vacation - part 2

THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

The second part of our vacation was just our little family. Brent needed some continuing ed hours and there was a meeting HERE. We had 2 1/2 days of park time before he had to show up for his meeting and we made the most of it. We left the beach, checked in, reasted for an hour or so then hit the Magic Kingdom.

These faces are exactly why we spent our money on overpriced park tickets and braved the 95 degree temperatures...

(yes, see how happy Daddy is!)

We don't waste tons of time getting character signatures. If we spot one and the line doesn't seem too long, we'll give it shot. It is a great time to get a snack while waiting in line. Vay wanted to buy an autograph book and special pen (can we say price gouging?) but she wanted it for drawing until she spotted her first character and realized what she could do with that book.

We park hopped a little on day 2 finding ourselves at Epcot at closing time. As we headed to the exit at 8:59pm we ducked into the character spot for some autographs -- the big names, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, and Goofy. It was a short line and we literally walked in right before they closed the doors.

never too old to enjoy a hug from an oversized plush duck

As the kids got their last autograph the photographer said the lighting was poor and asked if we'd step over to the other area for a better shot. Of course we did and as we moved back to the previous character areas, ALL of the characters came back out for a BIG family photo!!! I was so shocked and excited that I almost cried. Of course they caught it on film.

Our last night in the parks we ducked into the Town Hall Theater for princess autographs right before closing. No, we didn't get a family photo with all the princesses...

Just a picture of the awe that comes from a 4 year old.


She's quite serious in her discussions with these ladies.





We missed the new Toy Story ride at Hollywood Studios - wait time 80 minutes and either fastpasses were gone or were for later than we planned to be at the park. But the waiting areas in several areas/rides have been updated with cool things to entertain the kids while they wait in line. Someone (probably a parent who's been to the parks with kids) is brilliant!!!!