When I left off, we were just arriving at the Magic Kingdom for a first time as a family (Mike had been to wdw twice prior to this trip & I had been once, it was Adison's first visit).
What a beautiful sight!
There were people bustling around, but I was relieved to see that it wasn't overly busy.
I love the entrance! If I ran the world, I would have every other frame have a video screen playing various clips from families' personal Disney videos - how cute would that be? But, since I don't run the world, it's pictures rather than video, and it is a great display nonetheless!
Adison was still pretty confused as to what exactly was going on..I think she knew something fun was in store, but she really didn't fully grasp the fact that we were IN Disney World and about to enter MK.
We had watched countless videos on
youtube of various rides, character interactions, shows, etc...so she definitely was familiar with all that the World had to offer, but I guess it is one of those things that you have to live to really 'get.'
We finally had taken enough pictures of the entrance, and it was time to hit Main Street USA!
We walked just a short bit and instantly we could see the castle in front of us!
Adison's first reaction appeared to be bewilderment!
But after realizing what she was looking at, it turned to happiness and wonder!
We excitedly looked around, and (thanks to the Dis
) I knew right where to go for our first fast passes, so we grabbed a set for the Mickey & Minnie character greeting. I had to explain the entire fast pass concept to Mike...yes, it does say return between 2 specific times, but we can return any time after the start of the 'return time' listed. He was skeptical, but I assured him that I had done all of the research and I knew what I was talking about!
We were starving by that point, so we consulted our map and quickly headed toward Columbia Harbor House.
Of course, I couldn't help but snap a few pictures on the way there.
Dream along with Mickey...We never did get to see that show..I'm adding that to my mental to-do list for 2012!
We finally made it to CHH, and instantly I was impressed yet again by the theming. I have to say, Disney really outdoes themselves over and over when it comes to the theming of their resorts, parks and restaurants. I love that a fast food joint is never just a fast food joint when you are in WDW!
It was rather crowded in CHH, but again thanks to the Dis, I knew to look up for a cool quiet place to eat..so look up we did, and the upper level seating was nearly empty! Score! It was definitely nice to have a sort of hidden away area to eat our meal in peace - we were very excited to be in WDW, but at the same time it can be a lot to take in all at once, especially for a toddler. Taking a minute to find a table off the beaten path can make the difference between meal-time being enjoyable or an absolute disaster!
Adison had macaroni & cheese along with some Mickey grapes & carrot sticks and (I think) an apple juice.
Mike had something fried...was it fish & chips..chicken fingers??
I am positive that I had the Lighthouse Sandwich - again, I had read about this on the Dis and chose CHH specifically for that sandwich!
Mike said his food was ok..nothing special, but still tasty. My sandwich was really good - the bread's crust tasted a little stale, however otherwise it was great! We both enjoyed our little apple turnovers for dessert. Adison was apparently disinterested, because she took one bite and promptly fell asleep on the bench!
We let her sleep a bit while we ate, then woke her up to get a little bit of food in her belly. She did end up eating all of her grapes and carrots and about half of her mac & cheese, along with a few bites of our dessert as well.
Satisfied that she had eaten a decent lunch, we headed back downstairs and out into the Florida heat, anxious for the real fun to begin.
Up next, who was it that scared Adison on that scary ride??
, we had just landed at MCO.
