WOW!!! I know it has been almost 4 months since we went to Walt Disney World but I couldn't NOT blog about it because I'm pretty sure it was my favorite trip...ever! And I have been on some wonderful vacations! Besides, we had been planning this for about a year and half - ever since this!!!
We were in our old house in St. Louis, Bella still took a paci and Brady Boy wasn't even born yet! Actually, Brady, Baylor, Colton and Carolina were still on their way and by the end of this year we will have 3 more family members with Jared, Miles and Bennett taking us to 29!
It was Christmas morning and we had two boxes to open from Grandma and Papa Early. The large one Bella got to open and out popped this cute little balloon. Next we opened the smaller box which held our (completely destroyed, highlighted and pages falling out now) Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World book and the most sentimental gift card ever with this letter...
Some may consider this frivolous.,
Others may wish we hadn’t,
Some may even think “not now, please"
However there will be some whose hearts will skip a beat,
Others eyes will shine with excitement.
Some will be giddy with anticipation
And then they’ll start planning….
when, next year, the year after, Spring, summer.
On Disney, off Disney,
five days, six days –
we have time to Dream of all the possibilities
But, what we wouldn’t want to miss ~
Our Grandkids faces when they see ...Cinderella’s Castle!!
…We want to share the magic
PLANNING...
Well it took us a little while to get going but eventually we decided June 2011, 7 days, on Disney - Disney Boardwalk Villa's to be exact (we rented DVC points from David's Disney Vacations and saved a bundle plus we had space to spread out a little...highly recommend this for a long trip with multiple children!). We loved being on site because we got to use the Disney Magical Express to go to and from the airport, plus the transportation in the parks and then the extra magic hours.
After a little debate we also decided to get the dining plan which lead to ...dinner reservations. This took a ton of consideration with a group of 26 and 5 highchairs. We made our decisions and 180 days out we started calling at some absurd hour of the night from our closets to reserve dinner. Ali was the big winner because she got us into Cinderella's castle and Mom got us into Crystal Palace for dinner with Pooh and friends. Amanda also scored big getting us into 50's Prime Time which is always fun and Chef Mickeys for dinner with Mickey and the Gang on our last night! I brought up the rear with dinner at Via Napoli in Epcot but apparently everybody but Ryan loved their meal and we got to sit at this huge table which spread down the middle of the restaurant. They must have realized we were a traveling dinner show!
Next up was grocery orders, stroller rentals (we all LOVED our City Duo strollers and miss them dearly), park tickets, etc. Then Andy took on the task of laying out our itinerary. That was brave and I must say he did an AMAZING job. We got to ride a ton of rides, see almost every show, took full advantage of our fast passes and extra magic hours and we had lots of breaks and everyone of every age had a BLAST! Don't get me wrong, Disney is the happiest place on Earth but it can also be exhausting, overwhelming and draining. We were at the parks around 7am most days and went strong all morning, ate lunch at the parks and headed back to our rooms for a rest and some pool time. We would head back out to the parks for dinner around 5:30 in the evening clean and refreshed ready to take in the magic at night. We would typically get back to the room around 10:30 or 11:00. Bella and Brady would be passed out. Time for pajamas and to bed to sleep for another big day of fun!
THE TIME IS HERE...
THE TIME IS HERE...
After all the anticipation, a year and half of planning, lots of Disney movie watching and talking about everything Disney, and a week plus of packing and repacking...finally, Bella got to take the last chain off our countdown to Walt Disney World chain she and Ellie made with Grandma!
That afternoon we were off to Kansas City where we checking into our hotel then met up with everyone for dinner at Texas Roadhouse...yummmmm! It is perfect for us because it is a mess when you walk in so we don't have to hide ours and they encourage loud rowdy behavior which we already have!
We did find out some sad news on the way though, Andrew's Granny B passed away. Andrew was able to fly back a few days for the funeral and the poor guy had to stay at our house. Which would be fine most days but it was closed up for the trip as in air conditioning turned way up, water turned off, water heater turned down and locked up with alarms set! He figured it out though and made it in time to be with his Mom and family. Then he was able to make it back which I think his first trimester pregnant wife and three children were sad to not be with him for the funeral but also very excited to have him back.
