Disney Magic

Setting your alarm on vacation is against the rules, unless you’re headed to Disney World. On a Tuesday, in fact — when crowds are supposed to be semi-manageable. Call it a fluke, but the middle of May is a fantastic time to visit!

First stop was the stroller rental (parents of the year award goes to us for leaving ours at home), a couple of Mickey ears to make everything more magical, and then straight on to Fantasyland to ride Dumbo.

Then, a little mid-morning snack at Gaston’s Tavern for ‘LeFou’s Brew’ — frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow, topped with passion fruit-mango foam. Oh and a warm gooey cinnamon roll to go along with it!

Pineapple Dole Whip is recommended to be selfish with. Don’t do as I did — instead, order one for each of you. My sweet friend Brandi is to thank for all the food recommendations  and insider tips — she’s one of those ‘Disney Buffs’ (always wise to keep those type of magical people close…)

Whoa, buddy. Let’s just talk about this Sleepy Hollow sandwich for a sec. A hot belgium waffle slathered with sweet slaw, freshly fried chicken, topped with peppery arugula. It’s the perfect brunch, lunch, snack, or any excuse you can think of to eat one.

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party was Gage’s favorite ride. Still talks about the first time at Disneyland. Beck’s memories will most likely involve starring at the bottom of the cup getting sick.

Alice and The Mad Hatter skipped off just before we could take our picture. Gage didn’t seem to mind a bit — after all, the white rabbit is his favorite anyway. Hugged this furry fella until his foot started thumping!

After many hours in the park we headed back to the hotel to unwind a bit before heading back for the ‘Celebrate the Magic’ projection show (have any of you seen this? Cinderella’s castle turns into a piece of digital-living art. It’s incredibly magical).

The ‘Wishes’ firework show was the cherry on top of our day. Disney World (of all places), is quite the place to enjoy fireworks for the first time. Watching Beck’s reaction  — little mouth wide-open with amazement, I may have wiped away a tear or two.

It’s true when Walt said, “Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.”

Hoping we can do it all over again, real soon!