disney: day 5

What an exhausting and fun day we had at Magic Kingdom!  We headed out early around 8:00 (since they opened early that day).  

We rode the Winnie-the-Pooh ride, which was a hit for all.  Although, Meredith didn't like the rain storm in the ride.  On a side note, on this trip, I've learned that Meredith hates the dark, surprise anything, and loud anything (which I knew...but this trip has sealed that deal).  

We walked to the back of the park to get our fastpasses for the Peter Pan ride, and then go on It's a Small World. While we were walking past Peter Pan, I noticed one of my mom's co-workers in line for Peter Pan.  We talked for a few seconds before our family boarded It's a Small World...seemed appropriate enough. :)  

The kids really enjoyed It's a Small World, and we enjoyed walking right onto the ride with no waiting.  We got off that ride and walked right into rain.  We didn't think it was going to rain at all, but we had packed our ponchos just in case...this was the wisest decision of the day.  We used them on and off a few times during the morning.

We headed over to the Country Bear Jamboree which I found a bit lame.  The kids supposedly enjoyed it, but I was completely unimpressed.  This is obviously an older attraction that is around because of the nostalgia it provides.  It was nice to be inside for a few minutes, though, while the rain passed.  

We hoofed it back to Peter Pan, which was loved by all (Meredith didn't ride...too dark).  It was fun to feel like we were "flying" over everything!

Thunder Mountain Railroad was next.  Claire and I rode first; Josh and Claire second.  Just before getting on the coaster, we stopped at the bathroom and noticed Woody and Jessie signing autographs and taking pictures nearby.  While Josh and Claire rode the coaster, Meredith, Amelia, and I stood in line to get Woody's and Jessie's autographs.  Claire and Josh caught up after their ride in plenty of time, and we all ate lunch while we waited in line.  Perfect timing!

We spent some time on Tom Sawyer Island.  Everyone enjoyed this, and we ran into a guy that Josh used to work with.  "It's a small world after all..."

And then it POURED for about 5 minutes...and then stopped. :)  Thank you, Florida.

We headed to the Magic Carpet ride...loved by all.  Then, we rode the carousel...loved by all as well.  Claire, Josh, and Amelia rode the tea cups (Meredith and I don't like spinning rides).  We did notice that your cup doesn't HAVE to spin...we might try tomorrow.   

The Disney Train was calling our name, and we went all the way around the outside of Magic Kingdom...this was a nice break and filled our fastpass time for the Barnstormer.  

The Barnstormer is a 53 second roller coaster for young kiddos who don't want big drops, but still want to go fast and make some quick turns.  Meredith and Amelia weren't so sure about it while we were on the ride, but they both wanted to go again.  Meredith said during the ride, "I think you're enjoying this more than I am!!"  And then when it was finished, "Why is it so short?"  My response:  "So that it's over quickly if you don't like it!"  

We considered riding Dumbo (supposedly one of the most popular rides at Disney), but the wait was 50 minutes.  Ummm...no thank you...especially considering that it is the EXACT SAME RIDE as the dinosaur ride at Animal Kingdom and the magic carpet ride that we already rode.  

We went back to our hotel for a swim and dinner.  Since MK closed early the following night for Mickey's Halloween Party, we could only watch the parade and fireworks on Thursday.  We had missed the parades and fireworks at all of the other parks because of rain (or warnings that a certain someone in our party would be scared), so we didn't want to miss our opportunity!  

We did both and had great seats for both!  

Of course, the photos don't even begin to do the parade justice.  At one point, Captain Hook's pirate ship arrived, and it blew cannon smoke right into Meredith's face.  She just couldn't catch a break on this trip!  Josh had watched Pete's dragon blow some smoke out his nose.  He told Meredith that it would just come out the front (not right in her face), but she didn't take any chances.  She was standing next to us in record time. :)

Unfortunately, once the parade was over, we had to trek to the other side of the park to get a good spot for the fireworks.  There were people EVERYWHERE...and that's an understatement.  

At one point, we almost got puked on by a 3 year old.  Poor little guy was puking everywhere.  It was pretty disgusting...I felt sorry for his parents.  Anyway, we found a great spot for the fireworks, and Tinkerbell soared right over us from the top of Cinderella's Castle all the way to the other side of the park...it was pretty amazing.  

The fireworks were probably the best we've ever seen.  Amelia kept saying, "That one is my favorite!!  Oh, that one is my DOUBLE favorite!!"  Over and over again...

Since half of the park was heading home at that point, we decided to do one more ride (the speedway cars) while the first wave of people left.  We had ridden the bus to the park that night, so we knew we were definitely going to be fighting crowds on the way back.  It wasn't too bad, though, and we made it home before 10:30.  

Magic Kingdom was nothing short of amazing for the kids...which is why we spent Day 6 there as well!  There was still so much to do!