(click on any of the above photos to make larger)
Although this post is a bit late, we wanted to record our first adventure to Disney that took place Feb 5th-10th. Dad and Debra secured an AWESOME timeshare resort through Marriott and we had a blast. Lucky for us, Deb was great about recording our daily adventures and sent them to us so we could post on the blog. We truly had a great time and i'm sure the girls will never forget. So thanks Pappa Sonny and Deb for "hosting" us and for being far more organized than we were by documenting everything!
We arrived on Saturday. The girls were excellent during the flight and there were no hassles as we got our rental car and headed to the Marriott Grande Vista to check in. Once there, David and Sonny headed to the grocery store and Jill, Deb and the Girls, headed out to explore the resort. (Jill announced that she hadn't stayed a place that nice since her Honeymoon.) They didn't get far, as the girls decided it was pool time. They swam for about an hour and then we headed back to the condo for dinner and enjoyed homemade "meal in a pot" with french bread and a salad. We turned in pretty early as it has been a long day and we had a lot to look forward to at Disney.
Day One - Disney Hollywood Studio
Before venturing out to the parks, Abby and Emmy helped Papa Sonny cook breakfast. Abby cracked the eggs and Emmy buttered the toast. It was delicious!
First stop was the Beauty and the Beast show. This was our "main event" for the day as it's one of Emmy's and Abby's favorites. (Emmy wore her Belle dress most of the day and actually was asked for her autograph as she entered the Beauty and the Beast stage area.) Our next stop was the Little Mermaid, which was also a stage show. We all agreed that it was very good, just way too short. Lunch was at the Backlot Express (hotdogs, hamburgers, salads). (It was at about this time that Jill discovered that Emmy's shoes had been on the wrong feet for most of the day!
After lunch we watched the Pixar parade and enjoyed Mickey Mouse ice cream sandwiches as we waited. Next was the Muppet 3D Adventure. (Abby loved this show. She laughed and laughed and tried to reach out during the movie and touch everything). Next, we ventured over to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground, which Abby also loved. So much that Jill, Deb and Abby stole a few extra minutes to play, while David, Emmy and Sonny got a headstart on the stroll over to the The Great Movie Ride. Along the way, they scored a couple pair of Belle sunglasses that Emmy and Abby had eyed as we entered the park. The Great Movie Ride was one of David's favorites.
We'd had a full day at the park and it was Super Bowl Sunday, so it was back to the Condo to get ready for game time.
We also decided that eating lunch in the park was expensive. so Papa Sonny said he would sneak sandwiches in under his hat on his head. Abby thought this was funny!
We enjoyed dinner and the first half of the Super Bowl poolside on the giant screen, while David, Emmy and Abby swam.
Disney Day 2 - Animal Kingdom
The Kilimanjaro Safari was great! We saw giraffes, lions, birds, elephants! Everyone absolutely loved it! We hit the Pangini Walking Trail next where we saw fish, hippos and a Silverback gorilla who we all agreed was probably smarter than any of us. Next was the Lion King show - Wow! It was so full of color and fun! Abby loved the acrobats. After the show, everybody had to have ice cream! Anothert round of Mickey Mouse and frozen, chocolate bananas.
Next was a trip into the Tree of life and the show - "It's a Bug's Life." Abby laughed and Jill squealed when the termites ran under her seat. Emmy buried her head on Papa Sonny's shoulder when it got dark and the wasps came out. Abby said it was "The best day ever."
We watched Mickey's Safari Parade before we headed home. It was cute, but we didn't like it as much as the Pixar (Toy Story) Parade of the day before.
We enjoyed dinner Benihana Japanese Steak House. Before we left, Papa Sonny was fussed at by Emmy for starting the car before her dad was buckled in.
Disney Day 3 - Magic Kingdom
As we entered the Magic Kingdom, we spotted Cinderella's evil stepsisters "mingling" with the crowd. Emmy was fascinated, but declined to take a picture with them at that time. We were off to Cinderella's Castle for breakfast with the Princesses. We were greated by Cinderella as we entered the castle and we all posed for a picture with her. Then we headed upstairs for breakfast - we were hungry.
