Disney 2012

We had an amazing time in Disney.  We gave ourselves plenty of time this trip and got to see lots of new things.  

It's hard to pick what was the most magical part of the trip was, but checking out the new section of Fantasyland was definitely special.  Chris worked his own magic to get us special passes to get us back there.  So cool to be in nearly-empty rides and get to spend lots of time talking with characters!

Entrance to Ariel ride

Meeting Ariel at her grotto

Both girls got to star in a show with Belle.  Here Shannon is shivering like Maurice.

We had lunch at the Beast's castle.  Kelly did her own  "beautiful dancing."

We visited all four parks:  Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot.  Because it is not a busy time of year and we have a crew that still wakes up super early, we arrived early each day and got to ride a TON of rides.  Poor Kelly is 39 1/2 inches tall so still didn't get to go on a lot of the bigger rides that require you to be 40 inches so we split up often.

Riding the new Dumbo.  You wait inside and they have two sides... genius!

Another sailor mesmerized by a mermaid

Rapids ride at AK.  They.got.soaked.

Here are everyone's favorite rides:

• Mommy:  Teacups, Ariel, Everest, Toy Story
• Daddy:  Everest, Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain
• Shannon:  Thunder Mountain, Ariel
• Kelly:  Goofy's Barnstormer (her first kiddie coaster), the train, Buzz
• Seamus:  Small World (he was very intrigued by all of those little people)

We also had long lists of characters we wanted to see and spent time each day tracking them down for their autographs.  Again, Super Dad had carefully planned this trip and scored us some reservations for character lunches.  Including.... breakfast with the princesses at Cinderella's Castle!  Amazing!

The girls donned their most royal outfits for the big breakfast

Daisy was on the top of our "must-see" list.

Three lovely ladies!

Seamus was fascinated with furry characters.

Doo do-doo-dah do-doo, Handy Manny!

It took us until the last day, but we finally found Mary Poppins!

Okay, other cool parts of the trip.  We spent a few nights staying at Animal Kingdom.  Incredible to be able to watch animals right from our room as we ate breakfast.

Waking up to the Savannah.  (Kelly thought the no sign on the railing meant "No animals in rooms")

Real life Sofie's!!!

Drum circle 

We chose November not only to celebrate Seamus' first birthday, but also so that Chris could run in the Disney Half-Marathon.  The race started at 10 pm and took the runners through 3 parks and ended with a huge party at Epcot.

I think he beat this cowboy

We didn't realize that we would be there as they started decorating for the holidays.  I wasn't ready for it, but it sure was beautiful.

All lit up for Christmas!

And then there are all of the parades and shows!  Love watching the expressions on their faces!

Enchanted Kelly

Intense moment in the show for Seamus

The best part of Disney is having nothing to think about but what fun you're going to have next and just enjoying your family.  Favorite candids.

Kelly's new signature pose

Funny boy

Bus buddies

Logged a lot of miles in this seat

Extreme Minnie Close-Up!

See ya real soon!