This is our second summer to go to Florida with Jason's family for vacation. Last year his parents drove down with the kids and we flew down and met them a week later. This year we drove so Jason could take all of his water toys so we planned a day trip to Disney World before meeting everyone at the condo on the gulf.
We left around 5:30 on Friday morning and got to Orlando about 5:30 that night. The kids were super travelers and were ready to hit the hotel pool to get out some travel energy. After a little swimming, we ate at the pool cafe and the kids enjoyed a little more swimming before we called it a night to rest up for our fun day on Saturday. I didn't complain about a few glasses of prosecco poolside after a day of traveling!
We got up early Saturday morning and headed to Disney World!
I wasn't a huge fan of Disney movies as a child so we have never pushed the movies or characters on the kids. For this reason, we thought the kids would enjoy Animal Kingdom. I went to Animal Kingdom 17 years ago and loved it and I knew Jason would too!
My only memory of the park 17 years ago was the safari ride. We headed straight to it first thing and there was no line. It was the perfect time to go because all of the animals were out. Bryce loved it so much, we rode it again later in the day (thank you fast pass). The animals weren't out and about as much the second time, but it was still fun!
I knew for certain that Bryce would love this park because he loves animals just like Jason. When we found some animals to touch, the boys were in heaven.
We don't know many Disney characters, but we sure do know Doc McStuffins. I was so excited for Emmy to meet her. She was hesitant at first and would only go with me and then she got up the courage to go back and get a picture all by herself!
The iconic tree at Animal Kingdom. We did the Bugs Life movie inside, but the kids were not a fan. I had been warned that he 3D effects and other interactive things could be scary (and we prepared the kids), but it was still too much for them. I thought it was cute!
Bryce was excited to ride a roller coaster.
Emmy could live on soft pretzels. And what's better than one shaped like Mickey Mouse?!?
I couldn't convince anyone to get the Mickey ice cream on a stick. Jason would have, but he said it wasn't the same as the one from when he was a kid, ha! Our kids love ice cream sandwiches so they opted for the Mickey shaped ones instead.
We had a really great day exploring the park and then we headed to the beach!
