There are several definitions of the word HOT which could appropriately describe Disney World, but I’m talkin’ weather here! Sure, having grown up on the East Coast Bill & I knew Florida is hot and humid in July, but when we got an invitation to spend a week having fun with our grandchildren in one of the Happiest Places on Earth, the weather concerns took a back seat!
Strapping Olive and Nikos into their seats for the first trip into Disney World . . . we’re so glad we were there for the experience.
We had a wonderful week in Orlando with Heather, Taki, Nikos and Olive. They traded into a timeshare that Bill and I had stayed in with Melanie, Vernie, Maile and Mason in January 2007. With its pirate-themed pool and water play area, it is a perfect place to stay with little kids.
4-month-old Olive napping poolside after her swim. Isn’t this the definition of VACATION?
During the week, we visited Downtown Disney as well as 3 of the theme parks: the Magic Kingdom (more than once), Animal Kingdom, and Epcot. In Downtown Disney we had a memorable dinner at the Rain Forest Café. Poor Nikos was very leery of the life-sized elephants that trumpeted loudly (and realistically. After all, this IS Disney) every 15 minutes or so. After the first couple of times, we realized we just had to angle his seat away from the elephants so he wouldn’t be so aware of them. By the time the volcano dessert arrived, those scary elephants were forgotten!
We had planned our Rain Forest reservations so that we wouldn’t miss the second attempt to launch Endeavor. The day before, we had been in position on the top floor at the timeshare when the launch was scrubbed. Luckily, Taki had his iPhone on the NASA website so we knew immediately when the countdown was halted. Sure enough, the 2nd attempt got postponed also, but as you can see, we had found a good viewing spot in Downtown Disney.
For the 3rd Endeavor launch attempt, we were in the Magic Kingdom. Some of the Disney ‘cast members’ told us where to go to get an unobstructed view. This time, there were no problems, and the shuttle took off and we saw it! I have to admit it almost brought tears to my eyes and it was hard to swallow for a few minutes. We were all speechless -- yes, even Heather and I –- immediately following the launch. Of course, that condition didn’t last long enough for Bill and Taki!
Here we are, minutes before the launch. Note the lack of crowds . . . most people were watching the parade on Main Street.
The Magic Kingdom was definitely a big hit with Nikos, which is why we kept returning to that park. Two of his favorite rides were Dumbo (which I don’t have any pictures of) and the Tomorrowland Speedway. Look at his head, barely showing above the top of the steering wheel. I’m sure he couldn’t see a thing!
Our visit to Animal Kingdom brought great memories. On the Kilimanjaro Safari we laughed about the crocodiles that we had suspected were ‘fake’ when we took this ride several years ago. The crocs weren’t in the same place this time, so we conceded that they must be real (though unmoving). Despite the heat, many of the other animals were moving around, some quite close to the vehicle as this giraffe demonstrates.
Epcot was next up. We made a beeline for The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Even Baby Olive was enthralled on this colorful ride.
Outside, Nikos enjoyed some time up close and personal with Nemo and Dorrie.
Most days, we took the tram from our van in the parking lot to the entrance of the park. The great thing about going to Disney World with a 2-year-old is, even the parking lot tram is fun experience!
And, one last photo from our trip. I captured Olive and Bill as they were patiently waiting for everyone else to get ready to go to the pool. I just love this shot.
No comments:
Post a Comment