Disney 2013, Day 7 (Part 1): Magic Kingdom

Thursday morning our family of 6 were up bright and early heading to the Magic Kingdom (MK) in time for the opening show.  When you’re at Disney this really is worth going to at least once.  What a wonderful way to start the day!
We were able to leisurely stroll and visit many attractions while the park was waking up and not as many people were there.  Hannah was one of the people chosen by the camera in the ‘Laugh Floor’ attraction and did well making a silly face once she got over her stage fright.   We enjoyed the Buzz Lightyear ride and then Tor, Josh and I rode Space Mountain. 
Tomorrowland Speedway was our first FP+ reservation of the day and it was a huge hit as always.  Anytime a 4yo gets to drive her Mommy around there is sure to be much laughter!  (Hannah often coloured in her autograph album but this time as you can see she took it further and coloured her entire hand green.   Zoinks!  Thankfully it washed off easily.)

After the speedway we went our separate ways for a bit.  Hannah and I headed over to the Crystal Palace to meet Auntie Norma and her family who are also at Disney this week.  (For those new to the blog, Norma was in China with me when Hannah and I became a family.)
Hannah is friends with Norma’s grandchildren too so it was fun for all of them to enjoy lunch together while the adults sat at the table next door.
At the Crystal Palace the kids were visited by Winnie the Pooh
Tigger
Eeyore
and Piglet.
It was great to see you Norma and family! 
Kaitlyn and Hannah watching the show in front of the castle.
We spent much of this afternoon meeting characters although did slip in a  ride on Splash Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Tinkerbell
Vidia
Aladdin and Jasmine
Beautiful girl in a beautiful setting!
Mommy and Hannah in front of the castle.
Hannah and I left the park and were off to meet Nana and the others for supper.  More about that in our next post.

Disney 2013, Day 6: Epcot

Wednesday we shared a great day together at Epcot!  The day began dining with the princesses in Norway.  My princess was dressed for the occasion – gown, gloves (aka ‘glubs’), purse and tiara.  We just changed up her glass slippers for princess Crocs for comfort. 

Belle greeted us in her formal gown.

While we dined we were visited by Snow White,

Aurora,

Cinderella and

Ariel.

Hannah also enjoyed the Princess Parade holding her favourite princess’ hand.

We visited a few pavilions in Mexico, Norway, China and Germany and then bumped into a street of characters greeting friends.  How fun as there was hardly anybody there!

Mr. Smee

Tigger

Chip and Dale

and Rafiki.  The ones Hannah was a little more timid about she asked Mommy to join her.  So cute!

At this point some of our FastPasses were ready so we made our way back to the front of the park.  We went on the new Test Track and it was great!!  I thought this was so sweet.  Josh and Hannah are enjoying getting to know one another better.

Hannah scanning her MagicBand that would pull up the car she and I created earlier in the line.   One of the many things MagicBands are now used for.  Neat!

‘Hey Josh!  This is fun isn’t it?!!’  LOL!  Our family plus some random guy.

My princess enjoying an ice cream treat on our way to one of Mommy’s favourite rides, Soarin’!!

Walking with Tor Tor.

Lunch was at the Coral Reef then we enjoyed the Finding Nemo ride and visiting with Bruce while we waited to watch Turtle Talk with Crush. 

Hannah is my outgoing girl and always puts her hand up to be chosen for things.  On this day Victoria and I had been laughing about past experiences at this show and teased that Hannah should ask about where bubbles come from.  Well…I guess Little Miss was listening because this is what happened during the show.  Heh….she’s totally oblivious!

After riding Spaceship Earth before it closes for refurbishment, it was time for a group picture for the day and then our group split in to two. 

Nana, Tor and Josh headed home while Hannah, Daniel and I strolled back to the lake to find seats for Illuminations.  What a treat it was that it was not nearly as busy as the night before was and we easily snagged front row seats to enjoy the show.  I’ll be honest and say that Hannah wasn’t too impressed with having to watch another fireworks show but after some squawking and then enjoying the first couple of minutes of the show, this was what happened.  I love that when my girl is tired she just goes to sleep.  You can imagine how loud this was!  That’s my girl!

I was very thankful to have Daniel’s help with Hannah when it was time to head back to our resort. 

I have picked up sleeping Hannah, folded the stroller and loaded us plus our backpack on to the but but I tell you, the extra hands were very welcome!!  Thanks Daniel!

Another great day!  Tomorrow, back to Magic Kingdom!

Disney 2013, Day 5: Magic Kingdom

Tuesday, Aug 20, 2013.  Hannah and I decided to start our day a little more slowly today while Nana, Josh, Tor and Daniel headed to the Magic Kingdom earlier.  We’re enjoying this trip where we have time together as a family of 6 and other times when Nana and her crew tour together and we share Mommy and Hannah time.  Truly it’s the best of both worlds for all of us!!

Hannah and I hopped into the pool for a morning swim.  A great way to beat some of the Florida heat.  (This pic shows the difference between our room that we keep really cool and the outside.  The camera fogged up which is a daily occurrence.)

Prepared for the day.  Love her creative necklace of stickers.  it soon became a necklace for our mister fan and is a cute way to decorate it.

Later in the morning we boarded our bus and headed to the Magic Kingdom.  Staying cool while waiting to board the bus.

The park was surprisingly busy this day and combined with the heat and humidity, almost did me in.  Hannah on the other hand was a trooper and when my energy waned she picked me up.  We shared a great time together!

Chasing bubbles after we exited the new Voyage of the Little Mermaid ride.

Riding Dumbo – a classic.

At one point we bumped into Nana and the kids and took time to share a snack together.

After an amazing steak supper at Kona Cafe we all headed back to the MK together.  We took time to visit Mickey when we first arrived.

Josh

Daniel

Hannah

LOL!!!  Nana’s kissing Mickey!!  Love this!

Once we left Mickey it was time to stake out our spots for the Main Street Electrical Parade, The Castle Show and Wishes.  Hannah and I stock up on glow sticks before our Disney trips and she has such fun making and sharing glow sticks with other children waiting for the parade.  This time Joshua was able to help too.  This video was taken almost an hour before the parade was to begin so you can guess how many people were there by 9pm!

Here Hannah was holding up her Cinderella purse for Cinderella to see when she went by.  4 is such an awesome age!!

Snuggle time for Nana and Josh

Another wonderful day together!  We are having the very best time!!