Disney

Disney really knows how to do things right.  They seem to think of everything.  Even though we got hot, tired, wet etc we had a fabulous time.  They allow you to bring in snacks and drinks which helps - we froze bottles of water and then would refill them at the water fountains while they still had ice in the bottles and that saved a ton of money.  Since we bought the bottles for 33 cents each and buying them at the park was around $3.00 we were glad we did that.  We also had goldfish, snack crackers and I made a trail mix that was a big hit.  Stopping for a break with a cool drink and snack helped keep our energy up.

 You hear about the long lines for the rides and occasionally we did stand in line for awhile but you kept moving and there were interesting things to see as you walked along but using the fast pass kept us from standing in very many lines.  The fast pass allows you to make reservations to ride the attraction.  One of us would go to the ride and take all our Disney tickets and put them through a machine that would produce a fast pass.  It told on it when we could return to the attraction and walk past people standing in line and get on the ride in just a few minutes.  It would also tell when you were eligible for another fast pass- you are limited on how many you can get in a day.  It was amazing though - one time when we went back to the ride there were people waiting for 110 minutes and we walked right on up and got on.

I think our favorite was a ride called Soarin which we rode twice.  The Disney description is:
"Soarin'™ is a multi-sensory attraction for big kids, teens and adults in Epcot theme park that simulates a peaceful hang-gliding flight over the Golden State of California.
Fasten your seat belt on the multi-passenger glider and be lifted 40 feet into the air. Swoop up and soar towards the clouds and spectacular California panoramas. An IMAX projection dome wraps 180 degrees around you, so you're engulfed by the impressive scenery"

You really feel like you are flying and it is fabulous.  Lily was almost too short for it - she had to stand under a bar that was 40 inches high - she stood on her toes and they made her put her feet flat, but she made it with a hair to spare.  :)  

Disney also has shows to sit in and get out of the heat that are a lot of fun.  Some are 4 D - you wear the 3D glasses but you also get sprayed with water, have bubbles around you and smell different odors (Izzy held her nose as soon as she saw the stink bug on the screen)

Of course some of our group love roller coasters so they would ride one while Dennis, Laura and I would sit with the girls who were too short.  That annoyed Izzy as she wanted to ride them too.  But we would bring out the snacks, find a shady spot and sit and relax until the rest returned.

Sunday we were at Hollywood Studios, Monday Epcot, Tuesday Animal Kingdom (where we got soaked).  Wednesday we took the day off and everyone went to the beach except Dennis and I.  We attended a time share sales pitch (didn't buy but got $100, three light sabers for the kids and a 1/2 off voucher for a future hotel stay).  That evening Jimmy's family, Laura and I attended a character dinner at one of the resorts featuring Cinderella and cast.  That was tons of fun.  Each character came to the table and visited with the girls and posed for pictures. (and the food was beyond fabulous)  Thursday we went to Magic Kingdom.  On Friday Stacy's family and Laura went back to Epcot and Jimmy's family with Dennis and I went back to Magic Kingdom.   And then we went home to pack. 

Saturday I cried.   :)  I still get tears in my eyes thinking about the week - it was just the BEST.