For Faith's 8th Birthday we decided to take her to Disney World. We wanted her to get to experience it before she got too much older. We decided to leave Dayne with my sister for the week since he can't stand in lines yet and so we could just focus on Faith.
We flew to Orlando on Sunday evening and stayed at one of the airports hotels. The next morning we caught the Disney Shuttle from the airport and headed to Disney World. We stayed at the Port Orleans Resort on the Disney Property. When we got there they gave all of us pins to wear because we were celebrating Faith's Birthday. They wanted everyone to know it. We took these pics right outside our room in one of the courtyards.
We got the resort early Monday morning so that we could go enjoy one of the parks that same day. So we headed to The Animal Kingdom for the day.
Then we got to go see the Lion King live show. It was like the Broadway show...so cool.
Unfortunately the Dinosaur ride broke down when we were halfway through the line. Oh well, there's always next time. For dinner that night we went to the Disney Hollywood Studios theme park and had dinner at Hollywood and Vine. Then we went to stand in line for almost 2 hours to see the light and water show Fantasia. It was absolutely amazing....worth the wait and then some. We all loved it. We finally climbed in bed after midnight.The next morning we headed to the Magic Kingdom. Jason and dad had to go back to the hotel for a forgotten something or other so we got some autographs. Faith enjoyed getting her pictures made with each of the characters and getting their autographs.
It was so hot that day and they had a little water area where water shot out of the ground and from one lily pad to another. All of the kids could run through the water and play while the adults waited in line for Ariel's autograph. She was sooo beautiful and in perfect character. She asked Faith if she was going to have seaweed cake for her birthday, it was just precious.
After that we went to wait in line for the fairy autographs. It was a really long wait, but it was indoors and had a giant gift-shop. The fairies were from the Tinkerbell movies playing their parts perfectly as well.
Tink was absolutely delightful. She asked Faith where she was from and when Faith said, "Texas" she talked about how big that mainland was. And how difficult it was to fly over because it was so large.
After finally riding a couple of rides we headed to our dinner reservations. Obviously it was with Pooh and his pals. The characters came by the table and signed autographs and also led musical parades around the restaurant. It was a lot of fun. We then did a little shopping for the pens Faith began collecting while the some awesome fireworks were going off. Then it was time for the Disney Light Parade.
Tink was absolutely delightful. She asked Faith where she was from and when Faith said, "Texas" she talked about how big that mainland was. And how difficult it was to fly over because it was so large.
After finally riding a couple of rides we headed to our dinner reservations. Obviously it was with Pooh and his pals. The characters came by the table and signed autographs and also led musical parades around the restaurant. It was a lot of fun. We then did a little shopping for the pens Faith began collecting while the some awesome fireworks were going off. Then it was time for the Disney Light Parade.
We had a blast at the Magic Kingdom. Disney really knows how do to things right! It really is a magical place.
When we got back to the hotel that night, they had this waiting for Faith. It was a Birthday card with a discount for park pictures. And they folded the towels in a heart...she was so excited to see it.
On Wed. morning we decided to sleep in a little bit. After two days of constantly going and not getting to bed until after midnight we needed a little sleep. We had reservations for lunch with the princesses at Epcot. Belle was waiting on us when we walked in and they took professional pictures of us with her and then brought 5x7 and smaller copies of them to our table as a gift from Belle.
The Princesses then took turns coming to our table to sign autographs and take pictures with us. Mom asked Sleeping Beauty if Princess Charming was back at her castle and she said, "I hope not....that's Cinderella's husband." So cute.
My mom had to get her picture with Cinderella since she is her favorite princess.
The food there was wonderful. Faith loved her Mickey shaped raviolis. We all would have eaten there again if there wasn't a 3 month waiting list.
We then had a private autograph session with Mickey and Pluto for Disney Visa holders. The backdrop was so cute.
Then we waited in line forever to get some more autographs...it seems that is all we did that day, but not really. We rode some really cool rides there, but we did get to see only 1/2 the park. They closed at 8:00 that day.
Mom and Faith getting to ride the Up and Away ride. We waited for over 2 hours for this ride and it definitely was not worth it. That park is so neat though and was beautiful as the sun went down.
