Fortunately, after day one, our drama quota for the vacation was filled and everything went just swimmingly. We were amazed at how easily we were able to ride all of the rides multiple times--the longest wait we had at the Disney parks was 45 minutes for the brand new, just opened that day Star Tours ride--everything else was 20 minutes at the longest, and usually closer to five minutes or we were able to walk directly on.
Tuesday, we made our way back to the Magic Kingdom and hit the rest of the rides--my personal and perennial favorite being Splash Mountain. If I could change just one thing about Magic Kingdom, I would add just one or two more "thrill" rides. I know the park is geared toward kids, and I still LOVE LOVE LOVE the magical feeling there, but it would be nice to have a couple more exciting rides to do to fill the day. Especially when the lines are so short and with the advent of Fast Pass. The other highlights were Pirates of the Carribbean and The Haunted Mansion, always incredibly nostalgic and nicely update over the years. That night we enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Yacht Club to celebrate my parents' 30th Anniversary--way to go guys! Feel free to keep celebrating and inviting us along!
Wednesday we headed to Wizarding World of Harry Potter--but I'll save that for its own post because it was just too amazing to squeeze in here. Thursday, we hit up Hollywood Studios and spent most of our time checked into the Hollywood Tower of Terror going up and down, up and down! Favorite ride ever!
Did someone say wine?
My sister and I were happy to discover that not only is Disney the Happiest Place on Earth, but they also can make some damn good drinks! Pina coladas at the Polynesian, margaritas in Mexico, wine in France, and a mimosa for me daquiri for her at the Prime Time cafe, just to name a few of our indulgences. Disney is great, but it is miles better with a slight buzz.
Our last day in Disney, we finally made ourselves over to Epcot where we hit most of the "science" rides before heading over to my favorite part, the world showcase. Mission to Mars was new since I had been in 2008, and was a fun spaceship simulation. Unfortunately, the ride for Soarin' was over an hour long, and given our line expectations of maaaaaaybe having to wait 30 minutes, we just weren't convinced to wait that long. Some day! After Epcot, my parents went back to the hotel for happy hour while my sister and I embarked on a tour of all the parks, heading back to Animal Kingdom for 3 goes on Expedition Everest, and Hollywood Studios for just a few more moments at the Hollywood Tower! We wrapped things up with our traditional ice cream on Main Street, overlooking Cinderella's Castle during the Electric Light Parade.
There's nothing more magical than the combination of full fat ice cream, hot fudge, and LED lights!
I absolutely LOVE the electrical parade. That really brings me back to being 8 years old, sitting cross legged on the floor and staring in wonder at all the bright lights. I LOVE DISNEY!!!!!
I haven't been to Disneyworld since I was 12-nearly 17 years ago! My husband and I plan to take our daughter there when she's a bit older. I am itching to go.....
Posted by: Solange | June 01, 2011 at 06:02 PM
i seriously adore all the funny face pictures, the best! and love the ratatouille picture, too cute.
Posted by: katelin | June 02, 2011 at 01:03 AM
Wow, I would not know the first thing to do at Disney--it all looks so fun. And the Ratatouille platter is so cute!
Posted by: Kate P | June 02, 2011 at 04:47 AM
That looks so much fun, I have driven past disney world but never been. Sadness! But I'm taking my nieces to disneyland in a few weeks and I'm so excited! But there is one question that is bugging me because I'm crazy and obsessive! What do you do with your camera when you ride the rides?Oye I dont want to wear a fanny pack. It's so uncool and too much like my mother.
Posted by: Brittany E. | June 02, 2011 at 06:55 AM
Wow that looks like so much fun and such an adorable cheese plate! I haven't been to Disney in so long, I might have to add that to the travel list!
Posted by: Jessica | June 03, 2011 at 03:51 AM
Star Tours is my favorite ride. Can I call it a ride? It's more like a little movie. Whatever, it's my favorite. Disneyland's was still closed when we were down there last year, so we are definitely going to have to get back there for that reason alone.
Posted by: Heidi | June 04, 2011 at 09:25 PM