Sweet Baby Rainbow: Disney World Adventure 2014

Disney World! An adventure to the most magical place on Earth has always been a dream of mine. I never went as a child, and once I had Rainbow Girl, I knew that we needed to start saving and planning for a trip! About a year before the trip, we decided that it was time to actually solidify a date. We chose to go for the week that includes both kid's birthdays. (Their birthdays are 3 days apart in May.)

We (my mom and I) had months of discussion and planning trying to decide on official dates of arrival, which days we would go to the parks, which parks we needed tickets to, how we would get there, where we would stay, and so many other decisions that needed to be made.

Our final decision was to drive in my mom's new car and to stay at the Animal Kingdom Villas, in Kidani Village. As for our tickets, we decided to go with the "park hopper" option and buy five days of tickets. We decided to keep it a secret from the children until the morning that we were leaving, which proved to be quite a difficult secret to keep, but we did it!!!

Very shortly after making definite plans, we found out that I was expecting baby number three! We did the math, and I would be 32 weeks along at the time of our trip! Very thankfully, I had a healthy pregnancy with little worry and was given the go ahead to enjoy our adventure.

On the morning of May 10th, the children woke to quite a surprise. I had five princess dresses made for Rainbow Girl, and three costumes made for Sugar Bear. (Sleeping Beauty, Elsa, and Belle were made by Katydid Creations LLC and the rest were made by my mom.) On one of the couches sat our Magic Bands, Mickey Mouse, mouse ears, a laminated map of the east coast of the United states with a Mickey head on Disney World, and a jar full of money. The jar is where I have been saving change for years. When Rainbow Girl asked about going to Disney World, I would tell her that when the money jar is full, we can go.

The morning of our trip, I woke the kids up early, and we all went downstairs for the surprise. It did take a while for them to understand what the costumes were about, they just thought it was surprise costume day! Eventually though, they did come to understand what the big surprise was.

...And of course, they had to try on some costumes.

I made Mickey Mouse pancakes for everyone, and we discussed our big plans for the day.

Before we started our journey south, we had one more stop. Rainbow Girl's last soccer game was that morning, and we could not miss that! She was definitely a little distracted knowing where we were headed, but she had a wonderful time and was thrilled to get a trophy. After a quick change of clothes in the car, we started on the adventure!

We took two days to make the 750 mile trip. I had gift bags full of activity books, stickers, and new art supplies to give to the kids through the trip. I also had some travel games printed out on clip boards for the kids.

South of the Border!

Welcome to Florida!

Daytona Beach!

Upon arriving at our resort (on Mother's Day), the kids were both given birthday buttons, Rainbow Girl a crown, and Sugar Bear a sword! After settling in the room, and enjoying a delicious room service meal, we made our way to the pool. It was a beautiful, huge pool and there were even flamingos to look at! After swimming for a while, we watched the movie Frozen poolside in lawn chairs while sipping frozen drinks! It was a really wonderful experience and an awesome, relaxing start to our vacation.

May 12, 2014; Sugar Bear's 4th Birthday

We started this special day with room service breakfast for everyone before getting on the bus to go to the Magic Kingdom! Upon arrival, I purchased autograph books for both kids so that if and when we ran into any characters, we would be ready! We were allowed into the park early before the crowds because we had an appointment in Adventure Land, a Pirate Makeover for the birthday boy, and a Mermaid Makeover for the beautiful lady.

Sugar Bear was so excited to see all of the pirate things, but once he realized that we wanted him to sit in a chair and have a scruffy pirate man make him over... he decided that was not what he wanted to do. Who am I to force a Pirate Makeover on a birthday boy?? Very thankfully, this was not the first time they had experienced a child not wanting to do the makeover, and they were glad to refund me the price.