The next morning we were up and headed off to the airport at 5:00 for our early flight. Even though it was early, everyone was still very excited and it was funny watching everyone (except Lissy and the Bobzien's) come in with all the luggage and kids in tow and get in the check in line! This is not how we normally start vacation! For most of the grandkids, it was their first flights! And they all did excellent!
Briley decided to wear Andy's old Goofy hat he got when he went to WDW as a kid!
She confirmed that "Goofy is all ready to go!"
She confirmed that "Goofy is all ready to go!"
Checked in and now waiting for our flight. This is when the early morning kicks in!
Most of the crew flying out of KC. Grandma has cosmic brownies in her bag which she is passing out to all the grandkids for breakfast. Yep - they aren't her responsibility anymore! She paid her dues!
The Taylor's! Kaitlin is saying "Now I just realized Owen isn't going to remember any of this so why are we going???" and Zane is looking at her thinking "Are you kidding me? I know we talked about this!"
Ha ha - I think they all actually had a really good time!
Ha ha - I think they all actually had a really good time!
I love how the two adults are wearing Disney t-shirts but not the kid!
Cosmic Brownie - The breakfast of champions.
And Bella and Brady's First Flight!!!
About halfway through their first flight! They love it!
We made it!!! I was the person who first brought up the idea of renting DVC points which are non refundable and not guaranteed by Disney, so needless to say up to this point I had a knot in my stomach that we would get all the way there and have no rooms. I was sooooooo relieved after everyone got their rooms and to top it off, all of the strollers (5 doubles and 1 single to be exact) and all of our groceries were there waiting for us. We all had time to unpack and relax a little before we headed off to the Magic Kingdom. Things NEVER work like this for the Early's....NEVER!!! We were all waiting for the first big bump in the road and the most I can say is we had to wait awhile for our first bus to Magic Kingdom. This got us a little nervous about the buses and the whole transportation system but after that everything went super smooth!
Carson and Brady are ready to go!
Not only was it the first time for our kids to go to Walt Disney World but it was Ryan's first time as well! I was really excited to watch him and I think he thought it was pretty amazing!
First view of Cinderella's Castle...very early morning kicking in! See Bella's expression!
I never get tired of this place!
Caroline, Brady and I on the first ride of the trip...yep - we did it up right "Jungle Cruise!" Actually, it worked out perfect. Quick line, it felt cool, low intensity for the kids and our driver was hilarious. Seriously - I could have stayed on longer just to see what else he was going to say but it was time for dinner!
We went to the Crystal Palace to kick off our trip for dinner with Winnie the Pooh and friends. Ryan and I were just getting the hang of this whole Character dinner thing so we missed pictures with some of the characters between trying to get food for everyone in the buffet and Bella had a bad accident right before. Ryan and her were stuck in the men's room for awhile. We didn't realize this would be a recurring thing that night. She got a hold of a pack of fruity gum and came to us as we were unpacking and told us in the most cheerful voice ever "Bella ate all her gums! She was a hungry gurl!" She doesn't say girl by the way - she says gurl! First up we saw Tigger! It took awhile for Bella to loosen up but she finally did with Piglet. We didn't get pictures with Pooh or Eeyore but she loved meeting them!
After dinner it was time for the kids to hop back in the strollers. We were the stroller brigade and we got really good at maneuvering through large crowds with them. They seriously were amazing strollers and have caused me to now hate my double stroller! Our night continued with lots of fun rides but us Sedlak's had to bail early. Bella's gum caught up to her and she had another blow out as we were stuck in the holding room to go into the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. This one on her Dad's arm. He is such an awesome Daddy and stayed so cool about the whole thing although I know he was absolutely disgusted! Three accidents and you have to leave the park. It is sort of a rule and we were out of clothes.
Anyways, I think we were all ready to get some rest for the early day the next morning.
Anyways, I think we were all ready to get some rest for the early day the next morning.
The next day took us to Animal Kingdom. Andy had it all set up perfectly. We got to ride all of the big rides and we went on the animal viewing excursions early enough that the animals were all still out and not hiding from the heat! I think the kids really liked this one. I know Bella did. She misses the zoo in St. Louis. This first picture came out a little fuzzy. Apparently jostling vehicles aren't great places to take pictures in low light! Guess we should have asked Lissy, the expert!
