WDW: December 8, 2011

We got a better night's sleep than I had expected after such a late evening. The girls were up by 6 still, but quiet all night - so we were all relatively refreshed. We got ready for the day and played a while, and when everyone got restless we headed down to explore the lobby and catch a classic Mickey cartoon or two. Eventually, it was time to head to Epcot for rope drop!

After trying several trips before, we were finally the first family at Character Connection! Each time we had gone we were second or third, and were always a bit jealous of the family spending quality time with all the fab 5 characters at once. So imagine my disappointment when the cast member brought us over to say hi to Mickey, and only Mickey. I said aloud, "Oh no! Of course the time we're here first they don't do anything special. I just assumed it was every day!" :( And then I felt like a dork because at the same time, the rest of the characters were peeking out from behind the set to surprise the girls. And me, obviously.

Emmersyn and Hartley enjoyed the attention, and then also got some one-on-one time with each character as usual. They loved showing them their Duffy bears, and couldn't stop bouncing with excitement.

After this fun start to the morning, we headed over to the land to grab Soarin fast passes and ride Living with the Land (aka "Vegetable Boat Ride". Still).  Hartley still absolutely adores this ride, which makes me happy.

Next we rode the Seas with Nemo and Friends, walked right into Turtle Talk with Crush, and spent some time checking out the rest of the fish for a little while. Because we knew we needed to pace ourselves with all the food coming our way this week :) we grabbed an early snack at the Promenade, then the girls and I played in the Mission:Space play area while Zach rode. You know, since he isn't the one pregnant.

Since it was open at this point, we rushed over to Club Cool for some "girl pop". The girls had our beloved Kinley, and also tried the apple one this time (from... China? Mexico? I don't know, I only drink the Kinley. Repeatedly.) They are so cute with pop -- "It's tickley!" they kept saying, through giggles galore. Love them.

After we had our fill (or, rather, cut the girls off), we headed back to the Land to watch the Circle of Life show and eat lunch at Sunshine Seasons.  Zach and the girls then headed over to meet Duffy (and finally show him their Duffy friends, as they had been waiting to do two. whole. days. ;)) while I rode Soarin'. By the time I caught up with them, the previously crabby girls were sound asleep... and stayed that way for nearly two hours!

While Zach rode other things I wasn't allowed, I spent some quality time in the Norway and China pavilions, as well as discovering my new favorite kiosk with the coolest necklaces and bracelets, made from old park maps, etc and raising money for clean-water wells in Africa.

As I was relaxing and people watching in one of my favorite places, I saw Snow White coming to the wishing well. The girls were still sleeping, but I assumed they'd be up soon - so we got in line. By the time it was our turn they were awake, but only barely. And despite wanting desperately to see her since we hadn't yet gotten her autograph, this is the best we could do:

Once Zach caught up to us and the girls fully woke up, we played in Italy, checked out the gingerbread house in the American Adventure pavilion, and watched the Fife and Drums while snacking. Again. :) (This time, a firecracker and pretzel for half of us, fresh, warm caramel corn for me.) We also got to see the Voices of Liberty for the first time in a long time, and still love them. Vocal harmony at its finest. The girls were mesmerized!

We meandered through more of World Showcase, coloring, dancing to Mariachi Cobre, listening to a few holiday story tellers, and - of course - riding "The Donald Boat Ride" and putting on a show in the Mexico pavilion. Everyone around was cracking up. My kids are seriously the coolest.

We stopped by to say hi to Donald on our way to dinner, and were seated at Nine Dragons immediately upon our arrival. The food was good, but I think our memories of it being excellent were more about what we had expected the first time. Still, no complaints. Everyone left satisfied, and ready to head back "home" for the night.

Back at the hotel, the girls got a quick bath and got ready for bed. Despite their great nap earlier, they were so tired - but of course, not too tired to talk about our day while waiting for their now-favorite Duffy bedtime story!

December 9, 2011