As we were seated at our table, one glance around the room told us that all the Princesses were there. It was exciting to see Aerial, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Belle, all in the same room. We just knew that Emmy would be so excited to see Belle. As we waited patiently for the Princesses to make their way to our table, breakfast was served. While the grown ups was offered a choice of breakfast, the girls were served eggs and french toast sticks with yummy syrup. Breakfast was tasty - so much so that Emmy actually "snubbed" Belle (ever so slightly) for the French Toast!
After breakfast we started our day in Fantasyland. Emmy had decided that she did want to visit with Cinderella's wicked step-sisters, so we were on the lookout for them.
It was cold and windy. (Papa Sonny had to buy a sweatshirt) The Kids rode Dumbo, the Carousel, It's a Small World, and The Mad Hatter Tea Cup. On our way over to Mickey's Philharmonic Magic show, we lucked out and ran smack dab into those step-sisters. David, Jill and the girls had a lot of fun chatting with them, and we took some great photos. Mickey's Philharmonic was great!
We'd had an early start and a full morning, so we went home so everyone could take a nap to be ready to head back to the Park that night for the Parade and fireworks show.
When we returned to the park later that night, Abby rode Space Mountain with her mom and Debra. It was her very first, big rollercoaster and she did great! David and Sonny took Emmy to ride Buzz Lightyear and the Transit Authority People Mover. Next, we all rode the Haunted Mansion, which was one of Abby's favorite rides. Afterward, the girls sat for their shadow picture.
We went to the castle hoping to see the parade. Unfortunately, there was no parade that night, but we did see a terrific lazer light show and fireworks, complete with Tinker Bell flying from the top of the Castle. Sonny and David went on an excursion to find dinner, and we ate in the dark as we watched the show. It was great!
Afterwards, we headed back to the condo! It had been a long day and late night, but the girls were wonderful!
Abby decided that "Papa Sonny is always on the move."
Disney Day 4 - Magic Kingdom Day 2
We started the day in Toon town with face painting. Abby picked the "wishes" pattern and Emmy picked "Snow White." They were adorable! After face painting, David. Jill and both girls rode the Barnstormer with Goofy. We all then loaded up and rode the Walt Disney Railroad over to Frontierland for lunch.
Lunch was at El Pirata Y El Perico in Adventureland. Jill and Debra were very excited about having a Burritto instead of a hamburger for lunch! After lunch, we ventured into the Pirates of the Carribbean ride. Abby thought it was Okay, but it scared little Emmy! (Jill said her heart was beating a mile a minute). Emmy declared that she didn't like that one very much. Jill, David and both girls rode Alladin's Magic Carpet ride. David was impressed with Jill's shopping skills at 50 feet in the air. (Jill had spotted cute sun dresses for Abby and Emmy in a little boutique.) After the ride we left Jill in the boutique to enjoy a few minutes of shopping while the rest of us ventured out on a mission - it was ice cream time for the Dykes family! When Jill joined us later, Emmy decided that she much preferred Jill's Ice Cream float to her ice cream choice and announced that they would simply "switch".
After ice cream, we were off to the Hall of Presidents, where we enjoyed a great presentation about, you guessed it, our Presidents! David did say that this was probably his favorite attraction at Disney! (He was also impressed that Abby had sat very still and quiet through the entire 22 minute presentation. She did say that it was "boring", but she knew that it was a grown up thing.) Right after, it was time for the 3:00 parade and we had prime, curb-side seats. Emmy was excited, as we were told that The Beast would make an appearance in the parade. The parade was fantastic! (The Beast was in the parade, but we only got to catch a glimpse, as he as on the wrong side of the float. Emmy didn't seem the least bit disappointed.)
After the parade, the girls sat for another shadow picture and then headed back over to Fantasyland for one more ride - The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Abby thought it was Okay, but Emmy really like it!
We headed home - what a great day!
