Friday, January 31, 2014

O'hana

After naps, we met up with Grandma and Grandpa for dinner at O'hanna.  This was one of Grandma's favorite activities on our trip 3 years earlier so it made the must-do list.  The food is served family style and has a Polynesian theme to it.  They start with a loaf of bread for the table which Carter commandeered.
We got a few more to share but somehow they only made it to Parker's plate, minus a little piece he was kind enough to share with dad.
Dinner entertainment consists of learning a luau dance.  The boys were eager to give it a try with Mom and Grandma.
Parker lost interest after a while so dad jumped in to re-invigorate him.
What a fun dinner!

Magic Kingdom - Day 1

Today was another rainy day but Mickey said to head to Magic Kingdom so we obliged!
We planned to spend most of the day in Fantasy Land so we head straight there and enjoyed a few rides before Parker asked to meet Ariel.
Carter seemed happy to see her too!
Carter and dad wanted a bit of excitement so they decided to check out Goofy's barnstormer ride (a little roller coaster).  
And of course there was a ride on Dumbo.    
We let the kids play in the play area for a while.  Carter insisted on yelling out to the room "Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls".
And then we headed over to meet a few more characters at the sideshow tent.
Up next a ride that mom and dad always skip... the teacups.  Grandma and Grandpa were more than happy to introduce the kids to one of their favorite rides.  The boys loved it! (This is now Parker's favorite ride and in Carter's top three based on comments heard the entire ride home).
After teacups, we had a reservation for a new attraction to us... Enchanted Tales with Belle.  They use the audience to tell the story of Beauty and the Beast.  Carter has picked to be Maurice, Belle's father.  His job was to be in jail, look scared and shake because he was cold.  He did a great job!
Parker had been eyeing the carousel since we got there so we decided to indulge him after lunch.  The boys played a same of ring around the rosey in line while we waited.  
As expected Parker loved it!
Carter was a knight riding off to battle!
The boys watched the Sword and the Stone for the first time on the way down, so they were excited to try and get the sword out themselves.
We took one last ride on the Haunted Mansion where the boys enjoyed being affectionate in line.
Before we headed back to the hotel for nap time.  We took a few castle pictures on the way out.
We have a feeling Mickey has more Magic Kingdom fun planned for later in the week so stay tuned!

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Chef Mickey

After Animal Kingdom, we headed over to the Contemporary Hotel to enjoy dinner at Chef Mickey.  The food is a buffet of various American items but the highlight is getting to meet the cooks!
It had been a long day for P, especially since it was his first day ever without a nap.  So it wasn't too surprising when he tried to fall asleep at the dinner table.
So Carter took over book signing and character picture taking duty.
Parker did wake up in time to see Goofy.  He had been quite excited to see him.
After dinner we headed home for a good night sleep.  Parker bumped his head on the table at dinner so dad gave him a cold sparking water compress.  He seemed to enjoy it ;)  Such a cutie!

Animal Kingdom

For our first night, we let the boys sleep in the bed together!  They had a blast and woke each other up with tickles super early.  While they probably needed some more sleep, waking up to toddler giggles is incredible.
Every night on our trip, Mickey came to visit our room.  He would leave the boys a few gifts and clothes for the day.  Mickey also left a map of the park we should visit that day.  Today he picked Animal Kingdom.  It was cold with a light drizzle so that park was pretty quiet and relatively empty.
Our first stop was the Safari ride.  This is always a family favorite!
We saw a lot of animals and the boys were amazed.  Particularly Parker who had never been before.  A bunch of giraffes even walked about 3 feet from the jeep.
Next we took the train ride to Rafiki's Plant Watch where we met a few Disney friends.
Pocahontas
She played Peek-a-boo with Carter
He LOVED it
Parker immediately ran into her arms and gave her a big hug... not sure he knows who Pocahontas is

Parker wasn't too sure about Rafiki
Grandma'sfavorite - Chip and Dale
We also explored the activities including a petting zoo, met a few scientists and we had to drag Carter away from his favorite part... the Vet station where they were doing a check up on a duck that was being transferred to another zoo.
They were giving a bird a check-up before he went to a different zoo
Next the non-pregnant adults went to ride the Roller Coaster while mom and the kids went to meet Mickey and Minnie.  The boys made sure to get their books ready and entertained everyone with some songs and dancing while in line.
Since we were at Animal Kindgom, Mickey and Minnie were dressed in their best Safari attire.  Carter was thrilled to see them an immediately gave Minnie a big hug.
Parker was happy to get his book signed but a little wary of seeing his clubhouse pals in person.
We took a leisurely walk around the various animal exhibits while waiting for the coaster gang.
Carter wanted to show off his Mickey signature
And see how big he was.
After lunch, we decided to take a stroll through the Jungle Treks to attempt to let the boys rest some in the stroller.  That effort was completely unsuccessful... too much excitement!
Parker insisted on pushing the stroller... mom and dad think they may try to catch a ride next time.
A hippo ate Carter!
Riding on daddy
Enjoying the ride from their rain proof carriage
On our way to the bird show, we stopped to say "Hello" to a few friends.
King Louie and Baloo
Carter was all about the hugs
Carter loved the bird show last time and asked to go again... so we obliged.
Parker staying warm with dad
Dad volunteered to be an audience participant and got to sit on stage while an owl flew at him.  His is the picture he took from stage.
Carter sat with Parker when dad left (P was sad) and helped point out where dad was the whole time.
And here is a picture of dad on stage after the owl had just landed.  He seemed impressed!
Next we took another shot at stroller resting for a Jungle Trek and again we were unsuccessful.
So we headed to Dinoland for some more fun.
Meeting the rest of the safari gang
The boys rode Triceratops spin together.
Digging for dino bones
We also caught the Nemo musical which was a HUGE hit with both boys.  On our way out we stopped for a few last family pictures in front of the tree.
What a fun day.  We're sure the whole family will sleep well tonight!