Disney World

We loaded up the KC boys on the shuttle bus at 2:20 p.m. and sent them on their way to the Tampa airport to catch their 5:15 flight to KC.  Then headed across to the cafe for a quick late lunch before heading out on our two hour drive from Clearwater to the Embassy Suites in Orlando.  After we got checked in we headed out to the Outback Steakhouse for a late dinner.  Then did our best to get to sleep for a big day at Disney World's Magic Kingdom.  Our shuttle bus departs the hotel at 7:40 a.m.

We then got all of our gear in the cars, grabbed breakfast and checked out and loaded up on the bus for our ride over to the Magic Kingdom.  Drake, Haley, Janie, Jeff, Logan and Grandma Paula.  It is very hard to capture the essence of a fourteen hour day at the Magic Kingdom. 

As we arrived a heavy rain settled in, so we had to be strategic getting into the park and staying as dry as possible.  We started in Tomorrowland with Space Mountain.  Grandma waited for us to make the ride (no lines yet), then hung out with Jeff as everyone else did a return ride.  We then got Grandma to do on a few of the more tame rides (no jerks or bumps) before heading out to Aventureland, Frontierland, then train ride to Fantasyland, back to Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and the Main Street.  I think there was a few other area to area moves, but as you can see covered the park completely.  75 year old Grandma Paula hung in there and ended the day riding the Astro Jet in tomorrowland with a light sprinkle and the Kingdom all in its night light splendor.

We finished with the Electric Light Parade (delayed a bit due to rain) and a cool breeze that made the end of the day a little chilly for everyone.  We grabbed the tram to the bus stop, waited for the bus, then headed to the hotel to get the cars.  Grabbed a quick McDonald's round of junk food and started the two hour drive to Sarasota.  Ended up home at 1 a.m. and asleep by 1:45 a.m.  Here is a crop of pictures that hightlighted the day's events.

Embassy Suites Happy Hour Tuesday night... chips, salsa, wine, beer, magaritas, rum/coke, cranberry vodka - then off to OutBack Steakhouse for dinner with the whole gand.  Logon opted out on the snacks and was ready for alone time after being with his buddies since Thursday morning.

Space Mountain starting point, Drake, Haley, Logan, Janie with Jeff in the back car.  Great way to start the day's adventure - no lines and the best roller coaster in the park.

Buzz Light Year adventure we coaxed Grandma Paula to come on - basically a lazer shooting range

Not one of those adventures that turns grandmothers on!!

Drake and Haley in a stiff competition to get the highest points.

Rain is giving away to sunshine

It quickly became apparent Janie is a big "little" girl when it comes to Disney.  Most definitley the biggest fan of everything.

Logan and Grandma outside the Cinderella's Castle

The whole gang early and going strong

Frontierland - Jeff and Grandma found some rocking chairs to sit in while others rode the Thunder Mountain roller coaster.  Then Logan, Jeff, Haley and Drake headed to Splash Mountain.  After a few delays due to breakdowns, Haley got the brunt of the splash part of splash mountain.  Unfortunately it took many hours for her clothes to dry.   Grandma and Janie sat quite a while waiting for us in some comfy rockers which was a nice break for the two of them.

Quite a bit of walking, rides, shows and we finally broke down around 2:15 for a lunch break in Frontierland.  Pretty good food that was not all that expensive.  It sure hit the spot and gave us all some needed energy and time to dry out the socks and rest the legs.  When we came out to see them staging for the Celebration parade in the afternoon.  We scoped out a spot to continue resting and wait for the parade.

Haley grabs a chance for a little cat nap.....

Grandma Paula found a spot to sit and close her eyes for a bit....

Logan held up the fence with Dad and watched over the crowd....

Then the parade started with characters leading into dancers, theme floats, more characters and all the princesses.

One of many floats

Woody stopped by as well as the Queen of Hearts who flirted with Drake

Dad got everyone over to the Hall of Presidents for the show, which makes you really feel patriotic.  Five new presidents since Jeff last saw the show.

Castle show with characters

The Abrams family was at Disney also and of all the people there,  we just happened to run into into them close to main street...how fun!  We saw them in Clearwater for a brief visit in front of the Clearwater Hilton, but due to some travel snafus could not meet up in Orlando the night before for dinner.  Laura looked like her dream to go to Disney World which was a big hit including a personal visit with Mickey Mouse.

Princess Tangled "Rapunzel" was Haley's quest to get a picture for neice Bruke.  According to Haley, Tangled and Drake discussed her movie.  Drake such a Disney guy.

Say Cheese!

Retiring the American Flag ceremony.  It was a little after 5 p.m. and we happened to catch them taking the flag down for the day.  They had a couple of kids from the crowd to read the pledge of allegiance and an active service man to help with the ceremony.  Definitely a lot of support for the troops and America rocks theme.

A trip to the Magic Kingdom would not be complete without a visit "Its a Small World".  Until I wrote this the song had not stuck in my head like it has in the past.  Always a classic experienece at Disney.

Then the carasousel ride...

Janie is still that little girl at Disney and made sure everyone rode a beautiful horse!

Dad grabbed the wrong horse...a little small

One of several rides Grandma Paula enjoyed with the clan

 A quick snack stop at a soft serv ice cream stand...Logan and Drake got the cookie sundae...ugh chocolate.  Jeff and Grandma got swirl cones, while Janie got a sundae.  Haley was good and just enjoyed a few bites from Drake.

Thanks Haley for taking the picture...new fantasyland with new rides and a new roller coaster being built

Let's do the Tea Cup ride right after ice cream....go right ahead was my answer...enjoy while I take pictures. 

Logan and Janie focused on twirling the cup...all survived without loosing their ice cream, but Janie did stumble a bit when she existed the cup.

Picture with Goofy..can you identify Goofy?

Logan's favorite Disney Character - Goofy!  Same pose as when we took a Disney cruise back in 2003.  Goofy hasn't changed but Logan sure is a lot taller!!!!!

Electric Light Parade - Cinderella's Carriage

The last float in the parade honoring USA