Then...our first experience with the amazing Disney staff happened. One of the pirates offered to take Sugar Bear (and my mom) through the pirate store next door and recommend some pirate essentials for him. I was sure this would lead to spending a ton of money on the *essentials* but, it was his birthday, so we obliged. That pirate made quite a positive impression on Sugar Bear, and we got out of the store only spending $50 on pirate awesomeness! (A sword and sheath, an awesome pirate hat, a gold dabloon necklace, and a gun.) Almost four months later, SB still talks about that pirate.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Girl was thoroughly enjoying her first experience with makeup! She loved being pampered. Following the makeover, we were led to a special little photo studio with a globe where she had her picture taken by one of the Memory Makers. After a little while back outside and after rubbing her eyes a few times, the eyeliner and glitter began to bother her, but after a couple swipes with a damp paper towel, I was able to remove what was bothering her while still leaving the colorful designs.

After the makeovers, we had a FastPass for Peter Pan's Flight. Even following the map, we got lost and could not find it. We were hot, so we stopped at Liberty Square Market for a snack of hummus, chips and cold drinks before heading to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. (Which we were able to find because it was right beside the place we had our makeovers.) After the ride, we had lunch at Tortuga’s Tavern. (My mom and I had awesome bean burritos which we were able to top with lots of veggies at the salad bar.)

Under The Sea: The Journey of The Little Mermaid

it’s a small world

Dream Along With Mickey at Cinderella’s Castle

Guest Blogger: My Mom :)

When we were planning our first day at Disney World's Magic Kingdom we decided that the street shows weren't a must see. After a very exciting and busy morning we decided to head back to our resort for a break. As we were passing Cinderella's castle we noticed that the Dream Along With Mickey show had just begun. So we decided to stay to watch. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald Duck were on stage with some beautiful and talented dancers. Then the princesses came out! With their handsome princes. Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty. My 7 year old grand daughter was so pleased as this was her first site of them since arriving. Next out came Peter Pan and the pirates, then Captain Hook! That's when my 4 year old grand son was excited. Peter Pan and Captain Hook had a sword fight which even thrilled him more. They all backed away and Mickey came back to center stage. He started talking about the theme - "dreams". He spoke in length about encouraging us to be true to your dreams and they really came come true. I hadn't been to Disney World since it opened in the early 70s. I always wanted to bring my two children but never could afford to. As I stood there with my dear daughter and her 2 children listening to Mickey speak about dreams I started thinking about what was important to me. My gaze reached higher to see their back drop- "Cinderella's Castle". THIS IS MY DREAM! Bringing my sweet loved ones to Disney World! Tears of joy came tumbling down my face. I made it!

After the show, we left the Magic Kingdom by bus and had a nap at our hotel room. It was lovely to rest for a while. During nap time, room service came and delivered the chocolate covered strawberries that I had ordered the day before to be delivered. They were so amazing.

After nap time, we got in our car and drove to Downtown Disney where we had reservations to have dinner at T-REX. We arrived a while before our reservation and decided to explore Downtown Disney a little.

The first thing we did was go to Build-A-Dino, which is, obviously, Build-A-Bear but only with Dinos! The kids each picked out a dino and clothes and helped stuff their new friends.

We then went to World of Disney, the world's largest character Disney store. The birthday boy picked out a fancy knight's shield and a set of iron pirate keys.

Then it was time for our dinner reservation at T-REX. I must start by saying that when I called earlier in the day to make reservations, I also asked if there would be anything safe for vegans to eat. They transferred me to the head chef who was more than helpful to me. He had many suggestions, and told me to ask specifically for him when we came in.

When we got to our table, I asked the waitress to tell the chef we were there and he came right out to our table. He squatted down beside me and looked at the menu with me. There were several things I liked, but nothing that was completely egg and dairy free. Taking what I liked into consideration, he suggested a pasta dish with assorted veggies and a garlic and oil sauce. My mom and I both ordered it. The kids had pizza and chicken nuggets.

Every twenty minutes, T-REX has a meteor shower. Seriously. Every twenty minutes, the lights all dimmed, flashing strobe lights began, and the animatronic dinosaurs all around started panicking and making worried sounds. It was startling, and Sugar Bear raised his weapon every time to defend himself.

Our pasta dishes were scrumtrulescent. The chef came out shortly after we got our meal to make sure that we liked it.

After dinner, the kids got cupcakes, and the chef sent out some dairy free sorbet for my mom and myself that was not on the menu. They sang happy birthday to my sweet boy, and although it seems as though he didn't enjoy it...he did. :) He always covers his ears during that song.

