We just got back from another amazing
Disney World vacation. (as much as I like talking about my Disney trips, I wish I was saying "One more day until Disney!") This trip was magical and special just like our trips in previous years but I was lucky enough to have some extra pixie dust sprinkled on me during our stay this time! We stayed at the gorgeous
Animal Kingdom Lodge and had a beautiful room overlooking the Savanna.
Since it was my birthday & my youngest daughter's birthday we had a special treat waiting for us when we arrived to our room..YUM!
The Fall is a fabulous time to visit Disney World. It was a little hot our first few days but by the end of the week the days had a nice breeze and the evenings were cool and relaxing! And then there's
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party! So much fun and a "must do" if you are visiting in late September and the month of October! The Magic Kingdom closes at 7pm and park goers that purchased tickets for this evening full of tricks & treats are given wrist bands to stay in the Park until midnight. There's trick or treating, ( you have never seen so much candy!) character Meet & Greets, fireworks, and the parade..oh the parade! Disney Villians, the Haunted Mansion crew, Pooh Bear and the Gang, and so much more, it is truly a sight to see! Cinderella's Castle even gets in on the fun! Check out the Castle below and the special Halloween effects!
So, of course we had to dress up for this very special party and what could be a better way to prepare than a trip to the
Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique. The BBBoutique in Magic Kingdom is just behind the Castle and there you will find your fairy Godmother awaiting to take care of all your princess needs! From Snow White to the newest Disney Princess Rapunzel, they have everything you need to make a little girls fairy tale come true. My two Princesses chose Rapunzel and Tiana..the look on their faces when they got to see themselves made up as their favorite Princess, well, it was truly priceless. I'm getting teary all over again just thinking about it!
We had lunch at
Cinderella's Royal Table earlier in the day so we wouldn't ruin the make-up or outfits ( their idea, not mine. girly girls.. what can I say!) Truly a one of a kind experience, Cinderella's Royal Table is what every little girl ( and Mommies too) dreams of. Before you are even seated the magic starts with a greeting and picture with Cinderella! ( all photos are included in the meal price) Once upstairs Snow White, Ariel, Princess Aurora, and Belle stop by a visit each and every guest with hugs and smiles!
One of the highlights of this trip was attending the second annual
Disney Mom's Panel Meet Up. I can't tell you how thrilled I was to get the chance to meet all of the amazing Moms (and Dads too) that make up this Panel. I have been to Disney World so many times that I know the Parks and Resorts inside and out...but these ladies and gents... well, they have the scoop on EVERYTHING...Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Disney Cruises, Run Disney, you name it, they know it, and are happy to share it! Held at the Odyssey in Epcot, the Hall was transformed into sea of sparkling pink trees & pixie dust. Delicious food, Face painting ( and arm painting as well!) balloons, ( we even got to meet that ever elusive Daisy Duck) and best of all connecting and meeting this terrific group of Moms & Dads. It felt like hanging out with family, they are warm and friendly and have such an enthusiasm and excitement for all things Disney, you can't help but love the whole entire bunch!
The last day of our vacation began with a Sunrise Safari. The Sunrise Safari is a tour experienced offered only to guests staying on Club Level at AKL, It does cost extra but it is well worth every penny! We left bright and early from Animal Kingdom Lodge ( be sure to have something to eat in your room beforehand since the tour starts prior to the breakfast hours at the Kilimanjaro Club) and were taken over to
Animal Kingdom Park for a behind the scenes Kilimanjaro Safari tour. To be up close to these beautiful exotic animals...what an unbelievable experience. We witnessed giraffes in full sprint enjoying the cool weather, mama and baby Elephant lounging by the water hole, warthogs ( Hello Pumbaa!), and so much more. Breathtaking, awesome, magnificent...those words do not even begin to describe our morning. The tour ended with a fabulous breakfast buffet at Pizzafari . The food was delicious and the staff was very accommodating. Our tour guide stayed and dined with the group and answered the many questions my little ones had for her about all of the animals. One of the BEST experiences of the many we have been able to take part in. We ended our day with dinner at
Sanaa. ( and what a way to end a vacation!) African cuisine with Indian flavors, the food is as beautiful as it is delicious which is no surprise since "Sanaa" means artwork in Swahili. I can't wait to go back again and enjoy more of Sanaa's fabulous menu..and we will be going back again..soon! ( February to be exact since I will be running the
Disney Princess Half Marathon! )
I have been asked many times why I keep going back to Disney World time and time again. I hear " Don't you want to do something new?" My answer is always the same: Each time we go to Disney World it IS something new. There is so much to see, and experience that it is never the same vacation twice. Whether it's a new Resort, a tour, parades, parties, a new restaurant, character experience,..each time is special and different. There is a comfort for me in going to Disney World, I know that anything is possible there and all of the cast members go out of there way to make it so! When I walk down Main Street at Magic Kingdom I am genuinely moved..you see..I get to be a little girl again and experience magic and make believe for myself and with my children. I am a Princess and a Pirate with them and I get to feel their joy! Is there anything that is more precious? So when you are greeted at Disney World with a "Welcome Home"...it absolutely feels that way because the memories made there are forever part of the "home" in your heart... and as they say.."There's No Place Like Home"...especially when it's Disney!
