disney: day three

On our final day at Disney we woke up with a plan.  After the devastating way we missed Minnie yesterday she was our #1 priority.

We had breakfast at the hotel then hopped the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom to be there the minute the gates opened.  Turns out a lot of people had this same plan.  ha!  We were in a HOARD of folks pressing on the ropes to get the magic started.  Disney thinks of everything, of course, and had a show going to keep everyone entertained.  Once the park officially opened we made a beeline to town center where Minnie would be and were first in line to meet her.  Our plan worked like a charm and was SO worth it.

I mean, look at the face.  Dying.  #loveher

The crowds were still spread pretty thin after we saw Minnie so we were able to get right onto several rides.  First up was Dumbo the Flying Elephant!  Drew and Hadley tried to go on a second time, but the ride had a mechanical problem, so they got a "golden ticket" to FastPass any other ride later that day.  I had never heard of this before, but the golden ticket was seriously awesome.  Drew and I *may* have used it later to ride the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train without the kiddos.  #parentsoftheyear   

After Dumbo we went on The Little Mermaid ride which was really fun!  The kids loved it and there was ZERO line which is unheard of.  Honestly I think the lack of line made the ride even more enjoyable - ha!  

A couple months ago when we were planning our trip I chose a FastPass for Enchanting Tales with Belle because I heard that it can be really hard to get into, but then Drew and I decided to cancel it for a different character interaction since Asher and Hadley had never seen Beauty and the Beast.  When we got to my in-laws house it turns out that they have an old copy of the movie on VHS (yes, really) and the kids LOVED it.  They love the Beast and the songs - of course, who doesn't?  We swung by Enchanting Tales with Belle on the off chance that we could get in and - ta da! - we did!  It was pretty neat and Asher was chosen to play "Chip".  He has an excellent hop.  :-)  

Before our first FastPass we saw Minnie Mouse, went on 4 rides, and went through Enchanting Tales with Belle.  Disney magic at it's best!  After Belle we took a snack break and regrouped before cashing in our first Fast Pass to meet Rapunzel and Cinderella.  While planning our trip I read that the princesses are a great use of FastPass since they always have long lines and I'm glad we did it that way.  My kids love meeting the characters so these were a must-do for us!

Asher was so thoughtful while meeting the princesses and always introduced Hadley to them.  When we walked up to Cinderella he said, 

"Hi Cinderella, my name is Asher and this is my sister Hadley"

She was a little taken aback by his introduction but quickly recovered and replied, "Asher, it's so wonderful to meet you.  If Prince Charming had manners as nice as yours I never would have lost him that first night we met!"

BAHAHAHA.  Get it girl.  #sorrycharming #howisitthereunderthebus 

Asher was especially smitten with Cinderella and it was so stinkin' cute!

After meeting Rapunzel and Cinderella we had a lunch reservation at The Crystal Palace which was perfect timing since we were all hungry and it was getting HOT.  It's a buffet style character restaurant featuring Winnie the Pooh and friends which was great for us since it meant no waiting for food and it was a character meet-and-greet. Win-win!!

I wasn't expecting this, but the kids went completely BONKERS over Tigger!  Hadley grabbed his paws and started bouncing and wouldn't stop.  ha!  

Seeing them happy is the best thing!

Hadley seemed to have learned from her lack-of-nap yesterday and fell asleep right after lunch today.  I strolled her around while the others went on some rides.  After Hadley woke up our FastPass for Anna and Elsa was ready so we went to visit the famous duo.  The kids were completely star struck and because of that were acting super nervous.  It was adorable!  

The princesses are so great at their jobs - they talked to each of the kids for a couple minutes and really engaged them.  It can't be easy making small talk with children ALL DAY LONG so I really have to give them credit.  Nice work princesses.

My camera got put away for the rest of the day so I could really enjoy everything (does anyone else find it hard to capture the memories while also making them??) so I don't have picture proof, but we went on a lot of rides, had Dole Whips, and in general had a magical time.  Disney never disappoints and we can't wait to go back!  Until next time Mickey.  :-)