While most people were out shopping the day after Thanksgiving, we were on our way to DISNEY for a long awaited, much deserved trip to the Magic Kingdom with our girl! This trip had been more than a year in the making and she had an entire entourage following her all the way to central Florida just to watch her experience the magic first hand! Nonie, Poppie, Grammy, G-Daddy, Aunt Kelly, Uncle Michael, cousin Wyatt, Mommy and Daddy had all been looking forward to this day for a very long time.
This trip was so much more than just an expensive adventure to an amusement park. Here's a little history....
Two years ago when I was placed on the transplant list, Kyndall started asking us when she could make her first trip to Disney. We explained to her that until I received my call, we were not allowed to travel, not to mention the fact that I did not have the physical stamina to withstand a trip like that. She patiently waited, all the while watching as many of her closest friends made their first trip to the most magical place on earth. My heart broke for her and my mommy guilt made me feel like I was robbing her of one of the greatest experiences of childhood. She never whined or begged or made us feel bad about something that was out of our control. Matthew and I vowed to her that as soon as this ordeal was behind us, we would make her long awaited wish come true. On September 15th as I was driving her to ballet class, I received my long awaited call. As I turned the car around I calmly explained to her what was going on, just hoping not to upset her. I told her that it was time and that I would be saying goodbye shortly. Her response was not at all what I expected. She looked at me with bright eyes and a big smile, threw her hands in the air as if she'd just had a revelation and boldly exclaimed....."Mommy....yo
Finally on our way!
I'm not sure who was more excited! Growing up in Tallahassee, my parents made sure we went to Disney just about every year. However, it had been several years since my last trip and this time it was so much different seeing it through the eyes of my own child. I think every parent looks forward to this right of passage with their kids and I was so excited that our time had come.
Since we were already in Tallahassee for Thanksgiving, our drive down to Orlando was super short and really easy. We stopped in Gainesville for lunch and my family surprised me with birthday gifts a few days early.
Kyndall kept asking us how she would know when we were almost there. We told her to look for this sign. When she saw it she nearly came out of her seat!
I worked with a FABULOUS Disney vacation planner who lives right here in Jackson. I hereby declare that Alison Weaver of Kingdom Concierge will plan every Disney trip for as long as I'm alive because she is just amazing. I told her what we wanted, how much we could spend and what was most important to me and she did it ALL. Literally, even down to renting my stroller and getting Matthew a ride to the airport on the day he left.
The Art of Animation resort came highly recommended so I told her to make our reservations there, in a little Mermaid suite.
Waiting patiently in the lobby of the "ho-tail" as we checked in
Like I said, I didn't even have to take my own stroller--Alison had one waiting for me when we checked in!
Our park passes didn't start until Saturday so we spent Friday afternoon and evening exploring our resort as well as Downtown Disney which is now known as Disney Springs. (But I will always call it Downtown Disney!)
If you've been to Disney in the past few years you know exactly what these are. Magic bands! They are pretty much your lifeline while at Disney. They're your room key, your park tickets, your meal plans, your credit card, your fast passes, etc. Everything is done through these bands, along with the My Disney Experience App. At first I hated it because I am such a paper and pencil kind of girl but as the weekend went on I learned to love it and realized how much easier it made my life!
Last minute check list before leaving the room for the evening. If you plan to do Disney with a baby or toddler, you might as well plan to bring a pack mule. Mercy, I had forgotten all you need for a baby!
I had my own pack mule who graciously carried this girly backpack all weekend long, complete with a hot pink brush stuck in the side pocket. This screams GOOD DADDY to me!
I wish we could have stayed longer in order to enjoy the amazing perks of our resort. You could probably spend several days just hanging out by the super fun pools. Unfortunately we didn't have time on this trip. Next time!
Monogram love! This was totally a coincidence!
My husband is so weird sometimes
Our hotel was fantastic!! So much to see!
This is what Florida in December looks like!
On the bus to Downtown Disney
She found this gigantic Olaf in one of the shops, which I quickly said NO to
We had dinner at Planet Hollywood
After dinner we just walked around and enjoyed all of the entertainment. Being so close to Christmas, there was a lot going on.
The Lego Store
Kyndall bought Wyatt a special Mickey Mouse "lovey" from the Disney store and gave it to him
Jessica and I were in the same college group at church many moons ago when we both lived in Tallahassee. She now lives in Orlando so I couldn't pass up a chance to see her while I was in town. She and her husband Tim met up with us at Downtown Disney and we were able to catch up on life for a bit! It was so good to see her!
While Jessica and I sat and talked, Kyndall had a blast dancing to the live music and running back and forth under the water that Stitch was spitting from one of the buildings.....
It wasn't long before we called it a night. Saturday morning would come VERY early (catching the bus at 6:00 a.m. Jackson time!) and we had two full days ahead to rest up for. Honestly, this is when I started getting nervous and wondering if I was going to be the leader that I had planned on being or if I was going to be the weakest link. Not only am I not a morning person, I also still require a good bit of rest even on normal days. How in the world was I going to survive 16 hours on my feet in the park leading 10 people around?? The next day would be a true test of my will and of my physical stamina.
Our room was great! I loved all of the details, even down to the little opaque bubbles on the bed sheets!
Even the inside of the shower was impressive, but then again....it's Disney! Of course it's going to impress!
Too excited to sleep!!
Uncle Michael and Aunt Kelly bought her the most perfect autograph book and pen to use the next day. She was so excited to meet all her favorite characters and especially the princesses!
Outfit for Day 1 in the Magic Kingdom! The shirt was done by my friend Jennifer Crosby and the bow was a gift from our friend Teresa.
I think it was midnight before I got in the bed and my alarm was set for 5:30 a.m.!
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