Disney World (again!)

Last week, the kids, Aunt Rachel, grandma, grandpa and myself traveled to Disney World. We stayed at the Dolphin hotel this time, and the kids really loved the lobby fountain. Every morning they would run to the fountain to say good morning to the dolphins ("Mr. Dolphin" as Olivia called them). *Warning...this is going to be a LONG post!*

We started our trip with a bang. We walked to Epcot and instantly ran into Donald Duck with basically no line waiting for a picture.

The kids posing with J. Worthington Foulfellow (the fox from Pinocchio that tricks Pinocchio onto the carriage that takes him to Pleasure Island). We saw a few very random characters on this trip!

The kids with Stitch from "Lilo and Stitch".

Outside the Living Seas with the seagulls from Finding Nemo in the background. These gulls caw "mine mine" repeatedly, which Ethan absolutely loves. Inside the building are some cute rides. We went to the "Turtle Talk with Crush" interactive show, and Olivia was selected to ask Crush a question (much to her delight and Ethan's jealousy!). For those who are wondering, the question was "do you have to leave the EAC to find food?" Ethan had been desperate to ask him "do turtles eat bananas and grapes?"

We were at Epcot during the Flower and Garden Expo. There were dozens of gorgeous topiaries throughout the park during our visit.

I finally remembered to take a picture of us in front of the "big Epcot ball". Olivia is showing her mask that she made in the Mexico pavilion.

The kids running through a water fountain at the end of a long travel day. The weather was gorgeous during our stay -highs in the upper 80s with no humidity, and full sun, so the water was refreshing!

While leaving Epcot we came across the Queen of Hearts standing literally by herself. We had our best luck with characters in Epcot (all near the World Showcase entrance). In the Magic Kingdom the lines were just way to long to take many character pictures.

Yet another random character - Max (Goofy's son). The kids had no idea who he was, but were still excited since he is a character.

The kids and I in front of Cinderella's Castle!

Olivia participated in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on this trip. It is a salon for girls age 3 and up, where you can have hair, make up, and nails done, and select a Princess outfit to purchase and wear around the park. It was a bit surreal to see 15 little girls sitting in thrones transforming into Princesses. I'm not sure that I would have Olivia do it again (it took a loooong time as well), but she was very happy to be transformed into Jasmine. Here she is having Pixie Dust (glitter) sprinkled on her.

The big reveal - Jasmine! Notice her regal pose.

Jasmine taking a magic carpet ride.

Of all the characters we have met, either on this trip or our previous one in October, I must say that this Jasmine and Aladdin pair were the best! It took three tries before we were able to actually meet them (I was determined since Olivia was dressed in her Jasmine outfit!). The characters chatted with both of the kids for several minutes and were appropriately excited to see Olivia dressed as Jasmine. Ethan and Aladdin had a very long talk about who only knows what, but Ethan did NOT want to leave Aladdin!

Will the real Jasmine please step forward?

A great group photo.

Pool break! Here is Olivia and grandpa swimming under the Dolphin hotel's waterfall.

Once again we ate at Morocco in Epcot - good food and fun entertainment. Olivia loved the belly dancing once again, but Ethan again refused to dance.

The kids with an Aladdin topiary.

And, once again, leaving Epcot we scored a picture with Minnie Mouse with less than a minute wait!

Now for the real reason all of us went on our Disney vacation. My dad was awarded the American Geriatric Society's National Physician of the Year Award. Here he is giving his excellent speech. Congratulations Dad! We are so so so proud of you, and know that you truly do deserve this award.

Hollywood Studios day! Here we are in front of the Sorcerer's Hat.

Olivia and Aunt Rachel posing in front of the Tower of Terror. Any fear that Olivia has for rides is gone. On this trip she and Aunt Rachel were "riding buddies" and went on Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Soarin', and Tower of Terror. The only roller coasters that Olivia did not do was Splash Mountain (because no one wanted to get wet) and Rockn' Roller Coaster because she was not quite tall enough. Olivia's favorite was Space Mountain, and she said that she will never again go on Tower of Terror!

Posing with Lightning McQueen and Mater.

Ethan and grandpa "Singin' in the Rain".

The kids were able to meet Mike Wizowski (sp?) from Monsters Inc. on this trip. There was a person in the costume, but the arms were controlled from within. The kids were so shocked when the arms started twirling in circles!

The kids playing in the Dolphin's fountain.

One night the kids, Aunt Rachel, and myself rented a surry bike for a ride around the Boardwalk. The kids had a lot of fun ringing the bell and calling out to people as we rode around the lagoon.

Back to the Magic Kingdom on our last day! Here is Ethan with grandma on the Carousel.

Both Olivia and Ethan discovered that they are not the future king of England.

Once again preparing to eat at Cinderella's Royal Table in the Castle.

The kids with Snow White in the Castle.

The kids with Sleeping Beauty in the Castle.

The kids with Belle in the Castle. Between our two Disney trips, she was the worst character we have encountered. I think she literally spent 30 seconds with the kids, and when Olivia attempted to talk with Belle about Gaston, she cut Olivia off!

The kids with Ariel.

And, finally, Happy Birthday to Ethan! He turned 3 during our vacation, and we surprised him with a cake during our Cinderella's Castle lunch. The waiter and family sang Happy Birthday to him (much to his delight) and we all enjoyed the cake. Happy Birthday Big Man! I hope it was magical!