Disney Part II

We made it to Orlando and are ready to start our vacation. Even though we will be renting a car on site at Disney we opted to take the Disney Magical Express from the airport to our hotel to save us the trouble of handling our luggage. Back in Chicago I had misplaced 2 of the Magical Express tags so we need to claim our 2 car seats before heading to the bus check-in. Sounds easier than the Iveys can make it of course. We rode the elevator up & down then up again before we figured how to make it back to B to catch the Express, baggage claim was on side A. After 1 hr and 2 stops on the Magical Express we arrived at the Fort Wilderness Campground. There is a overwhelming feeling I get at the Walt Disney World. It's a mix of relief (that we made it) and excitement, but it's a great feeling! Unfortunately we had to travel with our winter coats as the weather was dipping into freezing this particular night but promising the rest of the week. Check-in went smooth and we settled into our cabin close to 10pm. Luckily I thought to pack PJs in a carry-on, as our luggage didn't join us until 11pm or so. If you've never been to the Fort Wilderness Cabins it is perfect for larger families. Consisting of 1 bedroom with bunks and queen bed, full kitchen and family room with murphy bed and couch, it works extremely well for us. Like always though, I get the raw end of the deal with sleeping arrangements. Grace likes mommy alot as may know so I get her, but then Mitchel needs darkness and quiet to sleep, so here we are in the bedroom, lights off, silence. Caroline on top bunk, Mitchell on bottom and Grace in bed with me sitting on edge, searching for movement from Mitchell and occasionally putting my hand up in a stop motion and saying "get back in bed". Luckily everyone was pretty tired by now so it wasn't long before I could put my head down as well. Big days lie ahead and I'm going to need some rest. 9:30 Breakfast reservations at Wilderness Lodge will be here before I know it.

I awake to Steve telling me it's 8:30 and I shoot out of bed thinking he missed the shuttle to get the rental car but he assures me it has already been done. Wat a nice guy! Heading to breakfast we are wearing our coats but 10 minutes later we don't need them. 60 and sunny in Orlando is way different than the same in Chicago. We eat breakfast at the Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge and the kids are so excited to have milkshakes to start their day. Grace joined a parade of galloping stick ponies and Mitchell's nut allergy lead to meeting the chef.

We spent the day at the Magic Kingdom and Steve referred to our hired helper from Kids Nite Out as an insurance policy. It was nice to not force Steven to go on rides he didn't like because we could have him do something else with our girl. She also came in handy when Mitchell had the runs and Steve had to search every store for pants only to end up with pajamas from the first store at the park entrance. Grace fell asleep in the stroller and we didn't need to wake her to go on a ride. It worked out well. The kids had a great time at Magic Kingdom on our first day. The t-cups were a big

hit and Steve took a video too, check it out on the youtube link. Steven traveled outside his comfort zone and onto Alladin's Carpet Ride but balked at the idea of Pirates of Caribbean. Baby Steps.

We ended the night at Epcot. Steven and Caroline thought they'd try the Kim Possible Missions and they loved it. The phone they give you to search for clues and complete the missions has a magical effect on certain items within the countries of World Showcase. Throughout the week they made instruments play, chimney on buildings smoke, beer steins open their lids and sing, train whistles blow, lanterns light up and many more. The missions they were given kept them interested in the countries and I think may have even learned a few new facts along the way.

Everyone was exhausted and ready to hit the hay when we returned to our cabin at night.