Our Trip to Walt Disney World
February 8 to 14, 2020
We went to Walt Disney World from February 8 to 14, 2020. We visited all four of the parks (Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios). Our favourite parks were:
- Carter: Magic Kingdom
- Nolan: Hollywood Studios
- Colleen: Animal Kingdom
- Mike: Epcot
February 8, 2020
Our flight from Toronto, Ontario to Orlando, Florida took us 2 hours and 45 minutes.
After we checked into the Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter we took a boat to Disney Springs. We saw some great Lego sculptures and ate with the dinosaurs at T-Rex. Nolan got a key-chain!
February 9, 2020 - Animal Kingdom
The first park we visited was Animal Kingdom . There are many great attractions related to wildlife and the movie Avatar. Our favourite things at this park were:
- Carter: Meeting Donald Duck
- Nolan: Kilmanjaro Safaris
- Colleen: Pandora - The World of Avatar
- Mike: Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Animal Kingdom
A mini-highlight of this park is that Carter and Nolan each won a dinosaur playing a game in Dinoland. The games of skill and chance are always fun!
Tree of Life
"The Tree of Life honours animals and the place they all share in the great Circle of Life.
At 145 feet tall, the massive tree towers over the land. Marvel at its gnarled roots and outstretched branches, then step closer to see the shapes of over 300 animals carved into the tree.
It’s an epic visual symbol of the diversity, beauty and interconnected nature of Earth’s creatures."
Kilimanjaro Safaris
"Explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to 34 species living in 110 acres of picturesque open plains, shady forest landscapes and rocky wetlands. Your rugged safari vehicle is driven by an expert guide, who helps point out animals and shares fascinating wildlife facts during this extraordinary 18-minute expedition.
Spot a shy hippopotamus nestled in a still pond. Behold a regal lion sunbathing on a rocky perch. Drive past a gentle giraffe grazing on the tall trees or wave hello to a swinging baboon. Other amazing animals you may encounter include rhinos, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas and zebras—and so many more!"
Meeting Donald Duck
Carter and Nolan both loved meeting Donald Duck. He was the second character we met (we met Pluto first)! Lots of opportunities to meet all our favourite characters in all the parks we visited.
February 10, 2020 - Epcot
The second park we visited was Epcot . It was a nice sunny day and one of the great treats we had was a crêpe. Our favourite things at this park were:
- Carter: Soarin' Around the World
- Nolan: Eating Pop't Art (these are Disney style pop tarts)
- Colleen: Meeting Minnie Mouse
- Mike: Walking around the World Showcase
Eating Pop't Arts
If you love the traditional pop tarts then these treats from Disney are a must snack. Carter and Nolan enjoyed strawberry jam with colourful icing. This special treat was created for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts that was on while we were visiting.
Frozen Ever After
"Find a seat aboard your boat and let the lapping waters take you through a frozen willow forest.
Soon, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with some “boulders”—a.k.a. Kristoff’s family from Troll Valley—before bracing for the cold.
High up in the icy blue world of the North Mountain, Queen Elsa’s enchanting ice palace awaits. Behold the wonder… and keep an eye out for Anna, Olaf and a few more Frozen friends."
Meeting Minnie Mouse
Minnie Mouse was very cute and she kissed the autographs she gave us. We particularly liked how our Canada colours matched Minnie's outfit.
Dinner with Nana and Grampa
Nana and Grampa were in Florida for the winter and they came to surprise us for dinner together at the Grand Floridian. We're pictured with Cinderella's glass slipper.
February 11, 2020 - Magic Kingdom
The third park we visited was Magic Kingdom . Magic Kingdom is the original park at Walt Disney World in Florida. Our favourite things at this park were:
- Carter: The Barnstormer
- Nolan: Tomorrowland Speedway
- Colleen: Lunch at Be Our Guest
- Mike: Tea Cups
Dumbo The Flying Elephant
"Based on the 1941 Disney animated masterpiece Dumbo, this classic attraction lets you hop atop everybody’s favorite circus elephant as he discovers he can fly. Dumbo’s faithful friend Timothy Q. Mouse helps keeps you aloft with his “magic” feather.
As the jubilant organ melody begins, lift off for a graceful cruise around (and around and around) Storybook Circus.
You can adjust your altitude during your flight, so you can soar high or swoop low."
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
"Buzz Lightyear’s arch-nemesis from Toy Story 2 is stealing batteries from helpless toys to power a new weapon of destruction. Become a Junior Space Ranger and help stop Zurg!
Board your XP-37 star cruiser and voyage deep into the Gamma Quadrant, where you’ll take aim at the glowing “Z” targets with your infrared laser cannon. Use your cruiser’s joystick to spin a full 360 degrees, so you can blast all the targets in sight.