When the park closed we went back to the Disney Hollywood Studio park for after hours fun. We all took drawing lessons with some of the actual Disney artist. We drew Chip and Goofy. Then we all went to party in the kids room with dancing, balloon animals, and lots of different characters. There was a huge bubble machine spraying bubbles everywhere. The kids were having a blast.
Thursday morning we decided to enjoy our hotel pools. We had a lot of fun there and then enjoyed lunch in the hotel restruant. After that we headed off to the MGM park to ride some of their rides.
That night we had reservations at the Fort Wilderness Lodge. We decided to take the ferry over from The Magic Kingdom (we had ridden the Montarel over to the Magic Kingdom earlier). We accidently went to the wrong hotel and when we inquired about our destination Faith found some ducks to feed. Then a rabbit joined in the feeding so I got it on video. She thought that was fantastic.
The Wilderness Lodge was so neat. People take their RV's and stay there. It is right on the water and has a camp feel to it. While waiting for our reservation they had a little outdoor stand with some pins. The nice gentleman saw that we were celebrating Faith's Birthday so he let her pick any pin she wanted....so nice. We then enjoyed a nice buffet and Faith and Poppie played some video games. They had a neat playground outside so Jason took Faith out to play while we finished dinner. It was a nice relaxing meal. We then headed to the Disney Market Place to do a little shopping. We didn't get to shop long as the stores were getting ready to close. We returned to the hotel and began packing for the morning departure.
When we got back to the hotel that night, they had this waiting for Faith. It was a Birthday card with a discount for park pictures. And they folded the towels in a heart...she was so excited to see it.
On Wed. morning we decided to sleep in a little bit. After two days of constantly going and not getting to bed until after midnight we needed a little sleep. We had reservations for lunch with the princesses at Epcot. Belle was waiting on us when we walked in and they took professional pictures of us with her and then brought 5x7 and smaller copies of them to our table as a gift from Belle.
The food there was wonderful. Faith loved her Mickey shaped raviolis. We all would have eaten there again if there wasn't a 3 month waiting list.
Then we waited in line forever to get some more autographs...it seems that is all we did that day, but not really. We rode some really cool rides there, but we did get to see only 1/2 the park. They closed at 8:00 that day.
Mom and Faith getting to ride the Up and Away ride. We waited for over 2 hours for this ride and it definitely was not worth it. That park is so neat though and was beautiful as the sun went down.
When the park closed we went back to the Disney Hollywood Studio park for after hours fun. We all took drawing lessons with some of the actual Disney artist. We drew Chip and Goofy. Then we all went to party in the kids room with dancing, balloon animals, and lots of different characters. There was a huge bubble machine spraying bubbles everywhere. The kids were having a blast.
Thursday morning we decided to enjoy our hotel pools. We had a lot of fun there and then enjoyed lunch in the hotel restruant. After that we headed off to the MGM park to ride some of their rides.
That night we had reservations at the Fort Wilderness Lodge. We decided to take the ferry over from The Magic Kingdom (we had ridden the Montarel over to the Magic Kingdom earlier). We accidently went to the wrong hotel and when we inquired about our destination Faith found some ducks to feed. Then a rabbit joined in the feeding so I got it on video. She thought that was fantastic.
The Wilderness Lodge was so neat. People take their RV's and stay there. It is right on the water and has a camp feel to it. While waiting for our reservation they had a little outdoor stand with some pins. The nice gentleman saw that we were celebrating Faith's Birthday so he let her pick any pin she wanted....so nice. We then enjoyed a nice buffet and Faith and Poppie played some video games. They had a neat playground outside so Jason took Faith out to play while we finished dinner. It was a nice relaxing meal. We then headed to the Disney Market Place to do a little shopping. We didn't get to shop long as the stores were getting ready to close. We returned to the hotel and began packing for the morning departure.
The next morning we got ready to go home. I took off back to the Disney Market Place to finish up. Faith played in the arcade and everything was packed up and taken to the lobby for our shuttle was to come a little after noon. We were sad to say good-bye to the magic of Disney, but so ready to see Dayne. What a wonderful week of memories we made. We can't wait to go back and take Dayne with us.
Looks like SO much fun! Faith is absolutely gorgeous and happy birthday to that sweet girl! Miss y'all!
ReplyDeleteElla would be very jealous. I don't think I'll show her this!
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