E,E, and Little E Stringfellow: June 2015

There are a lot of pictures to document so I apologize in advance for the lengthy posts.

Day 3: More Magic Kingdom

We started off the day eating a Chef Mickey's for breakfast. As far as food goes at Disney, this was one of the top places we ate. As a note, not all the food at Disney was out of this world. But, we did eat a few really great places and Chef Mickey's was on of those places.

It was at the Contemporary Resort so we got to ride the monorail over to it (more on that in a few minutes).

And more pictures of the characters without Elaina. During this meal, she got under the table a few times.

So, Erik and Carl got some photos with a few of them

We hopped the monorail over to Magic Kingdom. I went to Disney when I was round 6 (I think)...I don't have a huge number of memories but when I stepped onto this monorail, this one came flooding back....that was sort of cool. From what I could tell, the monorail had not changed in 30 years.

Our sassy, excited kid riding the monorail

This was Dave, Tonja, Sabrina, and Carl's first day at the Magic Kingdom this trip...so, here are pics in front of the Castle for them.

Funny story..the little man taking the pictures says, "smile..." in his sweet middle eastern accent....

Then, he said - "look at your sister in this picture"

Then, he said "now, kiss your sister. Oooooooh, that's not your sister" with a big smile on his face. LOL That made me laugh.

And another one for us....this time donning our sunglasses

A picture of the back of the castle

Next, we were off to Belle's Enchanted Tales

Elaina got to participate in the story telling - she was the wardrobe

Elaina with Belle. I need to say that Erik and Dave were smitten with this Belle. She was a real BEAUTY - Ha!

Next we explored the Magic Kingdom some....we got a bit of rain shower with some thunder so while all the rides were shut down, we bought Elaina these....

Then, we decided to ride the train around Magic Kingdom

Next we were off to meet Cinderella and Rapunzel

We jumped in for a family photo

Could we be cheesing any harder...oh my word!

And Rapunzel....my favorite. She was super sweet

Then, we went to ride....Aladdin's Magic Carpets

Next, we met back up with the Hall's and Breaux's at Tomorrowland.....

......where we rode Space Mountain. I learned here that Elaina is a roller coaster girl. I can remember freaking out as a child on this ride and not going. She jumped right on...not a care in the world. This ride is REALLY dark and you can't see where you are going but she loved it. We rode it again later that week

The guy behind Tonja.....what??

Me, Elaina, and Carl

Next we rode the PeopleMover, which was surprisingly, pleasantly fun. After a hot day, this was a relaxing, cool, ride. Elaina even liked it....we did this one again, too

Carl, then took Elaina to ride the Astro Orbitor which is a ride way high up (you have to ride an elevator to the top). Sadly, I don't have pictures of this.

Next we did the teacups....This was another flashback moment from my trip to Disney as a kid...I remembered these when I saw them.

And, then, the evening was upon us......this night we had reservations for a dessert bar on a terrace where we could watch the fireworks. It was a fun idea...although, I was slightly disappointed in the whole experience. I think I just had expectations of it that were not met. But, not going to explain and complain. Overall it was good, not great. We got to sit in chairs, eat yummy desserts, and watch the fireworks and laser light show on the castle. So, really...how bad could it be?

The whole gang in front of the castle at night...this might be my favorite picture of us all...

Our table....

Then we headed home to go to bed...Day 3 was a LONG day.

Day 4 - Epcot

We had breakfast reservations at Epcot. Poor planning on our part - late night followed by an early morning breakfast...oops! But, we survived.

Epcot was awesome...I would like to go again one day when Elaina is either older or not with us to walk around and really take everything in.

Because breakfast was early we got to go in the park early to walk to the restaurant. So, we had the whole part to ourselves for a few minutes...

Breakfast was at this place....more on that in a few.

This was in Norway

We got to meet Belle again at Breakfast

Erik jumped in on the photo op where Belle taught him how to hold his arm like a Prince, very proper

Then Tonja....

.....then Sabrina

Then, we sat down for breakfast. This place was simply amazing - very quaint, intimate, and special. The adult ladies were in tears at how sweet the whole experience was. You got to really have some good one on one time with the princesses. Thanks to my friend, Kim, for this recommendation.

We even got to meet Snow White which made Sabrina SO happy! She had never met her before and is her favorite

Next we walked around and did some more rides, exhibits, etc...

On our way to do Soarin' (a super cool ride, BTW), Erik and Carl stopped to meet Chip and Dale. Always a kid at heart, those two

We did Turtle Talk with Crush (very fun) and walked around the Nemo exhibit some...

Elaina got eaten by a shark....

Next we walked some around the Countries of Epcot. Tonja was on a mission to get caramels from Germany. I am glad she did....we all got some and they were delicious!

Another funny story, but you really had to see this to appreciate just how funny. We stopped to get iced coffee, and while we were standing there, just a few feet away, a huge wooden gate swung open. Out walked, in a line, about 5 different characters...Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and few other. Elaina had a total freak out, took off running and hid behind whatever she could find. You needed to see her reaction to get the humor in it all. She had no where to go so she really wigged out. But, all was well...she calmed down and the characters retreated back inside the gate. I know I shouldn't laugh at this but I am telling you, you would have laughed too. :)