Do you have what it takes to stop Zurg and his rampaging robot army before it’s too late? The fate of the universe is in your hands!"
Mickey Cinnamon Roll
These are the best treats you could eat at Magic Kingdom! If you like Cinnabons these are even better.
Dinner at Crystal Palace
We finished the day off with dinner at Cyrstal Palace with Pooh and friends. The buffet was delicious. (clockwise from upper left: Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore and Winnie The Pooh).
February 12, 2020 - Hollywood Studios
The fourth park we visited was Hollywood Studios . Hollywood Studios was the third theme park built at Walt Disney World in Florida. Our favourite things at this park were:
- Carter: Toy Story Land
- Nolan: Playing with the Green Army in Toy Story Land
- Colleen: Watching Carter and Nolan in Jedi Training
- Mike: Rise of the Resistance
Jedi Training
Carter and Nolan learned the ways of the force and used their newly acquired skills to defeat Kylo Ren. Both Carter and Nolan took the training very seriously.
Meeting Buzz Lightyear
One of Carter and Nolan's favourite characters is Buzz Lightyear. They love how he can shoot a laser and fly. There was a real long line-up to meet Buzz but it was worth it.
Slinky Dog Dash
"Andy’s assembled his Mega Coaster Play Kit—and Slinky Dog is taking you on a wild ride. Slinky Dog’s springy coils stretch to the limit as you bend around curves, zoom up hills and drop back down.
A spring is a marvelous thing—and this attraction is wonderful fun for the entire family!"
The Green Army
Nolan enjoyed playing with the Green Army. The game of catch with Nolan and the solider was funny since the soldier threw the ball backwards. These guys had all the time in the world for everyone.
February 13, 2020 - Magic Kingdom
We had so much fun at Magic Kingdom we went back for another day. Our favourite things at this park on our second trip there:
- Carter: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Nolan: Happily Ever After Fireworks
- Colleen: Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
- Mike: Carousel of Progress
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
"Deep inside an age-old mountain, clamber into a rustic mine train and make your way up a steep incline.
At the summit, feel the wind across your face as you navigate hairpin turns and head deep into the mine shaft—your creaky cart teetering back and forth. Soon, the dark sparkles with glittering jewels and you encounter the Seven Dwarfs, whistling and singing while they work.
Chug through the cavern and climb skyward. At the peak, glimpse an incredible view of Fantasyland before racing back down to the foot of the mountain."
Mad Tea Party
"Pour yourself into an oversized pastel teacup and twirl through a wild wonderland of color and song. As the party gets underway, sail back and forth around a towering teapot as festive music fills the air.
Mad Tea Party is inspired by the Mad Hatter’s party sequence in Walt Disney’s animated classic Alice in Wonderland and modeled after the iconic 1955 Disneyland Park attraction."
Checkers!
We enjoyed a game of checkers on Tom Sawyer Island. The island was a nice shady retreat from the hustle-and-bustle of the rest of the park.
Happily Ever After
"Go on a dazzling journey of color, light and song that captures the heart, humor and heroism of many favorite Disney animated films.
Watch in awe as Cinderella Castle becomes part of the story by magically transforming through amazing state-of-the art projection technology that you have to see to believe.
This astounding 18-minute fireworks extravaganza uses more lights, lasers and special effects than any other fireworks spectacular in the history of Magic Kingdom park , plus a soaring score featuring contemporary versions of beloved Disney songs.
Discover the magic of movies—and be inspired to find your own happily ever after."
February 14, 2020 - Our Last Day
For our last day we wanted to visit many places to finish off our trip. We visited: Art of Animation, Hollywood Studios (again) and we rode the the brand new Skyliner. Our favourite things were:
- Carter: Eating chicken noodle soup at Art of Animation
- Nolan: Seeing all the cars at Art of Animation
- Colleen: Riding the Skyliner
- Mike: Going for a swim in the morning
Art of Animation
"Be surrounded in the artistry, enchantment and magic of Walt Disney and Disney and Pixar movies. Stay at a Disney Resort hotel that invites you to explore the storybook landscapes seen in such classics as Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. From delightfully themed family suites to wondrously detailed courtyards, Disney’s Art of Animation “draws” you and your family in to become a part of some of your animated favorites."
Tower of Terror
We had our photos taken in front of the Tower of Terror. We were all too scared to go on it so we settled for a family picture!
Meeting BB-8
We got to meet the very chatty droid BB-8! He had lots to say and made both Carter and Nolan laugh a lot.
Lightsabers!
One last trip to the gift shop before we head out. Nolan liked the red (Kylo Ren) lightsaber and Carter liked the blue (Luke Skywalker) lightsaber.
A fantastic trip with lots of steps!
We had such a great time and walked a ton. We're looking forward to going back on a future vacation!
