The family trip to Disney this year proved successful as always, even though the 'children' are now all adults! (We did have to get 2 rooms - the trundle bed just couldn't take another year of my 6' son!)
Despite our almost yearly visits we still managed to see, try, and eat new things as well as fit in all our traditional favourites. Disney is always changing with the times and we were excited to see what was new.
First up, renovations at our resort, including a down-sized check-in counter, new rooms (bigger beds, re-configured trundle bed - now on the wall 'cruise cabin' style), comforters, bathrooms, etc., and free Wi-fi (we were kind of disappointed in this addition since without it, the kids are 'forced' to be device-less for at least a few days! But we also realize this was probably a much-demanded service and they could only hold out for so long!).
I was personally very excited to see the hint of The Beast's Castle in the distance behind the construction walls. It's a little difficult to see in the photo but looks like a marvelous addition to the park. I believe it will hold a Beauty & the Beast themed restaurant. More exciting still is the much-anticipated Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster (you can watch an animated simulator at the Disney blog HERE). It looks like sooooo much fun - I cannot wait for the 2014 opening!!!!
This year we dined at the Grand Floridian for the first time and enjoyed it very much. As soon as we walked into the stunning resort my daughter said she wanted to stay there - maybe the wonderful band playing, complete with grand piano, influenced her???
It is a luxurious resort which I doubt we will ever stay in but looking around, shopping, and eating there was pretty good for now!
The dessert tray alone would bring me back! (That's a big ole' chocolate Mickey in the middle!)
Another highlight of the trip for me was my pig-whispering experience. We took the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch where there is a petting zoo filled with sheep, goats, donkeys...and a pig! He was a big fella far away from the fence with no children trying to coax him over. I felt kind of sad for him so I started calling 'here piggy, piggy' (as DH made oinky noises) and mr. pig slowly made his way over to me. I bent over the fence and started scratching behind his ears (very coarse & wirey!), the way I do to our Lab Sam, and mr. piggy started grunting and purring, obviously enjoying the attention! The next thing I know, he plops down while I'm still tickling him, grunting and goes to sleep! It was so funny and so cute! It made my day...and made me miss my dog! Disney always makes us feel like kids again and we still love going there! Riding the Tower of Terror is
always my favourite part of the day - that's me in the back row clinging onto the handles for dear life (that's not sweat on my shirt, just the shadow of the guy's head in front of me!). Awesome, awesome ride!
This giraffe was right beside us on the safari adventure - the photo is not zoomed! That was pretty incredible...and
the food at the Yak & Yeti is always the best, the mango pie was great I just didn't have enough room left to eat it! :(
Obviously, we'll be back to Disney for the new Mine Coaster...I just don't know if we'll be able to wait until then before another visit! We were all tired and blistered on the trip home - a sign of a great Disney trip - but the kids were already talking about the next time!
Wow! Looks like an amazing vacation. Makes me want to pack up my kiddos and go right now. Alas, my kiddos are still too little and short. Maybe next year.
Posted by: Carissa | July 16, 2012 at 08:53 AM