I'm Going to Disney World!

I returned to work last week, but only for two days because months ago Chris and I booked a vacation to Disney World that just happened to begin as the government shutdown ended.  Let me say that again - I'm going to Disney World!!!!  

After booking our trip, the Disney travel company sent Chris and I a customized booklet describing the resort at which we would stay, the different parks, and our dining options.  Then, about a month before our departure date, we received a second booklet containing all of our flight information, details about the shuttle that would pick us up at the airport, and our luggage tags.  Disney really knows how to make you feel special about spending heaps of money at their theme parks and resorts.

Your Story: The Sias Family Vacation

Luggage Tags - so that our bags went directly
from the plane to our hotel room.

After weeks of waiting, our departure day finally arrived.  Chris and I arrived at the airport before 6:00 a.m. for an early morning flight.  Given the time of day and the small size of the airport, I did not expect any problems making our first flight.  I did not, however, plan for Chris' luggage to be too tall to carry on the plane and a lengthy line at the desk for checking luggage.  Apparently, the combination of (1) a team of college golf players with multiple large bags of golf clubs and (2) a lady with numerous over-sized suitcases and two cat crates will literally halt operations.  In the end, Chris and I made our flight, but not withouts some serious doubts while we stood in a line that moved very little for at least 20 minutes.     

Airport drama aside, our first day of vacation was awesome!  Chris and I started our vacation by relaxing on the beach at our resort, which was steps from our room.  It was a nice, calm prelude to four days at theme parks.

The view of the beach from our room.

On our patio, looking at the beach.

On the beach; our room faces the beach and is on the first floor
of the building behind Chris.

Our first evening in Disney World, we ate dinner at a restaurant in our resort that also features visits with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto.  It was so much fun to meet the original Disney characters.

Getting Minnie's autograph.

Goofy between us and behind us.

It's hard to hold a pen when you wear oversized gloves.

Chris' favorite - Donald.

Pluto: one of the rare animals who doesn't act like a person.

Feeling ambitious and excited about being at Disney World, Chris and I couldn't resist walking over to the Magic Kingdom after dinner, even if it was already 10:00 p.m.  Because of the time, we were able to ride iconic rides like the teacups, dumbo, and it's a small world without any lines.  It was awesome!

I really LOVED the teacups, even if Chris didn't.

Chris and Dumbo.

The castle at night.

Our first evening at the Magic Kingdom was also our first exposure to the large amount of crying that takes place at Disney World.  Disney World is touted as the happiest place on earth, and there are certainly a lot of smiles, laughter, and excitement throughout the parks.  Disney World, however, can also be a very exhausting place, especially for young children with short attention spans who are also used to a daily routine.  The result is lots of crying children.  During our first night at the Magic Kingdom, Chris and I witnessed one mother forcing her young, crying son onto the Dumbo ride and then dragging him through a water fountain as he repeatedly stated that he wanted to go home.  Let the magical memories begin for that family!    

After a late night on our first day, day two at Disney world started with sleeping in and a late workout at the gym. I decided to work out with Chris because I had eaten a big dinner the night before while meeting Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. I chose an elliptical machine and set the resistance higher than I would normally select, again motivated by the big dinner the night before. What seemed like 30 harmless minutes on an elliptical machine resulted in very sore calf muscles for the rest of the trip.  Big mistake!

After a slow morning at the resort on day two of our vacation, Chris and I spent a few more hours at the Magic Kingdom. Highlights from day two include Splash Mountain and Space Mountain.  On Splash Mountain, I discovered that Chris fully immerses himself in the roller coaster experience while I tend to brace myself for the worst (we're sitting in the last row in the picture below).

Hanging out with Walt, Mickey, and the castle.

Space Mountain is located in this strange looking white building.  Don't let the strange building fool you - Space Mountain is a super fun roller coaster in the dark!

For dinner on day two, Chris and I dressed up and ate at the California Grill, a restaurant located on the top floor of our resort.  The California Grill features delicious food, views of the Magic Kingdom, and a sophisticated decor (a welcome respite from the theme park scenery). Chris was looking especially sharp in his bowtie.

Just before dessert at the California Grill, the Magic Kingdom fireworks went off.  It made for a great ending to a great day.