Spring Roll and Dumpling: January 2012

Did you notice in my last post, 'Happy New Year', the Mickey Mouse fireworks? Go see...

Well, that's because that's where we've been for the last few days! Some months ago, I thought it would be a fabulous idea for us girls to tag along to Florida with Gord between Christmas and New Year's. You see, he had to been in Fort Lauderdale for business as of January 3rd so we decided that we would finally take Alexia to Disney for her very first time. Cara-Li, well... she's been spoiled having been there already three times. So we were extremely lucky to have spent 4 glorious days (with about a gazillion other people!) on Disney's lovely properties. Yeah, this time of year, it's a little busy at Disney. So we were up and at it extremely early in the morning (that's 6AM to make a 7AM shuttle!) till sometimes quite late at night (make that midnight!). Cara-Li, well, she had no problem being the non-sleeper of the family. She is always raring to go and never wants to sleep for fear of missing something (sounds like someone I know...). Alexia was a real trooper, grabbing a nap whenever she could and then waking up to join us without being grumpy. Good thing I made all our restaurant reservations some months ago as well as with all those people down there, getting a bite to eat could have been a problem. We had a real great time, not a relaxing time, but a great time!

DAY 1: Animal Kingdom

We love this park. It has lots a rides, the big Mount Everest, and lots of fun stuff to do like safaris where you get to see all sorts of animals. Highlight: 'The Lion King' show, a show that is just like on Broadway. This is also where we discovered that Cara-Li is a thrill seeker... love them big, fast (and oh so scary!) rides. Gord was the lucky one to accompany her on all of them while I stayed behind with Alexia enjoying the smaller rides and lots of snacks. But, whenever Alexia made the height requirements, she was in there and that also meant that I had to grin and bear it. The girls had a grand time making fun of me, I'll tell you! Lunch was with Mickey, Goofy, Donald Duck et al and dinner was a nice sit down restaurant where we gulped down a bunch of beer :) A well-deserved reward!

Here's a nice little ride that Mom was able to sit in the backseat to snap this picture.

A few giraffes seen on our safari.

Along with an elephant.

The Lion King show.

DAY 2: Magic Kingdom and New Year's Eve

Everyone and their mother's thought it was a fantabulous idea to be at Magic Kingdom on New Year's Eve! Including us. The park reached its capacity of 100,000 by 10:30AM which if you weren't in at this point, you weren't going to be. The park rarely ever shuts down... that goes to show you how many people where there! But we were there when the park opened and so we were in front of the crowds. And for as long as you stayed in front of the crowds, managed your Fastpasses (keep collecting them as soon as you can get them) and ride all the non-Fastpass rides early in the day, you can ride all the Fastpass rides in the afternoon when the lineups are huge. There is a huge satisfaction in walking right to the front of the line at some of the biggest rides at Disney. This also left time in the afternoon for all the parades and shows and character greetings. Breakfast was at Cinderella's Castle where we dined with all of her friends. Dinner was at The Plaza where Gord had one of the best Angus beef burgers ever! Our gang was just a little to tired to make it till midnight for the special fireworks but we did see the Holiday Wishes fireworks before making our way home.

A crowd favorite... the Mad Tea Cups. Cara-Li is trying to spin that cup right off it axle and trying to get her Mom to barf!

Cinderella and the gang... our gang at the Castle.

Inside Cindy's Castle after breakfast.

The special Christmas show. It was so hot and there were all wearing coats, mitts and hats. Too funny!

The Castle. There is something magical about it.

Cinderella and her Prince riding in their carriage in the parade.

And the day would not be complete if we didn't have a one on one meeting with Mickey Mouse.

Oh, yes. And let's not forget about the firework. Wow!

DAY 3: Epcot

I personally love Epcot. It's like 2 parks in one. The first part, Future World, where you have all the rides, namely 'Soarin', one of the best rides ever. And then there's the World Showcase, a total of 11 pavilions representing the world. Each pavilion has great exhibits, shows, shopping and dining. And also, lots of beers, wines and champagnes. Yummy! Since we had a dry New Year's Eve at Magic Kingdom (there is no alcohol at Magic Kingdom), we made up for it here by tasting and enjoying all the above beverages :) The girls had fun getting their Epcot passports stamped and by day's end, they could say that they were around the world. We had a great dinner at the Japanese restaurant at the teppanyaki grill followed by the evening's fireworks which are very similar to the ones here at La Ronde... fireworks and music right over the lake.

Finally hunted Minnie Mouse down. She was a tough one!

Met Mulan at the Chinese pavilion and she was by far the best princess. She took the time to speak to the girls about being strong ladies just like her and giving them some great advice.

DAY 4: Magic Kingdom (again!)

This time it was much quieter. If I could use that term, quieter. By no stretch was it quiet but definitely much more so than on New Year's Eve. Since we had done most of the park the last time, we were able to spend some time chasing down the characters. The girls were on a mission on getting the most autographs possible. I think they got close to 30! Also, we spent the day going back to the rides that we most enjoyed on our last visit. Lunch was on the streets which consisted of corn dogs and jumbo turkey legs. Dinner was more civilized at The Crystal Palace with Winnie The Pooh and his friends. And since it was our last night, we took our time and enjoyed our meal. We also spent a good part of our day chasing day our friends M & T and their kids from Montreal. Finally, met up with them for the fireworks. And because the girls didn't want to leave after the fireworks, we continued on with our rides for a little longer. No one wanted to leave in fact. But we had to. And until next time, Disney! Thanks for the wonderful memories!