Count Down to Disney...

We are down to just 2 1/2 days until we hop on a plane to go to Disney World for the kids and my very first time! Or as we describe it to the girls--3 more bedtimes (including tonight).

They are calling for a lovely ice storm late tonight and into tomorrow, but that shouldn't have any impact on us by Saturday. We'll be leaving daytime temps in the 40s and 50s and going to daytime temps in the 60s and 70s. Not too hot to need shorts or summer clothes, and also not too hot for standing on line for rides and attractions.

Tour Guide Mike has helped us to figure out where to stay (the Port Orleans River Watch) which is the only moderate resort with sleeping arrangements for a family of five. We thought about doing the deluxe resorts, but the price is just so high, and the weather's not going to be warm enough to enjoy all the themed pools, so we went moderate (less than half the cost!).

We also have a fairly detailed itinerary planned for each day thanks to Tour Guide Mike (I highly recommend the small fee for this service--he has all the inside information and has been so helpful in our planning).

Here's a brief idea of what's ahead for us in the next week:

Saturday - Arrive in Orlando around 4 p.m., and at our hotel around 5. Settle in, dinner at Downtown Disney and then off to bed.

Sunday - Hollywood Studios (used to be MGM) including Fantasmic that evening.

Monday - We're laying low this morning, exploring the resort, a nice breakfast and then a good nap. In the afternoon, the girls are going to our neighbor Mia's birthday party at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique while Kevin and Ryan explore the LEGO Imagination Center. Then we're all off to dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table. THEN that evening we're staying up late to have big fun at the Pirate & Princess Party.

Tuesday - We're taking it slow again this morning, and hopefully sleeping a little late. We have brunch reservations at Chef Mickey's. Depending upon the moods of the kiddos, we will possibly take another nap before going to explore the Animal Kingdom that afternoon. Early Bedtimes!!!!

Wednesday - We're getting up bright and early this morning and heading to The Magic Kingdom. We will have had a fair amount of time there Monday night (hopefully without crowds and also with special parades and fireworks). We'll check things out during the day and I'll be busy snapping pictures! We'll be heading over to Epcot after the 3:00 parade for dinner at the Coral Reef - a restaurant inside (as in surrounded by!) an aquarium! We'll be up a little later that evening for the IllumiNations.

Thursday - Back to Epcot to ride rides and snap pictures this morning. Nap in the afternoon (if necessary), and then dinner at 1900 Park Fare - a Mary Poppins themed restaurant. That evening we're getting on a private pontoon boat for a family cruise over to the Magic Kingdom to watch the Wishes Fireworks show from the water.

Friday - Hopefully up fairly early to get to the Animal Kingdom. This is our day to take the morning safari and see all those animals! Depending on the kids, we may go to the SpectroMagic Parade that evening in the Magic Kingdom, or we may check out Downtown Disney again.

Saturday - We are having a character breakfast at the Polynesian resort this morning with a Lilo & Stitch theme--it should be wonderful because it's hyped as having all types of Hawaiian/tropical fruits and foods. We'll either spend the remaining few hours before heading to the airport at the resort or in Downtown Disney.

I can't wait!!!!