After dinner, we drove back to our resort and the birthday boy and I had a wonderful bath before bed.

~~~~~

May 13th, 2014; Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom for Fireworks

Bus to Hollywood Studios

The Great Movie Ride

The Voyage of The Little Mermaid

Little Mermaid Store (Bought Ariel and Prince Eric dress up set and Princesses brush for Rainbow Girl, Pascal and Cinderella music box for Sugar Bear)

Lunch at Pizza Planet

Disney Jr. Live

It was at this time that we realized that Sugar Bear’s pirate gun was missing. We reported it lost, but never found it.

After being asked several times, we then bought this fantastic Donald Hat.

Leave Hollywood Studios by Bus

Nap at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Drove to Jambo House

Dinner at Boma

This was my favorite meal of our entire trip. It was also the first buffet style dining that I truly loved...ever. (It was also very expensive...) Once again, the staff was amazing about making sure I had food that I could eat. A chef took me through the buffet telling me what was safe for me to eat. There were so many options for me!! when we got to the desert section, he said, "Now these are all very delicious, but they all have dairy in them. I will make you a vegan desert spread."

When he saw that I had finished my amazing dinner, he sent out several deserts for me.

Swimming at Jambo House, right out the doors of Boma

Drove to Kidani Village (Our resort)

Bus to Magic Kingdom

Given free double stroller rental because the day was almost over

Electric Parade

Wishes Nighttime Spectacular

Celebrate the Magic

Leave Magic Kingdom by bus

~~~~~

May 14th, 2014: Epcot

Bus to Epcot

Rented electric scooter (for this very pregnant mama) and double stroller (for the tiny tired feet)

Epcot Flower and Garden Show

The Seas with Nemo and Friends Ride

The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion

Starbucks!

Meet Disney Pals (Mickey, Goofy, and Minnie) at the Epcot Character Spot

Club Cool (Sampling of Coca-Cola products from around the world)

Turtle Talk With Crush

Second Floor Aquarium

Rain

Shopping at Mouse Gear (Two Disney shirts for me, Skylar: Disney dress, Mickey earrings/necklace, Tinkerbell and friends figures, Elsa/Anna topsy-turvy doll, Disney World travel bag for my mom)

