Sunday, August 31, 2025

Disney World: Magic Kingdom Part 2

We headed back to the park in the evening.  Parker probably would have been ok staying in the pool, but we wanted to make sure he was included. Esme got a chance to drive at the Speedway.
Back on the Tea Cups for another spin.
We found some Disney Bounding Doppelgängers and I forced them to take a picture!
The whole family rode Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
We took an AC break in the Hall of Presidents and couldn't pass up a Jimmy and Jimmy shot.  We shared a churro on the way to Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
This was Esme's favorite ride of the whole trip!
Parker was ready to head back at this point and got a Mickey balloon on the way out.
The 3 of us continued on in our adventures with Pirates of the Caribbean.
Folks were already waiting in spots for the fireworks show, but we wanted to make the most of the day.
The Little Mermaid ride was so cute, but we got stuck on it for a little bit which made Esme nervous.  It did eventually continue and we made it out.
A beignet to sweeten the palate.
We somehow convinced Esme to go on Space Mountain.  She can be a little scared of bigger roller coasters, but I hoped she would like it and she did!  I love her expression in this picture!
I had one more thing I wanted to see before the night was up and we stopped for a few fun pictures along the way.
The Beast's Castle
Rapunzel's Tower was my target and we got some great nighttime pictures.
Just about this time the fireworks started so we stayed put and enjoyed the show.
Esme started freestyle dancing to the music and it instantly became a core memory for me.  We could have easily spent another day or two in Magic Kingdom, but Epcot awaits!

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Disney World: Magic Kingdom Part 1

It was a typical steamy hot day in Florida as we headed out to Magic Kingdom. We weren't sure how the day was going to go so we drove and parked at the transportation center.
We got through security and hopped on the Monorail to the park!
Esme took a picture of the four of us after scanning our tickets in.
They had a bunch of photographers waiting on Mainstreet USA to get that iconic castle picture.  This was our "Disney Bounding" day.  That's when you wear an outfit inspired by a Disney character.
Nana/Mom/Janet: Gramma Tala from Moana
Jimmy: Flounder from The Little Mermaid
Esme: Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog
Parker: Goofy
Lesa: Princess Ariel from The Little Mermaid
They do a bunch of fun ones with magic added in later.
We headed towards Tomorrowland and started the day with a ride on Astro Orbiter.  Then off to Fantasyland and the Barnstormer.
At this point we split off.  Nana and Esme rode a bunch of Fantasyland rides like Dumbo and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Parker, Jimmy, and myself headed over to TRON!  Parker did a great job waiting in line and loved watching the huge fans.  
He was a little apprehensive, but seemed to really enjoy it!
Next we were back to Tomorrowland for The Speedway.
Iconic Tea Cups.
Back to the Dumbo ride with the whole family and a heat beating slushie for Esme.
Jimmy and I got a pineapple Mickey cookie at Disneyland and Jimmy's been talking about it ever since, so we had to do it again!
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Esme and I saw a line to visit some princesses and hopped in!  She was so excited to see Rapunzel and Tiana, her two favorites!
Another castle picture and Esme lost a tooth while waiting in the line for Peter Pan!
My mom and Parker headed back to the resort at this point and we stayed a bit longer.  Esme agreed to wait in line to meet Ariel in her gratto and it was wonderful!  She noticed Jimmy's Flounder shirt and had such a cute interaction.
We stopped for a treat at Gaston's Tavern.  Grey Stuff Cupcake for Esme and a Creme BrĂ»lĂ©e Croissant for us.
It started raining while we waited to meet Mirabel from Encanto
Then we headed back towards Main Street USA to head back to the resort for a break. 
Here are some clips from the first half of our day at Magic Kingdom.
Why rest when you can swim!
Up Next: Magic Kingdom Part 2