The Magic Kingdom

We knew that the Magic Kingdom was close by, but didn't know how to get there. The older girls asked at the front desk the night before and were told that we could walk about 5 minutes to the Polynesian Resort across the street and take the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom. In the morning we all arrived in the lobby and asked for directions to walk to the Polynesian and the lady looked upset and asked why we were not utilizing their bus to Magic Kingdom. So we asked about the bus, and discovered that the bus takes us to a ticket and transportation hub where we could catch the monorail. We decided to walk. Her directions were vague and we ended up wandering around in the middle of the street looking like fools until we found the path. But, we eventually made it to the Magic Kingdom before 9 A.M. no less.

Upon arrival we split up with the big girls promising to meet up again in the Cinderella Castle at noon. The older girls were off to ride the big rides and enjoy spending time together. These two have been best friends for many years but most of that time it has been a long distance friendship due to the fact that both of them have dad's in the Air Force and have to move a lot. Not only did they get to spend the week in Disney World but the also got to spend time together as well. Jeff, Lily and I were off to Fantasy Land.

Our first ride was the Carousal we missed the ride by about a second and were first in line. However, after that group exited the ride, mechanics came out and we were forced to wait forever while they appeared to stand around and chat. Eventually they got the ride going a bit and the mechanic was able to stand on the back of a horse and screw something in the ceiling. More waiting, the bad thing about those lines is that when you are up front and people pack in behind you, there is no escape no matter how long it takes them to fix the ride. So the first hour at Disney World was spent watching a bunch of mechanics chit chat on the Carousel.

When we finally got to board the ride, there was a bum rush and Lily walking so slow meant we were not able to find two horses together. I rode one far away and Jeff stood with Lily. At least we were finally able to get off the ride. Next up was the Dumbo ride. Another long wait. I am not really fond of going in circles so Jeff took Lily on the ride. I used the bathroom, got water, walked around all of Fantasy land to find the tea cups ride. And then I just sat down and waited and waited.

On the way to the tea cups we found the scary Snow White ride and the Winnie the Pooh ride, Lily's favorite for the day was the Winnie the Pooh ride. We even went back and did the ride a second time, but it broke down while we were on the ride the second time. I think I have that effect on rides or something?

We had a blast on the tea cups and then Jeff saw the Indy cars and drug us on them. That was a blast. I let Lily drive, I think I still have whiplash. We continued our day in the playground, small world, etc. By lunch time Lily was very tired and cranky. We called the older girls at 11 and asked them if they wanted an early lunch. They agreed and we all hooked up and had a fabulous relatively inexpensive Disney lunch. At 11AM the lunch crowd was scarce and it was nice, cool and relaxing in the Pinocchio grato.

After lunch the big girls went off and did their thing. We decided to go back to the hotel for an afternoon swim and nap. The nicest thing about Shades of Green is that it is so close to the park we were able to take the afternoon off. Once we got back to the hotel our little Lily was her old self again. All day at Disney she was tired and grouchy, she walked so slowly and complained the whole way. At the hotel, she regained her energy and the bounce returned to her step. She ran ahead of us leading the way to our room. We all changed into our swim suits and the newly refreshed Lily swam and swam for at least an hour. Being of fair skin and it being so close to the equator in June midday I made us go back to the room after about an hour in the pool. We all had a good nap and were ready and on our way back to the Magic Kingdom by 5PM.

As we were leaving the Magic Kingdom at noon there were more people than I had ever seen in my life entering the park. It was scary and we were a little hesitant to return. Especially since Lily was so visibly unhappy there. But, we spent nearly $100 per person and wanted to try and get our money's worth so return we did. When we got back it was so hot and crowded Jeff and I began to bicker. We did Adventure land and it began to cool down a bit by 6:30PM. At one point I was standing in line for some ride and the sweat was dripping down my hair and landing on my shoulder in huge drops, the only respite from the heat were those fat drops of sweat. But, as the storm clouds rolled in it did begin to cool. While we were riding the Winnie the Pooh ride a second time, the one the broke mid way and we were stuck listening to someone make announcements not to exit the ride for our own safety. That along with Lily's mood seemed to be an omen and afterward we returned to our hotel.

We got on the Monorail back to the hotel and ended up having to wait all packed in for almost a half and hour. The other monorail loaded up and took off more than six times while we stood there and watched. At least there was A/C in there. When we finally got going the skies had opened up and it was raining in buckets. We decided it would be better to take the hotel bus back instead of walking from the Polynesian due to the major raining. We got off at the ticket and transportation stop and found the bus stop after running around in the rain enough to get soaked to the bone. It was hilarious and we were all laughing. More fun than the rides at Disney World. By the time we got back to our room the rain had stopped. We were told that this happens every afternoon in Orlando.

The older girls were in the room having room service and resting. They offered, or did we ask? to watch Lily while Jeff and I went out to dinner. That was a lot of fun. I sure you can tell from my story that I am not the most Disney loving girl in the world. Still I am glad I went, but I think it will be one of those once in a lifetime type events. Next up is our day of relaxation at the resort.