Surprise...We're going to Disney World!!

Over President's Day weekend we took an impromptu trip to Walt Disney World. The kids had no idea we were going. They thought we were going to Vietnam and had told everyone. We told them Vietnam because originally we were going to go to Charleston, SC and they had a replica of a Vietnam camp there. They bought the story and while we were driving south Duane broke the news that we were not going to be able to go to Vietnam. The kids were very disappointed and when asked where they would rather go, they said they didn't know. We passed back the envelope with the tickets inside and asked them if it would be okay if we went to Walt Disney World. Needless to say, they were very excited!! Despite the larger crowds, due to the holiday weekend, and cooler temperatures we had a great time!!

Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate the day we went to Epcot. It was cold and the rain was pouring down. It was so bad that we didn't even get to the country portion. We did get to meet a lot of characters and still managed to have fun.

Evan got a kiss from Snow White.

So, maybe we didn't tell a full lie when we said we were going to Vietnam. The Magic Kingdom's Jungle ride takes you down a river that is located in Vietnam. I know, it's a stretch, but hey we got a good laugh.

We didn't know that Evan could handle eating meat, but he showed us he could when he couldn't get enough of this turkey leg. I think he ate half of it!

We loved that my Mom came to join us for our day at the Magic Kingdom! The kids had a great time going on rides with her. We're also glad that the weather was much better than the day before.

About 18 months ago we went to Tokyo Disney and Olivia was so disappointed that she was not able to meet any of the princesses. Since then, we have promised Olivia we would bring her to Disney World and she would be able to meet Cinderella. Just days before our trip she said her dream would be to go to Disney World and meet Cinderella. I guess this is proof that our dreams can come true.:)

Evan was such a trooper as we dragged him around everywhere. Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is a great place for little ones because even they can ride most of the rides.

Our final day at Disney was spent at Disney Hollywood. Miranda and Ryan were very excited to go and ride some bigger rides.

On the Travel Channel, Miranda had seen a special on places to eat at Disney and had her eye on the 50s Prime Time Cafe. We decided to give a chance and it was fun! The best part was that the waitress was the one who corrected my children on their table manners and encouraged them to finish their food. For once, it wasn't me who was being the nag!! Duane and Ryan became members of the clean plate club and we all left filled to the brim!

As a family, we love to watch American Idol. One of the newer attractions at Disney Hollywood is the American Idol Experience. It was just like being on the show! Park guests try out for the show, perform and then the audience gets to vote who participates in the big show at the end of the day. The winner of the big show gets a pass to the front of the line at a real American Idol audition. It's great for anyone 16-28, but doesn't do much for the older contestants. We had a lot of fun!