David, Jill and The Girls went swimming when we returned to the Condo. It was an early night as we were all tired!
On Thursday, Jill took the girls over to the Maze zone for some playtime for their flight home and David packed. Abby and Emmy also painted some ceramic animals (Abby paited a giraffe and Emmy painted a lion). We met them later and posed for a family picture and then it was time to take them to the airport.
Sonny and Debra spent the rest of the day at Kennedy Space Center - it was terrific. However, the car and condo were so very quiet without the girls and they were definitely lonely. We had enjoyed such a great week and made some wonderful memories!
Day One - Disney Hollywood Studio
Before venturing out to the parks, Abby and Emmy helped Papa Sonny cook breakfast. Abby cracked the eggs and Emmy buttered the toast. It was delicious!
First stop was the Beauty and the Beast show. This was our "main event" for the day as it's one of Emmy's and Abby's favorites. (Emmy wore her Belle dress most of the day and actually was asked for her autograph as she entered the Beauty and the Beast stage area.) Our next stop was the Little Mermaid, which was also a stage show. We all agreed that it was very good, just way too short. Lunch was at the Backlot Express (hotdogs, hamburgers, salads). (It was at about this time that Jill discovered that Emmy's shoes had been on the wrong feet for most of the day!
After lunch we watched the Pixar parade and enjoyed Mickey Mouse ice cream sandwiches as we waited. Next was the Muppet 3D Adventure. (Abby loved this show. She laughed and laughed and tried to reach out during the movie and touch everything). Next, we ventured over to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground, which Abby also loved. So much that Jill, Deb and Abby stole a few extra minutes to play, while David, Emmy and Sonny got a headstart on the stroll over to the The Great Movie Ride. Along the way, they scored a couple pair of Belle sunglasses that Emmy and Abby had eyed as we entered the park. The Great Movie Ride was one of David's favorites.
We'd had a full day at the park and it was Super Bowl Sunday, so it was back to the Condo to get ready for game time.
We also decided that eating lunch in the park was expensive. so Papa Sonny said he would sneak sandwiches in under his hat on his head. Abby thought this was funny!
We enjoyed dinner and the first half of the Super Bowl poolside on the giant screen, while David, Emmy and Abby swam.
Disney Day 2 - Animal Kingdom
The Kilimanjaro Safari was great! We saw giraffes, lions, birds, elephants! Everyone absolutely loved it! We hit the Pangini Walking Trail next where we saw fish, hippos and a Silverback gorilla who we all agreed was probably smarter than any of us. Next was the Lion King show - Wow! It was so full of color and fun! Abby loved the acrobats. After the show, everybody had to have ice cream! Anothert round of Mickey Mouse and frozen, chocolate bananas.
Next was a trip into the Tree of life and the show - "It's a Bug's Life." Abby laughed and Jill squealed when the termites ran under her seat. Emmy buried her head on Papa Sonny's shoulder when it got dark and the wasps came out. Abby said it was "The best day ever."
We watched Mickey's Safari Parade before we headed home. It was cute, but we didn't like it as much as the Pixar (Toy Story) Parade of the day before.
We enjoyed dinner Benihana Japanese Steak House. Before we left, Papa Sonny was fussed at by Emmy for starting the car before her dad was buckled in.
Disney Day 3 - Magic Kingdom
As we entered the Magic Kingdom, we spotted Cinderella's evil stepsisters "mingling" with the crowd. Emmy was fascinated, but declined to take a picture with them at that time. We were off to Cinderella's Castle for breakfast with the Princesses. We were greated by Cinderella as we entered the castle and we all posed for a picture with her. Then we headed upstairs for breakfast - we were hungry.
As we were seated at our table, one glance around the room told us that all the Princesses were there. It was exciting to see Aerial, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Belle, all in the same room. We just knew that Emmy would be so excited to see Belle. As we waited patiently for the Princesses to make their way to our table, breakfast was served. While the grown ups was offered a choice of breakfast, the girls were served eggs and french toast sticks with yummy syrup. Breakfast was tasty - so much so that Emmy actually "snubbed" Belle (ever so slightly) for the French Toast!
