Thanksgiving 2018

Since we just arrived back from Disney two days ago, we were fortunate that my sister offered to host Thanksgiving this year. That meant the only thing I needed to do was clean the house in preparation of my parents arrival and fix whatever dish my sister requested I bring. So yesterday I did just that - I cleaned house and went to the grocery store to get the ingredients I needed for sweet potato casserole. My Uncle John came with parents as well, which was a nice addition to our Thanksgiving.

As usual, the food was delicious and the company even better. Melissa's in-laws all came for Thanksgiving as well, which was nice. It is hard to believe I have known Shawn's family for more than half my life. They are fun to be around and we spend a lot of time laughing and sharing stories.

The boys will all of the cousins from the McAnear side

Cousins!

The Most Magical Vacation

If you have ever planned a Disney trip, then you know it takes months, if not years, of planning. I have been waiting to take the boys for a long time, but knew they needed to be old enough to be able to handle going all day long without having meltdowns or needing naps AND to be tall enough to ride on every ride. Shane and I decided last year that we would plan on going this year the week before Thanksgiving to help avoid the crowds - not that I am every sure there is not a time that isn't crowded. So last December I notified a Disney planner and the planning began.

Out trip was planned for November 13-20th with plans to stay at the Contemporary Hotel. My main reason for that choice was all about convenience (mainly for the sake of Shane). I was concerned about lengthy waits for buses or other means of transportation to get to the parks, so felt this was the best (definitely not cheapest though) option for us. I also opted for the dining plan and the memory maker so that everything was taken care of and we could just enjoy ourselves without worrying about what we were eating or the cost of it and also not having to find someone to take our pictures.

The boys had no idea that we were planning the trip. We would talk about Disney off and on and they had it in their heads that maybe we would be going this summer. I debated back and forth of how and when we were going to tell them. I told their teachers a month or so ago at our teacher conference so they were aware. Honestly, I felt a little guilty taking them out of school because I never thought I would be one of "those parents".  Luckily, their teachers were all very supportive and excited for the boys. Since Camden had several tests the week we were going to be gone, we decided to tell them on Saturday so he would be able to study and take his tests ahead of time.

To break the news to them, I planned a scavenger hunt with clues hidden all around the house. It wasn't until the end when they opened the box with balloons and a postcard from Mickey Mouse and his friends telling them that he was "excited to see them real soon" that they knew they were Disney bound. Of course, when I told Camden we were leaving on Tuesday, his response was, "Wait - I am going to miss school? I will have to make up all that work!" He is a teacher's (and parent's) dream - he loves school! But after we talked about it more and watched some videos, he was nothing but excited.

Our flight was schedule to leave Tuesday morning at 9:35 am. I was not even close to being packed the night before when I started having a horrible ear ache. I had been sick with cough and congestion since the week prior, however the fluid was building up behind my ears and the thought of flying with an earache worried me. So I headed to the Redi Clinic on Monday night where I was diagnosed with an ear infection and was prescribed antibiotics, cough syrup, nasal spray and decongestants. My hope was that I could get just a little of the fluid to dry up prior to our flight. All I could think was that I had not done all this planning only to be miserable while I was there. I got home and finished getting the boys packed up and in bed and then finished packing up our stuff in time to head to bed in anticipation of starting our magical vacation.

We arrived at the airport Tuesday morning and got everyone situated on the flight to Orlando. This was the boys first flight and Casen was thrilled while Camden was excited, but nervous (as he is with anything that is new). When we left Houston the temperature was cold and in the 40's and was to be in the 80's in Florida upon our arrival. We were practically the only people in the airport in shorts - but none of us minded because we were ready to hit our first park upon arrival to Disney.

The Magic Express picked us up from the airport upon arrival in Orlando and dropped us off at our hotel. It was so nice not having to worry about our luggage as they take care of getting it and delivering it to your room. Our room was ready when we arrived, so we went to our room, dropped off a few items and then caught the monorail to Epcot where we would spend the afternoon/evening.

We had our first Fast Pass schedule for Mission Space at 4:00pm so we had plenty of time to get in, get our bearings and then start enjoying our afternoon. Our other Fast Passes were for Test Track and Figment (one of my personal favorite characters). We enjoyed the speed of Test Track, but Soarin' was another family favorite. That evening we enjoyed Illuminations from the World Showcase.

Figment - one of my favs!

Gotta love some Disney Magic!

Mission Space

France!

On day two, we headed to Hollywood Studios via bus. We had fast passes for Star Tours, Toy Story Mania and Rock N Roller Coaster. The crowds were not bad, so we were able to take advantage of the shorter lines and ride Tower of Terror and other rides several times.

Star Tours Ready

Camden and I ready to take on Toy Story Mania!

