We flew into Tampa super early in the morning (5:45 flight) which was even earlier considering I only got an hour and a half of sleep prior. At our connector in Atlanta we ran into some family friends, the Bohms. It was crazy that happened because three years ago we ran into them at an airport and ended up having the same flight as them. I got so happy driving into Walt Disney World. It reminded me of Easter vacations every year from the time I was 1 to 10 years old staying at Fort Wilderness (Disney's campground). I was like a little kid in a candy store once we got there. I must have taken a million pictures (realistically, 50ish) of everything. I wanted to buy every tourist souvenir in the gift shop. But then I realized that Disney is expensive. That was the reason we weren't staying there all week. I faired with a Minnie Mouse coffee to-go mug and two postcards to add to my collection (the only thing I collect religiously). My mom & I laid by the pool and swam for about 2 hours then got ready to go to Downtown Disney. We met up with Karen, my moms BFF from high school/maid of honor and her son Andrew, they live in Florida. It was great to see them reunited after almost 10 years without getting together. We ate at Rainforest Cafe and strolled through Downtown Disney. Let me add, Legoland is impressive. We also met up with my moms cousins Ralph & Trudy and chit-chatted again, they were on vacation, too.
Monday
Epcot!! Since Disney theme parks are super expensive ($74/day to be exact) we decided to only do one. I had a hard time picking.. Magic Kingdom is Disney's trademark quip with Cinderella's Castle, the Spinning Teacup ride & all of the characters walking around the park to take pictures with and get autographs. But that seemed a bit too childish from what I could remember. Animal Kingdom is practically a zoo with some rides thrown in. I wasn't quite in the mood for Hollywood Studios & Universal Studios since most their attractions are shows not rides. So, I decided Epcot would be the one! We spent half the day in Futureworld riding the rides. The later of the day we spent in The World Showcase, where 11 countries are represented around a lagoon. Each country has its own area with a small village allowing guests to experience authentic stores and restaurants (the architecture is accurate, too!). We ate dinner in Morocco, had dessert in France, a pretzel in Germany and Sangria.. somewhere.
Tuesday
It made me sad to think we were leaving Disney this day. All I could think about was how I probably wouldn't be back until my kids were young. I stopped and did some souvenir shopping in the gift shop for my men back home (Dad, Chris, Jesse). Hopefully one day I can come back with my kids and enjoy all the theme parks again. I remember when I was younger I'd have the official Disney autograph book and pen and get all the characters at the theme parks to sign my book. We'd stay at the Disney campground where Chip & Dale would walk around greeting the campers. My parents spent a week in Florida before a cruise on their honeymoon and went to Disney for a few days then. Maybe I'll come back then since waiting until my kids are a few years old will be quite some time. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that Jesse has never been to Walt Disney World. Here is a boy that goes on vacation at least twice a year, whether that be Florida or a cruise. He's been on about 10 cruises, if not more! Why hasn't he gone to Disney? He thought I was ridiculous talking about how much I love Disney when I called him while I was there. He thinks it overrated and stupid. I think he's wrong. But he's like that. He thinks everything is overrated. But you'll never catch him saying that about anything he's done before, only things that he hasn't done. I think he's jealous. Bonita Springs/Last half of my week to come (soon!)
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