Disney has a new system called Magic Bands. The magic bands, colors selected by Atticus, arrived in the mail before we left for Florida. Atticus demonstrates how you use the band to enter the park. We also used them as a room key, our fast passes were loaded on them and so was my credit card. It is a pilot and there are still some bugs but overall it was a great convenience.
Speaking of convenient we had a three bathroom villa at Bay Lake Towers which is connected to the Contemporary Hotel with the monorail just steps away on a connector bridge (which was just around the corner from our room). And, Magic Kingdom is just a short walk from our hotel. The villa had a full kitchen (stocked by Dan and Jean -aren't they great), washer and dryer and a great view of the evening's fireworks. It worked perfectly for our large group.
Also another highlight of the hotel was the huge water slide. It was truly enjoyed by my grandson, Atticus!! As soon as he saw the slide he couldn't wait - the spiral steps go almost all the way to the top of Mickey's ear. And, there was a great big smile on his face every time he slid down. And, he slid down a lot!!
Eden, Josh and the Boys hit the park on Saturday when they got in but we got in late so I didn't get any Saturday photos from Big Thunder Railroad, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin or Tomorrowland Speedway. Sunday was Epcot Center and Mark's only day in the park. So, here is my favorite "we were there" photo!
Our favorite ride, without a doubt, "Soarin." Its a simulated hang gliding experience. Not only do you get the sensation of gliding over the beautiful California sites, there are the sounds of the waves as you soar over the ocean, the natural cool breeze as you pass the Golden Gate Bridge, and the sweet smell of fruit as you fly over Napa. Here is a quick shot I took as we soared over Yosemite Falls.
My grandson's favorite ride, and he rode it more than once, was Test Track. You design your own car by adding performance features from a touch screen. You start with a very basic red car or truck and end up with your own creation. Then you get to compare results against the creations of the other people who are riding in the test track car with you.
But, they didn't tell you quite how fast your car ride would be!! Our car that we built for speed turned out to be the number one in ecology. Go figure!
Mark and I had a great time in Epcot capped off with a dinner at the Biergarten in Germany. An amazing amount of great German Food, fabulous German Desserts, the German band was okay but the bell ringers were very entertaining. And, Mark enjoyed a beer flight with his dessert.
The next day Mark went golfing and the rest of us went to Animal Kingdom. Naturally you have to take the Kilimanjaro Safari. You got to see all the animals close up and not in a cage. Even little 1 year old Drake was fascinated!
But, the highlights of the Animal Kingdom were the Bone Yard play center, the Kali River Rapids Water Ride (I stayed with Drake so Jean could enjoy this one) and playing in the water fountain.
Here are some of Atticus enjoying the Boneyard, a new addition to Atticus crushed penny collection and Drake, digging in to his Frozen Lemonade. Let me tell you, these boys can eat!
Next day we went to the Magic Kingdom. Lots of fun on rides like: Country Bear Jamboree, "its a small world", Haunted Mansion, Swiss Family Tree House, Big Thunder Railroad and Tomorrowland Speedway. Phew, we were so tired we took the Disney Railroad.
Drake's best time was when he took over the Strawberry Popsicle Eden was going to share with him. It went from, "no its mine" to "all gone" clean up.
Even though we can watch the fireworks from our room, we decided to stay in the park and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks which go off at 9PM. We now had some time for night rides on Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, People Mover and another ride on Tomorowland Speedway. The fireworks were great and Atticus really enjoyed the light up bubblemaker. Drake was riding on Daddy's shoulders so he didn't get to use his.
Our last full day was back to Epcot for Atticus' favorite ride - Test Track and a tee shirt that is absolutely his favorite.
We visited some neat floral festival food shacks and enjoyed unique foods like sweet potato and pineapple waffles, lavender lemonade and watermelon salad. There was a great playground set up for Flower Festival event and the boys just loved it!
Here's Drake from his "just checking it out" look to "this is a great place for a one year old!"
And, Atticus checked out everything but just loved climbing the web to the top!
But, the best time was had by Atticus in the fountain in front of Captain EO. Its a dancing spurt of water that predates the dancing fountains of the Bellagio. I remember it from taking my kids to Disney 30+ year ago.
A great time was had by all. We had fireworks every night. One night Mark and I stayed in Epcot for the fireworks and one night we watched them from inside the Magic Kingdom. But, the rest of the nights we just watched the Magic Kingdom Display from our room. Here is a view of the fireworks from the hotel room as one explodes over space mountain.
However, my favorite moment was on the last night. There was a knock on our bedroom door and in walked Atticus pulling along his brother, Drake. He handed me this beautiful note and gift. After I read it and hugged them both, Atticus said "okay, time to go Drake" and he literally picked up his brother and walked out the door. It was just the cutest!
That's it. We all had a great time, rode tons of rides, enjoyed lots of interesting food and reveled in the joy of Disney on the faces of my two adorable grandsons!!
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