We made sure to not let the boys know that Rock N Roller Coaster went upside down or Camden would have never agreed to ride it. He was not thrilled about riding either the Tower of Terror or Rock N Roller Coaster, however we somehow managed to get him on it twice. Now we won't talk about him almost puking prior to the second time he got on Rock N Roller Coaster since he now knew what it entailed, but Shane just told him to close his eyes and it would be over in no time. Luckily, puking was avoided!!! That boy gets in his own head . . . just the thought of going upside down freaked him out.

The first time we rode Rock N Roller Coaster -
the boys faces make me laugh so hard!

The second time we rode it - both boys decided
to ride with their eyes closed. 

During the March of the First Order where Captain Phasma leads her squad of Stormtroopers up Hollywood Boulevard, we were stationed in the best place. They started walking up to the boys, and with their very intimidating demeanor they were speaking to the boys and you could see the fear on Casen's face. He was standing at attention, as told to, and would not even look them in the eye. I honestly thought he was going to cry, but he didn't. He and Camden were both ready to do something else after the First Order marched off.

Notice Casen standing at attention - this
was how he stood as the Storm Trooper
spoke to him. 

We ate at Hollywood and Vine for dinner and enjoyed a buffet of traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Personally, I was not overly thrilled with eating Thanksgiving dinner, however since it was a buffet, there was plenty to find to eat and since it was a character meal, watching the boys interact with Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy made the dinner well worth it.

Of course, night time is magical at Disney. The Tower of Terror was beautiful during their night time show and it snowed on the main streets of Hollywood. Prior to leaving the park, we watched the outdoor musical 'Fantasmic' which was a great show that had everything you could ask for - pyrotechnics, laser lights and dancing water.

The Tower Of Terror disguised
as a Gingerbread house. 

Fantasmic!

Day three we headed to Magic Kingdom. With staying at the contemporary, we were able to take a short walk from the hotel to Magic Kingdom. We started our day with having breakfast at the Crystal Palace where we met Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eyore, and Piglet. One common thing that occurred during each of our character meals was almost all the characters made some sort of action to show Camden they thought his hair was cool. Our favorite was Eyore, who actually stopped Camden in the buffet line and showed Camden that they both had the same hair do. :) His hair was definitely a hit!

We had fast passes for Tales with Belle (that was for me since she is my favorite princess), Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Again the crowds were not too bad so we were able to take advantage of the shorter lines for some of the other big rides and of course we rode the traditional Disneyworld rides including The Mad Tea Party and It's a Small World.

Obligatory ride on 'It's a Small World' - they
were NOT impressed.

Going on a magic carpet ride. . .

 Despite the boys not really wanting to participate in the Tales with Belle, Camden was Chip and Casen was a plate.

Camden and Belle

Casen and Belle

The Mad Tea Party was fun for everyone. The first time we rode it, we all four crammed in one tea cup - probably not the best mood. Shane and the boys had a spinning so fast - I know I am aging, however this ride reminds you just how much your equilibrium changes as you get older. . .

Think someone takes this seriously?

For dinner we headed over to the Grand Floridian where we had reservations at 1900 Park Fare. In the lobby they had a beautiful real gingerbread house set up. The boys got to experience Cinderella, Prince Charming, the evil stepmother Lady Tremaine as well as the evil stepsisters, Anastasia and Drisella. Lady Tremaine was trying to set the boys up to marry either Anastasia or Drisella. When Drisella came to the table she was trying to decide which boy to marry and asked who had the most money - which Camden piped up that he did. When she said she would marry him, his face turned blood red and he became very shy. LOL. 

Prince Charming teaching the
boys to stand like a Prince.

Cinderella and the boys.

Lady Tremaine

Anastasia

Drisella - Camden's future bride-to-be

That night, we went to the Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. They had cookies and hot chocolate through out the park, however we were too busy taking advantage of the short lines and rode a lot or rides instead of standing in line for cookies. I know, it is shocking that I bypassed cookies, but we were really enjoying the rides. The fireworks show over the castle that night was breathtaking and honestly, just amazing.

Day four, we headed to Animal Kingdom. I was particularly excited about this day as I had never experienced this particular park. We started our morning on the Kilimanjaro Safari, seeing a lot of neat animals.

We then had a great lunch at Tusker House, where we were able to visit with Mickey, Daisy, Donald and my favorite, Goofy.

We rode a few rides and then headed to Expedition Everest - yet another roller coaster that went upside down. Luckily, everyone enjoyed it and we rode it a second time later in the day. Our most favorite thing we did in Animal Kingdom was Flight of Passage in Pandora that we had a fast pass for in the evening. It was truly a remarkable interactive ride where you are riding on an Avatar that you can actually feel breathing between your legs - truly an amazing ride. 

Expedition Everest

The boy's main mode of transportation!

Festival of the Lion King

The Tree of Life

Pandora

Tree of Life at night.

