Disney.

I know that everyone is just sitting on the edge of their sits waiting to hear about my most recent summer adventures. I just know it.

Because the two trips were totally unrelated (Disney World vs. Palmyra...yeah, no real connection), I am going to post about them separately. I hope that's okay with you.

Well, here it is.

Disney.

Since I can remember, I have always loved Disney. Disney movies. Disney songs. Disney World. There is just a fun atmosphere that Disney provides that can let you slip away from reality for a while.

So that's what I did. I took two weeks off from work and slipped into a Disney coma with my family. And it was awesome.

I only left Disney property about twice, and I'm completely fine with that. Dancing princesses, movie characters, and a giggling mouse consumed my life. Some may remind me that I am a young adult now and should, well, grow up. Never. No matter what age I am, I'm pretty positive that I will always have a soft spot for Disney.

My family has Disney World down to a science. We know which parks to hit on which days, what rides to get fast passes for first, and how to avoid those awful lines. We usually can finish an entire park in about half a day. Then do another with the rest of the day. It wears you out, but is worth it.

Since there is just too much to write about Disney on this blog, I decided to do a simple list of highlights.

Favorite ride: Tower of Terror. I love how your stomach jumps out of your body when you drop!
Favorite park: Magic Kingdom. All the parks are great, but the real magic is at Magic Kingdom. It's in the name. Cinderella's Castle is there, most of the better known rides are there, and it just has the true Disney environment.
Favorite Disney World play: Finding Nemo: The Musical at Animal Kingdom. Killer soundtrack, too. Take a listen here.
Favorite thing to do while in line: Search for hidden Mickey's. They are everywhere and so fun to find that it gets addicting. I found myself doing it even when after we left...
Favorite moment: When my brother got picked out of the audience at the Monster Inc.'s Laugh Floor and had to dance for everyone.
Least favorite moment: When they chose me next.
Least favorite tour group: The Brazilians.
Other favorites: Staying at Bay Lake Tower - right across the street from Magic Kingdom. The lobby at Boardwalk Resort - it's 1940's Coney Island themed complete with authentic jazz music. Florida nights and sunsets. Disney's attention to detail.
Basically, I just love Disney.

Oh yeah, we went to Sea World for a day, too.

The Castle!

Example of Disney's attention to detail. This is at Tory Story Mania.

Rock on.

From Paris...

...to Japan in a few minutes.

Classic Dumbo ride.

View from my hotel room.

Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life.

Animal Kingdom Safari.

Daily parade with Disney characters.

The Castle at night.

View of Magic Kingdom from my room!

Exhausted on the ride home.

We conquered Disney.

Spending this valuable time with my family made me realize just how much I really do miss them while I am away at school. I wish I could move BYU closer. My parents care so much for their children and do everything they can to provide for and make us happy; even if it means staying at Magic Kingdom until 2 in the morning. My brother tries so hard to make me proud of him and I am. He is growing up into an awesome young man who I know will do wonderful things. Despite the ten year age gap between me and them, my sisters are two of my best friends. Talking with them usually makes me laugh because they just say the cutest stuff. This summer has been so busy that it was great to slow down and have this time with my family. I will cherish the memories from this vacation forever.

Remember the magic.

Xoxo