Roderick Roundtable: Disney Day 1

Off to an early start...who can sleep in when you're anticipating your first day at Disney World? We told the children the night before that we would have a surprise for them in the morning. Little did they know they would be eating breakfast at Cinderella's CASTLE with the PRINCESSES! Makayla got all dressed up as Ariel, and looked beautiful. Oh, I was beyond excited!


Princess Ariel

We arrived at the park around 7:30. Liam was wide eyed the entire trip there. He was trying to take in EVERYTHING. Because the park didn't actually open until 9:00, we were able to get some pictures of the infamous castle without it being too surrounded by tourists. We walked around with no crowds, and were able to soak in some amazing sights. Before arriving at breakfast, we peeked in the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique to show Makayla where she would go for her appointment scheduled later in the week. The royal treatment started as soon as we entered. A fairy godmother approached her, welcomed her as a princess, and adorned her with jewels and pixie dust. Her excitement was priceless. After getting properly accessorized, it was time for breakfast. We stepped into the castle to be greeted by none other than Cinderella! I was so excited I could hardly stand it...then to look at my children and try to experience it all through their eyes was indescribable. Liam was apprehensive at first, but he melted as soon as Cinderella spoke his name. He was immediately smitten...and was even more so after she kissed him. I'm not sure I have ever seen him smile so big. That one instant made his entire trip, and I fear he will never be quite the same. That is all he talked about that day, and is still talking about it to this day! We made our way up the winding staircase to the dining area. The children were both given wishing stars. They also gave Makayla a princess wand, and Liam a sword. They started us off with fresh pasteries. Seth had eggs and sausage for breakfast, while I had stuffed French toast...yum, yum, YUM! Makayla and Liam both had French toast sticks. While we ate, the princesses visited our table, and spent time talking with both kids. We were able to meet Snow White, Belle, Aurora, and Ariel. What a magical start to the day!


Soaking it all in!


My very own Prince Charming!


Absolutely smitten!

When we left, we still had time to browse before the park actually opened. We had our plan, and were lined up anticipating our first ride...DUMBO! The kids LOVED it! It amazes me how quickly the lines build up for every ride. Fortunately, being there so early, we were able to ride Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, Prince Charming's carousel, Peter Pan's Flight, and Small World all before 9:45! We watched the PhilharMagic Show and then headed to the Jungle Cruise where someone graciously gave us a Fast Pass they weren't intending on using. Thank-you-VERY-much!!! After this, we called it a morning and headed back to the condo for lunch and much needed naps (for all!). We couldn't have asked for a more perfect start to our adventures.

After heading back to the park, the highlight of our evening was taking the train to Liberty Station to watch the Electrical Parade. We had a bird's eye view, but it was a little hard for the kids to see. Regardless, they still enjoyed the show. We planned our ferry trip back just in time to watch the fireworks over the castle from the boat. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.