Disney Day 7 (and last day :( )

I KNOW! I KNOW! If I lived in Florida, Disney wouldn't be nearly as fun, but I still hate leaving.  I tried to make sure our last day was the BEST!  I planned the best breakfast and Magic Kingdom to end the trip...

We started off the morning at Chef Mickey's.  It is next to impossible to get reservations here. I'm not exactly sure why.  It is a very nice experience, and the food variety is the best at any buffet, but really.. it's a character buffet?  Anyway, we went our last morning.  To start the meal off, a bird pooped in Kaitlin's hair.  It was hilarious!  Although she wouldn't agree.  :)  Chef Mickey's is in the Contemporary, where the monorail goes through the hotel, so it's almost like you are outside.

During breakfast we had a great server.  She gave Burke a button and cupcake for his "first visit" even after we told her it was his second.  Her response "well, he doesn't remember his first, so this is the first real one" :)  We enjoyed time with the characters, some singing and dancing, and a good breakfast.

It took some coaxing to get Burke to try the cupcake, but as soon as he did, there was no going back :)

After breakfast, we headed over to the Magic Kingdom.  It was REALLY cold this day!   When we got there, the first thing we noticed was ALL of the Christmas decorations were gone.  It's crazy. The day before they were all there!  We shopped a lot and rode a few things.  But since it was only 35 degrees, we were trying to stay inside as much as possible.  We did get to meet Buzz, which Burke and I were thrilled with!  Unfortunately, my camera died during breakfast, so I don't have any pictures of the morning.  After a few rides, etc, we were forced to leave and make our way to the airport.....

We had a safe flight back and got into Richmond around 6.  Brian and I decided to drive back on Thursday night, so we could all sleep in our own beds and get our lives back in order on Friday.  It was definitely sad to be back, but we were ready for a routine again!

We had an AMAZING trip!  Although we go often, no two trips are the same and it is so worth it!  Thanks so much to Mom, Dad and Kaitlin for a great trip and helping with Burke!  We would never be able to enjoy it as much without you guys!


And for anyone wondering.. We have already talked about our next trip, but nothing is booked yet.. We may try Disneyland next... :)

Disney World Day 6..

We visited Animal Kingdom on Day 6!  As you can tell by the pictures, it was a little chilly on Wednesday while we were there.. Luckily I packed Burke's jacket.. unfortunately, B and I didn't pack anything more than sweatshirts, so we had to layer... Anyway, can't complain.. We were in Disney World!!

We started off the day with a character breakfast at Tusker House.  Our breakfast was at 9:15, but the park opened at 9.. we could have gotten in early, but they have a "rope drop" every morning and the cast member suggested we watch.. I'm glad we did.  We were front row and it was definitely a fun little show. They had the characters and some singing :) My new goal is to make it for rope drop at every park at least once :)

We had a really good breakfast. I had heard great things about Tusker House before, but we went there for lunch in May and NO ONE liked it! Needless to say I was a little worried, but we did eat at Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge) for breakfast during the previous trip and everyone loved it, so I had high hopes! It was pretty yummy.  Everyone really likes the juice they have (African juice?), so how can you go wrong?  We also got to see characters again and Burke is a pro now!

After breakfast we headed over for the Safari ride.. The storyline is kind of silly, but I love seeing the animals!  The ride was a bit cold, but worth it to see the baby giraffes and elephants!

After the safari, we did the mandatory Mt Everest ride (LOVE LOVE it!).  I actually rode twice, once with Brian and Kaitlin and then again with mom :)  We did take Burke on the Dinosaur ride also.  It's basically the same as Dumbo, but you ride in Dinosaurs.  Can't see me or Burke, but Mom is waving!

We stayed at AK for a bit longer, before heading back to the room for a little bit.  We had to do some packing/laundry before going to dinner at EPCOT.  Depressing (not the EPCOT part.. the packing part!)!

Kaitlin, Burke, Brian and I ended up heading to EPCOT early.  As the trip goes on and we get closer to the end, I feel a real urgency to spend every minute doing something. I wanted to ride a few more things and walk through the world again, so we did just that!  Natalie had told us about a black cider drink in England and I was DYING to try it.. Unfortunately, we never did find it?  Next time!  But we did get the chance to see Pooh!  We happened to come across him and no one was around, which makes for a much better experience.  We made our way around the countries, going through stores and art museums.  We even made jokes about what they sell in America.  We were taking bets, so we HAD to stop in.  For the record, Brian won.  They sell colonial hats and guns and "Williamsburg" stuff as well as some random red, white and blue stuff.  Anyway, we made our way to Mexico for dinner and met up with Mom and Dad.

