"Pixie Dust"

Okay, let me first say that I do not like Tinkerbell, she rubs me the wrong way. But I do believe in her pixie dust because Walt Disney World truly is magical. Those that know me are aware that over the past three years I have become quite a Disney fanatic. And so has Connor. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunities to take Connor to Disney as much as he has gone. Connor's probably been to Disney more than most people go in a lifetime. But we love it.

I have to be honest. At first, when I met my friend Elantrice, and knew she was absolutely crazy over Disney, I thought it was a little weird. I thought "why would a grown woman want to spend so much time at Disney?" When Connor was 18 months old she convinced me to give it a try (I had gone has a child) and see if I "experience the magic." Reluctantly, I agreed. I wasn't convinced that taking an eighteen month-old to Disney was the smartest idea but we went. I remember my mom and Hagie expressing concern about why I would even think about doing such a thing. Well, we all know how stubborn and strong-willed I can be, so Connor and I packed up and headed to Disney for the annual Food and Wine Festival. I'm so glad we went. Connor loved it and was well behaved. He, too, experienced the magic!

Since being introduced to the Disney magic, Connor and I go at least once a year, sometimes up to three times a year. We bought annual passes (just made sense financially...they paid for themselves with one trip) and try to go every chance we get. Hagie has gone with us twice....we love for Daddy to go but sometimes Daddy's work schedule gets in the way. I am fortunate that Hagie sees how much Connor and I enjoy it and it doesn't give me TOO hard of a time.

We just got back from our third trip this year. This trip we went with Auntie Elantrice and her parents. The best part...we rolled out in the larger than life RV and stayed at Fort Wilderness on Disney property. What a beautiful place. I was a little worried about space in the RV but space was not an issue and Connor now thinks RV's are the best thing since sliced pizza. LOL.

There are several things/places that are just "must do's" for us each time we go. They are:
Earl of Sandwich for the best Tuna Melt ever made
Downtown Disney to shop and scope out the "must haves"
Rainforest Cafe or T-Rex restaurant for Connor
A ride on Dumbo
Goofy's Barnstormer roller coaster
Splash Mountain
Thunder Mountain Railroad
Peter Pan
Test TrackThis is the short list!

Each year we plan one trip around the annual Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. What a nice treat! Pretty much..you eat and drink yourself "around the world." Each year the menu for the different countries changes a tad and they keep some items the same. It's a nice leisurely stroll around the countries, picking and choosing what to eat and drink. Over the past three years, I have found that I do have some favorites and they are must haves:
the lamb slider
cheddar cheese soup from Canada
Cosmo slushie from France
Grey Goose slushie from France
Anything at the Italian booth

To make the Food and Wine Festival fun for Connor, we always get "fast passes" for Test Track so we can ride more than once. Connor loves it. His auntie has taught him to "hold onto the yellow strap." Connor's favorite Disney saying..."big boys hold on." In addition to Test Track, we take a ride on the Finding Nemo adventure, the Viking boat ride in the country of Norway and once or twice we've gotten on Soaring. Not my favorite!

After a day at Epcot, the next day was spent getting up at 3:45am to get in line for a Benefit Sale (Elantrice's idea...okay so I agreed) at Downtown Disney in which the proceeds of the tickets went to United Way. Anything for a cause, right!?! The Benefit sale was pure madness but Connor was a trooper, as always at Disney, and then we all headed back to the RV for a much needed nap. I"m pretty sure Connor played with his Silly Bandz while we napped.

For me, all the magic is in Magic Kingdom. Not only do I love the rides and atomsphere there, but the pure happiness on Connor's face when he sees the castle is priceless. Because Connor is quite the experienced Disney goer, he is always quick to tell me and his Auntie exactly what rides he wants to ride and in what order. At which time, its time to pick up the pace and head for fast passes! Yes, we have a system. I have to give credit to Elantrice for the system. But I must say, even when my family went without her in June, I was able to implement the system perfectly:).

Connor has learned from Auntie how to put his hands up on certain rides. He feels so proud after he does this. My boy has no fear. Definitely doesn't get that from his momma!

Sure,Disney can be expensive but for me the fact that I can provide my son with opportunities to go and experience the Magic at such a young age is something I am extremely grateful for. I must add though, we do Disney fairly cheaply and we have figured out ways to minimize cost, thanks to Elantrice!

For this trip:
Cost to stay in the RV: $67 in gas and a bottle of Crown Royal for Mr. Hughley
Park passes: $280 (yep we get auntie's discount)
Food: $100
Happiness and joy for Connor: Priceless!

*will add pics when can

Awaiting the next "magical" trip....