Ryan loved Duck Tales as a kid and we happened to run into them a few times! He has even purchased season 1 for Bella on DVD but she prefers Rescue Rangers because there is a girl in it!
Brady enjoyed the wild animals everywhere.
Even if it was just the little baby ducklings trying to cross the path to get to their mother.
Even if it was just the little baby ducklings trying to cross the path to get to their mother.
Caroline and Lissy forcing cousinly love! Cousins gotta hug!
Kali River Rapids. The books said to wear ponchos or you would get wet.
The guys wore them and it did help but wait till you see us girls. We are good listeners.
The guys wore them and it did help but wait till you see us girls. We are good listeners.
See - we all look like little old ladies on a windy day! See Ellie - she is the cutest little old lady in pink!
Fun on the bus! A tickle from Dad and snuggle from Lissy!
Caroline and her friends!
Bella sprawled out on Molly with no concept of personal space.
After naps (well not really) but showers we were off to Hollywood studios for dinner at 50's Prime Time where we ate like champs and got in trouble by our waitress. It was tough to get pictures because we were in a tight space but it was a fun meal. See that look Lissy is giving me. She is always all "why don't you guys take some of your own damn pictures" and then the moment you get your camera out she gives you that look that says "what do you think you are doing. See this ginormous camera. I'm the photographer here. Put your crappy point and click away. Your pictures suck anyways!"
I'm totally kidding! I just caught Lissy with a bad face but I couldn't resist the commentary.
Anyways - I think she would appreciate it if we all took more pictures instead of relying on hers but we all agree. Lissy's pictures are always a million times better!
I'm totally kidding! I just caught Lissy with a bad face but I couldn't resist the commentary.
Anyways - I think she would appreciate it if we all took more pictures instead of relying on hers but we all agree. Lissy's pictures are always a million times better!
I love this picture. I have always liked this Dinosaur. She was used as a backdrop for a prom shoot in seventeen magazine when I was young and Amanda was looking for a dress. I remember thinking I can't wait to grow up. I hope I get to go to Walt Disney World after my prom. Oh, being naive and young! Watching Bella and Ryan walk by her makes me think I will look at this picture many years down the road and it will just feel like yesterday that I took it. Random I know but that is the way I think.
Through out the trip we would sort of split up to use fast passes on some of the big rides the kids couldn't do. Some people would stay and watch the kids and we would take turns riding the rides. During one of these swaps Ryan noticed a dance party going on at Hollywood Studios and so we went in. It was a Disney Junior Dance Party and it was perfect. They were handing out balloon creations, had fun music playing and Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and more all came out and Danced with the kids. It was during Extra Magic Hours so it was pretty empty and did you know that Mickey and Minnie break dance?
They were awesome! The kids loved it!
They were awesome! The kids loved it!
The next morning we did the early morning hours at Magic Kingdom. I had never been there early enough to open the park and we got to do it a few times. The train pulls up out front with lots of characters, they sing the "Good Morning Song" which has become a favorite around our house and dance. We finish by counting down and then the race is on! We went to Fantasy Land and straight to Dumbo. This is the best picture I could get. It amazes me that no matter how young a child is they still know who Dumbo is and love riding this ride!
After Dumbo we went on the Tea Cups. This is the best picture I could get of Bella helping her Daddy spin our tea cup. Of course we didn't spin too much!
For lunch, the girls went to Cinderella's Castle to meet and eat with the princesses and the boys went to Tony's to have a manly meal. I think they thought they would get to meet some mobsters but no such luck. Apparently it is based off of Lady and the Tramp and not the Sopranos!
Before we checked in us Moms pulled our princess costumes out of our bags and dressed our girls in front of the castle. Classy I know. These two Cinderellas weren't thrilled about this idea at first but by the end they were sword fighting with their magic wands and dancing on their seats.
Proper princess behavior I think!
Proper princess behavior I think!
Bella and her wishing star! No matter how old I get, the dining room of Cinderella's Castle is still magical!
Ali and Molly are wondering "now why didn't WE wear OUR princess costumes???"
I know this is a little fuzzy but I love this picture.Bella is all snuggled up in Snow White's dress!
Next we met Jasmine! The girls were starting to really like this whole princess thing! I love Ellie looks at them with such admiration. I would hate to have to break it to her that you can't grow up to be a Disney Princess. Well maybe she could do a summer internship!
