After conquering Disney's California Adventure Park, we were up and ready at 7, excited to take on Magic Kingdom for their early magic hours. While it felt like we had the place to ourselves for the first hour or so the day prior, the noticeably bigger crowd that made their way to the front entrance told us today might be a little different. We got in quickly, though, passed under the bridge with Walt's famous quote, "Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy," and turned the corner to Main Street USA, a sight that I'm quite convinced would never grow old.
While Main Street USA was nearly a carbon copy of that in Florida, the castle was very different and while pretty, not near as epic as Cinderella's grand castle at Disney World. We snapped a few pictures, then scooted over to Tomorrowland with our sights on Space Mountain.
I guess after Cruz had conquered so many big rides the day before, I decided I was overthinking any concern and didn't put much thought into what would be age appropriate for the day ahead. And after discovering Mila was indeed tall enough to ride Space Mountain, we went for it. I had actually never been on Space Mountain myself, so really had no idea what we were getting ourselves into! She never appeared fearful, even as we entered the loud and dark space ship's waiting area for our seats aboard the aircraft. But I tell you what, I was thankful Beau had her in his seat and I was behind them with Cruz because I think I would have been freaking out! The ride was much darker, much faster, and much jerkier than I expected, and while it was quite the thrill, I was counting down the seconds until it was over pretty convinced we had scarred our three year old daughter for life! Surprisingly, Beau agreed with me and immediately said, "I can't believe we just took her on that" as soon as we got off. Mila, well, she wasn't jumping up and down in excitement asking to do it again, but didn't seem too scarred. Her eyes were a little bigger, and for the first time all week, she didn't have a whole lot to say!
Her face shortly after. I think she's ready for the roller coaster!
We stayed in Tomorrowland for most of the morning, thankfully riding rides that were a bit more geared toward younger riders. We rode Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blaster two times in a row, the kids loved the Finding Nemo ride deep under water in a submarine, and we all loved the Star Tours ride, a small preview of the Star Wars overhaul coming to Disney in the near future. By 9:00 or so, we had officially conquered Tomorrowland and were ready to head over to another part of the park.
The crowds were starting to pick up mid-morning, so we grabbed a Fast Pass for the Big Thunder Mountain roller coaster over in Frontierland and decided to explore Adventureland while we waited. One of the best parts of Disney is when you "magically" happen upon something you weren't planning to do or see, such as our primo spot in line to meet the cast of Frozen the day before. This happened yet again as we saw a small line start to form right under Aladdin's Oasis and discovered our most recent favorite, Moana, had just arrived to say hi and sign some autographs. The kids immediately asked for their autograph books, and we prepped them with journalism questions to ask her. Cruz asked her where Maui and Hey Hey were and Mila just wanted to show her Olaf's funny signature in her autograph book. She was warm, personal, and sweet with the kids, and Beau and I felt as though we had hit the character experience jackpot thus far!
We spent the rest of the morning riding rides, luring the kids out of shops (this is the part of the trip when Mila began relentlessly asking for an Anna doll to go with her Elsa one), and steering our stroller through what had become a very busy place. We laughed at the dry humor of our witty tour guide on the Jungle Cruise, Cruz loved exploring Tarzan's tall tree house, and we used Mila's morning nap in her stroller as an excellent opportunity to take a break in Frontierland with Mickey Mouse ice cream treats. Mila woke up just in time for our Fast Pass on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the kids loved every second of this rugged thrill ride.
Before we left Magic Kingdom for lunch and naps at the hotel, the kids got to each choose a souvenir from Main Street. It made my heart smile when they each chose a light-up wand toy, similar to the one Cruz picked out on his first trip to Magic Kingdom when he was Mila's age. Cruz picked out a Mickey wand that not only lit up, but also blew bubbles, and Mila chose a princess want with twirly laser lights. I told them they would both be perfect for our night back on Main Street later. We strolled out of there, happy and content and ready for an afternoon siesta. It was going to be a late night and we needed our beauty sleep. :)
Part 2, to be continued.
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