Lunch at Sunshine Seasons

Ellen’s Energy Adventure

Walk through of all of the countries

Spaceship Earth

Project Tomorrow

Bus from Epcot to our resort

To our room by 6:30!

~~~~~

May 15, 2014: Rainbow Girl's 7th Birthday

Rainbow Girl's birthday started bright and early. We got up, dressed, fed, and on the bus to Downtown Disney for her princess makeover at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique.

The Bibbity Bobbity Boutique was such a magical experience. She met her "Fairy Godmother" and was lead to a beautiful salon chair where her makeover began. The Fairy Godmother started by applying glitter to her special birthday button. She was then asked to select her hairstyle, fingernail polish, eye shadow color, lipstick, and tiara color. When the makeover was done, they turned her around to face the mirror and she was thrilled with her royal appearance. :)

After the makeover, we went a few doors down in Downtown Disney to the photo studio where she and Sugar Bear had a photo shoot.

After the photo shoot, we went to the busses, only to find out that there were no busses going to the Magic Kingdom from Downtown Disney. At this point, we were already in a hurry because we had a fast pass to meet two princesses that we would miss. We spoke to one of the bus drivers who said that after she made her stop at the water park, she would drop us off at the Magic Kingdom! She was such a lifesaver.

When we arrived at the Magic Kingdom, our fast pass had expired and it was pouring. Very thankfully, we had raincoats. Sugar Bear and Grandma went to the stroller rental storefront (upon the birthday girl's request) while Rainbow Girl and I rushed off in the direction of the Princesses. Along the way to Fantasyland, we came across a staff member who told us that our fastpass could still be used up to an hour after the end time. YAY! Off we went to meet Rapunzel and Cinderella. With the fastpass, our "line" only had two little girls in front of us.

Meeting the princesses face to face was AMAZING. They all addressed Rainbow Girl as "Princess", and me as "Your Highness". The attention to detail and conversations with the princesses really made us feel like we were indeed speaking to the real princess from the stories.

The twinkle and excitement in Rainbow Girl's eyes brought tears to my eyes- and I am sure she will remember meeting them for the rest of her life.

Next, we headed to "Ariel's Grotto" to wait in line to meet her. Sadly, we did not have a fast pass for her. The wait for her was a very long line, and the ventilation and cooling of the grotto's cave-like winding hallway was completely cut off. The air was so stagnant and it had to have been around 95 degrees. We were both sweating immediately, and Rainbow Girl, who wanted to meet Ariel very badly, could not contain her fussing. We had planned to go to lunch immediately after meeting Ariel, but Rainbow Girl was suddenly "starving". I don't really blame her for loosing her cool with the temperatures and confined space, but boy did she. So much crying. I offered her my phone to possibly watch a show or play a game...but of course, the grotto walls were preventing me from acquiring any signal of any kind. I asked her several times if she wanted to leave the line and just go get lunch but she wanted to see Ariel so badly. When we finally got close the front of the line, the three families in front of us let us in front of them. (They all had much older children who were being patient...)

You can tell how upset she had been- and how hot she is- in the pictures.

Still, she said it was worth the wait to meet her.

After Ariel, we went straight to Gaston's Tavern. We all shared some veggies, pretzel crisps, hummus, and LeFou's Brew. We ordered our LeFou's Brews in souvenir steins and goblets that are still a big hit around the house. LeFou's Brew is frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow and topped with all natural passion fruit mango foam- and they are vegan!

Ride time! We had a fast pass to Peter Pan's Flight next. It was wonderful! We rode in a small ship for four and it really felt like we were flying over the scenery.

Next we had a fast pass for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, but much to my dismay, that ride was "closed due to a honey spill".

After that dissapointment, we decided that we would go explore Cinderella's Castle. I was unable to get reservations to dine in the castle- even six months before our trip- so we planned to find out what else we could do inside.

I decided to take a chance and ask the hostess of Cinderella's Royal Table if there was any possibility that we could be fit in any time between then and closing. The next moment was the most magical part of the trip for me. She looked at Rainbow Girl, looked at me, and said "Yes, right now, Your Highness."

We were ushered in to wait in a short line to get in. At the end of the line was Cinderella, greeting and taking pictures with each family! Included in our tab for the meal was a 5"x7" framed print of the picture below.

From Disney's website: "Cinderella makes your acquaintance in the majestic Grand Hall, before you ascend a spiral staircase to the banquet hall above. (A gilded elevator is also available to transport you to the festivities.) Then, dine in a storybook setting surrounded by soaring stone archways, majestic medieval flags and spectacular stained-glass windows overlooking Fantasyland."

After we were seated, Rainbow Girl went to the restroom with Grandma. Upon returning, she said, "We used the potty in CINDERELLA'S CASTLE!"

After ordering and getting settled, more magic began! With the entrance music of the main songs from their movies, the princesses began to make their rounds in the dining hall! First was Snow White!

When Sleeping Beauty came out, Sugar Bear said, "It's Sleeping Beauty! She's SO beautiful!"

Next Ariel

And finally, Jasmine!

After our meals, our desert was presented to us. Rainbow Girl received a cupcake with a birthday candle and had "Happy Birthday" sung to her.

She kept on saying, "This is the best birthday EVER!"

After our dream dining experience, we got on a little boat to go across the way to the Grand Floridian for Afternoon Tea.

When tea (and spontaneous nap time) was over, we jumped on the monorail with the goal of finding Dole Whip! The internet had told me that I could find some at the Polynesian Resort. On we went.

Upon arriving, we were told that VERY sadly, they were currently not serving Dole Whip!! Ug. That was frustrating. We then waited in a long line to get back on the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, and then a bus back to our resort.

Birthday Rings set up in our room.

When we got back to our room, my mom and I began to organize and pack up our belongings. Soon thereafter, we heard fireworks begin and we all went out to our porch and watched the shows from the two parks visible from our room. It was a beautiful way to end a special birthday.

~~~~~

May 16th, 2014: Animal Kingdom

Drove to Animal Kingdom

Tram to entrance!