RIDES!

If you ask the kids what their favorite part about Disney was, Abby would shout, “RIDES!” Benjamin would say, “Thunder Mountain Railroad.”

We had so much fun riding rides and visiting attractions. The kids were thrilled with each and every attraction they saw. Luckily, we didn’t have to wait in any long lines, due to the lower attendance, early hour entry and fast passes. Even when we did wait, the kids were surprisingly patient. Benjamin hung in there with me for 45 minutes waiting for Soarin’ in Epcot. It was totally worth it for him, and he would have waited another 45 minutes to ride a second time.

Both kids loved the rides that spun in a circle, like Dumbo, The Magic Carpet Ride and a dinosaur ride. There were several variations, and Abby wanted to ride each one several times.

We did all the classics, like “It’s a small world.” Benjamin was a bit bored on that one, but by the end, Abby was clapping her hands to the music.

The teacups were a must see on our list!

The kids saw more action than they ever are allowed to watch on television. Benjamin was a little nervous about loud car engines, gun fights and exploding tankers at a Holly Wood Studios stunt show. But, it was all worth it to see…

LIGHTNING MCQUEEN! I do believe Benjamin was shaking with excitement.

Benjamin especially loved the roller coasters that he was tall enough to ride.

Here we are on Thunder Mountain Railroad. The ride didn’t scare Benjamin, but he didn’t like the loud noises.

Many of the rides were themed, so we saw Nemo, Whinnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, etc. while riding/flying in little cars. Abby really liked these, but she kept a very serious and focused expression on her face almost all the time.

Benjamin really like The People Mover, which gave us a short tour of several rides in Magic Kingdom.

We got to see wild animals on the Animal Kingdom Safari ride, and then toured a small petting zoo.

And, the kids loved seeing the giant “golf ball” at Epcot, where we also got to see a really neat Nemo exhibit.

Here we are seeing the castle for the first time!

Benjamin and Abby were THRILLED with the Finding Nemo show, and The Disney Junior show.

Abby LOVED the carousal, and we rode it several times. She rode on her horse like she was a queen.

Benjamin LOVED the Buzz Lightyear ride at Hollywood Studios. It was an interactive 3D video game. Since returning home, he asked me why his sunglasses don’t work like the ones we wore in Disney. “Where are all the pictures?” he wondered.

Papa watched all four kids one night so we could go out on dates. Jeremy and I went to Epcot, and had a wonderful time touring the various countries, eating in Mexico and even designing and testing out a virtual roller coaster at Innoventions.

The kids loved spending time together. We had “fun” trying to get a picture with all of them in their Disney shirts.

It was so nice to visit with family! Benjamin and Abby adore their cousins.

Benjamin and Logan found the perfect hats for their personalities.

On the last night, we stayed (in the pouring rain) to watch the electrical lights parade. It was worth it. Benjamin was enthralled, if not shivering and cold. And, the kids were troopers when we had to travel back to our hotel many times after bed time or past nap time.

What Disney trip would be complete without a Mickey Mouse ears ice cream. At the end of a day spent in the park, after eating ice cream twice and getting to eat some candy, Benjamin said, “Daddy, this has been the sweetest day ever!”