We all LOVED Ariel. Look at those smiles!
But I have to say the Belle is probably the favorite. Bella was a little concerned that Belle didn't wear her fancy gold dress to the party. She catches every detail. This did not deter her from telling Belle a ton of stories when she was at our tables! She kept talking as she walked away.
Bella also noticed that Sleeping Booty (we don't call her Sleeping Beauty) didn't come and Cinderella never came up to eat. Therefor we don't have pictures with them but it was so much fun and the girls LOVED it!
Bella also loved the cupcake decorating dessert she got!
Dinner for the night we did a quick service meal and we do not recommend the Electric Umbrella at Epcot! It was actually sort of comical. We are better off with reservations because otherwise we go to places where there is no wait. Well I guess there is no wait for a reason! We tried to stick to the plans that night but I sort of messed them up. We wound up at The Seas and all of the finding Nemo stuff. The babies got a kick out of the aquariums and had a chance to run around before we went into Turtle Talk with Crush. I think the kids liked it a lot and Crush loved the kids. I think most of them got to talk! Bella was going to be brave and sit up front but Briley informed me "Hey Bella's Mommy - Bella keeps crying".
We also rode Spaceship Earth (the big silver ball) and they have updated it! We actually enjoyed it and they had some fun interactive stuff at the end. We walked back around the World Showcase and it was a beautiful walk. Probably as close as Ryan and I will get to going for a relaxing stroll in a foreign country in the evening!
The next morning we were up bright and early and headed down to the boardwalk. We were late the day before but not today. Besides, I wanted to grab some breakfast at the bakery. While we did, Bella made friends with this duck and shared her breakfast with him!
Time for Beauty and the Beast! Bella had fun singing along and occasionally dancing!
In the bleachers...scary!
In the bleachers...scary!
Another one of my favorite pictures. Papa and Brady just having a man to man conversation on the boardwalk. Brady just started walking before we left and the boardwalk was one of his favorite spots. He thought he was pretty special when he took off and we let him walk a ways before chasing him down!
We were on the hunt for a bathroom (which we never found) and I made Mom pose in front of what I think would be her favorite store - if it was open. It is called "It's a Wonderful Store!" Based off her favorite movie! She is a good sport.
We took a night off from the parks. We ate dinner down on the Boardwalk and then just hung out. Aunt Lissy in true Aunt Lissy fashion was off with the kids to get them a special treat. I wonder what it is going to be? I also love this picture!
The babies were too little for the treat so they got to play in the grass.
I know it doesn't sound like fun but they thought it was!
I know it doesn't sound like fun but they thought it was!
Here is the surprise! A surrey for four...or nine! Bella loves it, don't let the tears fool you! Honestly she liked it a ton more when they switched her with Carson and she got to sit in the back.
While they were gone the babies continued to play.
The dad's even went and got them beach balls from the general store!
The dad's even went and got them beach balls from the general store!
Lissy, Molly, Caroline and Dad took the kids for awhile but they were ready for a break. If you haven't tried one of these, they are not all smiles and laughs like you think they would be. They are WORK! HARD WORK! Time for the rest of the Dads to take over.
Another favorite picture. Our adorable hotel in the background and Bella's little dress hanging out the back of the Surrey. After the boys returned they broke all the rules and started riding through the hotel sidewalks. This wouldn't be a big deal except that they were flying. They just like to get Lissy into trouble.
While they were gone, Brady found a way to keep himself entertained.
He likes to try and squeeze through things!
He likes to try and squeeze through things!
Apparently he needs to try a different approach. Grandma and Aunt Ali sure find him entertaining though!
Next on the list, drag all the kids upstairs for a photo op Sara thought would be cute. Turns out we are missing the Early kids and we don't have enough chairs. But aren't the chairs cute!
Now back to the grassy lot to wear out the kids.
Last minute we decided to some night swimming and they were showing Tangled by the baby pool. I know it is playing in this picture because Brady is engrossed! See the tattoos on the backs of their necks. Amanda ordered these and they had our number on them in case they were to get away from us. My kids stayed on for a good week after the trip even. Most peoples came off earlier and I swear I clean my kids. I must have got them on there really good!