Day five had us back at Hollywood Studios, but not after we had breakfast in the hotel.

The crowds had definitely increased compared to our first day there. We took advantage of our fast passes and rode our favorite rides - this time posing for our pictures on the rides (since we now knew exactly where the cameras were). It was a family affair and we all discussed ahead of time what we would do, aside from Shane who would never reveal to us what he was going to do. It turned out that Rock N Roller coaster was Casen's favorite ride out of all of the parks and it was a close second for Camden, his first being Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom. It was amazing how they went from being scared to death the first time to being more then willing to wait in line over an hour to ride it one last time. They are definitely my children!!!

Fun on the Alien Swirling Saucers

We ran into Shane's cousin and her family.

Slinky Dog Dash

We took the time to take in shows and other things we skipped over on the first day, including different character meet and greets. Chip and Dale were probably my favorite. They were huggers and even got Shane to give a big hug, despite him not reallt being a hugger. :)

Chip and Dale checking out Camden's mohawk.

BB8

Chewbacca

We ate at my most favorite place - Prime Time Cafe. I have said since I had my first chocolate shake from there in 1989 that they are the best ever chocolate shakes, and I will continue to stand by that. We all indulged in chocolate shakes, served by our cousin Michael, and enjoyed visiting with our cousins from Connecticut and New Jersey - such a fun place to eat.

Prime Time Cafe

Day six started with us taking few pictures at our resort. We then headed back to Epcot where we celebrated Mickey's 90th birthday. Everyone received a pin to wear to commemorate the day.

The boys met Mary Poppins on the streets of England where she encouraged them to mind their manners - thanks Mary, we need all the help we can get!! 

We rode all of our favorite rides again, and also took in things we did not do on our first trip there.

Disney magic!

The boys were so excited
to get some cotton candy!

China

Shaved ice in Japan - YUMMY!

Casen couldn't get enough of his
shaved ice

Japan

Camden was lucky enough to find
a small lizard while in Japan.

Test Track

Baymax liked Camden's mohawk.

Baymax

That evening we ate with Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale at the Garden Grill. We also visited Club Cool Sodas where the boys could try different sodas from around the world - they enjoyed that!

Everything tastes better
when it is shaped like Mickey!

Chip

Dale

Mickey liked Camden's mohawk too!

Mickey's 90th Birthday dessert.

Club Cool Soda - you MUST try the Beverly!

Once we got back to the hotel, the boys put on their bathing suits and we headed down to the hotel pool/water slide. I know as a kid one of my most favorite things to do was go swimming in the motel pool. The boys hardly swam at all, but instead rode the water slide over and over. Luckily it was a warm evening and they keep the pool heated.

 

Day seven had us back at Magic Kingdom. This would be our last day actually at a park. It was hard to believe that our trip was almost over. Again, there were a lot of people and sometimes the lines for some of the rides were 210 minutes or so. Thank goodness for Fast Passes!!!

The sun was right in their eyes, but
I wanted a picture with the castle
in the background.

Big Thunder Mountain -
Camden's favorite ride!

Pure joy!

We enjoyed one of my mother's favorite treats - a Dole Whip. They were a hit with everyone and tasted just as I remembered.

We took in two different parades today since we did not see any our first visit to the Magic Kingdom. I must say, I still hate that the electric parade is gone - that was one of my favorites and I did not feel that the parades they have now compare.

For dinner we ate at Ohana at the Polynesian hotel. Aside from Prime Time Cafe, this was my other favorite meal. The food was wonderful as were the pina coladas we enjoyed! :)

The day was coming to an end, but not before we rode a few more classics and crammed in more fun!

This picture is a little blurry, but the fun

Shane and Camden was having 

was priceless.

The Dumbo ride at night was so pretty. 

Before heading out of the park, the boys were so good to pose for just a few more pictures, just for mom!

Group Hug!

We were so sad to leave. . . .

Today was our last day in Disney so we ate at Chef Mickey's to give a final farewell to all our Disney friends.

Afterwards, we headed to the hotel gift shops to use up our snack credits from our dining plan. I honestly thought we would not have any credits left over at the end of our trip, but truthfully, between all the big meals and going here and there, we really didn't have time to eat to use all our snack credits during the week. So, needless to say, we bought a lot of candy.

And, no trip to Disney is complete without eating Mickey shaped ice cream. How we made it to the very end of our trip without having any is beyond me. So before heading to the airport, the boys and I enjoyed some. It was a yummy treat to end the trip on!

Magic Band power!

The boys with one of their souvenirs.

Camden found his name
at the Orlando airport!

The flight home was uneventful and we made it home safely. I would say it was definitely a successful family trip - well worth all the planning and money. The boys had a magical time, we made many memories, took a lot of pictures and have a lot of stories to share. Mission accomplished!

My stack of Disney gift cards
that paid for our trip.