Disney Day #1

Today was a wonderful day, despite all the rain that we were not about to let ruin our vacation. After breakfast in our room, we hopped a shuttle bus to the monorail station and opted to take the ferry to Magic Kingdom. The kids enjoyed the short boat ride across the lake.

The first thing we did when we arrived was hop in line to meet some princesses. Evie was able to meet Cinderella, Belle and Aurora and was thrilled! She got their autographs and snapped a couple pictures with them to go in her book. Afterward we met Pluto and Pinnochio outside before deciding we were ready to ride some rides.

We took a train ride around the park first. But our first real ride at the Magic Kingdom was Thunder Mountain. Chase, Mamaw, Ryan, Evie and I all took in the experience while Papaw pushed Liam around in the stroller. We were amazed at how quickly the lines were moving. We didn't have to wait long at all. While we were worried about if Evie would like the roller coaster, she loved a it and told us it was awesome. She also thought the same about Splash Mountain, as you can tell from her face in the pictures.

We had lunch in Frontierville, and the food was not too shabby. Ryan got his have...a giant turkey leg. The kids had sandwiches and I had a taco salad. So much for continuing to Game On! at Disney...I've decided that's completely impossible.

After lunch we headed to Fantasyland to get in some more fun. We rode the Small World ride, one that everyone could enjoy.

We went to watch the parade, which was scheduled to come through at 3pm, but it was delayed due to the rain. It started pouring down at one point, and I stood in the rain to hold our spot while everyone holed up inside a Christmas Disney shop. Hey...I wanted my kids to have front row seats, but I was one of the only idiots out there. Papaw ran across the walk and bought Evie an umbrella so she could wait a little with me too. I even took my tennis shoes off at one point and stole Chase's flip flops so I wouldn't completely soak my shoes. And then of course, the parade was cancelled, but they still have a "Rainy Day Cavalcade" come through so we could have a little fun. The kids loved it.

Next we went back to Fantasyland because the kids wanted to ride the Dumbo ride, but as soon as we got in line they shut it sown because there was lightning in the area and they had to shut down the outside rides for at leas 20 minutes. We decided to watch a 3D at Mickey's Philharmagic show, and Liam thought that was pretty cool. He kept the glasses on for most of the show; my glasses, so I really couldn't see anything. But I had my own fun with him on my lap, just laughing every time he jumped at something coming toward him. I was starting to realize that there was plenty for Liam to enjoy here too!

When we came out of the show, the rides we up again and the kids got their chance. Liam had so much fun in his Dumbo seat with mom, Chase with Mamaw and Evie with Daddy. Liam cried when the ride was over because he didn't want to get off. And when we had to get off the carousel next, he literally screamed bloody murder. He just didn't want all the fun to stop! We rode the tea cups next, But Mamaw and Papaw opted to sit out from the dizzying ride.

Next it was off to Adventureland. We watched the hilarious Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor show. The show is interactive and even one of Evie's got used to her credit when Daddy texted it to their number before the show. I am sure everyone's heard it before: "Why is 6 afraid of 7?"..."Because 7, 8, 9". Ha ha ha! Evie thought that was amazing and she felt very special. Everyone really enjoyed that one. Next, Chase, Evie, Mamaw and Daddy went to ride the Stitch Show and Liam and Mommy rode the People Mover. He loved the ride but refused to sit on Mommy's lap. I swear that is the most independent child I have ever known!

Chase finally got his chance to ride Space Mountain with Mamaw and Daddy, while the rest of us rode the Toy Story ride. We then headed to meet Tinkerbell and Vidia, ride the Magic Carpet Ride, and then the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. All we pretty tired at this point, so Mamaw and Papaw were pretty darn tired, so they headed back to the hotel while the Graham Fam stayed to watched the night time firework show at Cinderella's Castle. Then it was time to hop the monorail and shuttle bus back the the resort for some sleepy day. We still have 3 more days of magic to look forward to...

While I wish I had time to post ALL our pictures to this blog, you'll simply have to settle for visiting our Shutterfly share page: GrahamFamFamilyPictures!