WDW 2018 - Day 1 (Magic Kingdom)

Our direct flight from Winnipeg to Orlando yesterday went off without a hitch.  The flight was on time and the kids were really good.  We had to make a small detour around some storms in the South East but otherwise the flight was routine.

We got to the hotel close to 11pm.  The kids were tired, although they wouldn't admit it as they didn't have a nap.  Once in bed, the adults ate some food (DD ordered some pizza and wings) and then went off to bed.

When two phones and a laptop just aren't enough to make a decision about ordering food

This morning started off with a small breakfast in the room while everyone was getting ready for the day.  We then made our way to the bus station where we waited for what seems like forever for a bus going to Magic Kingdom to arrive.  We finally boarded the bus and made the short 15 mins trek to the park so we could get to our first event for the day - breakfast (for some, lunch for others the twinkies reminded us).

Breakfast was delicious (as all buffets tend to be at Disney).  T wasn't a huge fan of Tigger but was more receptive to Pooh, Piglet and Eeyore.  B was delightful and charming as ever.

After breakfast/lunch, we made our way out into the Magic Kingdom for some rides.  We started with Barn Stormer:

Then made our way to a visit with Belle:

Afterwards it was off to see Cinderella and Elena. T was playing shy with Elena and even more shy with Cinderella.  B played into the shyness so MBMell and Lola had to fill in with Cinderella.

After seeing some princesses, the gang made their way to find a spot for the Parade.  AA and DD went and got everyone a snack (Dole Whip!) and nearly lost the majority of the snacks for the ladies (and T) due to the heat that was melting the Dole Whip at a rapid pace (the crowds didn't help).

Everyone finished their snack with a few minutes to spare before the parade started:

Once everyone's favourite Disney character was through the parade and the street opened up again, we made our way to Jungle Cruise which was set up extra special for the Christmas season with each boat having a Reindeer name:

After our cruise, we made our way to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for another roller coaster ride.  T was a little nervous but was still able to pick out the animals along the ride.

Then, it was a jaunt across the park to visit some more characters.  T and B played shy again until AA and Lola were able to convince them that Goofy wasn't all that scary.  Then the ladies had to convince them that Donald was an ok guy as well.

It was at this point that the crew split up.  DD and AA went to Disney Springs to experience some VR while MBM and Lola kept the kiddos at the park, going to visit more characters (Daisy and Minnie), then ride Dumbo, the Little Mermaid ride and it's a small world before going for supper.

Apparently the guys were way more successful with supper at The Polite Pig (at Disney Springs) than those at Magic Kingdom - apparently it took more than 40 mins for everyone to get their meal which was so long that Disney refunded all the meals back.  That didn't help with kids' moods...

Luckily AA and DD arrived back at the hotel at the same time as the Magic Kingdom gang and were able to hop on the bus to make the remaining 3 mins journey with everyone.  Once back at the room, MBM and Lola packed up and made their way to do the same VR experience and AA and DD a few hours ago.  This left AA and DD to get the kids to bed which ended up being a challenge for DD, but he eventually succeeded.

With the kids in bed, it was time for a few rounds of cribbage before the ladies returned and then everyone got ready for bed.

Tomorrow will be another long day.  We have already talked about some fundamental changes that should improve the outcome for the day (different shoes for B, bringing the stroller, different restaurant choice for supper). 

Goodnight!