Well, that's a start. We've just returned from yet another Disney vacation that has taken our breath away. Last year we were able to take our girls on a West Caribbean Disney Cruise that left us hungry for more. After becoming "Disney Vacation Club Members" at the beginning of last year we anxiously planned our trip this year to Disney World and Vero beach. As the economy then took a downward turn we began to wonder if our timing was right. Would we really be happy with this decision? The clear and resounding answer is without a doubt: YES! What an amazing way to travel.
We have over 200 photos so choosing my favorites may still leave much to be viewed. I hope this is as interesting to you as it was to us. : ) We decided to go all the way this year and invited my (Kim's) parents as well as my Aunt, Uncle and cousin from Utah. We all flew into Orlando Friday evening to begin our stay at the Animal Kingdom lodge.
The girls are such good travelers. They looked so big pulling their little carry on bags through security, taking off their shoes and presenting the airport staff with their little boarding passes.
When the sun came up the next morning we were thrilled with the views from our private verandas. The villas at Animal Kingdom lodge are too spectacular to describe. We stayed in a 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 2000 square foot villa that made us all want to forget real life and live there permanently. The animals of the African savanna roam freely outside the rooms.
While in Orlando we enjoyed visiting the Animal kingdom where we saw many more of the wonderful animals and went on an up close and personal safari. Amber was excited to not have to wear a seat belt, until she realized where we were going:
Okay, this last one wasn't on the safari, but Amber was much less impressed with the finding nemo ride than she was of the outdoor safari. And she wouldn't think about going into "Bruce" for a picture. Caitlin was thrilled to finally be able to ride the big roller coasters, until meeting the yetti on the "mount everst" ride. Won't suggest that one to parents of 6 year old girls. : )Our next day was spent at Epcot. I won't be returning to this park with a toddler. But everyone else had a blast. We started the day at a breakfast with the princesses. That was well worth it and we all had a great time getting pictures with the princesses. Especially my teenage cousin, Andy. Jasmine had specail instructions for what he should do with his hands in the photo, "Okay, can I get you to put your hands just like this for me?" I wish I had the photo here, but lets just say they were no where near her arabian clad skin.
We spent our last full day in the Magic Kingdom. This was a special treat for the girls. A perfect way to end our "park" experience.
Our final day in Orlando we tearfully said goodbye to our home at the villas. Well, there weren't actually any tears, but some of us contemplated staying and waiting to be removed rather than go willingly. We loved the family atmosphere and true feeling of home (although none of our homes are anywhere near this luxiourious). Caitlin and Amber already miss their evening baths with jets and disney movies. And the big family breakfasts with the animals grazing within sight were amazing.
We then drove about two hours south east to Vero Beach. Another WOW! experience. We loved being able to kick up our feet and live the beach life for a few days to unwind after the "park packed" days in Orlando. Our 3 bedroom cottage was on the beach with a great view of the surf right out our patio. The girls thoroughly enjoyed all the resort style activities and were thrilled to spend time in the pool. Amber enthusiastically jumped onto the water slide without coercion to our great surprise.
From the s'mores round the campfire to sidewalk chalk, cooking and beading, scavenger hunts, walks on the beach, mini golf just steps from our cottage to kayaking in the lagoon and breakfast with Goofy and Donald, Vero beach was a great place to relax with the kids.
I wanna go baaaaaaaaaack!! Waaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!!: )
1 comment:
Glad to see my son and his family enjoying their vacation. I'm sure the next Disney Vacation will be just as wonderful. The girls look cute as always. Grandma Krinke
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