Monday found us waking bright and early, excited to begin our Christmas Disney vacation with a trip to one of our favourite parks. I knew the day held something special that I had dreamed about for more than 10 years!
We ate at the Pop Century food court, picked up the stroller and scooter and were soon on our way. There’s nothing better than starting your day with Nana cuddles!
Epcot is close to our resort so we were there in time for rope drop. We made our way to security and to the gate. Unfortunately Nana’s MagicBand decided to act up a bit but in the end it was a very good thing and worth the short 30 min delay. The first gal who attempted to help offered us an additional ‘anytime’ FP+ reservation which we greatly appreciated. Unfortunately she was unable to fix the problem so they sent us to Guest Services. It took them an additional 20 mins or so and tier 3 was working on it when they gave her a plastic ticket to use for the day and ensurred they would get her MB working. The best part though was that the gal at GS offered us 3 more ‘anytime’ FP+ reservations and put them on our bands for Tuesday when we were going to be in the Magic Kingdom. Bonus!!
We made our way into the park and since we no longer needed to visit Test Track early (we’d use our FP for it later in the day), we rode Spaceship Earth first. A bit of a delay in the ride when it stopped in a darker spot which challenged Hannah a bit but hugs from mommy and reassurance from Nana and Papa and she was all set!
Our first FP of the day was for Soarin which is one of our favourite rides! We were excited to ride it before it closed for an extended refurbishment as they change the movie to ‘Soarin’ Around the World’ and upgrade the screens and projection system. We rode The Land and then The Nemo Ride.
My girl in one of her beautiful Christmas dresses. What a treat to be wearing summer clothes in December!
One of the many beautiful topiaries ready for the chilly (not) weather!
Lunch was next at another one of our favourite locations, The Coral Reef Restaurant. Behind us is a beautiful aquarium and as we dined we watched schools of fish, sharks and sea turtles swim by!
Cute little sea turtle dessert.
Up next – Test Track!! Hannah’s favourite ride! It’s been a long time since we’ve ridden it in the daylight so it was neat to do so this trip.
By now it was later in the afternoon and time to head to the Candlelight Processional. I saw this with Rebecca 10 years earlier and knew that it was something Sharon would love and have dreamt ever since of enjoying it together! Today that would happen! The Candlelight Processional is performed 3 times each day during the Christmas season and includes a mass choir, full orchestra, coronation trumpets and guest narrator who ready Luke 2. Our guest narrator was Merideth Vierra.
After listening to the amazing Candlelight Processional Hannah coloured a Duffy the Bear. She’d waited patiently all day to do this and took such care.
It was a beautiful evening and we found time to take some pictures at the Italy pavillion. An added bonus is that we were right next to the Candlelight Processional and got to hear some of it a second time.
She danced like nobody was watching. My sweet girl in action.
The first park day of our special Christmas trip was absolutely perfect! We were excited to have 2 more park days in front of us!
And, as per normal this is how Hannah ended her day.
It was wonderful watching Hannah dance, she was so happy, you could just feel it.I am so thankful that God brought her to you, perfect match !!! You sure can see the love both of you have for one another, God bless you both. I miss following others post, but they arent out there like they use to be.
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