I don't even know why I put exclamation marks with that statement. I'm depressed. Someone fly me back to Disney World. The trip was everything I thought it would be and then some! I can't believe it's over.
Maybe it was the amount of time and planning that went in to it that made it that much more special. Or maybe it was that it was the first time we went as a family. Either way, it was truly magical! I can't wait to go back when the boys get older.
I took 1,000 photos. Exactly 1,000. Plus we purchased and used PhotoPass (which I highly recommend). The easiest way to blog about this and share my experiences at each park, restaurant, and resort is to break it down daily. So, here we go!
We had an 8:30am flight out of Detroit last Wednesday morning direct to Orlando. The boys were so pumped when we woke them up to go! They took cups of dry cereal and yogurt in the car and my parents met us at my house since it's closer to the airport. Off we went!
The flight was relatively smooth (my definition of smooth and yours might be something completely different). The boys stayed entertained and quiet. They are pros at flying!
We found our way to Disney's Magical Express transportation to the resort easily. A quick train ride in the airport and we were there! We waited a few minutes to board the bus and Evan was asleep in my arms as the bus pulled away from the airport. The movie that played on the ride had us all excited and Sean enjoyed the "Old Fashioned Mickey" cartoons they played too.
We arrived to the airport around 11:00am and by 12:30pm we were at our resort, Old Key West! The best part was not having to wait for our luggage at baggage claim. Magical Express took care of that for us. Our room wasn't ready, so we had packed our bathing suits and sunscreen in our carry-ons. We grabbed our first Quick Service lunch at Good's To Go and hit the pool!
We quickly learned that QS at our resort was pretty low-key on the rules. Our meal plan includes one drink, one meal, and one dessert. They were willing to trade the drink and dessert for sides like fresh fruit, yogurt, fries, small salads, etc. Besides, they give you the refillable mug to use the fountain drinks as your drink. Why would you need another?
The pool was amazing! Sean AND Evan loved the waterslide. I can't believe Evan was brave enough to go down it by himself. I'm glad we brought our Puddle Jumpers even though the pool had life jackets. The boys are so comfortable swimming in the PJ's that it made things easier.
This was considered the main pool and the Hospitality House. They had a Quick Service counter, a restaurant (Olivia's), a gift shop, the lobby and check-in desk, shuffleboard, tennis courts, a sand area, an arcade, hammocks, and a ferry that takes guests to Downtown Disney.
By 4:00pm our room was ready. The boys watched more Mickey cartoons in the lobby as we got our paperwork and a huge golf cart drove us to our room. Our room ended up being a 10 minute walk to this area, but our room also had a smaller pool and a bus stop by it so it was a good spot.
We rented DVC points through David's Vacation Rentals. We chose a two-bedroom villa as it gave us lots of space and a full kitchen/washer and dryer. Both of those came in handy! My parents took the master bedroom with a king bed and the beautiful bathroom that had both a shower and a jetted tub. Our bedroom had two full size beds and a bathroom with a bathtub/shower combo. We had a balcony that overlooked a part of the golf course, the Hospitality House, and a smaller pool to the left.
After changing clothes and putting our grocery order away from Strollers and Groceries, we went out to catch the bus to Downtown Disney for our T-Rex dinner reservation! I wish we had more time to stroll though DTD. There was so much to see and do! The kids fell asleep in the stroller after we arrived and walked to T-Rex.
It actually worked out that they were sleeping. We were able to keep the stroller with us in the restaurant instead of having to park it outside. Makes things easier with a diaper bag and other things stored inside of it. Sean woke up early into dinner and was in awe. He loved it! We walked around half the time we waited for our dinner just looking at all the different rooms. Evan slept and when he woke up...he was not a happy camper. He was petrified (as we thought he'd be). We had to take turns taking him outside. Poor guy...
I can't speak for everyone, but my dinner was delicious! I had a NY Strip Steak, some red skin mashed potatoes, and a vegetable medley. Perfection! And the dessert was sooo cool! Four slices of yummy chocolate cake with ice cream and it even had dry ice. A neat dinner experience minus Evan's meltdown.
Sean was in luck with the Lego Store being right next door. So, we spent the next hour at the Lego Store and the World of Disney! We could have spent longer easily, but we knew we needed to get on the ferry to go back with a long day ahead of us tomorrow.
Evan picked out Buzz Lightyear Mickey Ears and a giant sucker that he's been waiting for! Sean picked out a Lego set with working trucks and 311 pieces...fun! We strolled over to the ferry pick-up spot and admired all the different stores and restaurants along the way.
The ferry ride back was relaxing. Evan had an ice cream that Grandpa bought him (sucker...) and they were both anxious to see if Tinkerbell came and left them something. The deal was simple: if they behave during the day, TInkerbell would leave them something at night. We can't fault Evan for being afraid of T-Rex, so they both got a bag (The Little Mermaid bathtub toys and Mickey water bottles)!
And then it was lights out. With visions of Magic Kingdom and Cinderella's Castle in their heads...
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