The Pariseaus: Florida 2013: 3

We did it. We went to the Magic Kingdom. We weren't sure we should, given the boys' complete and total terror around mascots/characters, but decided that no first trip to Orlando could be complete without this important visit. And it was: GREAT! We watched around corners for characters and avoided them well, went on all the rides we had hoped to ride, were nearly 100% tantrum free, and left just as the rain started. It was an absolutely successful day at Disney. (Warning: waaaaay too many photos coming up...)

We nearly got ran over by a high school marching band from New Hampshire, but they looked so cute and excited! Ok, Drew's a little nervous, but Evan sure is excited!

Characters... Pluto came out of nowhere and was gone before Evan had a chance to react, so that worked out ok. Crews were filming some kind of show on part of the lawn outside the castle, and the boys were intrigued that it/they might be on Disney Jr., but not intrigued enough to go closer. We watched for a moment then left for more adventure.

Nothing's more adventurous than Buzz's ride and battling the Evil Emperor Zurg! Evan love love loved shooting the bad guys, and was completely taken with seeing himself on tv afterwards. I think the bars are intended to keep kids out, but these two skinny boys popped right in jail with Zurg ("Daddy, is he a statue? Oh, then it's ok!") for a quick photo.

"Gwampa, wook!" (As I steal your hat yet again...)

There is just one moon and one golden sun...

I adore how Drew rode the rides - always hanging on tightly to someone. There were only two rides that he didn't like, which were admittedly pretty dark and scary/trippy, but the rest he absorbed with the widest eyes I've ever seen.

Real race cars? Yes, please!!

At some point in here we got smart and downloaded the free Disney Wait Times app, so we could see where the lines were longest and what made the most sense to get a FastPass for. An excellent tool!

Time for a quick 'nannie' to refuel

while we ask, "Where to next, Grandpa?"

He finally succumbed. Deep sleep. 2 full hours... in the middle of the Magic Kingdom. He was in good company - while the big boys waited for the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, Grandma and I parked the stroller in the shade and relaxed... with a mass of other parents and strollers containing sleeping youngsters! No matter their language or background, it was universally nap time at Disney.

The only attraction Evan clamored to do twice - climb the treehouse.

Jungle Safari - I'm not sure he blinked the whole time. Disney does a great job making everything look so real, Evan wasn't completely sure the alligators weren't going to chomp a hole in our boat.

"...on a magic carpet ride... a whole new world!"

Evan "drove" our carpet, taking us up as high as we could possibly go.

Drew's awake now, so... photo op!

While Drew removes his shoes

yet again (his favorite pastime),

Evan yells, "Daddy, let's GO! The pigeon

is going to sit on your head next!"

If I squeeze Donald's beak, will he quack?

Nope.

"Drew, are you tired? I'll carry you."

(So sweet!)

"Drew, you have to hold hands here.

There's lots of people and you don't want to get lost.

But don't worry, I've got you."

(melt)

Time for the Mickey show! They were completely mesmerized by the lights and music, (they were good and far away on stage) and Evan remembered the message: 'Your wish can come true.'

His favorite characters? The mean witch and Captain Hook and Smee. Of course.