Addisyn and Josiah’s Week with the Mouse, 2019.

By all accounts, we are a little crazy regarding the Mouse. We just returned from Addisyn and Josiah’s second trip to Disney! It was magical, it was sparkly, it was sunny, it was parties, parades, sprinkles, and ice cream. It was lots of laughing, lots of fun, and lots of happy exhaustion for all. Our trip was truly glorious, filled with lots of favor along the way!

On January 4th, we woke the kids up early, to catch our early flight and 3 hours later we were in Orlando, catching the Magical Express. We arrived at our hotel and they were already in heaven, remembering the sounds, sights, and even distinct smell that Art of Animation has. It’s happy, it’s colorful, it’s our happy place! They got lunch, grabbed a nap, took a dip in the pool, played in the splash pad, and then we dried off and caught all the magnificent Christmas decorations, the Lego displays, and our favorite sights at Disney Springs. When we arrived back to the room that evening, right before their pizza was delivered, Mickey sent a very magical surprise right to our room, with their favorite characters! <3

Day two was Animal Kingdom, we caught up with our Lion King friends, rode on an Jungle Safari, met Mickey and Minnie at their outpost, had Mickey ears ice cream, did some African dancing, hung out with some bugs, learned some things, had more fun, and back to the hotel for naps. Upon entering the hotel, we were met with a fantastic surprise, the manager who had helped us at check-in upgraded our room to a suite as a thank you for Justin’s military service, so we packed up and moved over to the Cars room and the kids were ecstatic to sleep on the Mater table bed! Thanks Art of Animation! That night we had dinner at Ohana, and it was a feast and party for kings/queens. Josiah and Addy’s birthdays were celebrated and they were in a Baby Shark parade… pretty much best day ever for those two.

Next up was Day 1 at Hollywood Studios. We chose to do 2 days there because the kids adore all the characters, shows, and fun rides. We met the storm troopers (both Josiah’s favorite and most terrifying encounter) caught the Star Wars show and Jedi training, went to the brand new Disney Jr. dance party and found all our favorite friends, saw Beauty and the Beast Live, the Frozen Sing-along, met Olaf, rode through Andy’s room (twice!), found all of the Toy Story friends and hung out in the new Toy Story land, we met Snow White and Addy received her second kiss from her on the cheek (repeating our last trip’s magic), we dined at Hollywood and Vine’s Christmas Party, and then had amazing seats to the Fantasmic show. For Josiah, HS won him over even over beloved Magic Kingdom.

Day 3 was Epcot. A well planned lighter day for us because…naps and toddler/preschooler exhaustion. So we hung out that morning and did Epcot in the evening. There’s not a ton for our age children at Epcot, so we caught Nemo, Dory, and Friends, we met Sadness and Joy from Inside Out, we met Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy, we grabbed yummy desserts and coffee, we traveled around the globe visiting the different countries, taking in the sights, and then we wrapped it up for an early night of rest that was much needed!

Day 5 was our first day of Magic Kingdom! Over our two MK days, we had breakfast at Belle’s Castle, enjoyed story time and a parade with Belle and Lumere, then on to a Journey Under the Sea with the Little Mermaid, met the mermaid herself at her Grotto, saw Cinderella, Tiana, Rapunzel, and Elena. Then on to one of our favorites, meeting Mickey himself at our favorite Mickey spot at Town Center, (although we were upset to find he no longer talks…and saves his voice for shows, bummer!) he still did the Hot Dog Dance with the kiddos and let’s be honest…no matter how many times they see Mickey it’s like the first and best time ever.  We caught a ride with Dumbo a few times, It’s a Small World, the Jungle Cruise to check out some fun animals, took a ride on some magic carpets, dined like royalty in the castle at Cinderella’s royal table and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Day 6 & 7 were repeats of Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. Complete with lots of smiles, coffee, and Mickey! We caught the monorail from MK to the Grand Floridian at repeated one of our favorite dining experiences at 1900 Park Fare. Cinderella and the step sisters did not disappoint, and Addy was twirled and romanced on the dance floor by Prince Charming while Josiah sported red lips on both cheeks being kissed by princesses. We always love their performance and food!

In between all the magical here and theres, we spent time in the arcade (the “arc game” according to Josiah), as they both have an excitement over them and discovered they really love air hockey. We shopped, we dined, we walked, and walked some more. We took in the sights, we exhausted our children, we watched them delight in a bit of magic, a bit of dreaming, and we rested truly aching feet… and we’re already talking about when we will go again. After all, it is the most magical place on earth. <3