Back to Magic Kingdom the next day! Isn't this a cute one! I think Miss Carolina is saying "Papa - I'm so happy we picked the pink horsey because it matches my dress and bow! Don't you think?"
Bella and Brady's first trip on the Carousel...which turned out to be Bella's favorite ride.
She is daring I know!
She is daring I know!
We chose to wait in line to meet Tiana and Naveen. Both Bella and Brady love The Princess and the Frog and I think it is because of all the great Cajun music. Tiana and Naveen were both very funny but we didn't really get a good picture! Oh well- we got to meet them and that is all that counts!
Back to the Carousel!
We were going to see Rapunzel but apparently getting in to see her is like getting to meet the Pope! We went down front and waited till she came out then said "Hey Bella look! It is Rapunzel! Wave hi to her! Oh look she waved back!" I know - we are horrible but seriously people had their kids waiting for 4 hours to meet her. Just what a kid wants to do with 4 hours at Magic Kingdom. Wait in line! After this we grabbed some lunch and ate at a quite out of the way place with the best view of the castle!
See!!!! It had a little pavilion on a lake with ducks to feed and a view of the castle! Bella was in heaven. Brady slept!
After our afternoon break it was time for dinner. We went to Via Napoli in Italy at Epcot. This was my reservation and lets just say the staff is actually from Italy including the manager who took a very confused "special" reservation for 26 with 5 highchairs. It was also almost impossible to confirm our reservation and he said it would take awhile to figure out the bill since we are all on different dining plans. It actually turned out to be a really cool place with yummy food! We got to sit at this awesome table in the middle of the restaurant and the bill did not take long at all!
I don't know if the babies were as thrilled as we all were but they took it in stride!
The bar height table doesn't really fit highchairs! Whoops!
The bar height table doesn't really fit highchairs! Whoops!
Stroller Brigade again!
Jackson was at such a fun age! He picked out his own ears and wore them with pride!
Just stopped to feed some more ducks!
Papa and Bella checking out one of Epcot's hidden little gems. It is a train village near Germany...I think. She didn't want to leave and apparently we missed Belle in France and Tinkerbell in England because we played for so long in the train village.
Brady's sunblock hairstyle! He looks pleased as punch doesn't he?
Heading out for our last night. We were on our way to the Contemporary Resort for dinner at Chef Mickeys and the best way to go was to Epcot. From our resort we entered in the back of the World Showcase which annoyed lots of people but not me. I loved walking through all of the different countries. It is sooooo pretty and a lot cleaner than the countries really are! We went to the front of the park and then took the monorail to the Contemporary. I'm glad we got to leave from the Boardwalk that night because it is so pretty!
Look at these two! They definitely had the most pimped out stroller. Amanda invested in some tethers and I stole half of them. They worked great to hook on sippy cups, snack grabbers, blankies, etc. And when we had to fold up the strollers, you didn't have to take anything off. The strollers were super easy to fold also. You just grab handles in the seats and they flip backwards in half!
Moving as a pack, Andy and Ryan saw it as their duty to set the pace...which means not be stuck in the back and make sure everyone else is walking or should I say slightly running at a good pace. Ryan has this very odd talent of looking like he is walking leisurely when he is actually moving very fast. Long strides I guess. You can't tell very well in this picture but Andy realized Ryan is way up front and is sprinting to catch up. See the smirk of satisfaction on Ryan's face!
This whole race this is wasted on Brady. I just love him so much!
Aunt Lissy showing Lissy all of WDW from the monorail. I remember the first time I got to ride this!
We made it to the restaurant and when we got seated, this was our view. It was perfect. Do you see the little peak sticking up over there. It is Cinderella's Castle! And we all got to sit together. I was surprised they were able to pull this off at almost every restaurant.
Here comes our first friend! Oh Pluto - you really got jipped. Don't they realize the Goofy gets to talk and wear clothes and you don't get any of that. Your both dogs. Besides, why would a mouse have a dog for a pet. Well even if it doesn't make much sense we still like Pluto!
Pluto visiting with Briley and Baylor! See Ryan sprinting off there. The poor guy had been trying to go to the restroom for the past hour and every time he left he had to come back. He finally made it this time!
See Brady's battle wounds. He fell out of the baby pool on the second day. Who knew baby pools could be so tricky. That is okay though. He thinks it just makes him look real tough!