For dinner we went to the NEW Mexican Restaurant.  There was some big debates on whether we should go there or to the NEW Italian Restaurant.  I was kind of sad because I heard Italy was so yummy, but MEXICO WAS AMAZING!! I highly recommend everyone go!  But skip the maragritas.. definitely not worth the money!  After a very good dinner, we went out for fireworks, "illuminations." I usually love it. But not so much this time?  Not sure if it was because I was freezing to death, the view, or what?  But I think I like Wishes better.. Anyway, it was a GREAT way to end our trip and last night there....

Disney Day 5

He's just pondering his next move :)

We woke up early on Tuesday to get over to breakfast at the Beach Club.  Brian and I went here for breakfast with the Eschenmann's a couple of years ago and LOVED it, so we thought we would take everyone else.  The variety is nice and the food is pretty yummy!  This meal is where we learned Burke is MUCH more comfortable with the characters if mommy is holding him :)

SCARED TO DEATH

Okay.. I just need to keep an eye on him...

Oh okay.. Minnie's kind of cool :)

After breakfast we walked over to Epcot.  The Beach Club comes into the back of Epcot by France.  The world wasn't open yet, so it was such a quiet and nice walk to the front of the park!  We went first to Soarin' for fast passes, then took Burke over to ride the Seas with Nemo.  I think he really liked the fish!  

While we waited for our fastpasses, we headed through the world.  We had lunch at France and can't say we really like it at all.. Although Burke slept through lunch, so it was peaceful! I was the most disappointed with this meal, because I have heard such great things.. Oh well, don't waste your time though :)

After lunch, we walked through the world some more.. I LOVE walking through the world!  I don't think Brian and Dad enjoy it nearly as much!

Heading to Japan...

And to America...

And Mexico... (I couldn't resist :) )

After the world showcase... We headed back to Soarin' to ride and guess who we found?

Ashley and Chad!

We rode Soarin' together and hung out for a bit.. After a little while we parted ways.. They were on their way to the world and we were headed back to the room!  Rest time :)

We went to Brian's FAVORITE place for dinner, 'Ohanas at the Polynessian.  It is really great food!  They serve it family style and everyone LOVES it..  Brian talked about it everyday asking when we would get to go..  :)  Even Burke loves it.. No need for hands when you can just Hoover it!

After dinner, we headed back to the room to watch the fireworks from our balcony.. It was pretty neat to see them from our room and even better because we could just climb in bed and not fight the crowds to get out of the park!

Next up.. Day 6 - A chilly day at Animal Kingdom!!!

Disney Day 4

When we are at Disney the days go by WAY TOO FAST!  Day 4 was a more relaxing day.  We didn't wake up too early, we kind of just slept until we woke up without alarms.  We ate breakfast in the hotel at the Wave.  The food was really good, but the atmosphere wasn't great. It was much more of a "hotel" restaurant.  The cool thing though was, while we were getting food off the buffet, a cast member (restaurant manager) saw my Hokie shirt and commented on his family being Hokies.  We talked for a few minutes and after mentioning we lived in Blacksburg, we quickly found out we know his sister, brother-in-law and nieces and nephews.  SUPER COOL!  And the appropriate response "it IS a small world after all!" :) And he was so excited, he went to the back and called his wife to tell her.. and she was excited too :)  I LOVE wearing Hokie stuff in Disney, because I always feel like I know people.  Except I never know what to say when people walk by and say GO HOKIES.. I kind of just smile... 

Anyway.. after breakfast we headed to Hollywood Studios to get fast passes for Toy Story Mania.. We wanted to make sure we could ride it (fast passes usually run out) and it ALWAYS has a super long wait.  We got fast passes and then headed to downtown disney for a little shopping.  And for the record is was Brian and Dad who wanted to shop more than anyone!

We did a little shopping and had lunch at Capn Jack's.. I wasn't that impressed, although I did like the spinach dip :)  After, we stopped for the bird show outside of the Rainforest Cafe.

After the bird show, we headed back over to Hollywood Studios to ride Toy Story.  It started raining pretty good on our way there, so Brian, Kaitlin and I went to HS while M/D and little B headed back to the room.  Burke and Dad napped :)  Since we are all roller coaster riders, we rode toy story mania, rockin' rollercoaster and tower of terror and totally loved them all!  We had a little wait at Rockin' Rollercoaster, but enjoyed a great conversation with some people from Bristol!  After our rides, we headed back to the hotel.  We got back in time to give Burke a bath, because night time baths were not happening..

