.  

In the evening, I staked out a spot for the Spectromagic Parade.  I think everyone loved this parade.  The boys were in awe and it was Christian's turn for some special attention.  The Genie (from Aladdin) pointed at him and seemed to gesture that he looked comfy (and sleepy).  It was cute.  Definitely worth the wait.  

Friday was our last day.  Todd and I opted to go to Epcot again.  For one thing, there is liquor there and not at the Magic Kingdom.  We rode Journey into Imagination and the Seas with Nemo.  We ended the day with our last character meal at the Garden Grill with Mickey, Pluto, and Chip and Dale.  Pluto must have been lost, because he visited our table 3 times.  Jake had a lot of fun with him though.  Christian finally got brave and decided to touch Pluto.  Better late than never, I guess.  

(Mommy giving Christian devil horns)

Early Saturday morning, we started the trek back home.  Jake had to act up a little on the plane, but he was mostly good.  The flight attendant gave him a sticker.  Todd and I opted not to get the free Valentine's Day drink - it was a little early.  Nana picked us up at the airport and brought us home.  I think Christian was happy to be home.  He started playing with his toys and didn't come out of the family room for over an hour.  

It was fun, but it's good to be home.  Maybe in a couple of years, the whole Dixon clan can go and have a family trip.  

Family Vacation, Part 1

Well, we are finally back from our week long vacation to Disney.  For those who want to know all of the details, here you go.  If you don't, you are mean.  

We left last Saturday.  I talked my mom into taking us to the airport to save us some $$$ on parking.  Can I just say that I love the new airport!  It was so easy to get around in.  My mom pulled up at the terminal and dropped us off.  No crowds at all.  In fact, we walked right up and checked our bags (Southwest) without waiting in line at all.  Since we had time to kill, we ate lunch at Sir Ronalds.  Then, we headed off to security.  The Family line was fabulous.  Lots of tables and benches to get everything out to be checked.  No rush-rush line with the business travelers.  The guards were really nice to the kids too.  Once we got through security, we hit the family bathroom.  Did I mention that I love this airport???  Lots of room to wait at the gate too.  We were in the "A" boarding group, so we all got to sit together near the front of the plane.  The boys were great on the way down.  Jake seemed to think we were on a roller coaster, randomly shouting "Whoa" and "Faster" during take-off.  I brought the DVD player and we watched Wall-E.  Next thing we knew, we were in Orlando.

We utilized Disney's Magical Express.  If you aren't familiar, they take you to your resort (for free) and they claim your luggage and bring it to your room in a couple of hours.  Once we checked in at the Wilderness Lodge, we ate dinner, then headed to the pool.  Disney has heated pools, so even though it was cool out (60's) the boys still had fun.  The first night was a challenge, however.  Christian had trouble falling asleep in unfamiliar surroundings.  Poor guy.  He got the hang of it at about 1 am.

For our first day, we headed to the Contemporary Resort for a character breakfast at Chef Mickey's.  Jake enjoyed the characters, and took these pictures with his camera:

Here are a couple of ours:

Christian wasn't too hot on the characters this time around.  He cried and tried to get away.    After breakfast, we took the monorail into the Magic Kingdom.  We rode Pirates of the Caribbean at least twice.  We found that the key to Christian's heart is suckers, so we loaded up to keep him happy.  Finally, he decided a nap would work for him.

Monday and Tuesday, we went to Epcot.  Jacob started his Epcot passport book.  

All of the "Kidcot" stops signed his book in their native language.    The boys probably had the most fun at the "Outpost" where they played the drums for what seems like forever. 

 

For dining, we ate lunch Monday at the Coral Reef restaurant, next to the giant aquarium.  They did OK at this meal.  For dinner, we went to Teppan Edo, a hibachi steak house, like Benihana.  Jake enjoyed watching the chef cook right in front of him.  Christian was pretty much throwing a fit for at least half of each meal.  At this point, the boys were still getting used to eating in public.  You see, we know they are brats, so we just don't take them out to eat!!!  Your welcome!  

To be continued...