Truly Magic Kingdom

Our first day at Disney World was spent at Magic Kingdom.  It was an early morning for the kids, but we wanted to make sure we made use of every minute we had.  Our approach to Magic Kingdom.  What do you think of the socially distanced cars in the parking lot too?  

I have always wanted to see the Christmas decorations at Magic Kingdom.  It's such a magical place and seeing it dressed up for Christmas was really a dream come true for me.  I've been so depressed with the new covid reality, that it felt nice to just escape to somewhere where magic happens.  The tree was beautiful.  The wreaths were so festive.  The castle was just gorgeous like always.  I was so happy we were there!  How can you not smile as you walk down Main Street?

Our crew all ready for a great vacation!

There were almost no crowds that early and we were able to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain two or three times right away.  We learned a few very important tips on those first rides, Daxton doesn't like roller coasters, and Daxton doesn't like getting wet.  He did not like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at all!  We had hoped that maybe we just jumped right into the thrill rides too soon and he'd warm up to the idea.  At least that was the plan...more on that later!  

When the big kids went again, Daxton opted for another ride on Splash Mountain instead of the crazy roller coaster.  He really liked the characters we passed and the songs piping through the speakers.  Once he knew what to expect from the big waterfall drop it wasn't too bad, and we got him to go again!  Luckily my mom had packed all sorts of layering gear and we were able to hide kids under jackets and blankets to keep us relatively dry.

Daxton needed a break from all the rides and we sat down to eat a snack while we watched for our crew to make the drop down Splash Mountain.  While we waited we were surprised with a Christmas character cavalcade starring Mickey and Minnie Mouse!  Yea!  Disney isn't doing any traditional character meet ups, so this was perfect to be able to see Mickey so early in the day.  

Cambrie had her heart set on a Dole Whip treat while we were there.  Since we were there in Frontierland, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to snag one.  Who says you can't have ice-cream before 10:00am?  

Everyone enjoying a quick snack break while we watched another cavalcade roll by.  

This one had the toy soldiers and Santa Claus!  Since there was no Breakfast with Santa this year, this was the kids' best opportunity to see the big man this Christmas season.  

We worked our way to Adventureland and went on Pirates of the Caribbean, and walked through The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse before declaring it was time for lunch.  

By random coincidence, it turned out that the Whitehead family was also vacation at Disney World this season, and happened to be at Magic Kingdom the same day we were!  We met them in Fantasyland to say hello.  It was so crazy seeing the whole crew there, when we normally would be spending time with them in South Jordan.  

A little carousel magic while still hanging out in Fantasyland.

The boys were convinced they could pull this sword out of the stone.  McKenzie tried so hard she cramped her arms!

You may have noticed our masks in all of our pictures so far.  There are a couple changes in Disney World because of covid.  First and most importantly, everyone has to wear a mask all the time.  The only exception is when you are sitting down and eating.  That doesn't mean snacking in line.  You actually have to be off to the side away from others while you eat.  Our lunches made me laugh.  Jeremy and I hauled lunches in our backpacks all day (yes, I definitely need a back massage now), and when we pulled everything out it felt like we were being super sneaky as we ate.  We used my mom's blankets and mats as little tables, and totally rocked the brown sack lunch routine.  Fast pass is also a thing of the past.  There is only one line, and it is long and spread out to allow for social distancing.  On many rides the line seemed intimidating because it stretched soo far along the pathway.  However, it meant that most of our time was spent walking and moving instead of standing in one spot for too long.  I didn't mind that too much.  It also meant that a lot of the rides had exaggerated wait times.  Disney was only operating at 35% capacity, so there were reduced crowds, and the lines were never really that bad.  Once we finally got to the loading area for the rides, they keep parties separated as much as possible.  That meant we never had to share our log, or rail car, or coaster car, we had it to ourselves.  I liked it.  I thought that the changes were a small price to pay for the privilege of actually being there.

The rest of the day became a blur of rides.  We went to Tomorrowland and drove some cars around the track.  Even though the littles couldn't reach the pedals, they could still steer.  Not very well mind you! There was a lot of crashing against the side rails. 

Then we treated ourselves to some more ice-cream magic.  Look how happy this kid is to get a treat in the middle of the day.  

And a couple rare and magic pictures without our masks!

Daxton wasn't tall enough for Space Mountain, which he was not sad about at all.  But the other kids benefitted from his size.  The child switch pass is magical.  While the big kids waited for Space Mountain (the longest wait of the entire day), Daxton and I went and shot blasters with Buzz Lightyear, and rode the Astro Orbiter.  I enjoyed spending some one on one time with this little guy.

The big kids popped out of Space Mountain and then, because of the child swap, I took a couple of them right to the front of the line for a second ride.  Kelton cannot get enough of the roller coasters!  He loves them!

