DisneyWorld!!!! - Part 1

The Zyriek family headed to DisneyWorld on Friday for fall break. The girls have known about the trip for a while and have been so excited. Anna remembers when we went 3 years ago....of course Caroline does not since she was only barely a year old. Caroline was so much looking forward to meeting all the characters and especially the princesses. Anna was very much ready for all the "big" rides. We arrived in Orlando on Friday night and ended up not getting to the hotel until after 11pm. The Magical Express dropped us off at the Polynesian Resort. We were all given a lei upon check-in and the girls promptly performed the hula in the lobby. They were nowhere ready for bedtime but we knew we had a big day ahead of us on Saturday. After unpacking and watching the girls bounce all over the room we were finally ready for sleep!!

doing the hula in the lobby @ the Polynesian!

Saturday morning started with breakfast at Chef Mickey's. We had to make a pitstop by the gift shop on the way to the monorail to pick up autograph books for the girls. I must admit this new "phenomenon" at DisneyWorld of meeting TONS of characters and getting their autographs is a lot of fun. We bought the books where the girls can insert their picture with the character beside the autograph. At breakfast we ate a good meal to start the day and met Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald. Not a bad way to knock out 5 characters all before the first meal of the day is over!!

Mickey with the girls!!!

Sweet Minnie Mouse

After breakfast we made our way via monorail to the Magic Kingdom. We were so ready to see Caroline's face when she first saw Cinderella's castle. It was priceless. She wanted to immediately knock on the door of the castle and meet Cinderella. We started to ride the rides in Fantasyland such as Dumbo, Snow White, Peter Pan along with greeting several characters. It's a Small World and the Teacups were both closed for refurbishment (not too sad about the Teacup ride...I HATE IT) but sad Caroline could not ride through It's a Small World. While in the air on Dumbo we noticed a huge construction project ride next door. They are capitalizing on the princess bonanza by building new restaurants (Belle theme "Be our Guest") and rides and other atractions. Interesting to see how it will end up. The girls were having a great time so far. We grabbed some lunch and then decided to try the Thunder Railroad roller coaster. Caroline measured up to 41 inches which was 1 inch above the height requirement for the ride as well as several other "more exciting" rides. We did the roller coaster and it was great. Both girls loved it and it would soon become one of our favorites.

PRICELESS!!

The Zyrieks in front of Cinderella's castle

The heat set in after lunch and we took an hour or so break back at the hotel (thank you monorail!!) and then headed back for more fun and characters. We caught up with Tiana and Prince Naveen from The Princess and the Frog as well as the afternoon parade. We ventured over into Tomorrowland and let Anna try out Space Mountain. Of course a huge hit. We took in the Wishes fireworks...cool especially because Tinkerbell flies through the air to Cinderella's castle and the late parade. Full day indeed.

Looking forward to Sunday as we will meet up with Mom and Dan at the Princess breakfast in Epcot. Lots more to share!!