Time for Goofy! Brady is looking at him like..."I thought I had a big head!"
Then Donald Duck! He was pretty funny but Bella was disappointed he couldn't tell her where Daisey was. The general consensus was that she was putting on her makeup! She does wear a lot of eye shadow!
Bella is thrilled! She is informing Minnie that she is on her dress...and her jammas...and her cup...and her other cup...and her underwear...and so on! Minnie just kept smiling!
Time for a picture for the Mouse behind the Mouse who built the house!
But don't leave Minnie! I'm serious! You were on my birthday decorations and you were hiding in my Mom's closet and you are just the greatest thing ever!
Minnie getting lots of love! I think she might have been nervous to come along the second time!
Sort of hard to see but Mickey is putting Bella's sunglasses on her! Talent with those giant gloves!
We almost missed our picture with the main man but we caught him. Our kids love pictures!
Brady really isn't crying...he is doing his MOST EXCITED SCREAM! He is face to face with his Best Friend! He absolutely LOVES Mickey Mouse!
Awwwww! This was truly Bella's happy place!
This is the leave by the Mad Tea Party ride in honor of Randy Pausch, the guy who did the last lecture.
One of the things on his list was to be an imagineer for Disney!
Amanda figured these two finally earned their ears. I don't think they ever got themselves ears. So sweet!
Honestly - How can you NOT love these two! My Dad is a huge Kermit fan by the way and he actually is a lot like Kermit. We can't wait for the new Muppet's movie!
Our best attempt at a family picture on Dumbo the Elephant!
Attempt #2! We won't even show you #3!
Bella was beyond excited that her and Grandma had matching ears!
She still goes to check them out in the curio cabinet at Grandma and Papa's!
Heaven...I'm in Heaven!
A perfect pic of the last night! Thanks Lissy for venturing with us down the out of the way path to take our picture! I love it. Imagine if we had your camera!
Time for the parade, fireworks and the Magic, the Memories and You show on the castle. Ali posted a link to it and it WAS AMAZING! They projected images from movies and pictures of guests from the day up on to the castle to music. This description totally doesn't do it justice!
Isn't this picture adorable! Carolina is even snuggling with her little Minnie doll!
Looking at these pictures, you would probably think Bella was IN the parade but she was just very excited to see everyone! Everyone except 3 people...you'll see!
We had to hoist the kiddo's up on our shoulders so they could see. Her Ali has Miles, Bennett, Lincoln and Tadbit (Lincoln's frog!) Later she had Jackson on there. She totally shouldn't have been doing this.
Don't mess with Brady's Daddy!
Bella just spotted the "Step Mudders!" This is what she calls the step mother and the step sisters from Cinderella. She is not a fan of them! Just don't look at me...it was the end of a long day and a long trip!
Ellie and her Daddy! She is pretty happy right where she is!
Todd might have a higher IQ than the rest of us. "Hey Carson - why don't you sit up here on this trash can. We are in WDW and they are all very clean!"
This is during the show on the castle! I think Rapunzel's hair was falling down the side of the castle!
And the show is OVER! Time for a slow stroll out of the park to enjoy the scenery one last time!
First we sit and chat a little. Who knows what was just said but normally it is a joke about someone.
I think my Mom must have been the butt of this joke!
Grandma with her last baby and her first grandbaby!
We are just waiting to go on the bus back to the airport.
Andy and his new friends! Briley likes to put her Daddy to work!
He pretends to be tough but we all know who is the boss!
I know the kids don't look super happy here but we all really did have a wonderful time!
Brady just wants to get down and run through the parking lot!
I don't think I can put into words how much fun we really had. Even the planning and preparing was so much fun and it all paid off. It was the trip of a lifetime and I'm sooooo happy we all got to go together! We always have so much fun as a family and I'm still surprised we pulled this one off! Thanks Mom and Dad for putting this trip in the works and getting us there! I hope Ryan and I continue the memory making tradition half as well as you all do with our children and grandchildren! I always tell people I had an awesome childhood and it just continues with most of the thanks going to you two!
Bella mentions this trip almost everyday still. When we are just sitting there sometimes she will look at me and say..."So how was Walt Disney World?" I think she has been asked the question a few times! :)
I usually say "That was the most fun I have ever had!" and then Bella says "Me too! That was so much fun!"