After breakfast we started our day in Fantasyland. Emmy had decided that she did want to visit with Cinderella's wicked step-sisters, so we were on the lookout for them.
It was cold and windy. (Papa Sonny had to buy a sweatshirt) The Kids rode Dumbo, the Carousel, It's a Small World, and The Mad Hatter Tea Cup. On our way over to Mickey's Philharmonic Magic show, we lucked out and ran smack dab into those step-sisters. David, Jill and the girls had a lot of fun chatting with them, and we took some great photos. Mickey's Philharmonic was great!
We'd had an early start and a full morning, so we went home so everyone could take a nap to be ready to head back to the Park that night for the Parade and fireworks show.
When we returned to the park later that night, Abby rode Space Mountain with her mom and Debra. It was her very first, big rollercoaster and she did great! David and Sonny took Emmy to ride Buzz Lightyear and the Transit Authority People Mover. Next, we all rode the Haunted Mansion, which was one of Abby's favorite rides. Afterward, the girls sat for their shadow picture.
We went to the castle hoping to see the parade. Unfortunately, there was no parade that night, but we did see a terrific lazer light show and fireworks, complete with Tinker Bell flying from the top of the Castle. Sonny and David went on an excursion to find dinner, and we ate in the dark as we watched the show. It was great!
Afterwards, we headed back to the condo! It had been a long day and late night, but the girls were wonderful!
Abby decided that "Papa Sonny is always on the move."
Disney Day 4 - Magic Kingdom Day 2
We started the day in Toon town with face painting. Abby picked the "wishes" pattern and Emmy picked "Snow White." They were adorable! After face painting, David. Jill and both girls rode the Barnstormer with Goofy. We all then loaded up and rode the Walt Disney Railroad over to Frontierland for lunch.
Lunch was at El Pirata Y El Perico in Adventureland. Jill and Debra were very excited about having a Burritto instead of a hamburger for lunch! After lunch, we ventured into the Pirates of the Carribbean ride. Abby thought it was Okay, but it scared little Emmy! (Jill said her heart was beating a mile a minute). Emmy declared that she didn't like that one very much. Jill, David and both girls rode Alladin's Magic Carpet ride. David was impressed with Jill's shopping skills at 50 feet in the air. (Jill had spotted cute sun dresses for Abby and Emmy in a little boutique.) After the ride we left Jill in the boutique to enjoy a few minutes of shopping while the rest of us ventured out on a mission - it was ice cream time for the Dykes family! When Jill joined us later, Emmy decided that she much preferred Jill's Ice Cream float to her ice cream choice and announced that they would simply "switch".
After ice cream, we were off to the Hall of Presidents, where we enjoyed a great presentation about, you guessed it, our Presidents! David did say that this was probably his favorite attraction at Disney! (He was also impressed that Abby had sat very still and quiet through the entire 22 minute presentation. She did say that it was "boring", but she knew that it was a grown up thing.) Right after, it was time for the 3:00 parade and we had prime, curb-side seats. Emmy was excited, as we were told that The Beast would make an appearance in the parade. The parade was fantastic! (The Beast was in the parade, but we only got to catch a glimpse, as he as on the wrong side of the float. Emmy didn't seem the least bit disappointed.)
After the parade, the girls sat for another shadow picture and then headed back over to Fantasyland for one more ride - The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Abby thought it was Okay, but Emmy really like it!
We headed home - what a great day!
David, Jill and The Girls went swimming when we returned to the Condo. It was an early night as we were all tired!
On Thursday, Jill took the girls over to the Maze zone for some playtime for their flight home and David packed. Abby and Emmy also painted some ceramic animals (Abby paited a giraffe and Emmy painted a lion). We met them later and posed for a family picture and then it was time to take them to the airport.
Sonny and Debra spent the rest of the day at Kennedy Space Center - it was terrific. However, the car and condo were so very quiet without the girls and they were definitely lonely. We had enjoyed such a great week and made some wonderful memories!
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