That evening, we headed back to Hollywood Studios for dinner and some more rides.. Burke was ready before anyone else.. I think he was excited :)

We ate dinner at 50's Primetime Cafe.  It may have been one of my favorite meals all week.  I had the fried chicken.. I wish I had taken pictures of it.. It was literally half a chicken worth of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green  beans.. DELICIOUS!  After dinner, food coma came on and we all walked around wishing we had controlled ourselves :)  We didn't end up riding too many things.. Yes, we did ride Tower of Terror again and headed back to the room kind of early..

You will soon notice (if you haven't already) that this trip seemed to revolve around food.. But we do love to eat, what can I say?

Disney World Day 3!

Day 3 started out with our first character meal and greeting of the trip!  We went to O'hanas for breakfast.  This is a family favorite at the Polynesian for dinner, so we decided to try it out for breakfast.  The food was pretty yummy, but if we are being honest, most all breakfast food tastes the same!  I'm not an egg or meat person, so I always eat pancakes or waffles and that's it.. The first character to make it to the table was Pluto.  Burke loved him from a distance, but don't get too close! He was OK with touching his nose, but quickly got scared. I can't say I'm surprised, but by the end of the trip he did MUCH BETTER!!

After breakfast, we headed over to the Magic Kingdom.  This is by far my "happiest place on earth."  I know its corny, but when I walk in, I feel like a little kid all over again and am just so happy.  I know there are plenty of anti-Disney people out there who says its too commercial, etc, but I'll just leave it with.. YOU DON'T GET IT!!  Disney lovers understand me :)  Anyway,  I want my baby to enjoy the excitement too. I want him to walk in and feel live's worries, stresses, etc just go away while he's there.. And that is why he has already been twice in his 18 months! Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now.. When we got there they still had Christmas decorations up.  It was actually kind of cool to see them (it's been years)!

Since Burke has become such a fan of Buzz, I definitely wanted to make sure he road it.  Also, Toontown is closing in mid-February, so we had to make it out there!  It's the area of Magic Kingdom with a playground, Mickey and Minnie's house and other "kiddie" stuff.  I hate to see it go, but I know they are building new stuff!

After a ride on Buzz, space mountain and some play time, we headed over to America for lunch.. We couldn't resist taking a pic.. And by the way Liberty Tree Tavern was our favorite lunch all week!

After lunch, we headed back to the room for nap time for the baby and much needed rest for the adults!  After resting, we went over to the Grand Floridian for dinner.  They have a character meal with Cinderella, the step mother, ugly stepsisters and Prince Charming.  The Ugly Stepsisters and Stepmother were AWESOME!  No lie.. They got in a "fight" and were rolling around the floor.. I wish I had the flip at that point! They were really funny and such good actors.  The stepmother even noticed our race shirts and made fun of us for not running fast enough.  She said "I saw you guys yesterday by the castle.. I told you to hurry it up.. You were way too slow.. I mean you didn't win did you?"  We died laughing... Prince Charming was my LEAST favorite character all week...  I made Brian take a pic with Cinderella :)

Burke loved the mac and cheese.. not the characters so much :)

After dinner, we headed to Magic Kingdom for fireworks and extra magic hours.  They were open til midnight, so after the fireworks we rode Dumbo, Pirates and some other  things.  After, Burke was getting tired and so Mom and Dad took him back to the room and we met up with Ashley and Chad and enjoyed some adult rides!  

It was a great day! 

Our Weekend!

This is the new cheeser face.. If you hold up the camera he says "cheese" and gives this goofy grin!

So for the first time in a VERY long time, we had a quiet weekend!  It was amazing.  Friday night I didn't even have to work, so we were able to have a family movie night.  We vowed to do it every other Friday (I work every other).  Being the first movie night, Burke got to choose with the help of daddy.  Burke loves Toy Story and daddy hadn't seen Toy Story 2, so that was the movie of the night.  The only problem is, now Burke knows Buzz plays on our TV so he wants it ALL the time!

Saturday we ran some errands, ate lunch at El Rods, then came home for naps.  Running errands, included a long time at Barnes and Noble so Burke could play on the train table.  He loves it, but definitely needs to work on his sharing skills.  He will not play on the table if other kids are.. Instead he'll walk away and look at books until they leave.  SPOILED! You would think he's not around kids all the time.. but I promise he is! Burke and I managed to both take a 3 hour nap!  Seriously, it was AMAZING :)  We had an early dinner, then I had to head in to work at 7pm.  Wasn't too bad, since I got the whole day at home with the family.  The only problem was getting home so late!