One of the hit rides is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.  Jeremy hung out in that line saving our place while my mom and I took the kids on Casey's Barnstormer coaster.  By now it was pretty obvious that Daxton did not like roller coasters, but I was hoping a kid-sized one would be ok.  It wasn't.  But that's okay because the rest of us had fun!  

The Seven Dwarfs train was amazing.  It was smooth and just fun.  Nothing too intense.  I wish that we could ride that one over and over again. 

By now it was starting to get dark.  We didn't think we'd stick around all the way until 10:00, but it was looking more and more likely because there still things we wanted to do...and the lines were getting shorter.  We rode on Haunted Mansion a couple more times, and worked our way back to Frontierland for Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain.  The park looked pretty magical lit up at night, and Jeremy was pretty lucky to get a picture of the park from the aerial view from Splash Mountain.  

Enjoying the evening.

Unfortunately our magical day had to end.  We walked towards Cinderella's castle and saw the awesome projections on the castle.  Every 15 minutes or so they would light off a few fireworks and change up the projection.  We simply sat down in front of the castle, pulled out some snacks, and enjoyed the evening.  We sat there through three projection changes and enjoyed every one.

We were rebels and took off our masks for this iconic photo.  Shh...don't tell!

Walking down Main Street on our way out for the night was bittersweet.  It was a great day, and the lights glowing on the shops were so beautiful, but we were leaving.  

The boys really wanted a Mickey balloon.  I really wanted to buy one for them.  But we have learned from experience that we simply cannot fit the balloons on the airplane...so sad.  

Farewell Magic Kingdom!  One day down, and three to go!

Secret Florida trip & Cocoa Beach

Partially because of covid crazies, partially because we just wanted to surprise the kids, Jeremy and I secretly planned a trip to Disney World!  It was so hard for me to keep my mouth shut for the weeks leading up to the trip, but I knew I had to try.  The kids packed their suitcases for Utah, and loaded into the car the first day of Christmas break expecting to be in South Jordan at the end of the travel day.  Unknown to them, I secretly switched out all their winter clothes in their suitcases for warmer Florida gear.  I convinced them to pack their travel backpacks lightly, you know, for all of those Christmas gifts, and we started driving.  As we drove towards the airport I kept expecting a kid to mention that we were driving the wrong way.  Where were the questions about driving to the airport instead of to Utah?  When we were just minutes away, Jeremy and I actually had to bring it up with the kids.  "Hey, I'm too tired to drive all the way to Utah.  Why don't we fly to Disney World instead?"  The kids, not daring to believe anything yet started paying attention to our conversation.  "Ya, let's do that instead."  Now they started getting hopeful, "Wait, Disney World?  Right now?"  "Yup!"  "Really, like right now?" "Yup!"  "We're going to Disney World right now?!"  "Yup!  Here we are at the airport.  Grab you stuff and let's go hop on a plane."  Their reactions were everything that I had been hoping for.  They were all completely surprised and so excited.  It made those weeks of sneaky planning totally worth it.  

The flight was pretty quick and uneventful.  Before we knew it, we were in Orlando.  Luckily my mom was able to join us for our trip, and she booked some fabulous accomodations for us to use.  The girls totally enjoying their room.

The first day we went to the beach to adapt to Florida time and enjoy some sand.  We drove out to Cocoa Beach and spent the whole day playing in the waves.  Jeremy picked up some boogie boards and sand buckets for the kids to play with, and it was perfect.   

Jumping in the waves.  

Playing the sand.  

Burying bodies!  

The poor boys were still trapped under the sand when Jeremy had the idea to bait their area with bread and have the seagulls come swooping in.  I was too nervous to let him go all in, but even this little bit was funny.  

I'm rather impressed by the kids' attempt to bury Jeremy.  

Kenzie's turn.  

Kelton was determined to build a sand castle that would be strong enough to fight off the waves.  Luckily for him the tide was going out and not coming in.  Daxton was content playing with all the sand and buckets.  (I can't believe I never took a final picture of their creation.  It was so big!)  

We did (barely) manage to get a picture of one of the resident turtles walking through the dunes.  Cambrie loved that.  

It was fun to watch the kids jumping and playing in the waves.  The boogie boards were a huge hit.  There was quite the riptide though and at one point the lifeguard swam out to rescue Jeremy and Cambrie!  They didn't feel in danger, but they were definitely caught and moving swiftly downshore.  

Cambrie and Jeremy tried skim boarding too.  The board had a sharp edge that kept catching on the sand and throwing them down hard.  Both of them came away with serious sand rashes.  

My mom and I played and basically just enjoyed watching all the fun.  It threatened to rain while we were there, and we were very relieved when we weren't hit with a single drop.  The clouds made some beautiful views though.  

I loved this so much!  Just watching my kids play and being outside was perfect!

  We needed to make sure we didn't track any sand into the rental car, which meant cold showers for the boys at the parking lot.  Poor sand covered freezing boys!