Disney Vacation Part 2- Animal Kingdom

Thursday, April 26th- The first park we visited was Animal Kingdom.  In hindsight we were so glad we didn't do Magic Kingdom that first day because we as the parents were quite unprepared for the day!  We didn't have enough snacks (to get us through waiting in lines), we didn't bring any little toys/activities to do (again, to get us through waiting in lines)... you can see where this is going!

The trip into the park went very smooth- paid for our parking, got a spot close enough to walk instead of taking the tram, which requires folding up strollers and lugging all our gear and kids.  We were early so we follow the throng of people back as far as we could and then had to stand in a big crowd to wait for the park to actually open.  This was the most stressful part of the day.  Camden and Donovan were not happy to be sitting in the stroller with nothing to do/look at.  It was a long 10 min wait!  Finally the gates opened and off we went.  Luckily I had done my research and had a good plan for the day.  We knew what rides to hit first to avoid super long lines.  

First we hit the Kilimanjaro Safaris.  The 2 mile ride took us through the "safari" to spy on lots of different animal roaming around.  What a neat experience

Camden and Donovan of course loved riding the safari truck!

 Giraffes

The Giraffes were quite interested in the safari truck!

  A Hippo swimming

 A big ostrich and her eggs in a nest

 Rhinos enjoying the warm sun

After the safari we did a self-guided walking trail to scope out some more animals. 

 

Then we headed over to Camp Mickey and Minnie- here many of the Disney characters are decked out in their safari gear and wait in little huts to greet visitors.  How nice to have all the characters in ONE spot! 

First time meeting Mickey!

On to see Chip and Dale

Donovan stopped to see Thumper

 Camden and Donovan were very excited to see Goofy and Pluto!

After all that we were all hot, tired, and hungry so we stopped to eat our picnic lunch.  We found a shady spot with a table big enough for the two families and got to eating.

 checking out the totem pole

 After lunch it was time to head back to the vacation house for a nap.  All the kids slept well (as did a worn out Mommy!).  We returned to Animal Kingdom in time to nab a spot in the shade for the afternoon parade.  The boys sure loved all the music and waving to all the characters.

After the parade we went to Finding Nemo- the Musical... not such a hit.  I thought it was an awesome performance but it got too long for the kids and a little dark/loud in parts.

 The TriceraTop Spin was Camden and Donovan's first ride at Disney!  They loved it!  We had to ride it twice- luckily there was no wait for this ride as it was close to park closing time.

 Derek and the boys on the TriceraTop Spin (all in their blue Cubs hats)

 Daddy and the boys up high!

 Our friends on the Spin

  

We stayed at the park till it closed at 7pm!  What a great first day!

Disney Vacation Part 1

We took our first BIG family vacation this year.  Over a year ago a twin mom friend and I got this hair-brained idea to take our families to Disney together.  Crazy right?! 

Camden and Donovan's first flight went great.  We breezed through security- although the boys insisted on taking off their shoes even though they didn't have to (we watched an airport video prior to our trip that showed the kids taking their shoes off).  We brought their car seats on the plane which was the best thing- not only is it safest but they sat the whole time because that's just what they are used to doing in their car seats.  We munched on snacks, did a fun airplane sticker book, and watched some DVD's.  Neither our kids or our friends kids had any trouble with their ears during the flight.  Donovan however had a melt down when we landed because Mickey wasn't right there the second we touched down!

We managed to get our luggage out to the car on our own- although Derek and I looked pretty silly trying to balance everything and push a double stroller and pull a cart of car seats, but we were determined to do it!  The boys helped pick the "silver truck" for our rental and we got all loaded up and out into the Florida sun.  It was a pretty easy trip to the vacation house- however when we got to the house we couldn't get in!  We had 4 tired, hungry 2 year olds and the key code to get the door key out wouldn't work!  After eating our McDonalds in the shade on the driveway we finally reached the home owners- they had changed the code and forgot to tell us!  Oops!  

Our Vacation House- 4 bed rooms, 3 full baths, kitchen, laundry (yea!), and a backyard pool

After getting the kids settled for a nap, the guys unloaded the cars and us girls headed out to the grocery store.  The evening was spent grilling out and swimming in the pool.  During our stay we were able to enjoy the pool many times.  We couldn't believe how much Camden and Donovan loved the pool.  In no time they were jumping in, swimming around and letting us toss them under the water.  Such little fish!

I am so glad we decided to rent a house instead of staying on Disney property- it worked best with the kiddos.  We were able to visit the parks for a few hours, go home for naps (including pregnant Mamma!), and then go back to the parks late afternoon/evening.  We had the kitchen so were able to do breakfast at home, carry in sack lunches, and make dinners the nights we were home.  So much cheaper and healthier than eating out every meal.  Best of all, we came home with a suitcase full of clean laundry!  

If you want info about the house HERE is the link- let them know we sent you if you book something!