Today, we hung around the house all morning trying to figure out what to do.  We wanted to get out for a bit and do something fun with Burke, but we're trying to budget these days, so cheap or free is always good.  We ended up planning to meet Susan, Matt, Abbey and Natalie for lunch and a trip to the park.  It was A SUPER NICE DAY (60+ degrees), so it was so nice to be outside.  Burke loved it.  This is the first time we've been to the park and he's actually been able to run around from thing to thing.  He definitely wore me out!  But we had fun!

After our park adventures, Burke and I napped again.  It was pretty sweet.  For some reason, I have been so tired these past two days.. I'm hoping my body is just catching up to the crazy schedule!

We enjoyed a quiet evening at home with dinner and playing.  It was a great weekend!!  Hope you enjoyed yours too!

Disney World Day 1 and 2...

 We got to Disney World (the actual World and not airport) at about 10am Friday morning.  We checked-in to our hotel and headed out for a day of fun.  We were all really excited about seeing our place for the week.  Mom and Dad own DVC so we were staying at the Contemporary for the first time and in the all new Bay Lake Tower.. We were super excited to stay there anyway, AND M/D got a two bedroom suite, so B, B and I had one room and M/D had the other.  Kaitlin stayed on the pullout sofa.  It was really nice, with a full kitchen, family room, washer and dryer and anything else you need!  (the previous post has pics).  

The first thing we did was head to the Wide World of Sports where we were able to pick up Brian and my race packets and walk around and see all of the running stuff.  After that, we headed over to Epcot to meet up with Natalie.  Natalie was a former employee of mine and really good friend.  She worked for me at BCC for years before graduating and taking a job at Disney World.  I absolutely love her to death!  She is one of the sweetest and funniest people I know.  The Disney gig was a 6 month internship doing research at Animal Kingdom and Epcot.  Her last day of work was actually the day before we got there, but she was still able to give us a backstage tour ("magical moment" is Disney words :) ) of the Seas (know where the Nemo ride is?) and while we were there, we got to see the Dolphins up close and even got a little private show.. It was really neat, but it was AWESOME to see Natalie!!

After our visit with Natalie and time at Epcot, we headed back to the hotel for some rest before dinner.  Brian and I had to get up the next day for the half, so desperately needed some rest :)  We didn't really get much rest.. I think maybe Brian and my Dad napped while the rest of us explored the hotel.. We were supposed to head back to Epcot for dinner at Italy, so Brian and I could get pasta to carb load, but we were all tired and not really interested in going back to Epcot.  We ended up eating dinner at the Grand Floridian (B and I ate pasta), it was really good and close to the hotel.   After dinner, we all headed for bed,  it was an early morning and we knew the next day would be too!

The first half of day 2 was the half marathon that I already blogged about..  After the run, we headed to Hollywood Studios for lunch.  Brian's all time favorite place to get ribs (ANYWHERE) is at the Sci Fi Drive-in so that's what we had for lunch.  It's a fun restaurant, where you sit in cars and watch movies like you are at Drive-In Movie.  After a yummy lunch, we headed to Tower of Terror.  It's a favorite ride of ours!  We rode it a few times during the trip, but on this particular day, Al Roker and his family rode with us!  It was pretty cool.  You don't see famous people too often (or maybe we just don't notice them?) So that was a pretty cool experience.  After riding, we ended up heading back to the hotel.  Our new room was ready (we switched to have the Magic Kingdom view) and we definitely were looking for a rest!  

After some quiet time in the room, we met up with Ashley, Chad, and Natalie for dinner, while M/D and Kaitlin went to the Grand Floridian.  Ashley and Chad were on their honeymoon and happened to be at Disney the same time we were.. It was pretty awesome to be able to meet up (not in Blacksburg :) ).   It was nice to go out to dinner with friends and to my favorite, California Grille.  They have great sushi and yummy other stuff :)  It sits on top of the Contemporary hotel (top floor) and you can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the roof.  They even pipe the music, so you can get the full effect!  After dinner, we headed over to Bay Lake Tower to watch the fireworks.  It was pretty neat!  This is the only picture I got of the night.

Our first two days were great!  But with the race behind us, I was ready to have fun and not stress!!!